🏛️ EXHIBITIONS & MUSEUMS

  • MASP (@masp)

  • MUSEU DO IPIRANGA (@museudoipiranga)

  • MUSEU DO FUTEBOL (@museudofutebol)

    • The museum is located in the Pacaembu Stadium, and on Fridays and Saturdays, there’s a classic São Paulo street market in the parking lot in front. Don’t miss trying the traditional pastéis (fried pastries) and caldo de cana (sugarcane juice)—warning: it's very sweet!

  • MuBE (@mube_sp) & MIS (@mis_sp)

  • PINACOTECA (@pinacotecasp)

  • INSTITUTO TOMIE OHTAKE (@institutotomieohtake)

  • MAC USP (@mac_usp)

    • A museum located next to Ibirapuera Park, with a rooftop restaurant offering delicious dishes and a stunning view of the park. It’s a great idea to end your museum visit at sunset, enjoying the view from the restaurant.

🛍️ SHOPPING CENTERS

  • IGUATEMI SÃO PAULO (@iguatemi)

  • CIDADE JARDIM (@cidadejardimshopping)

  • JK IGUATEMI (@jkiguatemi)

  • SHOPPING MORUMBI (@morumbishopping)

🍱 RESTAURANTS & CAFES

  • Filó (@restaurante.filo) – Contemporary Brazilian /
    @ Pinheiros

  • Oguru Sushi (@ogurusushibar) – Japanese / @Jardins

  • Maní (@manimanioca) – Chef Helena Rizzo's restaurant, voted the best chef in the world three times / @ Jardim Paulistano

  • Botanikafé (@botanikafe) – Brunch / @ Pinheiros, Butantã, and Jardins

  • Fábrica da Dengo (@dengochocolates) – 100% Brazilian chocolate brand with a café space showcasing their work with cacao / @ Pinheiros

  • Bráz Pizzaria (@brazpizzaria) – Ranked the 3rd best pizza in the world, a São Paulo classic! / @ Pinheiros

  • Preto Cozinha (@preto.cozinha) – Contemporary / @ Pinheiros (near Rua dos Pinheiros)

  • Bella Paulista – 24-hour bakery, great for trying Pão na Chapa (grilled bread) / @ Paulista

  • Pão de Queijo Haddock Lobo (@paodequeijohaddocklobo) – Pão de Queijo (cheese bread), near Rua Oscar Freire / @ Jardins

  • NB Steak (@nbsteak) – Meat / @ Multiple locations

  • Figueira Rubaiyat (@afigueirarubaiyat) – Meat / @ Jardins

  • DeBetti (@debetti) – Meat / @ Itaim

  • Fogo de Chão (@fogodechaobr) – Meat / @ Multiple locations

🕶️ SIGHTSEEING

  • IBIRAPUERA PARK

    @ibirapueraoficial

    A family-friendly park perfect for picnics, relaxation, sports, exercise, and enjoying art. It gets crowded on weekends and is a popular leisure spot for São Paulo residents. The park spans 1,584 square kilometers and has three lakes, two museums, and many cultural spaces. Don’t miss two important monuments: the Obelisco (Obelisk) and the Monumento às Bandeiras (Monument to the Flags), and Oca.

  • AVENIDA PAULISTA

    @avenida-paulista

    Avenida Paulista is a major business hub and one of the city’s main tourist attractions, featuring skyscrapers, shopping centers, restaurants, cultural landmarks, theaters, and cinemas. It’s home to MASP, the Moreira Salles Institute (IMS), Itaú Cultural space, and for a nice view, check out the SESC building. At the end of the avenue, you’ll also find the Japan House, a museum dedicated to Japanese history in Brazil.

  • BECO DO BATMAN

    @becodobatman.oficial

    A graffiti-filled alley featuring artwork from international artists. It’s located in the Vila Madalena neighborhood, known for its bohemian and hipster vibe, with plenty of authentic Brazilian bars serving cold beers, pastéis, and people-watching opportunities.

