Sao Paulo is a city in an eponymous state of Brazil. It is the largest city in the country as well as in Latin America. The city is beautifully situated in a plateau and is surrounded by rivers. Some of the best things to do in Sao Paulo, Brazil include exploring art, history, culture, architecture, street art and more. The city is also quite well known for its bustling night life and interesting music and culinary scene. Though majority of the best places to visit in Sao Paulo are centered around art and history, the city has a lively culture which you should not miss out.
The history of the city goes back to 1544 as a gateway to Sertao for explorers. Owing to immigration from several countries you will see heavy influence of Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, Africa, Middle East, and Japan in many of the things to see in Sao Paulo. You will also find museums dedicated to influence and history of several of these cultures on Brazil. They are quite interesting Sao Paulo attractions by themselves.This city is a melting pot of cultures and lifestyles. It is really interesting to explore by visiting nooks and corners and mingling with the local folks. People embark on Sao Paulo sightseeing foot and on bicycles for this reason.
Just as vibrant and colourful as the city is the art scene. There are numerous art museums and art galleries among Sao Paulo tourist attractions. You will get to see Brazilian as well as International Artworks in this city. The city has some of the largest collections of Ancient, Historic, Modern and Contemporary works of art in Latin America. If you are fan of music and performances, this city has a lot to offer. Brazil is known for its lively dance and music forms and there are a variety of places to go in Sao Paulo like theaters, performance centers, cultural centers, concerts and so on to experience these art forms.
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Explore The Best 14 Tourist Attractions in Sao Paulo
1. Museum of Art of São Paulo (MASP – Museu de Arte)
This art museum has one of the largest collection of western art in Latin America. It is renowned as one of top Sao Paulo tourist attractions for exhibiting works by popularly known artists such as Van Gogh, Manet, Picasso, Renoir and many more. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to explore this museum when you visit Sao Paulo.
2. Pinacoteca Art Museum (Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo)
This art museum houses over 9,000 pieces by Brazilian as well as international artists. The museum also holds exhibits concerning the history of Brazil. The museum is also known for its astonishing architecture and interior design. You will need about an hour from Sao Paulo travel to explore it.
3. Ibirapuera Park (Parque Ibirapuera)
You will get to explore several best things to do in Sao Paulo, Brazil at this Park. The park contains monuments, museums, sculptures, event venues, leisure areas, recreational areas and more. You will need at least 2 hours to explore the various attractions of this park.
4. Municipal Market of São Paulo (Mercado Municipal de São Paulo)
This market is among the best places to visit in Sao Paulo for shopping, local produce, street food, handicraft items, souvenirs and more. You can easily spend a couple of hours strolling around in this market during Sao Paulo travel.
5. Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu de Arte Contemporânea)
Also known as Pavilhao da Bienal de Artes, this museum is known for hoursing the largest collection of 20th century western artworks in Latin America. There are more than 5000 pieces representing several international art schools. You will definitely come across some of the most fascinating things to see in Sao Paulo at this museum. It will take you at least 2 hours to go through the exhibitions.
6. Independence Park (Parque da Independência)
This park commemorates the declaration of Independence of Brazil by Prince Pedro. The gardens and the palace are inspired by Italian Neo-Classicism.The parque also houses Museu Paulista which exhibits furniture, decorations, paintings, costumes and more from the Imperial period. You will need 2 to 3 hours of Sao Paulo sightseeing for Parque de Independancia.
7. São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de São Paulo)
Also known as Se cathedral, this is one of the most marvelous Sao Paulo attractions. Built with Neo-Gothic style of architecture, this cathedral features numerous beautiful works of art in form of statues, paintings, murals, reliefs and frescoes. You would need about an hour to explore it.
8. Museum of Football (Museu do Futebol)
Football is the most popular sport in Brazil and this museum celebrates the history of the beautiful game in the country. Aside from history and exhibits, you can also enjoy penalty kicks against a virtual goal keeper. It is among the most fun things to do in Sao Paulo. You would need an hour or two for the football museum.
I suggest you should go for Football Museum Tour
9. Municipal Theatre of São Paulo (Theatro Municipal de São Paulo)
This theatre was designed by renowned architect Ramos de Azevedo and is modeled after the Opera House of Paris. It showcases a blend of Art Nouveau and Italian Renaissance design elements. Besides its architecture, this theatre is also well known among Sao Paulo tourist attractions for hosting some of the most outstanding shows in the region. You would need about an hour to explore this theatre.
10. Batman’s Alley (Beco do Batman)
This alley is among the most interesting places to see in Sao Paulo. The entire street is riddled with graffiti designs which are continuously changing. It is one of the top spots for getting some insta worthy pictures. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this lane.
If you like that someone take your lovely picture that you like to post on social media then I suggest you can go for Photoshoot Trip at Batman Alley
11. Patio do Colegio
This church holds great cultural significance among tourist places in Sao Paulo. It was here in 1554 that the first mass of the settlement was hosted. It has since been revered as one of the most important cultural and historical landmarks of the city. You would need 20 to 30 minutes for this church.
