São Paulo – Top Sites to Visit

The city of São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, offering an array of activities for visitors that include many rich cultural experiences. The city offers world-class tourist attractions and is one of the most culturally unique locations in all of Latin America. Visitors should explore options in the various districts due to the cities size, noting that each neighborhood offers its own unique charm and attractions. Visitors will also enjoy a wide range of UNESCO World Heritage sites available throughout the city.

 

 

Ibirapuera Park

Located centrally in São Paulo, Ibirapuera Park is the most visited park space in all of South America. Spread across 158 hectares, the park was inaugurated in August 1954 on the 400th anniversary of the city of São Paulo. Often compared to Central Park in New York City, visitors can enjoy what is described as a ‘green oasis in the heart of a concrete jungle’. Admission to visitors is free, with the park being open daily from 5:00am to midnight. In addition to its many green areas for jogging and walking, there are various museums on site as well as a music hall. The park plays host yearly to a wide range of events, including the famous São Paulo Fashion Week.

Address: Av Pedro Álvares Cabral, s/n (gates 2, 3 e 10), Av IV Centenário – gates 6 e 7A, Av República do Líbano – gate 7 São Paulo
– Pedestrian: Gates 2, 3, 4, 6, 7A e 10
– Vehicle: Gates 3 e 7
Phone: +52 11 5574-5045, +52 5574-5505
Operating Hours:
– Monday 5:00am – 12:00pm
– Tuesday 5:00am – 12:00pm
– Wednesday 5:00am – 12:00pm
– Thursday 5:00am – 12:00pm
– Friday 5:00am – 12:00pm
– Saturday 00:00am – 12:00pm
– Sunday 00:00am – 12:00pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website

 

 

São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral

The São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral, also referred to as the ‘See Cathedral’, is the fourth largest neo-Gothic cathedral in the world. Consecrated in 1954, the cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of São Paulo. Construction on the existing cathedral begin in 1913 and was built to feature a Renaissance-style dome as its highlight. The largest Catholic church in the city, it sits on an area of 6,700 square meters located at Praça da Sé. Located below the main altar is a large crypt that includes various works of art such as marble sculptures developed by Francisco Leopoldo e Silva.

Address: Praça da Sé, s/n, Centro, São Paulo, SP, 01001-000
Phone: +55 11 3107-6832
Operating Hours:
– Monday 8:00am – 6:00pm
– Tuesday 8:00am – 6:00pm
– Wednesday 8:00am – 6:00pm
– Thursday 8:00am – 6:00pm
– Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm
– Saturday 8:00am – 12:00pm; 13pm – 5:00pm
– Sunday 8:00am – 13:00pm; 14pm – 5:00pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website

 

 

Mercadão Municipal (Municipal Market of São Paulo)

This municipal market is one of the most visited tourist locations in all of São Paulo. The market is a great location to find locally produced agricultural products including fruits, vegetables, spices, pasta, fish and much more. The market includes a large area dedicated to food and restaurant space, whereby visitors can enjoy authentic farm-to-table Brazilian dishes. Originally designed as the architect’s office in 1926, the building was inaugurated in 1933 and includes unique paneling including 72 stained glass windows. The large building occupies an area of 12,600 square meters and moves more than 350 tons of food each day.

Address: Rua Cantareira, 306, Centro, São Paulo, SP, 01103-200
Phone: + 55 11 3313-3365
Operating Hours:
Retail – General Public
– Monday 6:00am – 6:00pm
– Tuesday 6:00am – 6:00pm
– Wednesday 6:00am – 6:00pm
– Thursday 6:00am – 6:00pm
– Friday 6:00am – 6:00pm
– Saturday 6:00am – 6:00pm
– Sunday 6:00am – 4:00pm
Wholesale – Large Quantity:
– Monday 10:00am – 6:00pm
– Tuesday 10:00am – 6:00pm
– Wednesday 10:00am – 6:00pm
– Thursday 10:00am – 6:00pm
– Friday 10:00am – 6:00pm
– Saturday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Admission Cost:
FREE
Website

 

 

Sala São Paulo

The Sala São Paulo is home to the São Paulo State Symphonic Orchestra and is part of the larger Júlio Prestes Cultural Center located in the north of the city. The venue was originally built in 1938, with the modern-day structure having been inaugurated in 1999. The renovation was part of a larger restoration project to revitalize parts of downtown São Paulo. Originally designed as a train station, the venue now hosts concerts and cultural events regularly. Sala São Paulo can seat up to 1,498 and is built in a Neoclassical architectural style.

Address: Praça Júlio Prestes, nº 16, São Paulo, SP,01218 020
Phone: +55 11 3367 9500
Operating Hours:
– Monday 9:00am – 6:00pm
– Tuesday 9:00am – 6:00pm
– Wednesday 9:00am – 6:00pm
– Thursday 9:00am – 6:00pm
– Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm
– Saturday according to the event time and guided tours
– Sunday according to the event time and guided tours
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website

 

 

Instituto Butantan

Considered one of the most important scientific centers in the world, the Instituto Butantan is renowned for its reptile and insect collection, including a wide range of venomous snakes, lizards, spiders and scorpions. The institute has been credited with treatment of a wide range of diseases, including rabies and tuberculosis. Considered one of the São Paulo’s major tourist locations, the institute offers various educational exhibits and activities for visitors. Attractions include an on-site serpentarium, historical museum, biological museum and venom farm. The park area owned by the institute houses many rare species of tree.

Address: Avenida Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo 05503
Phone: +55 11 2627-9300
Operating Hours:
– Park and museums remain closed as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Admission Cost: N/A
Website

 

 

Liberdade

Liberdade refers to an entire district within the city of São Paulo. Home to the largest ethnic community of Japanese outside of Japan, it is famous for its attachment to the culture. The Japanese neighborhood originally began in 1912 and since has grown to include large populations of immigrants from China, Taiwan and Korea. Visitors will enjoy various markets, monuments and cultural icons from Japan. Various Japanese gardens are in this district, as are authentic restaurants offering various styles of Japanese cuisine. Particularly famous is the Liberdade street market that opens every weekend and includes many traditional Japanese foods, souvenirs and household goods.

Address: N/A
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Website (unofficial)