Tourist guide: what to do and see in São Paulo
Be who you want to be in this charming and mysterious city.
Make no mistake: São Paulo is not just the supreme financial capital of Latin America. Let yourself be seduced by its many shops and chic glamour, enjoy its exquisite food, be blown away by its impressive buildings, submerge yourself in the exciting nightlife, and also take time to lose yourself in the nearby infinite beaches. São Paulo is a multifaceted place which, with its countless ethnic groups, invites you to become who you want to be. This urban jungle is growing by leaps and bounds, whilst still offering the mysteries of undiscovered destinations.
How other travellers see it
Share your travel experience with #SaoPaulo, #InstantesIberia and @Iberia
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
Ceagesp
As you pass through the doors of this market, you will plunge into a maze of colourful scents and products.
What's that smell?
If there is anything that identifies the gigantic Ceagesp Market (General Warehousing Society of São Paulo), it is the peculiar mix of smells. Exotic fruits, fresh vegetables and flowers are its specialities, althou it also hosts specialist fairs for other products such as fish, grapes and cereals. Created in 1969 to supply the city, it has become the largest warehouse in Latin America with 700,000 square metres and a crowd of 50,000 visitors each day, where the producers and distributors make contact. They also sell to individuals and minorities, which have their own section. If you are interested, you will find weekly blog updates on the market itself, which provides information on changes in the price of products. You can choose between papayas or kiwis, or even consider if you want to buy a bunch of violets. It is worth a visit to the multicoloured stalls, which receive nothing short of 10,000 tonnes of products each day.
República Square
600 stalls, both commercial and cuisine, you can be assured of an entertaining Sunday morning.
Spend your Saturdays and Sundays here.
During the weekends, commercial and gastronomic excitement join together in the renowned Arts and Crafts Fair in República Square, where you can buy as many traditional products and gifts as you want. It is recommended to set yourself a budget though, because once you find yourself surrounded by 600 stalls it is difficult to choose! At the fair you can also try traditional dishes - not only Brazilian cuisine, but also other Latin American delicacies, buy traditional crafts or elaborate costume jewellery with semi-precious native stones. The fair began as a meeting point where you could find coin and stamp collectors, which progressed on to include a number of bohemian artists who painted in the open air and today it is the main tourist spot on a Sunday afternoon. Its main charm? You can meet the craftsman who made these little works of art and buy directly from him without having to go through an intermediary.
Cidade Jardim Shopping Complex
Shopping centre in proper order, with the exception of its tropical décor, with hanging palm trees and all types of vines.
An exuberent shopping centre.
If you do not have much time to wander around in search for the last souvenir or to buy clothes at affordable prices and enjoy a pleasant day, you can go to Cidade Jardim Shopping Complex and dedicate a full day to shopping. This centre takes its name from its exuberant natural décor with trees, vines, palm trees and hanging plants that provide freshness to the atmosphere. Amongst its strange services, you will find a ‘personal shopper’ (prior reservation at the concierge on the ground floor) who will accompany you shopping and advise you on choosing the best selection of what you are looking for. If you also want to get out of their as a new person, the centre also offers a beauty boutique with aesthetic professionals, hairdressers and a film make-up artist who will transform you as soon as you walk through the doors. And after an exhausting day of shopping, there is nothing better than relaxing on one of its terraces with views of the skyscrapers.
Bom Retiro
Search and compare prices without neglecting your wallet. If you go on a group, Saturday is the best day to visit...
Clothes at great prices.
Brazilian fashion textiles have become a worldwide benchmark and if you are interested in buying or giving clothes at reasonable prices, make your way down to Bom Retiro, and specifically José Paulino Street with its more than 1,200 clothes shops. This humble neighbourhood, still with social differences amongst nationalities which reside there, has become has become a cheap place to find textiles and footwear. One thing to keep in mind is that this place is only open to individuals on Saturdays, since the rest of the week it supplies wholesalers. For this reason, on Saturdays it becomes a veritable hotbed of customers, onlookers, street peddlers and market stalls competing with clothes selling clothes, sandals, buttons and fabric to create your own design. Do not get overwhelmed by the crowds; the trick is to compare prices between shops and not to neglect your wallet or purse.
Embu das Artes
An artistic mix near São Paulo: its open-air Art Fair is the biggest in the State.
The showroom for all types of artists.
The small town of Embu das Artes got its name by popular vote in 2011, after showing every weekend that it that become the epicentre of the artistic movement only 30 kilometres from São Paulo. Here the biggest open-air Arts and Crafts Fair in the state is celebrated, where you can watch the sculptors create their art live with stone or clay, cartoonists and craftsmen who work with all kinds of material. The artistic beginning of this settlement dates back to the 1930s, when Embu’s Santero, Cássio M'Boy, was the winner of the Grand Prize at the International Exhibition of Art Techniques of Paris and at that time was already surrounded by the leading exponents of Modernism. His disciples followed in his footsteps, more artists came to the town and from the 1960s it had become an international benchmark.
Benedito Calixto Square
Antiques, second hand clothes, vinyls, furniture, crafts and a long list of other items. A cabinet of wonders at affordable prices throughout the day.
Saturday fair.
The Benedito Calixto Antiques Fair, which is celebrated every Saturday in Benedito Calixto Square, is the perfect place to buy objects that are otherwise impossible to find anywhere else except amongst its 320 exhibitor stands. It is advisable to arrive early (open 09:00 to 19:00) because it gets busy around midday, the plaza fills up. The tradition of buying-selling antiques, decorative objects, crafts, furniture and works of art here goes back to the 1980s, when the hippies of São Paulo would gather here to discuss poetry and paintings amongst street stalls. Today you can also find second-hand clothes stalls and even stalls which cell vinyl records. When the afternoon comes around, while you rest after a morning of shopping and walking around the square, you can enjoy a cold beer on the terraces, while music groups end the day with popular Brazilian music sessions.
Oscar Freire Street
The window displays that adorn this street do not have any prices listed. Perfect if you are shopping 'Pretty Woman' style.
Authentic commercial luxury.
You have two options on this street. Splurge on the credit card and leave your trip laden with bags like the ones you see in Pretty Woman, or wander along the street and marvel at the window displays with your hands safely in your pockets if you do not want to indulge in an expensive shopping spree. Everything is possible in the luxury Mecca of São Paulo, Oscar Freire Street, which recently had a restoration of the lighting and pavement so it could live up to the shops on the street. This short walk does not have rivals New York’s most elegant streets and you are sure to bump into models, actresses or even members of São Paulo’a high society on this street, who seem unbothered by the missing prices on the displays. They see it, they buy it. On the streets adjacent to Oscar Freire Street, you will find the luxurious area of Jadine – where you can continue to drool over the displays which include brands such as Armani, Vuitton and Versace.
