One of the largest cities in the world, São Paulo is often overlooked by travellers. Even in this large city of over 22 ½ million we found a few wonderful places with a lot of character that made us glad we had a few days to tour São Paulo.
Parque Ibirapuera (Ibirapuera Park)
In the middle of the busy city is a huge green space with trees, two ponds and dozens of walking paths. With over 500 different species of plants, Ibirapuera Park was better than some botanical gardens we have visited in other cities around the world. The peaceful park allows you to forget that you’re in a busy city for a while and enjoy the chill vibe.
We followed interconnecting paths that let us walk around the ponds. The paths are often used by runners and walkers, enjoying a respite from the city. On the edge of the water we saw flocks of Australian Black Swans and Chinese Geese. Our trail took us by many varied types of trees including the Paraná pine, açaí palm, ficus trees and many more.
Ibirapuera Park is open from 5 am until midnight and is free to enter.
Jardins District
A mix of tall trees and skyscrapers line the avenues in this modern part of São Paulo. Jardins is actually a collection of four neighbourhoods, each adding their own flavour. The popular Paulista Avenue, known for its high end shopping is at the heart of Jardins. In addition to shops there are many good restaurants on or near Paulista. We walked from here to Ibirapuera Park. It was a really nice walk through quiet, clean communities.
Beco do Batman (Batman Alley)
A small collection of quiet streets play host to colourful street art. Beco do Batman is a great neighbourhood to spend an hour or so checking out the art. Some of the street art was good, some was sub optimal, but it is a nice, quiet spot in a big, bustling city. When you’re done, stop for lunch at one of the funky cafés or pubs
São Paulo’s Historical Centre
When you read about travelling to São Paulo the issue of safety always comes up. We found many parts of the city to be quite safe during the day, but there are also many areas where you need to be on alert. Downtown is one of those places to be on guard. Tent cities can be seen through out the city, but downtown has the highest concentration.
There are many grand buildings in the historical district in downtown São Paulo which are worth visiting. Most travelers will feel much safer if you take an official tour rather than exploring it by yourself as we did. We were there on a Tuesday morning and afternoon and were approached by 4 police officers in separate areas warning us to be very careful with our belongings. One suggested that Richard take out his camera to quickly take a picture and quickly return it to its bag. At the same time, he said Maggie should continuously scan the area behind and beside him looking for people watching and approaching us. Praça da Sé, in front of the of the Metropolitan Cathedral, is the worst area that we saw in all of Brazil. People were lying on cardboard on the sidewalks, covered in dirty and torn blankets or plastic bags. A few approached us asking for money, we weren’t worried about them. It was the ones who watched our movements as the camera went in and out of the bag that concerned us.
The safety concerns made it difficult to appreciate the majesty of the main resident on the square, Catedral Metropolitana da Sé. Its gothic, pointed spires in front of a large domed roof is one of the most impressive cathedrals in all of Brazil. Inside, the spectacular building is no less impressive with tall granite pillars along the sides and a golden altar in front.
After leaving the main square we walked along some of the many pedestrian walkways to see some of the other heritage buildings. There were quite a few office workers walking too which made us feel more comfortable, but we were still paying attention to everyone around us.
Visiting Mosteiro de São Bento (St Benedict’s Monastery) was one of our favourite experiences in São Paulo. As we entered, we were instantly entranced by the melodic, monotone Gregorian chants made by the dozen or so monks at the front of the church. Usually, the chants are only performed at 7 am so we felt very lucky to witness this act of devotion. As we sat listening to the chants we admired the beautiful painted ceilings and colourful altar. Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to record the chants so can’t share it with you.
A few blocks away is Pátio do Colégio; a historic Jesuit college. The building is a humble one compared to the ornate churches and modern skyscrapers on the surrounding streets. It was built in 1554 to catholicize the local indigenous population.
