Amazing Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in São Paulo

April 13, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 3283 Views

Sao Paulo is a city in an eponymous state of Brazil. It is the largest city in the country as well as in Latin America. The city is beautifully situated in a plateau and is surrounded by rivers. Some of the best things to do in Sao Paulo, Brazil include exploring art, history, culture, architecture, street art and more. The city is also quite well known for its bustling night life and interesting music and culinary scene. Though majority of the best places to visit in Sao Paulo are centered around art and history, the city has a lively culture which you should not miss out.

The history of the city goes back to 1544 as a gateway to Sertao for explorers. Owing to immigration from several countries you will see heavy influence of Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, Africa, Middle East, and Japan in many of the things to see in Sao Paulo. You will also find museums dedicated to influence and history of several of these cultures on Brazil. They are quite interesting Sao Paulo attractions by themselves.This city is a melting pot of cultures and lifestyles. It is really interesting to explore by visiting nooks and corners and mingling with the local folks. People embark on Sao Paulo sightseeing foot and on bicycles for this reason.

Just as vibrant and colourful as the city is the art scene. There are numerous art museums and art galleries among Sao Paulo tourist attractions. You will get to see Brazilian as well as International Artworks in this city. The city has some of the largest collections of Ancient, Historic, Modern and Contemporary works of art in Latin America. If you are fan of music and performances, this city has a lot to offer. Brazil is known for its lively dance and music forms and there are a variety of places to go in Sao Paulo like theaters, performance centers, cultural centers, concerts and so on to experience these art forms.

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Table of Contents

Explore The Best 14 Tourist Attractions in Sao Paulo

1. Museum of Art of São Paulo (MASP – Museu de Arte)

This art museum has one of the largest collection of western art in Latin America. It is renowned as one of top Sao Paulo tourist attractions for exhibiting works by popularly known artists such as Van Gogh, Manet, Picasso, Renoir and many more. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to explore this museum when you visit Sao Paulo.

2. Pinacoteca Art Museum (Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo)

This art museum houses over 9,000 pieces by Brazilian as well as international artists. The museum also holds exhibits concerning the history of Brazil. The museum is also known for its astonishing architecture and interior design. You will need about an hour from Sao Paulo travel to explore it.

3. Ibirapuera Park (Parque Ibirapuera)

You will get to explore several best things to do in Sao Paulo, Brazil at this Park. The park contains monuments, museums, sculptures, event venues, leisure areas, recreational areas and more. You will need at least 2 hours to explore the various attractions of this park.

4. Municipal Market of São Paulo (Mercado Municipal de São Paulo)

This market is among the best places to visit in Sao Paulo for shopping, local produce, street food, handicraft items, souvenirs and more. You can easily spend a couple of hours strolling around in this market during Sao Paulo travel.

5. Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu de Arte Contemporânea)

Also known as Pavilhao da Bienal de Artes, this museum is known for hoursing the largest collection of 20th century western artworks in Latin America. There are more than 5000 pieces representing several international art schools. You will definitely come across some of the most fascinating things to see in Sao Paulo at this museum. It will take you at least 2 hours to go through the exhibitions.

6. Independence Park (Parque da Independência)

This park commemorates the declaration of Independence of Brazil by Prince Pedro. The gardens and the palace are inspired by Italian Neo-Classicism.The parque also houses Museu Paulista which exhibits furniture, decorations, paintings, costumes and more from the Imperial period. You will need 2 to 3 hours of Sao Paulo sightseeing for Parque de Independancia.

7. São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de São Paulo)

Also known as Se cathedral, this is one of the most marvelous Sao Paulo attractions. Built with Neo-Gothic style of architecture, this cathedral features numerous beautiful works of art in form of statues, paintings, murals, reliefs and frescoes. You would need about an hour to explore it.

8. Museum of Football (Museu do Futebol)

Football is the most popular sport in Brazil and this museum celebrates the history of the beautiful game in the country. Aside from history and exhibits, you can also enjoy penalty kicks against a virtual goal keeper. It is among the most fun things to do in Sao Paulo. You would need an hour or two for the football museum.

