São Paulo is the most populated city in Brazil, as well as the 13th largest city in the world in regards to population. This bustling metropolis is home to culture, cuisine, and a vibrancy that comes from the Brazilian people. There is so much São Paulo has to offer, it’s hard to imagine doing everything the city provides in one trip.
What To Do
There are so many important and spectacular museums in São Paulo that it’s hard to prioritize them all. However, there are a few that stand out.
Museu de Arte de São Paulo or MASP is one of the most famous museums in the city, namely because of it’s extensive collection of European art as well as it’s location. MASP is located on the most well-known street in São Paulo, Avenida Paulista. The great thing about this museum is that every Tuesday and Thursday it is open to the public after 5 pm.
Museu de Arte Moderna or MAM is another wonderful institution to visit displaying modern art, as well as Museu da Imagem e do Som MIS which is the Museum of Image and Sound.
Parque Ibirapuera is the most famous park in the city, which boasts structures built by the revered architect Oscar Niemeyer. This is the most visited park in all of Latin America and cannot be missed!
Benedito Calixto is another must-see site. It is an all-day market that happens on Saturdays and is full of chorinho, a music that is similar to samba. This lively market is great for shopping and people watching.
What To Eat
Brazilian food is very international. São Paulo has the most Italian and Japenese people living outside their respective motherlands, and it shows in their cuisine. But, traditional Brazilian food cannot be ignored and is unbelievably delicious.
Churrascaria is a Brazilian steakhouse, and they are all over the city. This is the classic Brazilian experience that everyone seeks out in São Paulo. Waiters come around your table with skewers of different cuts of meat, and they simply serve whatever you fancy! This is the ultimate meat lovers dream.
However, if you are less inclined towards meat, there are still delicious and undeniably Brazilian dishes for you. Feijoada is a black bean stew that is usually prepared with meat but can also be omitted. This is considered the national dish of Brazil, so it is absolutely necessary to try it!
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Another vegetarian option to try is a pastel. A pastel is a hand pie that can be filled with a variety of ingredient ranging from pizza to vegetables, and of course meat if you so choose.
Where To Go Out
Samba is the biggest symbol of Brazilian culture. The music and dances associated with samba portray a lifestyle that can only be found in Brazil. When in São Paulo, there is no way you can miss experiencing samba. Bar Samba in the Vila Madalena neighborhood should be at the top of your list when visiting São Paulo. Although the whole neighborhood comes alive on Saturdays with most bars hosting Samba nights, Bar Samba is simply the best.