Theatro Municipal de São Paulo
Having seen the Opera Houses in Manaus and Belem, we knew we wanted to see the largest one in São Paulo. From the outside, the grandeur of the building did not disappoint. Built in 1911 it was frequented by the wealthy elites of the city. As with the other two theatres, the majority of materials were imported from Italy, France and England. It is surrounded by busy streets with a continuous flow of cars rushing by that took a little away from the theatre’s mystique.
It is free to enter, but unfortunately it is only open Thursday to Saturday so we weren’t able to see inside. We were only able to sneek a few pictures from the front door.
Mercado Municipal (Municipal Market)
As we walked down the street toward the market, we must have stuck out as tourists. A couple of local guys shouted ‘Ola’ to us and then said ‘Argentina?’ Brazil doesn’t see a lot of English speaking foreign tourists, so we were often assumed to be from Argentina. We just agreed with them and continued on our way to the market.
Unlike other markets we’ve been to in Brazil, the Municipal Market is safe, clean and very enjoyable to wander up and down the aisles. Vendors selling fresh Brazilian fruits were very generous with their samples. Huge containers of local nuts including Brazil nuts, cashews and Batu nuts were on display. We couldn’t resist and bought more Brazil nuts and cashews.
Estação da Luz
Built in the 1860s this large train station is considered to be the most important in Brazil. The building is an interesting red and yellow design but the streets and sidewalks surrounding it were littered with homeless people lying on the streets. We seemed to be the only tourists there so we didn’t explore it for long. Across the busy street is we could see the 16th century Mosteiro da Luz. It was built using clay construction technique which makes it the most important colonial building of the 18th century in São Paulo.
Safety in Brazil
We are usually careful when we travel but in some parts of Brazil, including downtown São Paulo, we were extra diligent. We never travel with valuables such as jewelry and try to dress so we fit in as much as we can. Mobile phones are very popular to pick-pocketers and ours were always kept in zippered pockets or bags. We don’t carry large amounts of cash and only show small bills when shopping. Our most valuable item is the camera which is kept well hidden in a weathered camera bag and only brought out for short times when being used. In busy places there are more likely to be pickpockets so you need to be extra careful. In large cities, most tourist areas are safe during the day, but it is often not recommended to walk at night, especially alone.
How to get to São Paulo
Most international flights arrive at Guarulhos International Airport, 30 km from downtown. Make sure you know which airport your flight is using because there are two other airports. Congonhas Airport is for domestic flights only and is 8km from downtown. Viracopos-Campinas International Airport is 100 km away. São Paulo has 6 bus terminals (rodoviárias) spread around the city. Check which one is most convenient for your travels before booking.
Where to stay in São Paulo
Staying in a safe neighbourhood will make all the difference in your experience in São Paulo. The following neighbourhoods are not only safe, they also have easy access to good restaurants. Jardins, Consolação, Pinheiros and Vila Madalena. Based on our experience we wouldn’t advise you to stay in the city’s downtown.
To read about our other adventures in Brazil click here.
Coming Next – A Day In Curitiba
For pictures from other blogs go to Gallery at monkeystale.ca
To read about more of our adventures go to Destinations.
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Monkey's Tale 
I really like this vision and experience beyond the obvious. São Paulo has a lot to offer as a metropolis that also keeps a lot of small towns and their history. thank you so much!
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Thank you/ Obrigada! We had low expectations São Paulo based on what we’d read, but for such a large city, it has a lot of character and some really nice neighbourhoods. Downtown was a bit of a shock, but we didn’t have any problems. Maggie
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the best, for me, are the older, more bohemian bsirros, which preserve a more vivid past tense. the issue of the city center seems common to most Brazilian capitals with the demonstration of social inequality and little care for public space. Right here where I live, Porto Alegre, the center is very sad, although there are interventions to give new life to the central space. my hug, Maggie.
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We’re watching Dom right now on Prime. It seems that Rio used to be a lot worse than it is now. At least from what we saw. But you’re right the inequality is felt throughout the country.