Municipal Market
Ideal just for a stroll around or to do some shopping. Admire its enormous Neo-Gothic stained glass with you try a delicious cod pasty.
A variety of products on offer.
Can you picture a secret market under extraordinary Neo-Gothic stained glass windows in a stunning 1993 piece of architecture? And a market that sells everything from medicinal herbs to Spanish ham and exotic fruits? This surprising combination is found in the Municipal Market, in a historic centre near Tamanduateí River. The 2004 remodelling did not take away its charm, especially with the restoration of the stained glass created by Russian artist Conrado Sorgenicht Filho in the 30s, which depicts scenes of agriculture and cattle farming. However, vendors complain that many tourists go only to admire the market, rather than to buy. If you want to contribute to the local market, feel free to do your grocery shopping in this place. It is worth trying the cod pasties and mortadella sandwiches from the food stalls that you will see are a big hit with the visitors.
25 de Março Street
A messy drawer of gifts and souvenirs. You will find everything you could imagine and more. Outrageously affordable prices.
Good, pretty and cheap.
If you plan to buy souvenirs as presents, São Paulo offers the perfect place to buy these goods at the last minute and for affordable prices. 25 de Março Street and its neighbouring roads receive thousands of visitors every day and you can normally only pay by cash at the street stalls, so be wary of pickpockets and put up with the queues to pay. Oddly enough this street was a passage for traders in the 19th century and its buying-selling history has continued over time. Costume jewellery, traditional instruments, decorative objects, football merchandise or traditional costumes mix with an almost festive atmosphere amongst shops and galleries, where no one knows exactly where the legitimate designs end and the counterfeit begins. If you come across electronic devices or brands for an outrageously cheap price, you can guess where it has come from.
Liberdade Square
The biggest Japanese spectacle outside of Japan can be found in this neighbourhood: restaurants, street stalls, festivals, shops, dances, parades...
One city inside another.
The strange oriental neighbourhood of Liberdade reminds us that São Paulo is the biggest Japanese city outside of Japan, although it also has immigrants from other Eastern countries, making this neighbourhood a city inside another. Its shops offer so much that it is not hard to find an original present to take home. It is also worthwhile spending a full day strolling amongst its streets, tasting new flavours from the street stalls and exquisite restaurants, as well as getting a better understanding of the profound Japanese culture. If your trip coincides with the celebration of Tanabata Matsuri or Festival of the Stars en Liberdade Square, you will be able to walk amongst trees hanging with "tanzakus", or wishes for the gods. If, on the other hand, you travel to Liberdade when it celebrates Toyo Matsuri, the street performances of "taiko" percussion will overwhelm you, along with its folk dances and parades frames by bamboo decorations typical of this festival.
Museo de Arte Sacra
Reliquias desde el siglo XVI hasta nuestros días. Aprovecha tu visita al Mercado Municipal para conocer este museo: ¡son vecinos!
Imaginería religiosa.
El Mosterio da Luz, construido en el siglo XVIII que es Patrimonio de la Humanidad, contiene en su interior una de las mayores colecciones de imaginería religiosa de Brasil, el Museu de Arte Sacra. Encontrarás ambos monumentos cerca del Mercado Municipal, por lo que puedes aprovechar la visita a la zona para conocer también este centro de arte religioso. Dicen las crónicas que su colección incluye reliquias -desde el siglo XVI a nuestros días-: grandes retablos barrocos, pinturas, esculturas e incluso algunos iconos rusos y extraños documentos que solo se podrán encontrar en sus instalaciones. Además de las 4.000 piezas de imaginería que conservan, el Museo es contiguo a la residencia de clausura de las Hermanas Concepcionistas, que se encargan de elaborar y repartir allí mismo las "píldoras de Fray Galvao" con supuestas propiedades milagrosas. Tanto si tienes inquietudes religiosas como turísticas, este museo y sus peculiaridades merecen una visita.
Portuguese Language Museum
The most interactive museum, technology and fun. A must-see in the city. You will learn the basics in Portuguese.
Learn without realising it.
It is one the most futuristic and technological museums in the city, and the first in the world, exclusively dedicated to this language and has been situated in Luz Station since 2006. The symbolism of its location is that it recalls the first immigrants who arrived in São Paulo and the sound of Portuguese that was spoken in the station. The documentary collections in the museum include audiovisual explanations of the language (the diverse influences and dialects in Brazil, as well as its evolution over time), projections, poems and audiovisual montages and interactive games that invite you to learn the secrets of Portuguese. Amongst them, short films which do not only speak about the language, but also of its conjunction in the arts, football, social relations and tradition. It can be a playful way to learn a little bit of the language before visiting the city.
Afro-Brazil Museum
Goodbye secrecy: the true history about black art in Brazil, the origins of immigration and cultural exhchange.
Pure hybrid.
All the beauty and riches of crossbreeding with the African population is joined together in the Afro-Brazil Museum. It opened in 2004 and has more than 5,000 artefacts to explore in Ibirapuera Park, in particular in the Padre Manoel da Nóbrega Pavillion. If you are interested in cultural exchanges and want to know more about the origins of immigration and black influence in Brazil on your visit to São Paulo, this museum will reveal it to you without dodging the true history. Objects, paintings, sculptures, photographs, costumes and ethnographic documents detailing African influence from the times of slavery up to the present day. The museum is divided into various sections which range from History and Recollection, remnants of the Sacred and Secular, a Library section, a Theatre and all with a common theme; the influence of black culture in Brazilian art from the Baroque period up to the 21st century.
Brasileiro da Escultura Museum
Thanks to its success, it offers more than just permanent exhibitions. It also includes temporary exhibitions, workshops, seminars, festival celebrations and even online tracking.
A little of everything.
Interestingly, the private entity that launched this gallery in 1995 aimed to create a museum without a permanent collection. However, the Museu Brasileiro da Escultura (Brazilian Sculpture Museum or MuBE) receives so many donations and sculptures that it not only has an established programme of some 25 sculptures each year, but it also achieves its objective of displaying the creators of contemporary sculpture, with a special programme. In addition, festivals are celebrated here such as the MuBe Cinema - Independent Showcase and the Graffiti Fine Art Festival. Are you interested in learning about pottery techniques or the history of art? This is also possible. If there is one this for certain, the museum will surprise you with advanced interactive activities, such as online tracking of Brazilian sculptors through Virtual MuBE and the urban intervention initiatives in São Paulo with Teia MuBE.
Football Museum
With a visit to this museum you will discover the mysteries of the superb Brazilian national sport. A very interesting and entertaining tour.
