São Paulo is a large city of the world and it is the most populated city, and there are nearly 23 million people residing in the metropolitan area of the city, which is twice the population of London. The culture of the city has not been eroded despite its vastness since the 19 th century.

As a matter of fact, the city of São Paulo is among the primary cultural centers in Latin America, with such significant monuments as the Latin American Memorial, museums, including the Museum of the Portuguese Language and the Museum of Art of São Paulo, and institutions, including the College of Law, and the São Paulo Geographical and Historical Institute.

Brazil being the biggest city, it does not lack any attractions to see and culture to indulge in. This paper will discuss seven things to do in São Paulo.

Spot Street Art

São Paulo is covered in colourful and impressive street art, with local artists using graffiti, stencils, and stickers to communicate their frustrations and visions.

​There is so much street art to see around Vila Madalena, Pinheiro, and the city centre that we recommend joining a free walking tour of São Paulo that explores the famous Batman Alley (Beco De Batman), the secret Aprendiz’s Alley, and the vibrant Patapio Staircase (Escadaria do Patapio).

Walk Along Paulista Avenue

One of the key centers of the city of Brazil is Paulista Avenue ( Avenida Paulista ), which is full of museums, shops, hotels, restaurants and cultural establishments. It is full of life both day and night and it is worth walking down the Paulista Avenue to feel the environment and the culture.

Each Sunday, the street becomes a no-go area where no traffic is allowed and becomes a giant walking street with food carts, music and street artists. It is the meeting point of locals to hang out and party so in case you are lucky enough to be in São Paulo on a Sunday then we strongly suggest you get involved.

Explore the São Paulo Museum of Art

São Paulo Museum of Arts (Museu de Arte de São Paulo) is said to be one of the most significant art museums in the Southern Hemisphere. The museum has more than 10,000 works of art including paintings, sculpture, drawings, photographs, and clothing.

It is likely to take between one and two hours at the museum. Admission is free on Tuesdays (all day) and Friday evenings (between 6pm and 10pm), but was approximately £10 per adult.

Moreover, the building is also a great piece of modernist Brazilian architecture, and the floating building made of concrete and glass has been turned into one of the most popular photo spots in the city of São Paulo.

Eat at Municipal Market

Municipal Market (Mercadão Municipal) is an obligatory venture that the food lovers or the ones who like to taste the local dishes should visit. The market is located inside a historical building with a variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, spice vendors, dairy products, food court, and small bars with local beer.

Moreover, the notorious mortadella sandwich of the city of São Paulo – Brazilian bread roll with mortadella ham and cheese – is deemed as a specialty in the Municipal Market.

Visit Liberdade (Japantown)

Both in terms of population and geographic area, the largest community of Japanese is in São Paulo where more than 1.5 million Nikee reside. Therefore, going to Liberdade is as real as it can get without having to travel to Japan.

Liberdade, also referred to as Japantown, is also a hub of tasty Asian restaurants (Chinese, Filipino, and Korean) and shops that retail Japanese crafts. In this district there is also some more great street art.

Explore Ibirapuera Park

The Ibirapuera Park is a large park that has lakes, museums, art installations and walk paths. The urban park is used by the residents on a daily basis, be it taking a picnic, walking the dog or running.

To go through all the range of Ibirapuera Park we suggest renting a bike. Excessive green tents situated out of the main visitor entrance of the park hire bikes at less than 1hour.

Ascend Farol Santander

Farol Santander is a cultural center and an art gallery that is housed in one of the historic skyscrapers of São Paulo and has various exhibitions of immersion by Brazilian and foreign artists.

Nonetheless, you must also enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the city at the observation deck at the 26 th floor. It is an excellent way of getting a glimpse of the sheer size of São Paulo.

A ticket of 7 pounds will allow admission to both temporary and permanent exhibitions, and observation deck.

Ready to Experience Brazil’s Cultural Giant?

São Paulo does not have sandy beaches and nature, which Rio has, but it possesses a very distinct aura, where culture is experienced, not merely seen.

Are you willing to be part of the cultural giant of Brazil with its mounds of colour, unique neighbourhoods, world-renowned museums and cultural institutions, and a melting pot of cultures?