Ramblings Around Sao Paulo: A traveler’s guide to Brazil’s biggest city
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Brazil? Soccer, Carnival, Samba, the Amazon? All are justifiably popular ideas, but there’s another icon of Brazilian culture and identity that deserves to be on that list as well – their largest city, Sao Paulo. With an estimated population of 12 million people living in the metropolitan area alone, Sao Paulo has long since surpassed Rio de Janeiro as the economic hub of South America’s biggest country and is now one of the fastest growing megacities in the world.
Getting ready for your trip

If you’re planning a trip to Sao Paulo, you’re in for a treat. This huge Brazilian metropolis is full of architectural wonders, parks, and beautiful destinations. Plus, there’s always something to do in this bustling city.
To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a list of our top things to do in Sao Paulo. From checking out the restaurants and nightlife, to getting around town, here are our best tips! Sao Paulo has plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants for any occasion. Whether you want to go all-out with lobster or indulge in traditional Brazilian fare, Sao Paulo will not disappoint when it comes to gourmet cuisine.
Start off your meal with some deep-fried crispy little balls of mozzarella called pargui cheese balls and finish off with a plate of melt-in-your mouth Brazillian beef cheek in garlic sauce served with mashed potatoes.
Day 1 – Arrival in Sao Paulo

After a long flight, it’s always nice to finally arrive at your destination. For those arriving in Sao Paulo, Brazil, you’ll be greeted with the hustle and bustle of South America’s largest city. With over 12 million people, this metropolis is sure to keep you busy during your stay.
While it can be overwhelming at first, there’s plenty to see and do in this vibrant city. From exploring the neighborhoods to trying new foods, there’s something for everyone in Sao Paulo. Try the Mercado Municipal for some fresh produce or go hiking in Tiete Ecological Park. There are also many cultural sites like Museu Afro-Brasileiro that tell the story of Africans who were brought to Brazil as slaves.
Or visit Memorial da Resistencia de Butantan, which pays tribute to Brazilians who resisted against dictatorship. It’s one of the country’s most important museums and worth a visit if you’re interested in learning more about Brazilian history.
Day 2 – Parque Ibirapuera

After a hectic day of exploring downtown Sao Paulo, I was ready for a break. So, I headed to Parque Ibirapuera, one of the most popular parks in the city. And it did not disappoint! The park was huge, with plenty of space to walk around and take in the sights and sounds of nature. There were also plenty of people enjoying the park, which made for a lively atmosphere. all in all, it was a great way to spend an afternoon and I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Sao Paulo. For those who are interested, below is a list of some other attractions worth checking out while you’re there:
• Teatro Municipal de São Paulo – For more than 100 years this has been the epicenter of artistic culture in Sao Paulo
• Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand – Focused on 20th century Brazilian art • MASP – The Art Museum of São Paulo features permanent collections from major international artists as well as a wide variety of temporary exhibitions
• Memorial da América Latina – Dedicated to Latin American modern history
• MAM-Fundacão Armando Alvares Penteado Modern Art Museum of São Paulo
Day 3 – Avenida Paulista

I’m up early today to explore Avenida Paulista, one of the most famous streets in Sao Paulo. This is the financial heart of the city, and is home to many of the tallest buildings in Brazil. The street is always bustling with people, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you busy. I definitely recommend spending a day or two here if you’re visiting Sao Paulo! You’ll find yourself in a different world entirely – bright lights and tall buildings abound. There are many art galleries that line the boulevard, making it an ideal place for tourists to spend some time exploring after walking around the nearby attractions.
If you need any help getting around, just follow these signs!
This is another view of Avenida Paulista near Liberdade – it stretches nearly 3 miles through central Sao Paulo.
I hope this post has given you some ideas about where to go while exploring Sao Paulo – check back soon for more!
Day 4 – Downtown Section – Street Art and Theaters

Today I’m going to be exploring the downtown area of Sao Paulo. This is the area with all the big theaters and where a lot of the street art is.
First up on my list is the Teatro Municipal. This place is absolutely huge and beautiful! It was built in 1911 and has since been used for all kinds of performances, including operas, ballets, and concerts.
Next, I’m going to check out some of the street art. Sao Paulo has some amazing artists and there are murals all over the city. Some are very close to this theater and others are found down by one of the many subway stations in the area.
One mural that caught my eye was done by a graffiti artist named Os Gêmeos (The Twins). The artwork depicts two twins next to each other. One twin is standing tall with their arms raised high, while the other is crouched down with his hands over his head. The contrast between these two pieces makes it an intriguing piece that I wanted to take pictures of!
To finish off my day, I stopped by Casa das Rosas- which means House of Roses- at Avenida São João. There were so many pretty flowers outside and even more inside!
Day 5 – Museums, Cultural Center and Praça da República Section

There’s so much to see and do in Sao Paulo that it can be tough to know where to start. If you’re looking for a taste of the city’s culture, head to one of its many museums or the Cultural Center. For a dose of history, check out Praça da República.
And if you’re just looking to wander and take in the sights, any one of Sao Paulo’s neighborhoods will give you plenty to explore. The Jardins neighborhood is famed for its 19th-century homes (yes, some of them are painted pink) and upscale shops. You’ll find little pockets of cafes here as well as major attractions like Avenida Paulista (Paulista Avenue), which is lined with banks, law firms and high-end shopping stores.
It’s also home to some historic buildings from the era when Brazil was still a monarchy—it was once home to the Royal Theater, but now it houses Avenida Paulista Metro Station. Just east on Rua Oscar Freire is the Igreja de Nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo dos Homens Pretos, known locally as Igreja do Pilar Velho, which has been renovated after being abandoned for 20 years.