Emotion, history and fun.
It is no secret that the Brazilians have a special gift for football. In fact, their passion for this sport resulted in the opening of the Football Museum, installed in the basement of the Paulo Machado de Carvalho - Pacaembu Municipal Stadium. With 6,900 square metres of exhibitions and multimedia galleries, the museum shows off the Brazilian passion for football through three sections: emotion, history and fun. If you want to dedicate enough time to visit each exhibition, bear in mind that there are 15 themed rooms, with more than 1,400 photographs and 6 hours of audiovisual content. You will also find a maze of curiosities including sporting tactics, numbers, superstitions, a historical look at the exemption of black athletes becoming national heroes (such as Pelé and Garrincha). Amongst its novelties you can also have fun in the games room, with an interactive experience in which you can shoot a penalty and see the speed of your shot.
Museum of Modern Art (MAM)
Here you will enjoy a collection of avant-garde art, as you pass though its interior and exterior halls...
Copying the MOMA in New York City.
Located in the urban oasis of Ibirapuera Park, the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) was created in 1948 as an imitation of the MoMa in New York, and with the objective of making the public more aware of modern art. Not only can you enjoy a day amongst its avant-garde masterpieces but, as part of the museum extends outside in a 6,000 square metre Sculpture Garden, you can stroll around the 30 works of art by Roberto Burle Marx in the open air. Amongst its collections you will find complex audiovisual material, performances and everything else to do with "modern art" that you can imagine. MAM also contains an auditorium for conferences and events, educational plastic art workshops and a restaurant where you can try its exquisite avant-garde cuisine from Tuesday to Sunday, with views of the garden.
Paulista Museum
Take a journey through the history of São Paulo through its numerous and diverse objects.
Also known as Ipiranga Museum.
Also known as the Ipiranga Museum and located on the land which gave birth to Brazilian independence, this collection from São Paulo University is, in reality, a journey through time, It will allow you to discover the history of the city through objects, paintings and photographs. The museum was opened in September 1895 and currently holds more than 125,000 items which explain the history of São Paulo. The history looks back at the 17th century up to the 20th century through lithographs, indigenous tools, coins, jewellery and furniture which differentiates and contextualises the advance of society and trade to become what it is today.
São Paulo Art Museum (MASP)
Not only will its collections blow you away, the design of the building is indescribable. You have to see it!
"Artistic suspension".
São Paulo Art Museum (MASP) was the gift from Empress Assis Chateubriand to the city at the end of the 1940s, with the aim to create an exemplary museum which brings classic and modern art together. It is considered to be an international benchmark for its collection of 8,000 works of art from the 4th century AD, up to the present day. It is worth visiting both for its powerful architecture and its extensive collections. The current venue with its strange design, on Avenida Paulista, was opened to the public in 1968 and designed by architect Lina Bo Bardi. This was the first time in Brazil that a museum looked to be suspended in the air on four pillars, with the majority of its collection in its underground space. As well as the exhibitions, this centre also offers workshops, conferences and dance and theatre performances.
Japanese Immigration Museum
Did you know that there are nearly one million Japanese people that live in São Paulo? Get to know the history of Japanese migration in Brazil.
The Japanese phenomenon.
It is estimated that more than one million Japanese people live in São Paulo, whose presence is not limited to the shops of the Liberdade neighbourhood or the hidden temples in the city's suburbs. If you want to know more about the immigration phenomenon of the Japanese to Brazil, the Japanese Immigration Museum brings together all types of information and graphic documents. Its collection joins handwritten diaries by the ancestors who worked in the field, photographs, everyday objects, an extraordinary library and examples of paintings and textiles which reflect the history of calligraphy. One of the most interesting projects that is carried out is the Oral History: interviews of the city's ancient Japanese citizens that recount their arrival to Brazil and their lives. The museum also organises themed events and exhibitions, such as a scientific review of the origin and cultivation of orchids, which you can look up on its web page.
Estado Art Gallery
An excellent collection of Brazilian art, setting the benchmark for international art.
500,000 visitors every year!
At the end of the 19th century the first stone of Estado Art Gallery was laid down, designed by architect Ramos de Azevedo with the idea that it would serve to support the School of Arts and Crafts. Like other museums, it suffered depredations over time from wars and general wear and tear. But in 2000 it was completely renovated in a project by architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha, who won the International Mies van der Rohe Prize for this extraordinary reform of great architectural work that will leave you speechless. The Estado Art Gallery has become an international benchmark for its collection of Brazilian art which dates back to the 19th century up to the present day, and includes engravings, paintings, sculptures, photography and audiovisual materials. It receives more than 500,000 visitors each year, so if you are one of them do not forget to pay a visit to its Library, Documentation Centre and souvenir shop.
Campos do Jordão
A forgotten village 160 kilometres from São Paulo. In July and August skiers revel in its snow.
A miniature Switzerland.
If you have enough time to take a trip out of São Paulo, it is worth renting a car and discovering this forgotten village 160 kilometres from the city and 1,628 metres above sea level in the Mantequeira mountain. Explore Campos do Jordão, the small Swiss-Brazilian town which, during the months of July and August (with its southern hemisphere winter temperatures), becomes a hotbed for skiers and tourists who are used to the cold. The structure and roofs of the houses, as well as the brewery (which you can visit), are reminiscent of central-European villages, except that it is only two hours from São Paulo. Other impressive features of this area are its forests where you can enjoy a hike or climb, as well as take a cable car to the summit of Morro Elefante, where its panoramic views of Campos do Jordão will leave you breathless.
Trianon Park
Spend a simple New Year's Eve in this park, you do not have to pay.
Similar to Spain's Puerta del Sol.
The epicentre on New Year's Eve in São Paulo is Avenida Paulista and, specifically, Trianon Park. But it is not only interesting for its free open air concerts and firework displays at the end of the year, it also offers tourists an entire collection of activities to enjoy in this natural setting. Landscape artist Paul Villon designed its paths and gardens in 1892, where dances and parties were celebrated by São Paulo's upper classes at that time. The idea was to imitate a romantic English garden, except the flora better resembles an Atlantic jungle. From the 19th century up to the present day, the park has undergone various rennovations and new landscape artists have left their mark, but it still maintains its romantic atmosphere. Amongst its most prominent characteristics is the "Fauno" statue which celebrates modern Brazilian sculptor Víctor Brecheret, a bird observatory centre and new recreational areas for members of the public.
Vale Dos Templos and Zu Lai Temple
If you want to discover the mysterious and unusual side of the side, do not forget to visit these temples of Japanese legacy.
One of Brazil's Japanese corners.
