São Paulo

Luxury São Paulo Travel

The largest city in Brazil, São Paulo’s megacity energy and diffuse city center can be a bit disorienting from the outside, but travelers would be remiss to skip it. Even if you’re only transiting through, it’s worth venturing out of your hotel for even a half-day city tour.  

An economic powerhouse, São Paulo thrums with upbeat, fast-paced energy—in clear contrast to Rio’s lackadaisical beach vibe. It’s also, by comparative standards, a “newer” Brazilian city, molded by strong Brutalist and Art Deco influences, and cradled by greenery and parks. An undeniable concrete jungle, the city’s otherwise grey walls have widely been transformed into vibrant canvases, creating a tapestry of street art. A melting pot of cultures, São Paulo is also an epicenter for design, gastronomy, and shopping.  

Tip: São Paulo is a large city with a collection of sprawling neighborhoods. Use Avenida Paulista to orient yourself. Neighborhoods and attractions are usually referenced as “north of” or “south of” the broad boulevard.  It’s also where you’ll find São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), the Shopping Cidade São Paulo, and Trianon Park.  

São Paulo Travel Highlights

Alongside an expert, site-hop iconic buildings and outdoor installations that best exemplify Brutalism and Art Deco design. 
Take a guided tour of Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP), housed within a Lina Bo Bardi-designed architectural masterpiece. 
Deep dive into São Paulo’s food scene where cultures collide on the plate. The city is home to world-class dining, including Chef Alex Atala’s Michelin-starred D.O.M., but don’t miss out on a humble churrascaria (grilled meat), either.
From formal galleries to murals splashed across the city’s buildings, venture into the São Paulo artscape on a guided tour.
Make the charming neighborhood of Jardins your home away from home. Sip Brazilian coffee close to its source in trendy cafés, visit upscale boutiques or tuck into a lazy lunch at a quaint restaurant. 
Head to the bohemian and artsy neighborhood of Vila Madalena to stroll the art-splashed Beo do Batman alley, shop galleries, and peruse street art vendors.  
Often compared to New York’s Central Park, Parque Ibirapuera is a leafy oasis in the heart of São Paulo.  

Explore São Paulo on a Map

Brazil Travel Itineraries Featuring São Paulo