7 days in Sao Paulo, Brazil: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
São Paulo, Brazil’s vibrant financial center, is a bustling metropolis teeming with life and excitement. This city, rich in culture and diverse in its offerings, boasts magnificent architecture, delicious culinary experiences, and a nightlife scene that will keep you moving to the rhythm of samba all night long. From exploring the stunning Ibirapuera Park, marveling at the São Paulo Museum of Art, to catching a football match at the iconic Allianz Parque, there’s no shortage of adventure awaiting you in this incredible city.
Things to Consider Before Arriving in São Paulo
Exquisite cuisine: São Paulo is a foodie’s paradise, offering flavors from around the world
Art & culture: The city has a rich artistic scene, with museums, street art, and music
Traffic: São Paulo’s traffic can be heavy at times, so be prepared for some slow-moving trips
Perfect for: urban explorers, food enthusiasts, and lovers of art and culture
What to Bring with You
When packing for São Paulo, consider the following:
– Comfortable, versatile clothing and shoes for exploring the city
– A lightweight rain jacket, as sudden showers can happen throughout the year
– A power adapter, as São Paulo uses different plugs than other countries
Best Time of the Year to Visit
The ideal time to visit São Paulo is during the months of April to June and August to October. These periods offer milder temperatures and less rainfall compared to the rest of the year, allowing for more pleasant sightseeing experiences.
How to Get into the City
1. By Air: São Paulo’s main airport, Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), is located 25 km from the city center. You can take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or an airport shuttle to reach your destination.
2. By Bus: The city has a well-connected bus network, with the Tietê Bus Terminal being the main hub for long-distance buses coming from other parts of Brazil and South America.
3. By Car: If arriving from other Brazilian cities, such as Rio de Janeiro or Curitiba, accessing São Paulo by car via major highways is also an option. Just be prepared for tolls and possible traffic congestion.
7 day city guide trip in São Paulo, Brazil
Day 1: Get to know the city center
Start your day at the iconic São Paulo Cathedral, a majestic gothic-style structure that stands out in the city skyline. Then, visit the historic Luz Station and its beautiful Railway Museum. After that, head to the Municipal Market, known for its fresh produce and delicious pastel de bacalhau. End the day at the Copan Building, designed by the famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.
Day 2: Explore cultural neighborhoods
Begin your day in the bohemian district of Vila Madalena, filled with street art, galleries, and boutique shops. Then, head to the Japanese neighborhood of Liberdade, known for its Asian-inspired architecture, markets, and street food. End the day in the trendy district of Jardins, where you can find upscale shops and restaurants.
Day 3: Visit Ibirapuera Park and Museums
Spend the day in Ibirapuera Park, a 400-acre green space with bike paths, lakes, and sculptures. Within the park, visit the Museum of Modern Art and the Afro-Brazil Museum, which showcases the African influences on Brazilian culture.
Day 4: Day trip to Santos Beaches and Coffee Museum
Take a day trip to the coastal town of Santos, an hour and a half away from São Paulo. Visit Coffee Museum, where you can learn about the history of Brazilian coffee, and then relax on the beach.
Day 5: Explore alternative neighborhoods
Start the day at Batman Alley, a street filled with murals and graffiti art. Then head to the neighborhood of Vila Mariana, known for its art nouveau-style houses and cultural centers. Finish the day in the neighborhood of Pinheiros, which offers artisanal cocktails, craft beer, and live music.
Day 6: Day trip to Campos do Jordão
Take a day trip to the mountains of Campos do Jordão, known for its Swiss-inspired architecture, chocolate shops, and scenic views.
Day 7: Enjoy Brazilian cuisine and nightlife
Spend the day exploring São Paulo’s diverse culinary scene, from the Brazilian barbecues, to the pizza parlors, to the popular food trucks. End the day at Vila Madalena’s nightlife scene, known for its bars, live music, and street parties.
How to continue your travel after you have spent 7 days in São Paulo
If you want to continue your Brazilian adventure, head to the city of Rio de Janeiro, where you can explore the iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, visit the Christ the Redeemer statue, and enjoy the Carnival festivities. Another option is to travel to Salvador, a city in the state of Bahia known for its vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture, historic colonial architecture, and stunning beaches. Both cities can be reached by flight from São Paulo in just a few hours.
