9 Things to Do in São Paulo When Planning a Trip with Friends

Straddling southeastern Brazil, São Paulo is a riveting, cosmopolitan city that boasts many unique things to do. Considering the expansive mix of cultures and traditions, it serves as a melting pot that fuses charming contrasts, creating an experience like no other. 

This city has a bit of everything from rich architectural elements, beautiful beach fronts, teeming art museums, a soaring city skyline, and extensive history hot spots. But with the wealth of activities and attractions in São Paulo, it can be challenging to know what's worth your time. 

In this travel guide, I'll share some of the best things to do in São Paulo and how to make the most of each attraction and activity. Let's get started!

What is São Paulo Best Known for?

São Paulo is known as Brazil’s most multicultural city, home to various international communities, including Italian, Arab, and Japanese. As such, this is the city to visit if you’re interested in cultural activities, international neighborhoods, and world cuisines. 

Furthermore, São Paulo is known for its modern architecture, featuring skyscrapers and innovative buildings, including works by world-renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. The city’s skyline is truly impressive and comparable to big American cities. 

Another thing São Paulo is famous for, as is the entire country, is the soccer culture. Some of the greatest soccer players are Brazilian, and São Paulo even has a museum dedicated to the beloved sport. 

Lastly, São Paulo is Brazil’s financial and business capital. The city, one of the world’s most populous at over 12 million inhabitants, is responsible for a large part of Brazil’s GDP.

Is São Paulo a good tourist destination?

While many tourists would rather choose Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo is a great destination for tourists interested in cultural activities, cuisine, and urban landscapes. Plus, the city is safe and easy to navigate with public transportation.

While you can visit São Paulo any time of the year, shoulder seasons are the best to avoid the boiling hot summer days and huge crowds while enjoying pleasant temperatures and a variety of activities.

If you need more insights, familiarize yourself with this in-depth guide to São Paulo’s airport. And if you’re planning a trip through the South American country, you can also check out these five unique Brazilian tours.

Top Things to Do in São Paulo

 1. Relax in Ibirapuera Park 

Escape the city buzz and sprinkle a dash of greenery into your day with this peaceful escape. Parque do Ibirapuera is the city's biggest green park, with walking and biking trails sprawling through the greenery. Pack yourself a picnic and enjoy an afternoon under the sun with friends. 

The Ibirapuera Park is only 4 miles from the city center, with the nearest metro stops being Brigadeiro and Paraíso. Considering the park is entirely free, this is a great way to spend some time in São Paulo.

2. Discover the Mercado Municipal de São Paulo 

There's nothing like a fresh market to get an authentic taste of how locals live. The Mercado Municipal de São Paulo offers an explosion of flavors with vibrant fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, delectable cheeses, and surprising spices that'll rock your world. 

Try out the teeming free samples, sit at one of the bars, or gather your ingredients to create a palatable plate in your accommodation!

3. Visit the São Paulo Cathedral

Tucked in the heart of the city, the Catedral de Sé de São Paulo (or Catedral Metropolitana) is a sight you simply can't miss. This neo-Gothic masterpiece features grandiose spires, stained-glass windows, and a marveling marble-made interior. In the crypt, you can see the tombs of the city’s bishops and of relevant historical figures.

Keep an eye out for all the little details that make this cathedral unique, like the coffee beans and Brazilian animals carved into the structure! Catedral da Sé is one of the top things to do in São Paulo if you're interested in history, religion, culture, and architecture. 

4. Attend a Show at Theatro Municipal de São Paulo  

Dating to the early 1900s, the Theatro Municipal de São Paulo hosts a variety of veritable influences from the Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Neoclassical styles. Originally inspired by Paris' Palais Garnier, this is one of the city's most iconic cultural and architectural landmarks. 

Keep a keen eye out for the rich red seating, lavish curtains, and gilded balconies. Check out an opera performance or symphony orchestra for an experience you won't forget. 

If you're trying to save some money, there are free guided tours every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. You can find out more information on the theater's website.

5. Admire Artworks at Museu de Arte de São Paulo 

If you're looking for an art-infused cultural experience, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo is a stellar option. Housing curated collections from around the globe, you'll find pieces from big names like Vincent Van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt, and many more. 

Their collection of more than 10,000 pieces of art will keep you entertained for hours. But if you somehow find yourself bored, take an art class, listen to a talk, or even catch a musical performance!

Budget tip: If you're looking for the best things to do and see in São Paulo without breaking the bank, this art museum is free every Tuesday and Wednesday! 

There are a ton of other museums worth visiting in São Paulo, including the Pinacoteca do Estado, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museu Afro Brasil, and the Football Museum. 

Note: The Football Museum is closed for renovation until April 2024. Until then, you can visit their temporary exhibition Futebol de Brinquedo.

6. Stroll Along Avenida Paulista  

Fringed by towering skyscrapers, boutique stores, big brands, popular restaurants, and a hefty number of hotels, the Avenida Paulista is one of the top things to do in São Paulo for tourists looking for that city buzz.

Stroll down the lively street to catch street artists performing, sit at a cozy café watching people walk by, or go window shopping. The avenue is closed to cars on Sundays, so this is the perfect day to enjoy it.

7. Check out the Street Art in Beco do Batman

Beco do Batman is one of the most popular areas in São Paulo for street art. The name of this area translates to Batman Alley after a Batman graffiti painted here in the 1980s. Most street art is around Rua Gonçalo Afonso and Rua Medeiros de Albuquerque, so be sure to check these out!

Beco do Batman is part of the Vila Madalena neighborhood, a well-known area for vibrant nightlife. After checking out murals and graffiti, you can go out for a drink or head to a club.

This is just one of São Paulo’s renowned nightlife neighborhoods. You can read more about the best nightlife districts, must-see stops, and unique things to do in this guide to São Paulo Nightlife. 

8. Experience a Taste of Asia in Liberdade

If you’re looking for something different after trying delicious Brazilian food, head to Liberdade, São Paulo’s very own Asian neighborhood. The neighborhood is home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan, so you can bet you’ll find amazing Japanese food here.

Strolling through Liberdade will make you feel like you suddenly teleported to Japan. The architecture, shops, and vibe are typical of a neighborhood in Japan. While you may not experience the typical Brazilian culture here, Liberdade represents São Paulo’s multicultural vibe, so it’s one of the top things to do in the city.  

You can buy Japanese treats, stop for a traditional Japanese lunch, or experience one of the many festivities like the Chinese New Year in January, the Flowers Festival (Hanamatsuri) in April, and the Sumo Championship in June.

9. Enjoy the Serene Botanical Gardens of São Paulo

Step outside the hustle and bustle of the city and head down to the Botanical Gardens of São Paulo (Jardim Botânico de São Paulo). After seeing all the main attractions and visiting a few museums, you may want to take a break from all the concrete and enjoy some fresh air surrounded by nature.

Gather a group of friends or pack your favorite novel and enjoy an afternoon basking in the garden's floral scents, verdant views, and peaceful pursuits. You can easily spend half a day exploring the vast area and checking out tropical plants and even a few monkeys.