12. St Benedict’s Monastery (Mosteiro de São Bento)
The church was established in the 16th century, but was rebuilt and renovated several times over. The church is adorned by works of several benedictine artists as well as artworks and sculptures from 16th onwards. This church is also among historically significant places to go in Sao Paulo. You will need an hour or so for this church.
13. Museum of Sacred Art of São Paulo (Museu de Arte Sacra de São Paulo)
This museum if houses in an 18th century church known as Nossa Senhora da Luz. It displays numerous items of religious significance including statues, paintings, pictures, alter pieces, furniture, historical items and more. You will come across several interesting things to see in Sao Paulo at this museum. It will take you an hour or so to explore this museum.
14. San Francisco Square (Largo de São Francisco)
This quaint church was built in 1644 and is heavily inspired by churches of Portugal. The church was restored after a fire outbreak in 1870 but still retains much of its original aspects. The architecture and design is quite different from other churches and it is definitely among Sao Paulo must see places. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore it.
If you are looking for more top things to do in Sao Paulo, check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities you can enjoy during Sao Paulo travel.
Things to do in Sao Paulo
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Sao Paulo
- ASSIS – Museum of Art of Sao Paulo
- Pinacoteca de Sao Paulo
- Sao Paulo Museum of Modern Art
- Sao Paulo Cathedral
- Museum of Football
- Museu Afro Brazil
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Municipal Theatre of Sao Paulo
- The Sao Paulo Museum of Image and Sound
- Instituto Tomie Ohtake
- Instituto Itau Cultural
- Museu de Arte Sarco de Sao Paulo
- Monastery of St. Benedict
- Latin American Memorial
- Museu Catavento
- Butantan Institute
- Museu de Imigracao do Estado de Sao Paulo
- Museu de Casa Brasileira
- Monumento as Bandeiras
- Oca
- Sao Paulo Cultural Center
- Museu Brasilerio da Cultural e Ecologia
- Instituto Moreira Salles
- Museum of the Person
- Casa das Rosas
- Praca da Se
- Museum of Zoology of University of Sao Paulo
- Estacion Pinacoteca
- Paco das Artes
- Monument to the Independence of Brazil
- Templo de Salomao
- Galeria Leme
- Museum of Archeology and Ethnography
- Museum da Imaginacao
- Memorial Resistance of Sao Paulo
- Fo Guang Shan Temple Zu Lai
- Museum of Sexual Diversity
- Casa de Vidro Lina bo Bardi
- Museu SPTrans dos Transportes Publicos
- History Museum of Japanese Immigration in Brazil
- Obelisco e Monumento Mauseleu ao Soldado
- MAB FAAP – Museu de Arte Brazileira
- MIS Experience
- Energy Museum
- Estatua do Borba Gato
- Veterinary Anatomy Museum
- Caixa Cultural Sao Paolo
- Casa Guilherme de Almeida
- Almeida & Dale Galeria de Arte
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Sao Paulo
- Alberto Lofgren State Park
- Parque Ecologico do Tiete
- Parque Estadual Cantareira
- Pico do Jaragua
- Parque Estadual Jaragua
- Guarapiranga Reservoir
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Sao Paulo
- Ibirapuera Park
- Sao Paulo Zoo
- Botanical Gardens of Sao Paulo
- Parque Villa Robos
- Sao Paulo Aquarium
- Parque de Monica
- Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace
- Parque da Agua Branca
- Auditorio Ibirapuera – Oscar Niemeyer
- Ema Gordon Klabin Cultural Foundation
- Trianon Park
- Cidade da Crainca
- Parque da Independencia
- Zoo Safari
- Hopi Hari
- Parque do Carmo
- Zoological Municipal de Guarulhos
- Parque Burle Marx
- Adibra Amusement Park
- Parque Jardim da Luz
- Parque do Povo
- Praca por do Sol
- Parque da Aclimacao
- Iberapuera Planetariun
- Family Playcenter
- Japanese Pavillion
- Parque de Diversoes Marisa
Shopping in Sao Paulo
- Mercado Municipal de Sao Paulo
- Calle 25 de Marzo
- Fiera Bolivia
- JK Iguatemi
- Feira da Madrugada
- Cidade Jardim
- Rua Oscar Friere
- Galeria de Rock
- Bras District
- Patio Higienopolis
- Rua 25 de Marco
- Vila Olimpia
- Iguatemi Shopping Mall
- Pinheiros District
- Sao Paulo Shopping Center
- Analia Franco
- Frei Caneca Mall
- Sul Plaza
- Feira Praca Dom Orione
- Livraria Cultura
- Feira Praca da Liberdade
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Sao Paulo
- Hiking
- Skydiving
- Bicycle Tours
- Water Sports
Sightseeing in Sao Paulo
- Avenida Paulista
- Edificio Copan
- Altino Arantes Building
- Rua Oscar Freire
- Ponte Octavia Frias de Oliveria
- Martinelli Building
- Farol Santander
- Edifico Italia
- Avenida Sapopemba
- Vale do Anhangabau
- Sesc Avenida Paulista
- Rua Frei Caneca
- Viaduto do Cha
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Sao Paulo
- Hocca Bar
- Mocoto
- Sarrasin
- Bar do Luiz Fernandez
- Varanda
- Capivara Bar
- DOM
- Komah Restaurante
- Mani
- Casteloes
- Suri
- Pastel da Maria
- Goshala
- A Casa do Porco
- Consulado Mineiro
- Casa Mathilde
- Manaca
- Corrutela
- Kaa
- Consulado da Bahia
Where to Stay in São Paulo?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-range and Budget Hotels in São Paulo. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in São Paulo.