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Great post! I remember walking through that park and just marveling at the trees there- they seemed so different from any tree that I had ever seen. And I loved the market. I could wander there for a long time. But I spent so little time actually in Sao Paulo that I missed a lot. So it was really great to get to see more of the city with you today 🙂
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I know, Ibirapuera is like a botanical garden! There’s a lot more to see in the city than we expected, and although we wouldn’t spend a week there, it was worth a few days. Next time Meg!! Maggie
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Even with the safety concerns, it looks worth the visit.
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It is worth it, there are quite a few nice places in the city. Maggie
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Mosteiro de São Bento is a phenomenal cathedral. What’s interesting-and typical-is that the structure is grandiose with a vaulted ceiling that reaches to heaven but there are just two narrow rows of pews. The trees that line the center of the city’s walkway are beautiful.
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A great post!!! Thanks for this! 🙂
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Thank you!!
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You are very welcome. I have not been to many places in Brazil but have been here! 😉
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💗💗💗
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Merci!!
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The large park with the ponds and botanicals would be my favorite attraction to the city.
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It was our favourite spot. It was incredible how relaxing it was in such a big city.
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The park looks lovely and you know Beco do Batman would be right up my street (or alley!) but the need to take so many precautions in the downtown area would detract from my enjoyment I think. We’re used to seeing homeless people sleeping on the streets of London, unfortunately, but not on this scale 😥
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You would love Batman Alley Sarah, it’s small but I don’t think there was a wall without a mural. Downtown was quite unnerving, there are more homeless than in any other city we’ve visited. But we were able to spend a day and didn’t have any problems, other than a rise in stress.
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Ibirapuera Park is a beautiful oasis, and Beco do Batman made me chuckle of course. However I love that it’s a quiet spot with street art and good lunch options. The safety issue are an unwelcome distraction. Being alert and on guard isn’t really compatible with enjoying oneself. The ‘tent city’ is a heartbreaking sight.
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The name of Batman Alley is quite funny isn’t it. I think Batman was the first street art there. The tent cities were heartbreaking and the one in the picture is not nearly the worst – it was the one we felt comfortable enough to take out the camera! Thanks for all of your comments Leighton! Maggie
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Big cities have big city problems, unfortunately, but I loved your post. Sao Paulo looks like a beautiful city, aside from the homelessness and crime. I am glad, however, that you were able to take your camera out because you made outstanding photos of the highlights. The park almost seems out of place, but it is gorgeous! Thanks for your honest opinions and wonderful insights.
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It doesn’t seem like a park that peaceful and beautiful should be in the middle of such a large city does it?! It’s really too bad that there are so many homeless in the city, but it’s the result of the income disparity in the country. It does make it difficult to enjoy though. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Maggie
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São Paulo looks so inviting, but sounds like getting too comfortable can lead to trouble. It reminds me of Barcelona; we had many people warn us of the dangers there. The botanical garden looks amazing. Thanks for sharing!
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I haven’t been to Barcelona so I can’t compare, but it makes you feel even less uneasy when the police go out of their way to warn you, and they were on guard in many places too! The park is one of the best features of the city I think. 🙂 Maggie
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Maggie, thanks for taking us on this beautiful and tranquil stroll through scenic São Paulo. By the way are those black swans real? 🦢🦢🦢 They look like sculptures. Thanks for the tour!
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Ha, yes they are real, we had to be very stealthy as we approached them so they wouldn’t run off! Thanks for adding in your thoughts Kym, Maggie
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You are so very welcome Maggie. Happy trails to you my dear! 😎📸😊
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On the steps of the cathedral, practically- does the church do anything to help the homeless, Maggie? I guess so, but never enough. Good to see the city from all sides.
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We didn’t see the church helping the people in São Paulo, and it was a little unnerving to walk into the cathedral because there were people passed out of the steps. In other cities we saw free lunch given out near the church, so maybe it happens in São Paulo too and we missed it. Maggie
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The park and the historic buildings are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing your travels to Sao Paulo! The level of poverty is very sad. Glad you were safe traveling through dangerous areas, Maggie and Richard. ❤
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Thanks Cheryl, it was sure good to see the lovely park so we could see one of the nice parts of the city. The poverty was very difficult to see, but at the time I couldn’t be sympathetic though.