I suggest you should go for Football Museum Tour

9. Municipal Theatre of São Paulo (Theatro Municipal de São Paulo)

This theatre was designed by renowned architect Ramos de Azevedo and is modeled after the Opera House of Paris. It showcases a blend of Art Nouveau and Italian Renaissance design elements. Besides its architecture, this theatre is also well known among Sao Paulo tourist attractions for hosting some of the most outstanding shows in the region. You would need about an hour to explore this theatre.

10. Batman’s Alley (Beco do Batman)

This alley is among the most interesting places to see in Sao Paulo. The entire street is riddled with graffiti designs which are continuously changing. It is one of the top spots for getting some insta worthy pictures. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this lane.

If you like that someone take your lovely picture that you like to post on social media then I suggest you can go for Photoshoot Trip at Batman Alley

11. Patio do Colegio

This church holds great cultural significance among tourist places in Sao Paulo. It was here in 1554 that the first mass of the settlement was hosted. It has since been revered as one of the most important cultural and historical landmarks of the city. You would need 20 to 30 minutes for this church.

12. St Benedict’s Monastery (Mosteiro de São Bento)

The church was established in the 16th century, but was rebuilt and renovated several times over. The church is adorned by works of several benedictine artists as well as artworks and sculptures from 16th onwards. This church is also among historically significant places to go in Sao Paulo. You will need an hour or so for this church.

13. Museum of Sacred Art of São Paulo (Museu de Arte Sacra de São Paulo)

This museum if houses in an 18th century church known as Nossa Senhora da Luz. It displays numerous items of religious significance including statues, paintings, pictures, alter pieces, furniture, historical items and more. You will come across several interesting things to see in Sao Paulo at this museum. It will take you an hour or so to explore this museum.

14. San Francisco Square (Largo de São Francisco)

This quaint church was built in 1644 and is heavily inspired by churches of Portugal. The church was restored after a fire outbreak in 1870 but still retains much of its original aspects. The architecture and design is quite different from other churches and it is definitely among Sao Paulo must see places. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore it.

If you are looking for more top things to do in Sao Paulo, check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities you can enjoy during Sao Paulo travel.

Things to do in Sao Paulo

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Sao Paulo

ASSIS – Museum of Art of Sao Paulo
Pinacoteca de Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo Museum of Modern Art
Sao Paulo Cathedral
Museum of Football
Museu Afro Brazil
Museum of Contemporary Art
Municipal Theatre of Sao Paulo
The Sao Paulo Museum of Image and Sound
Instituto Tomie Ohtake
Instituto Itau Cultural
Museu de Arte Sarco de Sao Paulo
Monastery of St. Benedict
Latin American Memorial
Museu Catavento
Butantan Institute
Museu de Imigracao do Estado de Sao Paulo
Museu de Casa Brasileira
Monumento as Bandeiras
Oca
Sao Paulo Cultural Center
Museu Brasilerio da Cultural e Ecologia
Instituto Moreira Salles
Museum of the Person
Casa das Rosas
Praca da Se
Museum of Zoology of University of Sao Paulo
Estacion Pinacoteca
Paco das Artes
Monument to the Independence of Brazil
Templo de Salomao
Galeria Leme
Museum of Archeology and Ethnography
Museum da Imaginacao
Memorial Resistance of Sao Paulo
Fo Guang Shan Temple Zu Lai
Museum of Sexual Diversity
Casa de Vidro Lina bo Bardi
Museu SPTrans dos Transportes Publicos
History Museum of Japanese Immigration in Brazil
Obelisco e Monumento Mauseleu ao Soldado
MAB FAAP – Museu de Arte Brazileira
MIS Experience
Energy Museum
Estatua do Borba Gato
Veterinary Anatomy Museum
Caixa Cultural Sao Paolo
Casa Guilherme de Almeida
Almeida & Dale Galeria de Arte

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Sao Paulo

Alberto Lofgren State Park
Parque Ecologico do Tiete
Parque Estadual Cantareira
Pico do Jaragua
Parque Estadual Jaragua
Guarapiranga Reservoir

