There are many unique things to do in Sao Paulo, the most populous city in Brazil. Sao Paulo is also one of the ten largest cities in the world, having a population of over 40 million people. This city is a famous destination for travelers and tourists around the globe. If you are planning a visit to Brazil, especially Sao Paulo, this guide will be helpful on the things you should do. In case you didn’t know, Sao Paulo has the world’s largest helicopter fleet and is the world’s 8th richest city. So please don’t feel too pressured on how residents spend their money.
Before you travel to Brazil’s largest city, ensure you go through these unique things to do in Sao Paulo.
How safe is Sao Paulo?
The safety of tourists and travelers interested in Sao Paulo is important. So let’s quickly tackle the question, “How Safe is Sao Paulo?” The thing is, Sao Paulo can be safe and dangerous at the same time, and nowhere is completely safe. Although Sao Paulo is known for its high level of violence, you can also play a big factor in ensuring you have a safe and swift experience. You can avoid fights with the locals but make friends instead. By doing this, they will likely give you tips on what is happening around the city and what you should and shouldn’t do. This doesn’t mean you should unquestioningly trust everything they tell you since there are bad eggs among the good ones.
Also, ensure you keep your bags tightly locked in this highly populated city when walking the street. Another tip for staying safe is to avoid walking around the city unnecessarily and totally avoid walking the streets at night. If you want to read more on how to stay safe, check out these Sao Paulo, Brazil safety tips.
Best Things to Do in Sao Paulo
To save money and time thinking about what to do in Sao Paulo, here is our pick on the things you should do in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
1. Ibirapuera Park
Ibirapuera Park is a top destination for visitors looking for things to do in Sao Paulo. The park is the first metropolitan park in Sao Paulo and was designed based on other English landscape gardens. Ibirapuera Park is widely compared to the New York Central Park because of their similarities and visitors. According to statistics, more than 10 million people visit the Ibirapuera Park each year. On working days, about 20k people visit the park daily, while on weekends, 70k to 130k people visit the park.
The park is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities, including picnics, cycling, running, and skateboarding. There are many spots in Ibirapuera Park to buy outdoor foods, snacks, and drinks, although you are allowed to come to the park without your own food items.
2. Sao Paulo Municipal Theater (Theatro Municipal)
Sao Paulo Municipal Theater is located in Ramos de Azevedo Square in the Republican district. Opened in 1911, the Municipal Theater’s structure was inspired by the Paris Opera, while its architecture was handled by Italian architects. The Municipal Theater is famous for being the biggest Opera House in Brazil. If you are a fan of Opera, then visiting the Municipal Theater could be one of the best things to do in Sao Paulo. Prices for events at the Municipal Theater range from R$7.000 to R$25.00 but are subject to change. There is no specific dress code, and the doors are always opened an hour before show time. Enjoy the Opera and Ballet at the Municipal Theater by arriving early in order to get the best seats of choice.
3. Sé Cathedral (Catedral da Sé)
Visiting this gigantic church, “Cathedral de Se de,” is recommended as one of the things to do in Sao Paulo. Sé Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church and the biggest second church in Sao Paulo. It is not only its huge building that draws tourists to it but also the design and unique construction of the church. The interpretation of Sé Cathedral is simple. See Cathedral, in case you are wondering. Sé Cathedral is a Holy Place and is regarded as a place of worship for Sao Paulo residents.
The mass service occurs daily, and visitors are allowed to take a tour of the tombs and rooms subsequently, although for a fee. Most visitors enjoy the beautiful scenery and masterpiece of the building’s architecture, while its statues and their stories are a plus. Although Sé Cathedral has a Renaissance-style dome, it is also regarded as the fourth largest neo-Gothic temple on earth.
4. Monumento a las Bandeiras
Also called Monument to the Bandeiras, it is a large granite sculpture located at the front of the Ibirapuera Park. The sculpture stands 12 meters tall, has a length of 50 meters, and a width of 15 meters. A skilled sculptor, Victor Brecheret, crafted the magnificent Monumento as Bandeiras on January 25, 1953. This sculpture has been a place of amusement for visitors and tourists alike. If you also want to learn more about the story the sculpture has to tell, you should consider adding Monumento a las Bandeiras to your to-do list.
5. Avenida Paulista
Avenida Paulista is one of the important Sao Paulo sightseeing locations. It is a booming destination with shops, hotels, restaurants, cultural buildings, and all sorts of other businesses. What makes Avenida Paulista interesting is that it is an avenue filled with skyscrapers and home to diverse cultural headquarters. Avenida Paulista is also Sao Paulo’s economic and political powerhouse. This is not a surprise since it is known for its political movements and as the home of many financial headquarters in Sao Paulo. There are several things to do on this Sao Paulo avenue, especially if you would love to shop or test out food at its multi-choice restaurants.
6. Sao Paulo Museum of Art (Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo Assis Chateaubraind)
Just out of the many museums in the city, the Sao Paulo Museum of Art is arguably one of the best museums in Sao Paulo. It is notably one of the best things to do in Sao Paulo, which guarantees diverse art exposure. Located in Avenida Paulista, it boasts over 11,000 unique arts. It contains art, including sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs, and other objects. Sao Paulo Museum of Art is also the first museum in Brazil to display artworks from post-World War II. The museum is often listed in a variety of sightseeing tours of the city because art lovers claim to enjoy their time spent at this museum.