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Thank you for the interesting overview of Sao Paolo and the great photos. My wife was born in Sao Paolo but I have yet to visit.
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Thanks! We were surprised that São Paulo has so many great places, Maggie
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Thanks for the tour. That theater is fantastic. I was surprised to hear Brazil doesn’t get many English speaking tourists. I didn’t realize that – I guess I thought it was a more popular destination. Glad you stayed safe.
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I think partly because it’s a difficult country if you don’t speak Portuguese. Most non-Brazilian tourists that we met were with tour groups and they only went to the popular places- Rio, Iguazu and Manaus. A few were in Salvador and that was the first time we heard anyone speak English since Manaus. It’s too bad because it’s a great country with so many gorgeous landscapes.
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great post. My wife is from São Paulo and I have been many times over the last 30+ years. there are many great and relatively safe areas in São Paulo and for sure some excellent restaurants as well.
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Yes there are! In preparing for our trip there we had heard and read about its danger, so we’re really happy when we saw how many great, safe neighbourhoods there are! Thanks for sharing uour experience, Maggie
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Great, Quality Content for The Ultimate Tour Guide, A lot of thanks for sharing, kindly keep with continue !!
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Thank you!!
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The buildings and gardens all look so beautiful. It’s a shame you couldn’t enjoy the buildings in peace and had to worry about safety, but I’m glad you had no scary incidents. I was recently asked if NYC was still safe to visit because the person had heard it’s dangerous on the news. I think all big cities have their safety issues, but you just need to stay vigilant and know which areas to avoid.
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It can really spoil your visit. SP has the worst display of poverty and street drugs that I have seen anywhere much more than NYC. But thankfully we found the park and a few neighbourhoods that were relatively safe. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Lyssy
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Wow. Who knew that such a large city would still find room for all that greenery? Large cities (and small) need green space and art work, so the residents can find a place to get away from the stress. Great that the police are watching out for tourists and providing helpful hints. I would not have thought this would have been a thing in SP. It shows they value tourists and tourism. I keep my camera under cover in Vancouver when we visit now. You never know who is watching. We also scan our surroundings like Cylons to try and avoid stranger attacks. Crays times, but travel is still fun. Thanks for sharing Maggie. Allan
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It really is too bad that you have to be so cautious in so many places when travelling isn’t it. I couldn’t believe when It was a bit of a shock to have the police warn us, but I’ve never seen a downtown like that before. I was glad they were there. But then we were able to find amazing places in the city where we could relax a bit and enjoy it. Thanks for sharing your experiences Allan, Maggie
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Beautiful sharing as always. Your ability to write the reader into your travels is fabulous!
The park in Sao Paulo reminds me of reading about Central Park, New York.
Of course, I loved the churches and the stunning doors of Catedral Metropolitana da Sé!
The market was amazing. It occurred to me for the first time from looking at your photos of Mercado Municipale, that most outdoor markets the world over, carry that same down to earth vibe…remarkable.
I appreciated your cautionary advice on travel in big cities.
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Thanks Suzette. Ibirapuera is similar to Central Park, except for the tropical plants of course. 😊 It is a great place for locals to safely enjoy nature in a big city. That is true about most markets, always a great place to visit.
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Thank you, always a pleasure to read your journeys.
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Not having been, I’ve always pictured Sao Paulo jammed with people, like the streets of Tokyo where I’ve spent a lot of time. Thanks for these views of an interesting city!
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That’s a good point. The roads were often quite busy, but the sidewalks were never jammed like pictures I have seen from Tokyo.
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Another interesting city on your tour of Brazil….it’s really upsetting about the poverty and tough to see, but I love the city is making an effort to protect tourists and provide lots of green spaces for locals and tourists alike.
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The poverty was tough to see, and it was a bit of a shock to be approached by so many police, especially after being in Brazil for so long already. After seeing downtown, it was so nice to find a large, clean park and safe neighbourhoods so we could appreciate the city. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Hannah! Maggie
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I can’t imagine living in a city with 22 million! That being said, it’s nice to see the lark park and other smaller green spaces. I find it sad that Sao Paulo also has such a big problem with homeless persons.