If you want to get to know a rarer side to São Paulo, you have to look for Valle de los Templos (Temple Valley) and Zu Lai Temple. To reach this corner of Japanese legacy in the heart of Brazil (thanks to immigration) you have to rent a car or get to the nearest town, Itapecerica da Serra. Once you reach Valle de los Templos, you will be amazed by the jungle, the almond orchards and the lake that conceals access to the Kinkaku-ji Sanctuary (identical to the one with the same name in Kioto) and the Enko-ji Sanctuary. Try the food and drink during your visit if you can; there are not many restaurants in the area. Another picturesque Buddhist temple is Zu Lai, in the city of Cotia, situated only 30 kilometres from São Paulo and which you can get to by public transport direct from the Liberdade neighbourhood.
Estadual da Cantareira Park
Fill your lungs with fresh air. Excite your senses with and explore the native flora and impressive views.
Gateway to the jungle.
The real entrance to the city's Atlantic jungle can be found in the renowned Serra da Cantareira, 10 kilometres from São Paulo. Prepare to breathe in its fresh air and see the indigenous flora. This area owes its name to the mule drivers from the 16th and 17th centuries, who carried their objects and water in jars placed in 'cantareiras' on the backs of mules. It also forms part of the Biosphere Reserve declared by UNESCO and has some restrictions regarding what activities are permitted inside; you are not allowed to rollerblade, light campfires or bathe in the tempting rivers and waterfalls that you will encounter on your way. The Park offers themed paths of various difficulties and a Visitors Centre which explains the early trade and livestock in the area. If you are travelling with children, you can enjoy the children's park and an interesting observatory of birds and reptiles.
Santos
A coastal town 90km from São Paulo. Not only does it offer sun and sand, but many other interesting activities.
Holidays by the sea.
Your holiday to São Paulo does not have to be without a trip to the beach with the sea in the background. To get there, Guarulhos International Airport offers a direct bus connection to Santos, a coastal town and the perfect place to enjoy sand,sea and sun, only 90 kilometres from São Paulo. Santos is the largest port in Latin America, distributing between the continent and the highly populated island of San Vincente. If you want to get to know this town in comfort you can take the tram, which departs from the historic centre, and marvel at the colonial architecture and memories of its coffee trade. Known as Cidade do Café (City of Coffee), Santos even has its own museum exclusively dedicated to the product. The promenade, called Orquidário, a tropical rainforest in the centre of town, and the old funicular that goes up Monte Serrat are other impressive sights to see in this coastal town.
Jaraguá Peak
A frankly spectacular mountain. With three routes of various difficulties, prepare yourself with comfortable shoes and go for it!
See São Paulo from 1135 metres above the ground.
Declared a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Jaraguá Peak rises up 1,135 metres in height over the city of São Paulo, framed by Estatal de Jaraguá Park. Although you can take public transport or a car, you should wear comfortable shoes and bring bottles of water because you will not be able to find a cafe to recharge you batteries! These soils, birthplace of the indigenous peoples that were plundered and today impoverished, are noted for being rich in gold. It was discovered by Portuguese explorer Alfonso Sardinha in the 16th century. The voracious exploitation of gold mines - which can still be seen today in the marks on the mountain - stopped their production in the 19th century. The ascent of the mountain can be completed from any of its three routes, which vary in difficulty, and which you can do whether you are an experienced hiker, or you just want a quiet walk amongst nature.
São Paulo Zoo
Delight the kids (and the not so little ones!) by spending a day at the most famous zoo in Latin America...
The largest quarter in the world!
If you are travelling with children and it feels like time to take a break from exploring the city, why not plan a day of adventure amongst the animals? São Paulo's Zoological Park is the biggest zoo in Latin America and the largest quarter in the world, with an extension of more than 800,000 square metres and 3,000 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and invertebrates. Since its creation in 1958 until the present day, it has changed its infrastructure but not its spirit: the protection of living animals. Gaze at the original lakes formed by the Ipiranga springs, and since 2001 you can also enjoy a day of safari. Its four kilometre route amongst animals living almost freely: lions, llamas and ostriches that you can marvel at from the vehicle in total safety. The zoo also offers an education programme with workshops and courses, as well as a programme on the preservation of endangered species.
São Paulo Carnival
A hotbed of rhythms and colours. Equally as important as the one in Río, this Carnival is much more calm.
One of the most famous carnivals in the world.
If your trip to Brazil coincides with the Carnival dates, it is worth making a stop at the Sambadrome, the national symbol of tradition and partying. Much calmer and cheaper than the one in Río, São Paulo Carnival offers a less overcrowded version but with the same colours and rhythms as those anywhere else in the country. Tickets for seats with the best view of the Sambadrome can be bought from the Internet at a much cheaper price than carnivals from other cities. In the last few years it has extended its police presence and security measures to guarantee that the parade goes without any incidents. The colour, the competition between the Samba Schools, and the huge flags and floats will leave you breathless. As with any huge event, watch out for pickpockets.
Ibirapuera Park
Forget the hustle and bustle of the world and disconnect amongst skaters, bikes, local flora, yoga, tai chi, gardening courses, music and monuments.
A thousand opportunities in green.
Rent a bike, roller blade, enjoy a picnic in the sun whilst lying on the grass...anything is possible in the 'lung' of São Paulo, Ibirapuera Park - the large green area where you can disconnect from the bustle of the city. In this park you will find, as well as three man-made lakes, a municipal herbarium with more than 6,000 examples of indigenous flora, and various monuments such as the Obelisk of São Paulo, the architecture of Ibirapuera Auditorium designed by Oscar Niemeyer (and also the artistic epicentre of the city where São Paulo's Biennial is celebrated). The park has its own museum schedule and activities such as Garden School and Astrophysics School. You can also enjoy yoga or tai chi classes in the open air of Antiga Serraria Space, dedicated to wellbeing activities. One of the oriental influences of the park is the Japanese Pavilion, a replica of Katsura de Kioto Palace, built in 1954 for the city's IV Centenary.
Figueira Rubaiyat
Spectacular its wine list and its steak, as well as the huge hundred-year-old fig tree that decorates the place.
Restaurant adored by the São Paulo jet set.
The hundred-year-old tropical fig tree that presides over and gives its name to the Figueria Rubaiyat restaurant is worth a visit, although its prices are in keeping with the location and the luxury of the environment. Located on Rua Haddock Lobo and opened in 2001, it has quickly become a place of reference for the 'beautiful people' of São Paulo. The trunk of the fig tree around which the tables are located and the glass roof through which light enters and leaves are visible are impressive. Its wine list has received several awards and it is considered the temple of churrasco in the city. The Figueira Rubaiyat feijoada has also become another attraction, cooked "Spanish style" in a clay oven. But its menu is not limited only to meat: if you go to the Oyster Bar you will be surprised by its fresh oysters with fine herbs or lime, accompanied by champagne or white wine.
