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About this guide
As the largest city in Brazil, São Paulo boasts a rich African heritage woven into its animated neighborhoods, culinary delights, and lively music spectacles. Visitors can explore the Afro-Brazilian Museum, savor traditional dishes like feijoada, and immerse themselves in the rhythms of samba and capoeira. The city boasts artisan markets with handmade trinkets and a Black-owned arts and culture scene that thrives in its celebration of Afro-Brazilian heritage. The dynamic tapestry of history, culture, and community make s São Paulo an amazing destination for the curious traveler.
- Best time to travel: December to March (peak season), June to August (off-season), September to October and April to May (shoulder season)
- Time zone: Brasília Time Zone (BRT)
- Currency: Brazilian Real, BRL (R$)
- Language: Portuguese, English, and Spanish
- Noteworthy: São Paulo Carnival (February), Virada Cultural (May), Festa Junina (June), São Paulo Fashion Week (October)
- Best for: Art and History Lovers, Food and Coffee Aficionados, Outdoor Adventures, Digital Nomad and Business Travel
Get Away: Getting To And Around São Paulo, Brazil
By Air
For direct flights from major cities around the world, São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport makes travel easily accessible for international travelers. Alternatively, São Paulo/Congonhas Airport serves domestic flights as a convenient option for those traveling within Brazil.
By Car
Getting around São Paulo by car can be convenient, especially for exploring areas outside the city center. It's advisable to rent a car from one of the major rental agencies at the airport or in the city. Be prepared for heavy traffic, particularly during rush hours, and consider GPS navigation to navigate complex roadways.
By Public Transit
The efficient and cost-effective public transit in São Paulo has an extensive network of buses and the São Paulo Metro system. The metro covers six lines to major areas of the city for the fastest way to travel, while buses provide comprehensive coverage to destinations not served by the metro. Consider purchasing a Bilhete Único card for seamless transfers between buses and metro lines.
Explore São Paulo, Brazil On Foot
The most rewarding way to experience São Paulo’s lively neighborhoods and cultural landmarks may be exploring on foot. Areas like Paulista Avenue, Vila Madalena, and the historic downtown are pedestrian-friendly with a variety of attractions, shops, and restaurants. Walking tours are also available and recommended for guided experiences to learn about the city's rich history and diverse culture.
Quick facts
Brasília Time Zone (BRT)
Brazilian Real, BRL (R$)
Portuguese, English, and Spanish
Good For
Art and History Lovers
Food and Coffee Aficionados
Outdoor Adventures
Digital Nomad and Business Travel
Keep in mind
- São Paulo Carnival (February)
- Virada Cultural (May)
- Festa Junina (June)
- São Paulo Fashion Week (October)
Gourmet
Gourmet: Places To Eat In São Paulo, Brazil
CipóRestô has varied themed lunch and dinner buffets, Monday through Friday, serving delicious salads, hot dishes, and desserts. Enjoy an authentic Brazilian dining experience with buffet and à la carte options, including Brazilian Fish Stew, Traditional Portuguese green broth, and Heart of Palm Risotto.
Renowned chefs prepare exceptional meat dishes in a relaxed setting at a fair price at Le Bife, which offers a French "Bistronomy" concept. Signature dishes like Steak Tartare and the Le Steak Burger, served with French fries, highlight the restaurant's commitment to excellence.
To satisfy a sweet tooth, the award-winning Marilia Zylbersztajn Confecionery is the place to do that with delicious daily-made desserts using fresh seasonal ingredients. With coffee and tea available, guests can order a variety of cakes, pies, petit sweets, and pot sweets for every palate.
Tasca da Esquina serves reinventions of traditional Portuguese cuisine by Chef Vítor Sobral made for sharing and socializing. The menu features generational dishes like croquettes, seared tuna filets, shrimp curry, Tomahawk pork chop, and cinnamon sponge cake.
In a cozy co-op space in the lower Pinheiros neighborhood, HM Food Café serves a creative Saturday brunch menu with excellent artisan breads made by Chef Hanny Guimarães. Heartier options include rustic shakshuka, sweet banana pancakes, and scrambled eggs with sour cream, avocado, and radish.
A Casa do Porco uniquely blends fine dining and a walk-up "fast food" window offering delicious pork dishes. Enjoy specialties like roasted pork sandwiches, vegetarian and vegan options, and porcopoca, all at super affordable prices.
Play
Play: Things To Do In São Paulo, Brazil
Walk in one of São Paulo’s largest and most beautiful parks while hiking in the Jungle Of Stones. Visitors should bring water and snacks as well as comfortable shoes on this small-group hike.
To add a relaxing moment in the itinerary, yoga in Ibirapuera Park has beginner to intermediate one-hour sessions. After the class, guests take a walk in the beautiful scenery and enjoy fresh coconut water from the local market.
The Liberdade Food Tour takes guests through São Paulo’s largest Japanese community center outside of Japan. There are three main courses to share which include onigiri, traditional takoyaki, and Korean pastries.
No matter a solo trip or a group outing, visitors will fall in love with the São Paulo Nightlife And Pub Crawl tour. The three club locations have reserved spaces and open bars for guests with fun games to spark connection.
Learn about edible and medicinal plants from a knowledgeable guide on the Forest Forager Wild Food Walk. Afterward, guests enjoy a light lunch of foraged fruits and vegetables before swimming in the secret freshwater swimming hole.
For a wild ride through lush forests, the Waterfalls and Cachaça Distillery Jeep Tour takes visitors through the Serra da Bocaina National Park. The small group excursion goes through the Atlantic Forest before heading to D’Ouro Alembic to learn how to make traditional Brazilian cachaça, a sugar cane liquor.
With instructors certified by the Brazilian Parachuting Confederation, this Skydive Tandem excursion takes guests to a height of 12,000 feet. Guests fly the scenic route over Boituva before guests parachute down with their instructors at over 124 miles per hour.
The three-hour Secrets of Downtown São Paulo Bike Tour takes travelers about ten miles around São Paulo. The sightseeing tour includes refreshments as guests ride to museums, parks, historic architecture, neighborhoods, and the city's cathedral.