7. Municipal Market of Sao Paulo (Mercado Municipal)
If you consider strolling through markets to see eye-catching food items and groceries, adding the Municipal Market to your Sao Paulo to-do list will be a good choice. The Municipal Market is a large marketplace in the center of Sao Paulo that specializes in wholesale and retail of goods. You will find several food options, including fruits, vegetables, cereals, spices, meats, and many other food items. Remember to come with some local currency if you want to explore Sao Paulo’s Municipal Market options.
8. Liberdade (Bairro da Liberdade)
If you want to experience Brazil’s culture with a blend of Japanese culture, you should consider visiting Liberdade. Liberdade is a district in Sao Paulo known for its high influence and display of Japanese culture. Some refer to Liberdade as the largest ethnic Japanese community in the world that is not in Japan. Are you a manga and anime lover? The residents often hold cosplay events, where anime lovers dress up in the character of their choice. More into the district, you can also enjoy different street food options in Liberdade, mostly consisting of Brazilian, Japanese, and Italian foods.
9. Batman Alley (Beco do Batman)
The Beco do Batman got its name after Batman due to graffiti of the DC Comics character that was painted on the area wall in the 1980s. Visiting the Batman Alley to experience its world of street art is a unique thing to do in Sao Paulo. In the colorful city of Sao Paulo, it is almost impossible for its residents to express their love for arts. As you walk through the Beco do Batman, you will see a lot of beautiful paintings on the street walls. Most of the paintings at the Batman Alley are graffiti pieces that are of bright colors. This location is more than just a place for tourists to take pictures. Instead, visitors and tourists can take their time to understand the expressions of the people through the painting pieces on the street walls.
10. Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo (Jardim Botânico de São Paulo)
Jardim Botânico de São Paulo means the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo. It is a green and refreshing garden in the Parque Estadual Fontes do Ipiranga. Visitors are often drawn to the garden’s features, which include beautiful flowers, cactus plants, tree trails, and monkeys lurking around. Some of the plant species you will likely find there are not limited to orchids, aquatic plants, fruit trees, and palm trees. The garden is a great spot to relax, enjoy fresh air, and take photographs. If you don’t speak Portuguese, you might need one because Portuguese is the language that is frequently spoken in this location.
11. Martinelli Building (Edifício Martinelli)
The Martinelli Building, natively called the Edifício Martinelli, is the first skyscraper building in the city of Sao Paulo. Not only that, it is also the first-ever skyscraper in Brazil, having a total of 28 floors. Martinelli Building is 105 meters tall and was the tallest building in South America from 1929 to 1936. The building has been one of the top destinations for tourists as it is a great place to have an amazing view of the surroundings. There are restaurants that serve savoring delights at the Martinelli Building, and most visitors are usually satisfied. Since the Martinelli Building has its own stories, there is a storyteller available to guide tourists and tell them about the stories and history of the building.
12. Independence Park (Parque de Independencia)
Like every other famous park, visiting Independence Park is one of the best things to do in Sao Paulo. The Independence Park is located in the heart of Ipiranga in Sao Paulo. It was the place where Brazil’s independence proclamation was made, therefore making it a historical site for all Brazilians. The park consists of several sightseeing locations, including gardens, museums, Independence Monument, and Independence Square. Independence Park has good-looking architecture and offers diverse art galleries and exhibits to visitors. The best thing about Independence Park is that it’s suitable for all ages, making it one of Sao Paulo’s most attractive tourist attractions.
13. St. Benedict’s Monastery (Mosteiro de Sao Bento)
Just like the Sé Cathedral, St. Benedict’s Monastery is another must-visit place in the heart of Sao Paulo if you are the religious type. St. Benedict’s Monastery was first developed in 1598. However, the current church was built around 1910 and 1914. The exterior of the monastery might look old and rough, but the interior is much more beautiful and new-looking. The walls and ceilings of the building are in Neo-Romanesque style, which shows its masterpiece and unique design. You might want to attend their mass service with them and experience their fabulous Gregorian chanting. There is an on-site bakery in this monastery that is handled by the monks. You can test out their bread, cakes, biscuits, and other pastries available.
14. Football Museum (Museu do Futebol)
Almost everyone agrees that when it comes to football, Brazilians are naturally talented. And it is not a surprise that they have a museum to preserve their successful football history. Opened to the public in 2008, the Football Museum has several display rooms that exhibit the country’s football achievements. It is located in the Estadio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho, right in the north of Avenida Paulista. Visiting the Football Museum helps visitors and residents gain insights into Brazil’s unshaken love for the football game. The Football Museum is usually open from Tuesdays to Sundays, around 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., although these hours can be altered during game days. Most visitors have recommended the Football Museum as one of the best things to do in Sao Paulo.
Read: 10 Most Dangerous Cities in the World- A city in Brazil makes the list
What do you think of Sao Paulo?
After reading some of the unique things to do in Sao Paulo, you must have found the city to be fascinating already. It is to save you time from thinking over and over on what to do in the largest city of Brazil. Now that you have a glimpse of where to go, you can share with us your thoughts and where you would like to visit. Remember to make the most of every opportunity to have fun in Sao Paulo and, ultimately, stay safe.
See: Brazil’s Ranking as the 5th Largest Country in the World by Area