Places / South America / Brazil
São Paulo
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At a glance
- Country
- Brazil
- Region
- São Paulo State
- Population
- 11.5 million
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to November
- Main airport
- São Paulo/Guarulhos International (GRU)
- Coordinates
- 23.55°S, 46.63°W
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Overview
São Paulo is the largest city in the southern hemisphere, a concrete sprawl that does not court visitors but rewards them generously. It is Brazil's capital of business, art, nightlife and above all food, shaped by Italian, Japanese, Lebanese and many other communities.
Pick a few neighbourhoods rather than trying to cover it all. Spend time on Avenida Paulista, lose an afternoon in Ibirapuera Park and save your evenings for long dinners and late bars in Pinheiros and Vila Madalena.
Things to see
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Photo: ProtoplasmaKid, CC BY-SA 4.0 São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP)
A red-framed concrete box suspended above Avenida Paulista, with European masterpieces hung on striking glass easels.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Fernando Stankuns, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ibirapuera Park
The city's green heart, with lakes, Niemeyer buildings and museums including the modern art museum and the Afro Brasil Museum.
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Photo: Wilfredor, CC0 Pinacoteca
The city's oldest art museum, focused on Brazilian art, in a handsome brick building next to the Luz gardens.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Pablo Trincado, CC BY 2.0 Edifício Copan
Niemeyer's enormous wave-shaped apartment block downtown, with cafés and shops on the ground floor.
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Photo: Wilfredor, CC0 Theatro Municipal
A grand early twentieth-century opera house in the old centre, best seen at a performance or on a guided tour.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Wilfredor, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat at the Mercadão
Order the overstuffed mortadella sandwich at the Municipal Market, under its stained-glass windows.
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Photo: Ricardo Migliani, CC BY 3.0 Explore Liberdade
Home of the largest Japanese community outside Japan, with red lanterns, ramen bars and a weekend food fair.
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Photo: Diego Bravo (Somente Coisas Legais), CC BY-SA 4.0 Beco do Batman
Wander this graffiti-covered alley and the surrounding streets of Vila Madalena, packed with bars and street art.
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Photo: Stella Dauer from São Bernardo, Brasil, CC BY-SA 2.0 Museu do Futebol
A lively, interactive football museum under the stands of the Pacaembu stadium.
Find tours
Where to stay
Jardins
Elegant and safe, with good hotels, boutiques and restaurants near Avenida Paulista.
Hotels in JardinsPinheiros and Vila Madalena
Creative and lively, with the city's best bars and casual restaurants.
Hotels in Pinheiros and Vila MadalenaAvenida Paulista
Central and well connected by metro, ideal for a first visit.
Hotels in Avenida PaulistaItaim Bibi
Business district with upmarket hotels and fine dining.
Hotels in Itaim Bibi
Getting around
The metro is clean, efficient and the best way to beat the traffic. Ride-hailing apps are widely used, especially at night.
Guarulhos airport is about 25 kilometres north-east of the centre; allow 45 minutes to well over an hour by taxi depending on traffic, or take the airport train link. Congonhas airport, for domestic flights, is much closer in.
When to go
Autumn (April to June) and spring (September to November) are mild and pleasant. Summer is hot with heavy afternoon storms, and winter is cool and dry. Carnival and the Pride parade bring huge crowds.
Plan your trip to São Paulo
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.