Luxurious Hotels
- Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel
- Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo
- Hilton Sao Paulo Morumbi
- InterContinental Sao Paulo
- Tivoli Mofarrej Sao Paulo
- Gran Estanplaza Berrini
- Blue Tree Premium Faria Lima
- Pullman Sao Paulo Vila Olimpia Hotel
- L’Hotel PortoBay Sao Paulo
- Grand Mercure Sao Paulo Vila Olimpia
- Sheraton Sao Paulo WTC Hotel
- Melia Jardim Europa
- Radisson Hotel Oscar Freire
- INNSiDE by Melia Sao Paulo Iguatemi
- Clarion Faria Lima
Mid-Range Hotels
- Novotel Sao Paulo Morumbi
- Grand Mercure SP Itaim Bibi – Ex The Capital
- Bourbon Sao Paulo Ibirapuera Convention Hotel
- Blue Tree Premium Paulista
- Royal Boutique Jardins
- Ibis Sao Paulo Morumbi
- Mercure Sao Paulo Jardins Hotel
- Hotel Trianon Paulista
- Quality Suites Oscar Freire
- Comfort Hotel Ibirapuera
- Transamerica Berrini
- Melia Ibirapuera
Budget Hotels
- Plaza Inn American Loft
- Ibis Budget Sao Paulo Morumbi
- Adagio Sao Paulo Barra Funda
- Ibis Sao Paulo Congonhas
- eSuites Congonhas by Atlantica
- Rio Hotel by Bourbon Sao Paulo | Barra Funda
- Transamerica Executive Perdizes
- Transamerica Executive Congonhas
- Be Hotel
- Mercure Sao Paulo Ibirapuera Privilege Hotel
- Ibis Sao Paulo Paulista
- Blue Tree Towers Analia Franco
- Hotel Mercure Sao Paulo Moema
- Mercure Sao Paulo Pinheiros Hotel
- Mercure Sao Paulo Moema Times Square Hotel
Custom Tours Package in Sao Paulo
How to Reach Sao Paulo?
By Air
There are 3 major airports to reach Sao Paulo: Guarulhos International (GRU) Viracopos Airport and Congonhas Airport. You can get direct flights to visit Sao Paulo from Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Madrid, Paris, Dallas, Miami, New York, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro, Panama City, Atlanta, Dubai, Rome, Amsterdam, Santiago de Chile, Frankfurt, Doha, Lisbon, Porto and many more cities in Asia, Europe, North America and South America.
You get the options of buses, shuttle buses, tour buses and cabs to go for Sao Paulo sightseeing.
By Road
The train network connects Sao Paulo to several major cities and towns in Brazil. But if you are trying for Sao Paulo travel from smaller towns or remote areas you will have to rely on the bus network.
If you are planning to get to Sao Paulo by road you should head through routes 116, 374 or 050.
By Water
There are no direct water routes to visit Sao Paulo.
Image Reference
- Museum of Art of São Paulo (MASP – Museu de Arte) – Rodrigo Soldon / Flickr
- Pinacoteca Art Museum (Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo) – Rodrigo Soldon / Flickr
- Ibirapuera Park (Parque Ibirapuera) – Dirk Hofmann / Flickr
- Municipal Market of São Paulo (Mercado Municipal de São Paulo) – Renato Santiago Rodrigues / Wikimedia Commons
- Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu de Arte Contemporânea) – Letícia Gouveia Veras / Wikimedia Commons
- Independence Park (Parque da Independência) – Francis Anderson Anderson / PixaBay
- São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de São Paulo) – Wally Gobetz / Flickr
- Museum of Football (Museu do Futebol) – Wally Gobetz / Flickr
- Municipal Theatre of São Paulo (Theatro Municipal de São Paulo) – Wilfredor / Wikimedia Commons
- Batman’s Alley (Beco do Batman) – drocpsu / Flickr
- Pátio do Colégio – Ronit Bhattacharjee / Flickr
- St Benedict’s Monastery (Mosteiro de São Bento) – Morio / Wikimedia Commons
- Museum of Sacred Art of São Paulo (Museu de Arte Sacra de São Paulo) – Wilfredor / Wikimedia Commons
- San Francisco Square (Largo de São Francisco) – Luiz coelho / Wikimedia Commons
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