Itaim Bibi
Fast, casual food, but no less tasty. The hamburgers are the star dish.
XXL hamburgers.
If you do not fancy experimenting and want a huge portion of fast food, Itaim Bibi's hamburger complex is a good option. They warn the locals that you can dislocate your jaw due to the size and amount of ingredients in it, but it is worth the risk for its variety of options and delicious accompaniments: some legendary chips, caramelised onion or rocket salad. Ice cubes to keep the beer chilled are included. And if hamburgers are not for you, you can also enjoy other dishes of pasta, sandwiches and plain meat.
Kaá Restaurant
You will not only find yourself amazed by the eclecticism of its cuisine, but also for its idyllic decor and delicious caipirinhas.
French-Italian glamour.
French-Italian cuisine and the glamour of São Paulo is at its best in the Kaá Restaurant, which in the indigenous Tupi language means "leaf" or "grass", with a 700 square metre Amazonian rainforest, with vertical garden included. Its decoration - which won a prize for its design in 2010 - will captivate you, with its retractable roof that opens on sunny days, palm trees and water fountains. This Amazonian paradise beside the lounge area with hammocks, is completed by two other interior areas to enjoy its exclusive menu. Kaá's two prizewinning chefs - Pascal Valero and Paulo Barroso de Barros - combine Italian-French influences with Brazilian ingredients and characteristics, making its mark on eclectic and irresistible cuisine. If you opt for a visit to Kaá last thing at night, it is also famous for its caipirinhas.
Santo Grão Café
Genuine passion for coffee in all its forms. The ideal spot to disconnect and relax for a few moments.
Who wants coffee?
The Santo Grão philosophy reflects a passion for coffee that will clear your head if you have spent a day shopping on Oscar Freire Street. With a relaxed atmosphere, this terraced corner offers food at any time of the day; breakfast with various types of foamy espresso (it is advisable to ask for decaffeinated after the third one) and a bakery for the morning; or salads, juices, aubergine kebabs, sandwiches, quiches and other aperitifs for lunch; light meals for the afteroon and well-prepared cocktails to liven up the evening. If you are feeling neglected, spend an entire day in this cafe whilst observing the bustle of shoppers on the trendy street. Santo Grão also sells its own coffee in decorated bags, with the description of the type of bean that you have chosen. You will also find this cafe inside Livraria da Vila in the Cidade Jardim Shopping Centre.
Achiropita Festival
Italian dishes for the "nonas" are the real focus of this popular food festival.
Italian August.
One of the wonders of immigration in São Paulo is the extensive variety of food in the city. For example you will find Nuestra Señora de Achiropita Festival, celebrated in August, which focuses on the Italian community. Doctor Luiz Barreto Street, San Vicente Street and 13 de Mayo Street are decorated for this festival and lined with about 30 exhibitors where Italian volunteers cook until dawn. The speciality which draws in more than 250,000 tourists every August (an average of 30,000 visitors a night), is called 'fogazza', but there is also many other dishes, such as macarroni with stuffed peppers, pizzas, polenta and all types of Italian pasta cooked by the 'nonas' (older women in the neighbourhood who know the traditional recipes). And like all good Italian festivals, there is no shortage of cake stalls that make your mouth water just by looking at them. Proceeds from the festival are used for social and charity work in honour of the patron saint of the Italian neighbourhood Bixiga.
Gopala Hari Restaurant
Lacto-vegetarian Indian dishes with a Brazilian touch. The place smells of spices and jasmine.
A vegetarian temple.
Although you will find premium meat, grills and steaks on every corner in São Paulo, vegetarians now also have a cuisine shrine to visit. Gopala Hari, on Antõnio Carlos Street, has grown from a small spot only known to the natives, to an internationally renowned restaurant for its lacto-vegetarian Indian food with Brazilian influences. Its relaxed atmosphere with Hindu decor and spice aromas give visitors a journey to India, without having to leave São Paulo. The chef, Nrihari Devi is in charge of putting together two menus to choose from each day, as well as five choices of dessert at a truly affordable price. Curried or jasmine rice, deep fried cauliflower in a sweet and sour sauce, and massala beans are some of the dishes on offer. The restaurant only serves food at midday, so keep this in mind, and do not be surprised by the queues that form at its door.
Pirajá Tavern
A tavern with a huge selection of traditional dishes from Río de Janeiro. Its keg beer will defeat you!
"Feijoada" Saturdays.
An example of a traditional Brazilian "boteco" (tavern), the citizens of São Paulo enjoy Pirajá Restaurant as it is reminiscent of Río de Janeiro with its photographs and decor. Saturdays are traditionally the "feijoada" day, a famous recipe from Tia Surica who was born in Sambera - a community who do not like sharing their recipes in the kitchen! The typical food in this tavern includes stuffed croquettes, pumpkin biscuits and dried meat, shrimp pasties and beef steaks with Camembert sauce, fried eggs and caramelised onions, to name a few. Pirajá also offers its customers a chance to relax on the terrace, where the sun accompanies the aperitifs and even goes as far as to offer mini-concerts of popular Brazilian music. All the visitors that pass through comment on the quality of the keg beer at any time of the day. And everyone comes back!
Fogo de Chão Restaurant
A selection of meat and delicious desserts. You'll want to try everything. But do not get carried away, the portions are enormous!
Not suitable for those with high cholesterol.
For the meat and churrasco lovers that do not suffer from high cholesterol, Fogo de Chão Restaurant is the place to go. It is advisable to visit this restaurant hungry, as the portions are huge and you can choose from cuts of all kinds of meat. With more than 30 years of history behind it, this franchise began life with the intention of becoming a traditional steakhouse grill with a salad bar, and meat that melts in your mouth. These days, its dishes are more international, specialising in grilled meat which is accompanied with cheese bread, roasted banana or mixed beans. Even though the meats are delicious, do not forget to leave room for dessert. The "cocada de Tabuleiro" (roasted coconut with sorbet) or the "Brasileirinho" over chocolate are two of the most popular sweet treats. If you go with a friend it is worth trying different dishes and desserts.
Tantra Restaurant
Tantra does not just serve Mongolian cuisine. It is an original experience for all five of your senses….
Welcome to Mongolia?
