São Paulo is Brazil’s bustling metropolis, where culture, business, and nightlife collide. Known as Sampa, the city offers world-class museums, gourmet dining, and a vibrant arts scene. Its energy is unmatched, drawing travelers to explore its diverse neighborhoods and hidden gems. From mountain escapes to coastal retreats, São Paulo state blends urban intensity with natural beauty, making it a dynamic destination for every kind of explorer.
São Paulo is Brazil’s bustling metropolis, where culture, business, and nightlife collide. Known as Sampa, the city offers world-class museums, gourmet dining, and a vibrant arts scene.
Main attractions
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - MAY 9, 2019: Martinelli Building in downtown of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Brazil, November 07, 2021. Facade of the Municipal Theater located in Ramos de Azevedo sqaure was inaugurated in 1911 with an architectural project by Ramos de Azevedo and the Italians Claudio and Domiziano Rossi, in downtown Sao Paulo.
Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil, September 23, 2004. Panoramic view of the city with the Copan Building, highlighting the Italy Building or Italian Circolo, in the center of Sao Paulo
Trellis with many parables and television and radio antennas on Jaragua Peak, Sao Paulo, Brazil
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - Aug 01, 2020: Ipiranga museum palace and gardens. ancient building in Sao PauloNeed to Know
Some useful information about city of São Paulo that you should pay attention to.
Need to Know
Some useful information about city of São Paulo that you should pay attention to.
Currency
Real (R$)
Language
Portuguese
Money
In Brazil, international credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are widely accepted, including in taxis, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Contactless payments, Apple Pay, and Google Pay also work at most establishments. However, it’s recommended to carry some cash (reais) for small expenses or places that don’t accept cards. Tourists from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. should notify their banks about the trip to avoid blocks and check for possible conversion fees.
Visas
Many nationalities require them, including citizens of the US, Canada and Australia.
Cell phones
Local SIM cards can be used in unlocked European and Australian phones, and in US phones on the GSM network.
Electricity
The voltage in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, is 127V (also known as 110V). However, some regions of the state of São Paulo may have 220V, such as certain coastal areas. It's important to check the specific voltage of your region or the location where you plan to use electrical devices, especially if they are 220V. Outlets follow the type N standard, with three round pins. Tourists from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. usually need an adapter and, in some cases, a voltage converter –especially for devices that are not dual voltage. Always check before plugging in your electronics.
Suggested itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary to give you an idea of what to choose to visit and do in city of São Paulo.
Suggested itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary to give you an idea of what to choose to visit and do in city of São Paulo.
3 to 5-Day Itinerary in city of São Paulo
Day 1: Paulista Avenue & Surroundings
Visit the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP).
Walk along Paulista Avenue, enjoy street performers and shopping.
Explore Japan House and Casa das Rosas.
Dinner at Spot Restaurant or Figueira Rubaiyat.
Day 2: Historic Downtown
Start at Pátio do Colégio, the city's birthplace.
Visit São Paulo Cathedral, Municipal Theater, and Martinelli Building.
Lunch at Mercado Municipal (try the mortadella sandwich or pastel).
Evening drinks at Terraço Itália with skyline views.
Day 3: Ibirapuera Park & Museums
Morning walk or bike ride in Ibirapuera Park.
Visit Museum of Modern Art (MAM) and Afro Brazil Museum.
Dinner in Vila Madalena – explore bars and street art in Beco do Batman.
5 to 7-Day itinerary in city of São Paulo
Days 1 -3: Follow Option 1
Day 4: Liberdade & Gastronomy
Explore Liberdade, the Japanese-Brazilian neighborhood.
Visit Asian markets and enjoy sushi or ramen.
Afternoon at Catavento Museum (great for families).
Dinner at Tanit or Maní (Michelin-starred).
Day 5: Pinacoteca & Luz Station
Visit Pinacoteca de São Paulo, one of Brazil’s top art museums.
Walk through Jardim da Luz and admire Estação da Luz architecture.
Optional: Visit the Portuguese Language Museum.
Evening at Bar da Dona Onça or Riviera Bar.
Day 6: Shopping & Nightlife
Morning shopping at Oscar Freire Street or Shopping Iguatemi.
Afternoon coffee at Coffee Lab or Suplicy Café.
