Things To Do
Avenida Paulista
The heart of São Paulo. Perfect for walks, cafés, shopping, and people-watching. On Sundays the avenue becomes pedestrian-only. Good to know: Very lively and safe during the day. Great to combine with MASP.
MASP - Museum of Art of São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand
One of the best museums in Latin America, famous for its suspended red-beam architecture and impressive art collection. Good to know: Great rainy-day activity; perfect paired with a walk on Paulista.
Mercado Municipal de São Paulo
A must-visit historic market full of Brazilian flavors. What to try: Lanche de mortadela (the famous huge sandwich), Pastel de bacalhau or shrimp pastel, Exotic fruits like pitaya, cajá, mangosteen, jabuticaba Good to know: Busy at lunchtime — but fun and delicious.
Farol Santander
Historic skyscraper with beautiful panoramic views of downtown SP and rotating exhibits. Good to know: Easy to combine with Mercadão or other downtown visits.
Liberdade
Liberdade is São Paulo’s famous Japanese district (and the largest Japanese community outside Japan). The streets are marked by red lanterns, Asian markets, street food stands, and tons of cute shops. It’s one of the best places to walk around, explore, and eat traditional dishes like ramen, temaki, karaage, mochi, and Brazilian-Japanese sweets. If you visit on a weekend, there’s a popular street fair with crafts, jewelry, snacks, and souvenirs. It’s a fun and easy cultural stop that most tourists love. Good to know: It gets busy, especially on weekends. Lines at popular spots move quickly and are totally worth it.
Ibirapuera Park
São Paulo’s “Central Park”. Lakes, green areas, bike paths, and beautiful photo spots. Good to know: Relaxing and family-friendly. Amazing for a morning walk.
Museu do Ipiranga
One of São Paulo’s most famous historical landmarks, the Museu do Ipiranga sits in the park where Brazil’s independence was declared in 1822. The recently renovated museum features beautiful architecture, historic exhibitions about Brazil’s past, and impressive viewpoints from the upper floors. The surrounding gardens are also a great place for a walk and photos. Tickets may need to be reserved online in advance here: https://feverup.com/m/302094
Neo Química Arena
Tour the home of one of Brazil’s biggest soccer teams — locker rooms, VIP areas, and field-side view included. Good to know: Accessible by Metro (Corinthians-Itaquera station).
Beco do Batman and Vila Madalena
A colorful alley filled with street art and murals, surrounded by cafés and boutiques. Good to know: Great for photos; take Uber at night.
Aparecida do Norte
Day Trip: Aparecida do Norte One of the largest Catholic basilicas in the world — a peaceful and meaningful visit less than 2 hours away. Good to know: Great for those who want a cultural or spiritual experience.
Where to Eat
Local / Brazilian Restaurant Picks Bar Brahma — A classic São Paulo bar with live music and traditional bar dishes. Located at the corner of Avenida Ipiranga and Avenida São João (Centro). Maní — Contemporary Brazilian cuisine in a stylish but relaxed setting. Address: Rua Joaquim Antunes 210, Jardim Paulista (in the Jardins / Paulista area). A Casa do Porco — Famous (internationally) for inventive Brazilian dishes with a pork-focused menu. Address: Rua Araújo 124, Centro, São Paulo. Coco Bambu – Anália Franco — Popular spot for seafood platters and casual Brazilian‑style dishes. Address: Av. Regente Feijó, Tatuapé / Anália Franco area, São Paulo
Fast Food & Quick Eats
McDonald’s — Everywhere in São Paulo, including 24h locations. Burger King — Very common and usually near shopping malls or main avenues. Habib’s — A Brazilian fast-food chain with Middle Eastern-inspired foods like esfihas, kibes, and desserts. Cheap, quick, very local. Ragazzo — Italian-inspired Brazilian fast food known for coxinhas, esfihas, and pasta. Madero — A more “premium” burger chain with sit-down service and really good burgers. Often inside malls. Outback Steakhouse — Not Brazilian, but extremely popular in Brazil. Easy to find in shopping malls. Giraffas — Brazilian comfort-food fast chain with plates like rice, beans, steak, and chicken. Subway — Everywhere, especially inside malls and near metro stations. Casa Bauducco — Brazilian bakery café with delicious pastries, panettone, cappuccinos, and light snacks. Great for a quick stop. Padaria Bella Paulista — A 24h bakery with coffee, pastries, sandwiches, desserts, and full meals. Very Brazilian and convenient.
Good to Know (Eating in Brazil)
Bakeries (padarias) are everywhere and serve full meals, pastries, juices, sandwiches, and desserts, they’re part of everyday life in São Paulo. Brazilian coffee is strong and usually served in small cups (called cafezinho). Portions can be large, sharing is common. Tipping at restaurants is usually included as a 10% service charge on the bill. Many places in São Paulo stay open late, especially bakeries and fast-food chains.
Must-Try Brazilian Foods & Drinks
Pão de Queijo – Warm, cheesy bread that’s crispy outside and soft inside. Brigadeiro – The classic Brazilian chocolate truffle; you can find it anywhere. Pastel – Crispy fried pastry with fillings like cheese, meat, chicken, or pizza. Mortadela Sandwich (Mercadão) – A huge, iconic sandwich tourists love to try. Coxinha – Shredded chicken croquette, one of Brazil’s most famous snacks. Feijoada – Traditional black-bean stew with pork, usually served on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Açaí Bowl – Refreshing, sweet, and found everywhere. Churrasco – Brazilian barbecue; meat grilled to perfection (try a churrascaria). Caipirinha – Brazil’s national cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar. Guaraná – A local soda you won’t find anywhere else the same way. Fresh juices (sucos naturais) – Try passion fruit, pineapple with mint, cashew fruit (caju), or mango.