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Things to do in São Paulo

Make your way to the Monasterio de São Bento, a site with beautiful gardens and architecture. The awe-inspiring Catedral da Sé located nearby beckons you to explore its Gothic spires, and soak in the grandeur of the city. 

Football fans, rejoice! There’s an entire museum dedicated to football. The Museu do Futebol walks you through the history of the sport in Brazil. 

Art enthusiasts, don’t skip the Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo – it’s the city’s oldest art museum and a cultural institution in Brazil, boasting the largest collection of Brazilian art. 

Go to Minhocão, a quirky elevated highway that turns into a pedestrian playground. Walk, skate or bike along this urban oasis dotted with colourful street art.

Spend the afternoon at Praça Por do Sol, a hilltop park that offers panoramic views of São Paulo and the best spot to watch the sunset.

Activities in São Paulo

Visit the Sala São Paulo to watch the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra. Not only is the building an architectural marvel, but the ceiling adjusts to suit the orchestra’s sound to create stunning acoustics. It’s truly an awe-inspiring experience. 

Journey to Ibirapuera Park, where you can cycle along winding paths, admire the lakes, and uncover the lush flora. The park area is also home to world-class museums, a music hall and events like São Paulo Fashion Week.

If you plan to stay active during your visit, head to Parque da Juventude Dom Paulo Evaristo Arns. A former prison site, the space was transformed into a cultural park with sports facilities, a library and art installations to reinvent the collective memory of the area.

For a weekend trip out of the city, travel to Ilhabela Island. Whilst it’s a few hours from the city centre, this tropical paradise is worth the journey – with pristine beaches, waterfalls, and walking trails.

Food in São Paulo

Venture to the bustling Mercado Municipal where the air is thick with freshly caught seafood, exotic fruits, and aged cheeses. The legendary mortadella sandwich is the star of the show – a towering creation of meat stacked so high it’s a feast for both your eyes and taste buds.

The street food scene is strong in São Paulo. Meander down the city’s famous Paulista Avenue to sample the popular appetizer ‘coxinha’ – a deep fried teardrop shaped dough ball filled with creamy, shredded chicken. Follow that up with the much-loved dessert ‘churro’ – an indulgent deep fried choux pastry that’s powdered with sugar and accompanied with sweet sauces.

Complete your culinary expedition with the staple breakfast dish, pão na chapa – a slice of bread slathered with butter and grilled to perfection.

Shopping in São Paulo

Benedito Calixto Market is an outdoor wonderland that springs to life every Saturday. Overflowing with vintage finds, handcrafted Amazonian arts and unique trinkets, you’ll be sure to take home a piece of Brazil’s heritage.

Stroll down Paulista Avenue, for chic and trendy boutiques. You can find everything from high end fashion to unique local designers.

For a taste of luxury, check out the Jardins district. Visit the shops along the leafy streets of Rua Oscar Freire, home to designer stores and upscale brands.

No shopping trip in São Paulo is complete without grabbing some local coffee as a souvenir so you can enjoy the rich aroma of Brazilian coffee beans at home.