An experience that goes beyond simple food tasting and becomes a journey in time and space. Why not visit Mongolia without having to leave São Paulo? Tantra Restaurant, in Vil Olimpia, offers a setting amongst bamboo canes, colonial style wicker and wood, as well as chairs decorated with oriental fabric, and remote corners for a romantic evening. Without doubt, the most novel aspect is how the restaurant manages to stimulate your senses as you come through the door and recognise the Asian specialities. This is also where it gets its name. Sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste are constantly entertained by the staff, who offer the visitors the chance to get involved in the kitchen. "Choose the meat or fish you like, choose the garnish, the spices and herbs that you want, the condiments and the style of cooking. Hand your choices over to the chef and it will be prepared as you requested".
Skye Bar
Pure magic on Hotel Unique's terrace: mesmorising twilight, sublime restoration and décor, a chilled out atmosphere... Simply mindblowing!
A night in São Paulo's sky.
Can you imagine enjoying a caipirinha on a roof terrace with a swimming pool and impressive views of São Paulo's twilight? A romantic meal with a piano bar? Well this place is real. Hotel Unique's terrace, better known as Skye Bar, will leave you speechless. With its careful decoration and chilled out atmosphere, accessing this magical place by its glass lift will prepare you for what you are about to see. The Skye Bar dominates the scene in Ibirapuera Park and offers visitors superb food prepared by French chef Emmanuel Bassoleil. Its international kitchen includes French, Italian, Brazilian and Japanese specialities and from 21:00 there is a DJ. If you want to stay at the hotel, they offer several complimentary services, such as "spicy nights", "couples massage" and "personal shopper or personal biker services" (who will show you around the city by bike).
Olimpia Day Spa
Digress with beauty, relaxation and rest amid the bustle of São Paulo.
Indulge yourself.
After exhausting days of tourist routes, urban traffic and cultural excursions, nothing is better than a spontaneous trip to Olimpia Day Spa. It is an urban oasis with the most exclusive beauty and wellbeing services, chosen by many companies as a treat for their clients, for couples who want to enjoy the jacuzzi and massages or simply tourists you come to pay tribute to it. Olimpia Day Spa also includes programmes designed for pregnant women or new mothers that need a rest, for couples and even for businessmen who do not have much time but still want to look after themselves. The treatments range from chocolate-therapy to aromatic treatments. You can even opt for the bonus deal which allows you to spend a full, or half, day relaxing with a complete care package, including an invigorating massage, fake tanning, rejuvenating facial and even shiatsu or reflexology sessions.
Candomblé Cultural Centre
Discover the origins of Candomblé and the Afro-Brazilian culture up close.
Find your Orisha.
Better known as the Pai Toninho de Xangô Centre, this mystic meeting spot offers a unique experience, both for those who practise Candomblé and for tourists. Candomblé is a recognised and respected religion throughout the world, and its origins date back to indigenous animism and Afro-Brazilian worship. This worship involved believing in the Orisha gods and making offerings of ayahuasca (a brew of various psychoactive infusions), and percussion and dance rituals. According to this belief, everything has an Orisha which we protect from birth and can consulted through a Buzios ritual using shells made by the Santero. In the centre you can explore this culture up close, through its exhibition room with paintings and sculptures, the Garden of the Gods and the Oxum Fountain. The doors to the Candomblé Cultural Centre are open to anyone that is interested and has an open mind about seeing another view of spirituality.
Sarajevo Club
An underground and carefree atmosphere, alternative music and cheap quality beer.
Only if you are looking for a different kind of night.
To really see the underground nightlife in São Paulo, you have to wait until dusk, and then walk to Augusta Street and venture into one of the trendy locals with a Balkan feel to it: the Sarajevo Club. It is frequented by all kinds of people - those who enjoy indie, funky, reggae or alternative, drawn in by good music which is divided amongst three areas. While the DJ on the top floor can offer you Afro-Brazilian jazz, in another corner you can find a live band playing homage to Tim Maia and James Brown. This is all available in a classic carefree atmosphere with cheap but quality beer. Every Wednesday is 'Discopedia' night, playing vinyl records with DJs Dandan, Marco and Nyack from 19:00 to 23:00. You can check the online schedule or just go and let yourself be surprised by what is playing on the night. Visiting this club during the day will not do it justice.
Ibirapuera Planetarium
Its 18 metre concave dome is the ideal place to admire the most luminous stars in the city.
Fun for both children and adults.
For a unique activity during your visit to São Paulo why not discover the secrets of astronomy? Or learn something new in the courses and workshops organised by Professor Aristóteles Orsini of the Planetarium, situated in Ibirapuera Park. The original building was built in 1957 but was upgraded in 2006, turning it into a Latin American benchmark, with its 18 metre concave dome and an advanced Zeiss StarMaster projector that accurately projects the Solar System and other galaxies. In the Planetarium you will find a schedule for adults and children, including an Astrophysics School with an exhibition room and classroom to learn how to use star maps or build a telescope for your back garden. In a city where skyscrapers and light contamination make it difficult to see the stars, the Planetarium has become a centre of knowledge and fun, perfect for studying what you can't see with the naked eye.
Bar Brahma
A mythical and bohemian bar that has managed to survive over the years. Highly recommended. Booking essential.
The corner of Ipiranga and Avenida São João.
The mythical Bar Brahma, also known as Popular Brazilian Music Corner (MPB), was saved by advertising campaigns such as when Caetano Veloso, in his 1978 song 'Sampa', sang: "Something happens in my heart, only when I cross Ipiranga and Avenida São João" - the exact corner where this bar is found. Since the 1940s, Bar Brahma was the meeting point for intellectuals, opponents of the dictatorship, and all types of musicians and artists that left their permanent bohemian mark. After years of decline in the 90s, it reopened in 2001 and became an essential visit on nights out in São Paulo. It still maintains some original ornamental relics such as the mirrors and candelabras, as well as its 1950s piano. If you want to enjoy a good meal and some live music in this museum of musical history, you will need to book in advance.
Astronete Bar
Delve into the most rockabilly and irreverent night in São Paulo. A bar only suitable for true rock lovers.
Rock & Roll galore!
Lovers of good Rock & Roll music and pin-up aesthetics now have a regular meeting point on Augusta Street, where you can find Astronete Bar. Its red walls and rockabilly touch are suggestive of the type of night you're going to have. With an irreverent feel ("you won't find indies here," say its owners), Astronete becomes a stage for electro rock, punk rock, garage rock, and any other "rock" concerts you can think of. Thursdays are "Master Blaster" night, with bands from the city's alternative scene; Friday is "Shakesville SP", influenced by Brooklyn in New York, with a chance to dance wildly to music from the 50s, 60s and 70s. On Wednesdays the bar also hosts evening film-screenings of B-rated films, including short films 'made in São Paulo', with the same irreverence that adorns the rest of the bar.