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Amazing how you got so many nice park pictures, sans people, in a city of 20 million plus. Guess I need to let my camera pack roll around in the dust a bit…
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Ha ha, well I have a very patient photographer 😊
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It’s a literal bit restricting when you have to be so on your guard, there’s no doubt that it detracts from the enjoyment a bit…Jamiaca was similar. Good to have visited such an important city though. Unfortunately my dodgy Cambodian wifi is flatly refusing to open your photographs so I’ve had the words but not the pictures..l
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It is quite unnerving. SP had the largest display of poverty and street drugs that we have experienced anywhere in the world. But we were careful and survived. You’ll want to make sure you can see next Tuesday’s pictures, it will make you want to go there 😊
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☺️
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While the old buildings in Downtown look magnificent and beautiful, it’s sad to see the social problems right at the heart of São Paulo. On a lighter note, Mercado Municipal looks so bright and attractive! The fact that it’s safer than other markets in Brazil only adds to its appeal.
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The market was such a great surprise. In other markets we had to be extra cautious but not at this one. And they gave us so much free fruit! The poverty and drugs downtown were pretty tough to see and sure made our sightseeing a little more stressful. At least we found some good spots in the city.
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Great travel info and wonderful photos of everything you saw, and you saw so much! It’s so sad what is going on in the old part of the city, but I’m actually surprised at how many safe and good spots you found. (I’m curious if you know what kind of tree that is in the last photo in Ibirapuera Park?)
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Hi Lex, sorry this comment was in Spam. We didn’t have very high expectations for Sao Paulo, but were so glad to find a few great spots. I actually don’t know what kind of tree it is. It’s a type of palm. It looks like açaí palm, but I’m quite sure it’s not. Sorry! Maggie
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Hmmm, I think you convinced me that I don’t really need to see Sao Paulo. I can see you found some nice parks and some lovely buildings, but nothing unique enough to entice me to face the need for such vigilance.
Alison
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It was nicer than we expected but not a city to put on your must-see list. 😊 Maggie
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Great photography once again. We decided to skip São Paulo as our timing was limited. Reading your post affirms we made the right decision. After Rio, we had no desire to be in an even bigger city.
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It was nicer than we expected, but you didn’t miss much 😊
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Looks like you fully explored São Paulo. I like how there’s even some green spaces mixed in with the city. Speaking of tent city, we just came back from Oregon and were surprised at how many tents and homeless people there were in Portland. I imagine the pandemic probably made a lot of these issues worse.
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That’s upsetting about Portland, I don’t think Sao Paulo’s problem is because of Covid though, they have a huge disparity between poor and wealthy. But it was nice to find green space and fun neighbourhoods. Maggie
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gorgeous reflections and pictures Maggie! 🙏🏼
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Thank you!!
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That market was perfect! The safety concerns would probably keep me away from Sao Paulo but thank you for your intrepid tour of what looks like a beautiful city.
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Safety is probably the main concern for most people going to Sao Paulo. There were some great spots and definitely some to avoid. Maggie
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I’m too old to run…😁
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🤣🤣
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That’s sad you weren’t able to record the Gregorian chants! That must have been incredible!
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It was so moving, and so Julie the sidewalks outside.
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It’s amazing that there is such a beautiful green park in this big city! And a lovely cathedral – it’s a shame that you can’t just keep your eyes on this beautiful building, but that you also have to be on the lookout for what’s going on around you. The market looks like a lovely place to pass the time – did you also buy some nuts to take home with you?
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We brought half a kilo of Brazil nuts and also of cashews home!! Ibirapuera Park is such a lovely, peaceful park, like a refuge from the big city. 😊
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the shots are beautiful, you can see a real Portuguese history in the architecture. good tips on safety too, i kept my camera in my backpack in Rio until I needed it.
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Thanks Andy!
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