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Sao Paulo

Ibirapuera Park
Sao Paulo Zoo
Botanical Gardens of Sao Paulo
Parque Villa Robos
Sao Paulo Aquarium
Parque de Monica
Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace
Parque da Agua Branca
Auditorio Ibirapuera – Oscar Niemeyer
Ema Gordon Klabin Cultural Foundation
Trianon Park
Cidade da Crainca
Parque da Independencia
Zoo Safari
Hopi Hari
Parque do Carmo
Zoological Municipal de Guarulhos
Parque Burle Marx
Adibra Amusement Park
Parque Jardim da Luz
Parque do Povo
Praca por do Sol
Parque da Aclimacao
Iberapuera Planetariun
Family Playcenter
Japanese Pavillion
Parque de Diversoes Marisa

Shopping in Sao Paulo

Mercado Municipal de Sao Paulo
Calle 25 de Marzo
Fiera Bolivia
JK Iguatemi
Feira da Madrugada
Cidade Jardim
Rua Oscar Friere
Galeria de Rock
Bras District
Patio Higienopolis
Rua 25 de Marco
Vila Olimpia
Iguatemi Shopping Mall
Pinheiros District
Sao Paulo Shopping Center
Analia Franco
Frei Caneca Mall
Sul Plaza
Feira Praca Dom Orione
Livraria Cultura
Feira Praca da Liberdade

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Sao Paulo

Hiking
Skydiving
Bicycle Tours
Water Sports

Sightseeing in Sao Paulo

Avenida Paulista
Edificio Copan
Altino Arantes Building
Rua Oscar Freire
Ponte Octavia Frias de Oliveria
Martinelli Building
Farol Santander
Edifico Italia
Avenida Sapopemba
Vale do Anhangabau
Sesc Avenida Paulista
Rua Frei Caneca
Viaduto do Cha

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Sao Paulo

Hocca Bar
Mocoto
Sarrasin
Bar do Luiz Fernandez
Varanda
Capivara Bar
DOM
Komah Restaurante
Mani
Casteloes
Suri
Pastel da Maria
Goshala
A Casa do Porco
Consulado Mineiro
Casa Mathilde
Manaca
Corrutela
Kaa
Consulado da Bahia

Where to Stay in São Paulo?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-range and Budget Hotels in São Paulo. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in São Paulo.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Sao Paulo

How to Reach Sao Paulo?

By Air

There are 3 major airports to reach Sao Paulo: Guarulhos International (GRU) Viracopos Airport and Congonhas Airport. You can get direct flights to visit Sao Paulo from Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Madrid, Paris, Dallas, Miami, New York City, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro, Panama City, Atlanta, Dubai, Rome, Amsterdam, Santiago de Chile, Frankfurt, Doha, Lisbon, Porto and many more cities in Asia, Europe, North America and South America.

You get the options of buses, shuttle buses, tour buses, and cabs to go for Sao Paulo sightseeing.

By Road

The train network connects Sao Paulo to several major cities and towns in Brazil. But if you are trying for Sao Paulo travel from smaller towns or remote areas you will have to rely on the bus network.

If you are planning to get to Sao Paulo by road you should head through routes 116, 374 or 050.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to visit Sao Paulo.

Image Reference

Museum of Art of São Paulo (MASP – Museu de Arte) – Rodrigo Soldon / Flickr
Pinacoteca Art Museum (Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo) – Rodrigo Soldon / Flickr
Ibirapuera Park (Parque Ibirapuera) – Dirk Hofmann / Flickr
Municipal Market of São Paulo (Mercado Municipal de São Paulo) – Renato Santiago Rodrigues / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu de Arte Contemporânea) – Letícia Gouveia Veras / Wikimedia Commons
Independence Park (Parque da Independência) – Francis Anderson Anderson / PixaBay
São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de São Paulo) – Wally Gobetz / Flickr
Museum of Football (Museu do Futebol) – Wally Gobetz / Flickr
Municipal Theatre of São Paulo (Theatro Municipal de São Paulo) – Wilfredor / Wikimedia Commons
Batman’s Alley (Beco do Batman) – drocpsu / Flickr
Pátio do Colégio – Ronit Bhattacharjee / Flickr
St Benedict’s Monastery (Mosteiro de São Bento) – Morio / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Sacred Art of São Paulo (Museu de Arte Sacra de São Paulo) – Wilfredor / Wikimedia Commons
San Francisco Square (Largo de São Francisco) – Luiz coelho / Wikimedia Commons