Via Funchal
An ostentatious glass pyramid. The greatest there has ever been here. What more do you want?
15 years of performances. 3 million spectators.
The over-the-top architectural structures in São Paulo are best exemplified by the city's musical palace: Via Funchal. With 15,000 square metres of pyramid-shaped building and a tinted glass facade, this building even comes with a helipad on the roof in case you want to arrive in style. Sparing no expense, inside you can also find its own energy-generating system in case there is a power cut in the city; the show can continue without any interruptions. Its stage has seen a variety of performances from Joe Cocker to Coldplay, and not forgetting Deep Purple, Bob Dylan, Caetano Veloso and the Moscow State Circus. It must have done something right during its 15 years of existence, as it has now surpassed the three million mark of eager spectators taking to its seats. The show starts as soon as you walk through its doors and is comparable with some of the best theatres in the world - Broadway, London and Paris.
The Municipal Theatre
Thanks to the whimsical bourgeoisie of the early 20th century, this theater is now a benchmark for Latin American poetry.
Eight long years of construction.
Impressive both inside and out, the Municipal Theatre was one of the whims from members of the early 20th century bourgeoisie in São Paulo, who wanted to enjoy classical music in beautiful surroundings and, if possible, to imitate the architecture of the Paris Opera House. Its construction was a lengthy process as all the materials had to be imported from Europe, and instead of being completed within the two years as planned, it took eight. Once built however, its premiere also faced some obstacles. Firstly because the choice of Hamlet as the first performance was not well received by the city's inhabitants - for the fact that it was a foreign play, and secondly because the set, designed by Italian company Titta Ruffo, did not arrive in time for the first night's performance, so it had to be rescheduled. On top of all this, in 1922 it hosted the Modern Art Week which did not please culture purists. However since then, the Municipal Theatre has become the benchmark for operas, both in Latin America and internationally. If you would like to know more about this place with a guided tour or assistance during the opera, it is advisable to book in advance and remember that its cafeteria only offers breakfast and lunch.
Marquise do Ibirapuera
This corner is one of the best guarded secrets in Ibirapuera Park - perfect to practise your rollerblading and skateboarding!
Skate your socks off!
Amongst Ibirapuera Park's secrets you will find a corner perfect to watch or practise your rollerblading and skateboarding. Marquise do Ibirapuera reopened to the public in 2012 after several years of alterations to resolve water infiltration and improve the asphalt and lighting problems. You can identify this place by its geometrical shape amongst a jungle of palm trees. The building, designed by famous architect Oscar Niemeyer in the 1950s and spanning out almost 27,000 square metres, has a lower platform specially-equipped for rollerblading acrobatics. The park has established specific times for skaters, lanes for cyclists and pedestrian zones in order to avoid possible accidents. If you bring you skateboard along or want to compete with the city's experts in this sport, Marquise do Ibirapuera is the place for you.
Bourbon Street Music Club
An unavoidable visit whether or not you love jazz and soul music. Does the fact that it was opened by BB King himself, not tell you something?
New Orleans in a Brazilian night.
For those who love live music, jazz concerts and a night on the town with great food and cocktails, São Paulo has all of this and more in Bourbon Street Music Club. Sundays are reserved for Caribbean parties, or "domingueiras", with the dance floor ready for some Salsa; watch the professionals and have a go yourself. Internationally renowned for its quality jazz and soul performances, it is no wonder it was opened by B.B. King himself. Artists such as Ray Charles, Diana Krall and Nina Simone, amongst others, have graced the stage with their presence. If you want to spend an evening in New Orleans style, you should take a look at the schedule and performances, such as Hurricane and Mint Julep, although you can also try its traditional Brazilian cocktails whilst enjoying a relaxing performance of piano jazz. It will not disappoint you.
The Site of Marquesa de Santos
Take a look around the mansion of this former marchioness and relive the complicated like of Don Pedro I's mistress
A historic soap opera.
In this mansion you will discover the secrets and mysteries of the peculiar lady who became the mistress of Don Pedro I, Emperor of Brazil and ex-regent of Portugal. The life of Domitila de Castro Canto e Melo, Marchioness of Santos, was not an easy one despite living in this mansion between 1834 and 1867, where masquerade balls and literary gatherings were held. First she married a man who abused her, whom she divorced, and after falling in love with the Emperor, who could not offer her more than illegitimate children and property, he cheated on her with his own sister and finally left. The Site of Marquesa de Santos, currently the venue of the Cidade de São Paulo Museum, has preserved furniture, ornaments, letters and objects used by the marchioness herself, as well as giving its visitors a journey back to the origins and development of the city.
Júlio Prestes Station
Every cloud has a silver lining: the station fell into disuse but now hosts concerts with tenfold sound.
Headquarters of the State of São Paulo Symphonic Orchestra.
At first visit, this corner of the city centre could be another example of its collection of fine architecture and fondness for railway stations. Interestingly, the Júlio Prestes Station began construction around 1875 and was located near Luz Station. Although the coffee trade allowed the company that owned it to expand and establish the huge French-like building that we see today, they made a slight miscalculation. Buses and cars that circulated around São Paulo in 1925 resulted in a lack of use of the station, and it was abandoned. Luckily, the building was restored at the end of the 1990s, and converted into Sala São Paulo, headquarters of the State of São Paulo Symphonic Orchestra and currently the stage for various concerts. It is worth checking your schedule and enjoying some extraordinary acoustics in a historic setting.
Largo São Francisco
Future lawyers…here is your impressive Faculty of Law. Welcome to As Arcadas!
Portuguese colonial architecture.
A visit to this square in the centre of São Paulo will take you to the birthplace of the best lawyers and governors in the country. Here you will find yourself face-to-face with the impressive Universidad de São Paulo's Faculty of Law building, opened in 1828 and also known as As Arcadas. Formerly, this singular monument formed part of an architectural triangle along with the San Francisco de Asís Convent (established at the start of the 17th century), the Ordem Terceira da Penitência Church and the Faculty itself. When the Franciscans arrived in São Paulo with the idea to evangelise, they made a grave mistake when choosing where to set up the parish; they chose a site without water and exposed to the wind. The City Council managed to find them another, less inhospitable, site where they could establish their convent: Largo São Francisco. Currently the convent and its church are two of the best examples of Portuguese colonial architecture.
Luz Station
Be sure to admire its elegant British architecture… but do not lose sight of your wallet!
A flavour of London in São Paulo.
