WHAT TO DO
CULTURE, FOOD, SHOPPING & MORE
We've carefully created three themed itineraries showcasing some of our favorite spots in São Paulo. Since the city has so much to offer, we also included a few more recommendations for restaurants and activities that we love, to ensure everyone can explore and enjoy our hometown to the fullest!
CURATED ITINERARIES
By Sofia and Rodrigo
1. A DAY OF SHOPPING AND FOOD IN
THE NEIGHBORHOOD JARDINS
We recommend starting the day with the famous and unforgettable "Pão de Queijo Haddock Lobo" (and then trying a quindim), taking advantage of the location to stroll along Rua Oscar Freire and discover the shops, cafes, and bookstores in the region. At lunchtime, we suggest continuing to explore the neighborhood and trying Restaurante Rodeio (for meat), Arabia (for authentic Lebanese cuisine), or Zucco (for contemporary Italian cuisine). After lunch, relax with a spa treatment at Hotel Fasano, and finish the day with a stroll through the CJ Shops shopping gallery and a Japanese dinner at Makoto, Spanish/Portuguese at Adega Santiago (located in the same gallery), or Italian in Gero.
2. A DAY OF CULTURE IN SÃO PAULO
To start a day of immersion in the city of São Paulo, we recommend taking an Uber early in the morning to Mercado Municipal (also known as Mercadão). The Market is part of the Historic Center of São Paulo, and there, one must try a Pastel, a Mortadella Sandwich, and a Sugarcane Juice, as well as tasting the various local fruits. Continue the tour by taking an Uber to the Pinacoteca do Estado, one of the country's most influential Brazilian art museums. Afterward, we recommend a typical Brazilian lunch at Tordesilhas (fish, seafood, especially the famous crab casquinha and moquecas without dendê) or at Bolinha (feijoada). During the afternoon, we suggest a walk through Ibirapuera Park while drinking some coconut water. To finish the day perfectly, we recommend stopping for drinks at Santana Bar, followed by a pizza at Cristal or Camelo (In our opinion, Brazilian pizza is the best in the world!).
3. A DAY OF CULTURE AND SHOPPING
(THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS)
Start with a delicious brunch at Le Jardin, one of the restaurants at Hotel Rosewood, and get to know the hotel's surroundings and Matarazzo City afterwards. Then, take an Uber to MASP (São Paulo Museum of Art, one of the most influential in Latin America) and see the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Continue the day by going to lunch on the outskirts of the neighborhood Jardins, at Bottega Bernacca Uno (Italian) or Z Deli (sandwiches and burgers). After lunch, we recommend strolling along Rua Oscar Freire and exploring the shops and cafes. End the day with dinner and drinks at the Tan Tan or the Skye restaurant at Hotel Unique's rooftop.
MORE RECOMMENDATIONS
SHOPPING
CJ SHOPS
R. Haddock Lobo, 1626
+55 11 3552.1000
@shopsjardins
IGUATEMI SÃO PAULO
Av. Brg. Faria Lima, 2232
+55 11 3048.7344
CIDADE JARDIM
Av. Magalhães de Castro, 12000
+55 11 3552.1000
@cidadejardimshopping
RUA OSCAR FREIRE
EXHIBITIONS
MASP
Av. Paulista, 1578
+55 11 3149.5959
@masp
MIS MUSEU DA IMAGEM E DO SOM
Av. Europa, 158
+ 55 11 2117.4777
PINACOTECA DO ESTADO
Praça da Luz, 2
+55 11 3324.1000
@pinacotecasp
MUSEU DO FUTEBOL
Praça Charles Miller
MUSEU DO IPIRANGA
Parque da Independência – Ipiranga
+55 11 2065.8000
HIGHLIGHTS OF SÃO PAULO
IBIRAPUERA PARK
A family-friendly park, great for picnics, relaxation, sports, exercise, and art appreciation. It gets crowded on weekends and is a popular leisure destination among São Paulo residents. Its 1,584 square kilometers feature three lakes, two museums, and many other cultural spaces. The park hosts various events throughout the year, such as free music shows and a water and light spectacle to celebrate year-end festivities. There are also two important monuments to visit: the Obelisk and the Monument to the Flags.
PINACOTECA
The São Paulo Pinacoteca is a visual arts museum focusing on Brazilian production from the 19th century to contemporary times and in dialogue with world cultures. The city's oldest art museum, founded in 1905 by the Government of the State of São Paulo, has been showcasing its renowned collection of Brazilian art and temporary exhibitions of national and international artists. The Pinacoteca also develops and presents comprehensive and inclusive public projects and hosts an extensive educational program.
LIBERDADE NEIGHBORHOOD
It was created by a large influx of Japanese immigrants in the early 1900s – supposedly home to the largest Japanese population outside Japan. For lovers of Japanese culture and food, it's a delightful outing!
OSCAR FREIRE STREET
One of the best places to eat and shop in Jardins, especially on a beautiful day! We recommend taking a stroll and exploring shops, restaurants, and cafes.
BECO DO BATMAN
Beco do Batman is an alley filled with graffiti from artists worldwide in the Vila Madalena neighborhood, known for its lively nightlife. In the vicinity, there are many Brazilian bars where you can enjoy a good draft beer, eat pastries, and make the most of the day.