São Paulo doesn’t need much of an introduction as it is known for one of the world’s most populous cities in the world, the largest city in South America and Brazil’s financial capital. The great cultural dynamism and multiple ethnic origins of its populations make São Paulo also Brazil’s culture capital. Everything happens here, although São Paulo is very underrated tourism-wise and often overlooked by other places with explicit nature beauty, which is a pity.
São Paulo is huge, intimidating and we can imagine that it is a difficult city for travellers to explore. But believe us, it’s worth the effort! São Paulo is definitely, in our opinion, the coolest and most cosmopolitan city in Brazil. Rich architectural tradition, great gastronomic offer and a vibrating nightlife – São Paulo has something for everybody!
To encourage you to visit the paulista capital, we consulted Adriana Mendonça, proud São Paulo dweller, about São Paulo’s hot spots and nice things to do. Here are Adriana’s tips:
Café Manioca: The bakery of the prized restaurant Maní is a great option to enjoy a varied breakfast composed of organic and integral bread, cakes, brioches and all sort of pastry masterfully prepared. The “disputed” weekend breakfast at Café Manioca is worth your wait.
Walk through Vila Madalena neighbourhood: Lovely area with thousands of options to have fun by day and night – from unpretentious “Brazilian style” bars, restaurants, cafés, to small and authentic shops, bookstores and beauty salons. On Harmonia street there is an adorable place called Lá da venda – they offer delicious typical and organic food and also has a mix of handicraft products on sale.
Want to get the Brazilian look? Don’t miss Farm – a Brazilian clothing brand – located on the same street. The gorgeous store is worth your visit even if you don’t intend to buy anything 😉
Cycle through Faria Lima until Vila Lobos Park: While enjoying this route by bike (yes you can!), stop at Insituto Tomie Ohtake to grasp a bit of art – they always have interesting contemporary expositions. Feeling like having a bite? Stop close by at Ofner and try the traditional coxinha de frango, simply delicious!
Ferreira de Araújo and Vupabussu streets: On those streets, you can enjoy restaurants that suit all budgets. My favourites are Nou – very casual and relaxed and Ruela – which offers an amazing brunch on the weekends.
Casa 92: Casa 92 is frequented by the 30+ and it’s a perfect place to dance, relax and leave the routine behind. Enjoy good music and meet new people in one of its (multi) ambiences.
Oscar Freire: Shop street chic. There you can find great stores as the world famous Havaianas – concept store with the latest models or Melissa – which, with each new collection, surprises you with partnerships with great names in the fashion industry. The area also has very nice restaurants, cafés and handcraft stores. On Consolação street, at Tavares restaurant you can try the best dessert ever, the “pudim do Tavares”!
Check also…
The agenda of Cine Jóia, they host great concerts.
Javali Party for a wide variety of pop and electronic music and the most enthusiastic public ever.
Selvagem nos Trilhos, original and diverse place with great electronic music.
If the day gets too warm, ice cream lovers will simply love Bacio di Latte and Frida e Mina.
Convinced to extend your stopover in São Paulo? We hope so! Check the website of São Paulo Tourist Board for more information: www.visitesaopaulo.com