Nightlife in Itaim Bibi or Baixo Augusta.
Day 7: Day Trip Option
Choose between:
Embu das Artes: charming arts & crafts town.
Santos: coastal city with beaches and coffee museum.
Campos do Jordão (if you prefer mountain vibes).
7 to 10-Day Itinerary in city of São Paulo
Days 1–7: Follow Option 2
Day 8: Street Art & Local Culture
Explore Open Museum of Urban Art on 23 de Maio Avenue.
Visit Instituto Tomie Ohtake for contemporary art.
Lunch at Eataly São Paulo or Mercado de Pinheiros.
Day 9: Football & Brazilian Passion
Tour Morumbi Stadium or Allianz Parque.
Visit the Football Museum at Pacaembu Stadium.
Dinner at Churrascaria Vento Haragano (Brazilian BBQ).
Day 10: Relax & Reflect
Spa day or rooftop pool at a hotel like Hotel Unique or Rosewood São Paulo.
Final shopping or stroll through Parque Villa-Lobos.
Farewell dinner at D.O.M. by chef Alex Atala.
When to go?
Dec–Feb Rain or shine, São Paulo turns up the heat with its lively summer vibe.
Mar & Sep Mild weather and clear skies pair perfectly with Restaurant Week’s culinary bargains.
Jun & Jul Chilly mountain air calls for coats — and offers a refreshing seasonal twist.
Accommodations
Accommodations
Vila Madelena is the most traveller-friendlyneighborhood for leisure visitors and is home to the majority of hostels (there’s also a solid concentration around the residential neighborhoods of Paraíso and Vila Mariana off the southeastern end of Av Paulista). The city’s top boutique hotels sit in the leafy, upscale district of Jardins, while many top-end business hotels line Av Paulista, Av Faria Lima, Av das Nações Unidas and Parque Ibirapuera.
Vila Madelena is the most traveller-friendlyneighborhood for leisure visitors and is home to the majority of hostels (there’s also a solid concentration around the residential neighborhoods of Paraíso and Vila Mariana off the southeastern end of Av Paulista). The city’s top boutique hotels sit in the leafy, upscale district of Jardins, while many top-end business hotels line Av Paulista, Av Faria Lima, Av das Nações Unidas and Parque Ibirapuera.
Recommended tour packages
To purchase great tour packages, we recommend using Viator’s services. In addition to being a well-established company with thousands of positive reviews from customers around the world, it offers two advantages that we consider essential in any service: free cancellation options and 24/7 customer support.
Recommended tour packages
To purchase great tour packages, we recommend using Viator’s services. In addition to being a well-established company with thousands of positive reviews from customers around the world, it offers two advantages that we consider essential in any service: free cancellation options and 24/7 customer support.
Flights
Flights
São Paulo is a major entry point to Brazil, served by many international airlines. The city has two main airports: GRU (Guarulhos), 25km from downtown, handles most international and many domestic flights. Terminals 2 and 3 serve most airlines, while Terminal 1 is used by Azul and Passaredo. Free shuttles run 24/7 between terminals. Congonhas (CGH), 14km south of the center, is a domestic-only airport with frequent flights, especially to Rio de Janeiro. Always check which airport your flight departs from, as both serve domestic routes.
São Paulo is a major entry point to Brazil, served by many international airlines. The city has two main airports: GRU (Guarulhos), 25km from downtown, handles most international and many domestic flights. Terminals 2 and 3 serve most airlines, while Terminal 1 is used by Azul and Passaredo. Free shuttles run 24/7 between terminals. Congonhas (CGH), 14km south of the center, is a domestic-only airport with frequent flights, especially to Rio de Janeiro. Always check which airport your flight departs from, as both serve domestic routes.
Relevant information
To ensure complete satisfaction on your trip, it's essential to get to know the destination. We offer comprehensive articles about city of São Paulo, where you'll find recommendations for attractions, the best times to visit, gastronomic suggestions, as well as important tips on safety and etiquette.
Relevant information
To ensure complete satisfaction on your trip, it's essential to get to know the destination. We offer comprehensive articles about city of São Paulo, where you'll find recommendations for attractions, the best times to visit, gastronomic suggestions, as well as important tips on safety and etiquette.