One of São Paulo's strange characteristics is its mix of cultures. It is a result of immigration and the coffee trade, which from 1901 arrived by train to Luz Station (originally known as São Paulo Railway Station and surrounded the Luz Garden). If you close your eyes and open them again in this station, you would think that you had been transported momentarily to London, with a tower that resembles Big Ben and iron structures that came from England. It is an area of more than seven thousand square metres of chic British architecture which, in 1946, was where llamas grazed until construction could be started several years later. Luz Station has undergone numerous subsequent reconstructions, including the opening of a museum inside in 2006 which, once again, has incited tourist interest. The only thing you have to watch out for in this beautiful setting is the quick work of pickpockets.
Sé Cathedral
Large, majestic, symbolic and brilliant. These are just some of the adjectives that define its perfection. Discover why for yourself!
Impressive Neo-Gothic architecture.
Only 500 metres from Pateo do Collegio, the Sé (or Metropolitana) Cathedral sits majestically. Its Neo-Gothic ancestry makes it one of the oldest temples of this type of architecture in the world, and the biggest in the city. The cathedral has underwent many reconstructions from its original small church, which would later become the symbol of the city. When you pass through the impressive entrance, you can see the three symbols which have contributed to the country's wealth carved in stone: cocoa beans, grapes and wheat. The magic of this cathedral is captured in the light which passes through its colourful stained glass, making its interior a mysterious combination of seclusion and sunlight. Amongst its cabinet of wonders you will find a crypto-museum which dates back to 1919, with mortal remains of bishops and historical figures such as the indigenous Indian chief Tibiriçá, ‘Eyes of the Land', who died in 1562.
The Banespa Tower
At 165 metres tall there is lots to discover inside, complete with museums and spectacular panoramic views. There is room for everything!
Brazil's very own Empire State Building.
The history of Banespa Tower (originally designed to be São Paulo State Bank Headquarters) dates back to 1939, and was officially completed as Altino Arantes Building in 1947. Its architecture is inspired by New York's Empire State Building and, following the city's love of heights, you can see the 360 degree panoramic views for yourself from the building's viewpoint. In addition to the extraordinary landscape, this place is also home to the Banespa Santander Museum, which looks back at the history of the bank through photographs, antique furniture, rugs and other strange items, such as a 1882 safe and a watch collection. Amongst its 165 metres (making it the second tallest building in the city), the second and third floors are dedicated to its collection of coins, old banknotes and an extensive assortment of artwork from the most important Brazilian artists.
Pateo do Collegio
Travel back to the past and disconnect from the city thanks to this historical, peaceful and tranquil oasis.
São Paulo's first building.
It is believed that the chronicles of this building were the first to be established in São Paulo in 1554, when the colonists set up a Jesuit Order to evangelise the indigenous peoples. It was probably only a cabin in those days and the structure of the building has drastically changed, having been modernised in the 1970s. It is situated in a peaceful and natural haven in the middle of the metropolis and its charm can be ignited with a journey to the past to discover the birth of the city. Inside you can discover its historical-cultural aspects, from classical music concerts to children's workshops. There is even a historic library with 12th century manuscripts, a crypt-museum with unique objects, an art gallery, scale models of the city's origin and sacred artwork in the Padre Anchieta Museum. Strangely enough, when the Jesuits arrived in 1554 they didn't have religious carvings to explain their beliefs, so they had to import Portuguese and Spanish artisans.
Voilà! One of the best places in the city to enjoy some brunch, in a sumptuous environment with the scent of myrrh ...
A Benedictine monastic relic.
The Benedictine monastic community of São Bento is an architectural relic with more than 400 years of history, even though the current building was reconstructed at the start of the 20th century. It is a monument that will leave you speechless, with its scent of myrrh and its sumptuous interior that took more than 70 years to complete: gold feathers in every corner, intricate silver decorations and Baroque sculptures from Río. The monastery is fully functional and is not only a place to visit the Basilica and hear its Gregorian chants; it also offers a delicate selection of handicrafts. You can even return to the 21st century with brunch after the traditional mass! If you want to taste the food of the monks you can visit the shop (also available online) with chocolate, jams, bread, liqueurs and sweet treats such as Cantabona, a delicious recipe originating from the 13th century Tuscany monasteries and made with honey, chocolate, pistachios and roasted almonds.
Whilst curves are the trend in São Paulo, Neimeyer and anacondas are the perpetrators.
The 'beehive' city.
São Paulo Copan Building rises from the sea of houses like a giant tidal wave - the work of Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. This residential monument of reinforced concrete, which is 160 metres high, is mainly home to offices and apartments. It is one of the city's main symbols, and its construction began in the 1950s but was not completed until the following decade. Niemeyer claimed that its sinuous architecture was inspired by the enormous anacondas, with more than 5,000 of them in Brazil alone. The building's administrators allow a fleeting 10 minute visit to its 360 degree terrace, 32 stories up, and always pre-booked. Copan, which they call 'beehive column' or 'vertical city' is another example of how architecture can utilise limited free space.
If money is not an issue, surprise your loved one with dinner at Terraço Itália on the 41st floor. They will love it!
Panoramic views from 168 metres above the city
When you arrive in São Paulo your first stop should be the Itália Building. With extraordinary panoramic views from 168 metres above the ground, it gives you a perfect overview of what the city has to offer. If São Paulo is famous for one thing, it must be for its love of vertical architecture as it has more than 5,000 skyscrapers! The Itália Building, built in the 1960s, can be found near República Square and is the second tallest building in the whole of Brazil. If you visit during the day you can have a look around its commercial theatre and gallery on the lower floors. However its real selling point is on the 41st floor where Terraço Itália Restaurant offers exclusive Italian cuisine, a wine list of more than 220 labels, live music and views that, in the evening when the city is illuminated, make it an unforgettable experience. Particularly recommended for couples and those who like to spash the cash.
Museum of Sacred Art
Relics from the 16th century up to the present day. Take a visit to the Municipal Market to see this museum, they are neighbours!
Religious imagery.
The Luz Monastry, built during the 18th century and declared a World Heritage Site, is home to one of the largest collections in Brazil of religious imagery; the Museum of Sacred Art. You will find both monuments near the Municipal Market, where you can also take advantage of your visit to the area to get to know this religious art centre. Chronicles say that its collection includes relics - from the 16th century up to the current day-: large Baroque alterpieces, paintings, sculptures and even some Russian signs and foreign documents that you can only find inside. In addition to the 4,000 pieces of preserved imagery, the museum is adjacent to the closed residence of the Hermanas Concepcionistas (Conception Sisters), who are responsiblefor developing and distributing here the "Friar Galvao pills" with alleged miraculous properties. So if you are a tourist curious about religion, this museum and its oddities are worth a visit.
Documents for travelling as a tourist
Find your trip to São Paulo