Things to see in Sao Paulo
Attractions
Ibirapuera Park
Joggers, cyclists, trees, and lakes: this sprawling park is São Paulo's version of London's Hyde Park. The sounds of the city are always close by but Ibirapuera is easy on the soul. Pavilions and plazas designed by award-winning Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer, play a starring role in São Paulo's renowned Bienal, an art exhibition held on even-numbered years. The park is home to several other museums, including the excellent Museu de Arte Moderna featuring a fine collection of Brazilian modernists and thought-provoking temporary installations.
Address: Vila Mariana, Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, São Paulo , 04002-010Telephone: + 55 11 5574 5505
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0500-2400, all day Sunday.
Website:Admission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Pinacoteca do Estado (Picture Gallery of the State)
This eye-catching brickwork art gallery from 1905 is one of the best art museums in Brazil. An imaginative galley spans over three floors and is illuminated by a dazzlingly airy atrium. It houses an excellent collection of Brazilian works, including pieces by Portinari, Oscar Pereira da Silva and Di Cavalcanti. In addition, the museum hosts ever-changing exhibitions plus an impressive haul of Rodin sculptures. Be sure to stroll across the road to the magnificent Estação de Luz rail station and the pretty surrounding park.
Address: Luz, Praça da Luz 2, São Paulo, 01120-010Telephone: +55 11 3324 1000
Opening times:
Wed-Mon 1000-1800.
Website: http://www.pinacoteca.org.brAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Museu de Arte de São Paulo (São Paulo Museum of Art)
Perched on the fashionable Avenida Paulista, this contemporary structure exhibits old European masters alongside surrealist and abstract Brazilian artworks. Its classical collection is the finest in Latin America. Among a veritable who's who of old maestros are Van Gogh, Renoir, Picasso, Dali, and Toulouse-Lautrec. The building itself was designed by architect Lina Bo Bardi and is considered a classic of brutalist modern design.
Address: , Avenida Paulista 1578, São Paulo,Telephone: +55 11 3149 5959
Opening times:
Tues-Wed and Fri-Sun 1000-1800, Thurs 1000-2000.
Website: http://www.masp.art.brAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Gregorian Chant at Mosteiro de São Bento (Sao Bento Monastery)
Sunday mornings at the Basílica de Nossa Senhora da Assunção are filled with a fog of incense, the drone of Gregorian chanting, and sunlight filtered through massive stained glass windows. This twin-towered church and monastery was designed in the early 20th century and features a large organ with over 6,000 pipes. Get there early on a Sunday at 1000 to gurantee a spot in the pews.
Address: Centro, Largo de São Bento 48, São Paulo, 01029-010Telephone: +55 11 3328 8799
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0600-1800, Sat-Sun 0600-1200 and 1600-1800.
Website: http://www.mosteiro.org.brAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Museu do Futebol (Football Museum)
This innovative museum is the ultimate homage to the 'beautiful game'. The building is embedded within the stunning art deco Pacaembu soccer stadium, which greets visitors with a holographic Pele - a Brazilian and one of the greatest football players of all time. Interactive displays exhibit the history of the world cup (which was held in Brazil in 2014) and house poignant memorabilia. It’s an absolute must-see for every football fan.
Address: Pacaembu, Praça Charles Miller, São Paulo, 01234-010Telephone: +55 11 3663 3848
Opening times:
Tues-Sun 1000-1700.
Website: http://www.museudofutebol.org.brAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Jardim Botânico (Botanical Gardens)
For a refreshing escape from the concrete jungle, it's worth making the trip down to these lush botanical gardens. Amid verdant tree-lined paths, you'll find more than 3,000 different plant species including some 350 natives. Orchids, aquatic plants and Atlantic rainforest species are among some of the incredible plants you'll find. The gardens are also known to be a fantastic bird watching spot, so bring binoculars if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the native birds. This destination is located in the southern suburb of Agua Funda, 13km (8 miles) outside of the city, but the trek is definitely worth for a nice picnic on the grass.
Address: Agua Funda, Av Miguel Stéfano 3031, São Paulo, 04301-902Telephone: +55 11 5067 6000
Opening times:
Tue-Sun 0900-1700.
Website: http://jardimbotanico.sp.gov.brAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Samba
Samba is a style of Brazilian music and dance. Take a trip to the samba schools anytime of year to watch rehearsals and join in. There are plenty of samba schools, particularly around Zona Norte, such as the famed Rosas de Ouro (rehearsals on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays). Expect powerful drumming, electrifying beats and ever-flowing caipirinhas (Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça, lime and sugar). Things are liveliest in the lead up to carnival, an annual Brazilian festival held in February or March.
Address: Jardim das Graças, Rua Coronel Euclides Marchado 1066, São Paulo, 02213-000Telephone: +55 11 3931 4555
Opening times:
Wed and Fri 2100-0200.
Website: http://www.sociedaderosasdeouro.com.brAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Snake Farm at the Instituto Butantan
Deadly snakes, spiders, and scorpions from around the world can be seen at the world's largest producer of snake anti-venom. The parkland setting is a rare oasis of calm in the midst of Butantan's scientific campus. Other attractions here include a historical museum, a biology museum, a microbiology museum and, of course, the serpentarium, which is where the venoms themselves are extracted. Institutio Butantan is one of Brazil's largest research facilities, and oldest with building dating back to 1901.
Address: Butantã, Avenida Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo , 05503-900Telephone: + 55 11 2627 9300
Opening times:
Tues-Sun 0900-1645.
Website: http://www.butantan.gov.brAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Edifício Martinelli (Martinelli Building)
Get a breathtaking panorama of São Paulo's endless skyline from the 26th-floor roof terrace of this striking Beaux Arts building. Built in 1929, by the Italian immigrant-turned-shipping magnate Giuseppe Martinelli, the Edifício Martinelli was São Paulo 's first skyscraper. Free tours are available to visitors and can be scheduled on the half-hour.
Address: Centro, Rua São Bento 405, São Paulo, 01011-100Telephone: +55 11 3104 2477
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0930-1130 and 1400-1600. Scheduling required for groups of up to 15 people or more.
Website: http://www.prediomartinelli.com.brAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Cathedral Metropolitana de São Paulo (São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral)
This beautiful cathedral first started to be built in 1913, although it wasn’t completed until 1967. It can fit 8,000 worshippers one of the largest organs in Latin America inside its massive interior. The artwork is a mix of prophets and apostles depicted alongside native toucans and armadillos. Tours of the crypt, where the remains of Chief Tibiriçá, the first citizen of Piratininga (old São Paulo) lies, are available. The best time to visit is on a weekend morning when the surrounding palm-tree fringed plaza fills with life. Don't miss the nearby Igreja do Carmo, which dates from the 17th century.
Address: Centro, Praça da Sé, São Paulo, 01001-000Telephone: +55 11 3107 6832
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1730, Sat-Sun 0900-1130 and 1300-1500.
Website: http://www.catedraldase.org.brAdmission Fees:
No (except for crypt tour)
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
São Paulo Turismo (São Paulo Tourism Office)
Address: Parque Anhembi, Avenida Olavo Fontoura 1209, São Paulo, CEP 02012 021Telephone: +55 11 2226 0400
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1800
Website: http://www.spturis.comThere are numerous Tourist Information Offices (TIOs) across the city, including one at arrivals in Guarulhos Airport. Check www.cidadedesaopaulo.com for locations.
