One Week in São Paulo Itinerary: Discover Brazil’s Cultural Capital
Join us in exploring this South American metropolis. A vibrant melting pot of culture, art, gastronomy, and history!
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São Paulo, Brazil's sprawling metropolis, is a vibrant melting pot of culture, art, gastronomy, and history. As the largest city in South America, São Paulo offers an eclectic mix of experiences, from buzzing urban landscapes to serene parks and historic districts. If you’re planning to spend a week here, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time, covering the city's highlights while leaving room for relaxation and spontaneity.
Day 1: Exploring Paulista Avenue
Right off the bat, we cannot stress enough how important it is to reserve accommodation nearby Paulista Avenue! It is the de facto city center!
Paulista Avenue has it all, entertainment, bars, restaurants, etc. and moving around the city by metro is a breeze!
The best hotels near Paulista Avenue
Here's a list of hotels you might want to consider staying at that are a step or two (if not in) Paulista Avenue:
- Tivoli Mofarrej São Paulo
- Melia Paulista
- Mercure Sao Paulo Alamedas
- Radisson Hotel Paulista Sao Paulo
- Mercure São Paulo Grand Plaza Paulista
Morning - Arrival and Exploring Paulista Avenue
Paulista Avenue is packed with bars, restaurants, attractions, activities, and you can reach any part of the city quickly with the green line metro.
On Sundays, cars are banned from Paulista Avenue, and it's filled with families walking dogs, people biking on the bike lanes, street artists, musicians, and tourists from all over. It's the perfect place to start exploring São Paulo!
Afternoon - Checkout MASP Museum
Take some time to visit São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), a landmark with its striking modernist design and an impressive collection of European and Brazilian art.
Right across the street, check out Parque Trianon, a lush urban park where you can enjoy a nice walk, sit down and read a book, or grab lunch at one of the surrounding bars and restaurants.
Evening - Brazilian Feast at Bovinus
For dinner, you have got to visit Bovinus. A Brazilian style buffet where you can help yourself to everything that looks good. After all that food from the buffet, go for a walk and explore the nightlife along Paulista Avenue or nearby Augusta Street.
Day 2: Art and Green Spaces
Morning - Getting cultured at Ipiranga Museum
Dedicate your morning to getting to know a little big of Brazilian history at Ipiranga Museum, a Brazilian history museum located near the place where Emperor Pedro I proclaimed Brazil's independence on the banks of Ipiranga brook in the Southeast region of the city of São Paulo.
Afternoon - Epic lunch and relaxing time at the park
Have lunch at Bar da Dona Onça, located near the historic Edifício Copan, a striking modernist building designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
In the afternoon, visit Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo’s answer to Central Park. Explore its museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) and the Afro Brazil Museum, or simply relax by the lake.
Evening - Dinner nearby the park
Enjoy a laid-back dinner at Capim Santo, a restaurant offering creative takes on Brazilian dishes, located near Ibirapuera Park.
Day 3: Historical São Paulo and Liberdade
Morning - Check out where it all started
Head to the Historic Downtown to delve into São Paulo’s roots. Begin at the Sé Cathedral, an iconic neo-Gothic masterpiece, and explore Praça da Sé, the bustling square that surrounds it.
Walk over to the Pátio do Colégio, the site where São Paulo was founded in 1554. The museum here provides fascinating insights into the city’s early history.
Afternoon - Enjoy São Paulo's famous baloney sandwich
Next, visit the Municipal Market (Mercadão), a foodie’s paradise. Sample local delicacies like the famous mortadella sandwich or fresh tropical fruits.
From the market, make your way to Liberdade, a neighbourhood that's home to the largest Japanese community outside Japan. Explore the colorful streets adorned with lanterns, visit Japanese specialty shops, and enjoy lunch at the many street food stands next to the metro station.
Evening - Enjoy an iconic view
Wind down with a visit to the Farol Santander, a cultural center housed in a historic skyscraper. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and art exhibitions before heading back to your hotel.
Day 4: A Day in Vila Madalena
Morning - Enjoy awesome street art
Spend the day exploring Vila Madalena, a bohemian neighborhood known for its street art, galleries, and vibrant café culture. Begin with a visit to Beco do Batman, an open-air gallery featuring colorful murals by local and international artists.
