São Paulo Itinerary
Introduction to São Paulo, 4 days
Those who set out to explore this vast, packed Brazilian metropolis will be well rewarded for their efforts. Top-notch restaurants, hip nightclubs, and excellent museums and galleries make São Paulo Brazil's cultural reference point. Architecture buffs can marvel at some impressive examples of grand colonial buildings.
Day 1: Getting to Know the City
International flights will bring you in through Guarulhos, which is actually a sister city to megacity São Paulo. Budget at least an hour of travel time—double that if it’s rush hour—to get to your lodgings in the center of São Paulo.
Once you get yourself somewhat situated—always difficult in this sprawling megalopolis—find your way to the top of Avenida Paulista (where it meets Consolação) and begin a walk down the long blocks of this busy business artery. You'll pass one international bank after another, interspersed with the occasional multinational corporation, until you reach the inimitable and easily identifiable Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP), designed by the late Oscar Niemeyer. Right across the street is Trianon Park, a surprisingly peaceful jungle in the midst of all the traffic and concrete of Paulista. If you continue down Paulista to Brigadeiro, you can either walk or catch a bus into Bixiga and lunch at one of the charming Italian cantinas on 13 de Maio.
Day 2: The Architecture of São Paulo
São Paulo is the financial heart of the country, and architecturally, it shows. Try exploring the city's structures by starting with the old: search for the elegant Theatro Municipal first. From there, the iconic Edifício Martinelli shouldn't be hard to pick out of the modernist skyline. The spectacular view over the valley on Anhangabaú makes for a great photo opportunity. Another treasure is the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil. The building itself is a small marvel and it often has world-class exhibits within its marbled walls.
From there, the Praça da Sé is not far, and the massive Cathedral is certainly worth a peek inside. Take a seat on one of the Praça’s benches to watch a veritable cross section of paulistano life go by. Just two metro stops away at República, you can see perhaps the most iconic São Paulo skyscraper, Niemeyer’s Edifício Copan. It's just down the street from the Edifício Itália, which was once the city's tallest building.
In the waning daylight hours, make your way to the vaulted roofs of São Paulo Estação da Luz, a bustling train station. Finish the day by walking to the nearby top-notch Pinacoteca art museum and resting in its elegant tree-lined grounds.
Day 3: São Paulo’s Boutiques
Fashionistas flock to São Paulo for the clothes, shoes, fashion shows, and accessories. In fact, shopping is a tourist attraction in its own right. Rub elbows with São Paulo's rich and fabulously dressed by doing a little clothing shopping at the western end of Rua Oscar Freire (where it meets Rebouças). Here you can find some of Brazil's most famous designer collections, as well as a good sampling of international names.
With your new outfits, you may want to sample São Paulo's famous nightlife. Make your way to Vila Madalena or Pinheiros, both lively nighttime neighborhoods lined with bars and restaurants. Catch a live performance of bossa nova or samba at happy hour at Grazie a Dio.
Day 4: A Jungle Within the City
When you need a break from the urban jungle, surround yourself with lush greens at Parque Ibirapuera. It's crowded on the weekends—great for people-watching—and doesn't see too much foot traffic during the week. Follow the path to Marquise Ibirapuera, which connects several buildings, including the Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM) and the Pavilhão da Bienal, the site of São Paulo Fashion Week.
Also worth visiting is the polygonal Oca, built by Oscar Niemeyer, who along with Roberto Burle Marx, helped design the park itself. The nursery in Ibirapuera is a charming visit, and the staff will be able to point you to the park’s most exotic trees, such as glorious wide-limbed banyans. Take some time to explore the outskirts of the city—around Parque Ibirapuera are some of the most expensive mansions and apartment buildings in Latin America. Make your way to the lively Liberdade neighborhood to catch the Saturday street food festival or to dine at its many sushi and yakisoba restaurants.
Day 5–6 (Option 1): Embu das Artes
Embu is a small Portuguese colonial-era town of churches and antiques shops, handicrafts fairs, and furniture makers. It makes a relaxing alternative to the nonstop urban pulse of cosmopolitan São Paulo. Visit the Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosario, built in 1690, then check out the Canto das Artes for mosaics and furniture. If you need a break, relax at Os Girassóis Restaurante e Choperia over a nice frosty beer.
Devote some of your visit to understanding why Embu is also called Land of the Arts. Explore the Open Arts fair, which occupies all the central areas of the city and specializes in historical and colonial art. It is open Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. Be aware that the Embu is a popular destination and can get crowded.
Logistics: Embu is a mere 27 km (17 miles) west of São Paulo. You can catch a bus at the Terminal Bandeira close to metro Anhangabaú or at Tietê bus station. Once there, it's easily navigable by foot.
Day 5–6 (Option 2): Ilhabela
Ilhabela is the largest sea island in the country and will hit the spot if you're in the mood for pure relaxation. There are two small towns on the island. One is where the locals live; the other is where most of the hotels, restaurants, and stores are located and, hence, the tourists as well. Be aware that during the winter months most businesses that cater to travelers, including restaurants, are open only on weekends.
When you arrive, head straight for Praia Grande for your first taste of the shore, and at night, Praia do Curral will satisfy all your restaurant and bar needs. Ilhabela is a sportsman’s paradise; there is plenty of boating, sailing, hiking, scuba diving, and surfing (both of the board and wind variety) available. Scuba divers have several 19th- and early-20th-century wrecks to explore—this region has the most wrecks of any area off Brazil's coast—and hikers can set off on the numerous inland trails, many of which lead to a waterfall (the island has more than 300). Be aware that not all sport options are available on all parts of the island.
Logistics: Ilhabela is a 7-km (5-mile) boat ride from São Sebastião. The boat leaves every 30 minutes from 6 am to midnight and hourly during the night. It should take about 15 minutes. The coastal town São Sebastião itself is easily reached by bus from the Tietê bus station.