  • RUA DOS PINHEIROS

    Rua dos Pinheiros is one of São Paulo’s liveliest streets, bustling both day and night. It offers local stores, crafts, bookstores, and restaurants for every taste. Don’t miss ZDeli, a traditional São Paulo deli, grab a beer at Pirajá (a Rio-style bar), or enjoy a healthy fruit-filled snack at Dona Vitamina. For dessert, indulge in a scoop of ice cream at Bacio di Latte, Dumbo, or the best of all, Pine&Co.

  • RUA OSCAR FREIRE

    Another classic São Paulo street, Oscar Freire is upscale and filled with high-end stores. It’s almost like São Paulo’s version of New York’s 5th Avenue, accessible by subway (Oscar Freire station). While you’re there, visit the famous Havaianas store and try a classic São Paulo sandwich, the Beirute do Frevo.

  • FAROL SANTANDER

    @farolsantander

    Located in downtown São Paulo, Farol Santander is a museum that tells the story of the iconic Santander building, which once housed the São Paulo City Hall. It also hosts traveling exhibitions. Check the schedule and book tickets in advance on the website. While in the area, don’t miss Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil and Museu da B3, both just a few meters away. Note: although downtown São Paulo can be less secure, the area around these museums is generally safe, so enjoy without worries!

  • MERCADÃO CENTRAL

    @mercadaospoficial

    Located in downtown São Paulo, the Mercadão (Central Market) is where you can explore and taste Brazil’s native fruits and foods. Be mindful of your belongings while in the city center.

🥘 MUST-TRY DISHES

Pão de queijo, pastel, coxinha (chicken croquette), Guaraná (Brazilian soda), brigadeiro (chocolate truffle), and pão na chapa (grilled bread) at a bakery.

🏠 WHERE TO STAY

It’s best to stay in neighborhoods like Pinheiros, Vila Madalena, Jardins, and Itaim.

🦺 SAFETY TIPS

Generally, Brazil is relatively safe for visitors. Here are a few tips to stay safe during your trip:

  • Leave your passport in the hotel safe and carry a copy or another photo ID with you.

  • Avoid using your phone or wearing flashy jewelry and watches in public.

  • Wait for your Taxi / Uber inside the hotel or restaurant.

  • Check your route before choosing your transportation method.

  • Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to carry some cash (R$50 or R$100) for unexpected situations.

🚕 TRANSPORTATION

Subway
Cost: R$5.00
You can buy tickets at the subway counters, but they don’t accept bills larger than R$50. The subway is the fastest way to get around, though avoid it during rush hours (6:00 - 8:30 am and 5:00 - 7:00 pm). Still, it’s better than buses or Ubers during those times.

Ride Apps (Uber & 99Taxi)
It’s practical for communication and comfort, but avoid using them during rush hours. Download at least Uber and 99Taxi, as prices and availability can vary.

Walking Tours
For walking tours, use Google Maps' version that shows topography and accessibility. Sometimes, Google’s walking estimates don’t account for steep hills.

🏥 HEALTH & EMERGENCIES

Brazil has a free public health system (SUS). If you need urgent care, you can rely on it. However, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance. In case of an emergency, you can call SAMU 192 (Mobile Emergency Service) or go directly to a public hospital. All emergency tests or treatments are free.

😎 A LITTLE ABOUT THE CULTURE IN SÃO PAULO AND SANTOS

  • Not everyone speaks English, but many people are friendly and willing to help. Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases to make communication easier (we’ve included some at the bottom of this page).

  • The journey times in São Paulo can be longer due to heavy traffic.

  • People expect greetings like “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or “Good evening.” You’ll often find São Paulo residents eager to start conversations and learn about other cultures.

  • São Paulo offers a wide range of tastes and prices, catering to all preferences.

São Paulo Contact - Amanda

+55 11 97421 3700