At 470 years old and with over 12 million inhabitants, São Paulo is the largest city in Latin America! Being a city of immigrants from all over Brazil and the world, Sampa is a diverse destination that pleases all types of travelers. With all its diversity of tours and attractions, the city has earned the reputation of the city that never sleeps and, in fact, the name does justice to the capital of São Paulo that never seems to stop!
We at Portal Sampa have brought you some tips that cannot be missed on your travel itinerary.
What to see in São Paulo capital
Paulista Avenue – Sao Paulo SP
0Casa das Rosas Avenida PaulistaThe most famous avenue in Brazil is almost 3 km long, and you can visit it many times, during many trips, and you will be surprised by the various tours you will find without repeating programs.
Being one of the main tourist attractions in São Paulo, the avenue includes everything that is best in São Paulo! And it offers a
large number of attractions on every block.
There you will find cultural centers, museums, theaters, cinemas, bars, restaurants and shopping malls. It is worth stopping to see the street artists who take over the avenue every day at various times, and especially on Sundays and holidays, when it is closed to cars and restricted to residents and visitors.
Main attractions of Paulista Avenue
- Japan House
- House of Roses
- MASP
- SESC Viewpoint
- FIESP Cultural Center
- Moreira Sales Institute
- Fine Arts Cinema
Ibirapuera Park
It is the largest and most famous park in São Paulo and one of the largest in Latin America. It has incredible gardens, lakes, hiking trails, museums, the Ibirapuera Auditorium and the Japanese Pavilion.
Ibirapuera Park also houses the Afro Brasil Museum, which presents exhibitions on African and Afro-Brazilian culture, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), with modern and contemporary works, and the Bienal Pavilion, which hosts artistic events and international exhibitions.
For those who are in São Paulo with their family, this is a must-see. The São Paulo Planetarium is located in the park, which has several sessions designed for children. Take note of this tip.
- Ibirapuera Park opening hours: every day from 5 am to 11 pm.
- Closest subway station to Ibirapuera Park: AACD Station – Server of Line 5 Lilac.
Liberdade neighborhood
Liberdade is a little piece of the East in São Paulo, with typical restaurants, oriental lamps, architecture, shops, signs written in ideograms from countries such as Japan, China, Thailand and South Korea.
The neighborhood is marked by Japanese colonization, but also has immigrants from several other countries. This makes Liberdade an incredible and culturally diverse place – a must-see on your trip.
Attractions range from traditional places, such as the Japanese Immigration History Museum , which has a collection of
more than 97 thousand items, including shops and grocery stores where you can buy food products from different countries, including fresh ones.
Several stores sell electronic products, books, clothes, decorations and objects from various Eastern cultures, from manga and K-pop CDs, to traditional chopsticks and samurai swords.
To recharge your batteries, you can visit and even meditate in one of the many temples. Among them are Busshinji and Lohan or the Fo Guan Shan Meditation Center . Another option is to relax in the famous Oriental Garden , an oasis in the middle of the city.
The gastronomy is the highlight. There are hundreds of restaurants offering cuisine from various countries, with a special focus on Japanese cuisine. Since 1975, the traditional Feirinha da Liberdade has been held on Sundays , bringing together everything the neighborhood has to offer in one place.
Ipiranga Museum
The Ipiranga Museum is a true spectacle of Brazilian cultural heritage. Its rich history, collection and impressive architecture make it a must-see for anyone visiting São Paulo and wanting to learn more about the formation and evolution of Brazil. Through its exhibitions, the museum transports us through time, revealing the events and characters that shaped our national identity.
The Ipiranga Museum continues to be an important symbol of the country’s cultural richness. It is a space that reminds us of the importance of preserving our history and valuing our cultural diversity.
So, be sure to set aside some time to explore its exhibits, marvel at its collection and contemplate the grandeur of its architecture. You will certainly be enveloped by a world of discoveries and emotions, connecting with the roots and identity of Brazil.
The Museum is located in Independence Park – Ipiranga, São Paulo – SP.
MASP – São Paulo Museum of Art
The São Paulo Museum of Art is a private, non-profit museum founded in 1947 by businessman Assis Chateaubriand (1892-1968), becoming the first modern museum in the country. Chateaubriand invited Italian critic and art dealer Pietro Maria Bardi (1900-1999) to direct MASP, and Lina Bo Bardi (1914-1992) to develop the architectural and exhibition design. The most important collection of European art in the Southern Hemisphere, MASP’s collection currently includes over 10,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, objects, photographs, videos and clothing from various periods, covering European, African, Asian and American production.
Initially located on Rua 7 de Abril, in the city center, in 1968 the museum was transferred to its current headquarters on Avenida Paulista, an iconic project by Lina Bo Bardi that became a landmark in the history of 20th century architecture. Based on the use of glass and concrete, Lina Bo Bardi’s architecture combines rough, unfinished surfaces with lightness, transparency and suspension. The esplanade beneath the building, known as the “free span”, was designed as a square for the public to use.
Light Station – Sao Paulo SP
Luz Station is an iconic tourist attraction in São Paulo, attracting visitors from all over Brazil and the world. One of the reasons is its architectural beauty, with a style that combines neoclassical and gothic elements, being one of the few remaining buildings of this style in the city. In addition, the station is famous for its large clock towers and its imposing dome.
It is located in the city center and is one of the most iconic buildings in the capital of São Paulo. Opened in 1867, it was built in neoclassical style and is considered one of the most important railway stations in Brazil. It is a historical landmark in the economic and social development of the state of São Paulo and has been the scene of important events over the years.
Cathedral of Sé
The Sé Cathedral , located at the zero point of São Paulo , is a symbol of the city, both for its historical, religious and tourist importance. Construction began in 1913, and the inauguration took place in 1954, but the cathedral only gained its definitive shape in 2002. After a restoration that completed the original design, the building had 14 turrets added and the stained glass facade of the church, with seven rose windows.