Afternoon - More culture and great food
After admiring the street art, browse unique shops and boutiques, such as Galeria Choque Cultural for contemporary art and Livraria da Vila for books. Stop for lunch at Boteco São Bento, a popular spot for traditional Brazilian petiscos (small plates).
Evening - "Drink with moderation" as they say in São Paulo
Stay in Vila Madalena for a lively evening. Explore its buzzing bar scene, with favorites like Bar Astor or SubAstor for craft cocktails and a chic vibe. 🍸🎶🌟
Day 5: Excursion to Embu das Artes
Morning - Enjoy some quiet time in the countryside
Take a day trip to Embu das Artes, a charming town located about 30 km from São Paulo. Known for its artisan markets and colonial charm, this town is a haven for art and handicraft lovers.
Afternoon - More tasty brazilian food
Wander through the market stalls, where you’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to vibrant paintings. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant like O Garimpo, which serves hearty Brazilian cuisine.
Evening - Brazilian pizza
Return to São Paulo and have a relaxed evening. Consider trying a pizza at Brás, as São Paulo is famous for its unique take on this Italian classic.
Day 6: Shopping and Nightlife
Morning - Shopping time
Indulge in some retail therapy at Rua Oscar Freire, one of the city’s most upscale shopping streets. Browse high-end fashion boutiques, international brands, and local designer stores. 👜👗✨
Afternoon - A bit more shopping
Head to the Shopping Cidade Jardim for a luxurious mall experience with stunning architecture, lush gardens, and gourmet dining options.
Evening - For the EDM fans out there
Spend your final night enjoying São Paulo’s vibrant nightlife. Visit the iconic Bar Brahma, a historic venue known for live samba and bossa nova performances. Alternatively, explore clubs like D-Edge for electronic music or Vila Country for a uniquely Brazilian country music experience.
Day 7: Farewell and Relaxation
Morning - time to say goodbye
Dedicate your last day to relaxation and reflection. Visit Praça Pôr-do-Sol, a scenic spot perfect for unwinding and taking in stunning views of the city.
Afternoon - having one last awesome lunch
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Maní, a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a contemporary twist on Brazilian flavors. Afterward, take a final stroll through Jardins or Vila Madalena for last-minute shopping or souvenirs.
Evening - see you soon, São Paulo!
Head to the airport with plenty of time to spare, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your week in São Paulo.
Bonus Tips!
Safety
Keep your wits about you, basically. Don't be distracted with your phone on your hands, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Stick to well-lit, busy streets at night.
Transportation
Use the metro as much as possible to avoid São Paulo’s infamous traffic. It’s efficient, reliable (when they're not on strike, that is), and affordable!
Choose accommodation nearby the Paulista Avenue region, it's near metro stations, which is great for easy access to key attractions. Keep your Uber use to a minimum. Use it only for airport transfers and to go out at night, when traffic is low.
Weather
São Paulo’s climate can be really unpredictable. We recommend carrying a backpack or a tote bag with a clean outfit, a sweater or hoodie, and an umbrella.
It gets pretty cold in the public transport and indoor areas such as shopping malls and supermarkets, so a sweatshirt is handy!
Language
While Portuguese is the official language, many locals in tourist areas speak basic English.
Mobile Connectivity
Getting a SIM card or eSIM is straightforward. For physical SIM cards, visit kiosks at the airport or retail stores of carriers like Vivo, TIM, or Claro. You’ll need to present your passport for registration. For eSIMs, check providers like Airalo or Holafly, which offer convenient digital activation and data plans.
Conclusion
São Paulo is a city that never ceases to amaze with its diversity, energy, and rich cultural tapestry. Over the course of seven days, you’ve had the chance to explore historic landmarks, marvel at world-class art, indulge in exquisite cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant pulse of its neighbourhoods.
Wander through bohemian streets, enjoy the tranquility of lush parks, savor a mortadella sandwich at the bustling market.
São Paulo offers countless opportunities to create unforgettable memories.
Safe travels and até logo!
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