Top Must-See Attractions in São Paulo, Brazil

São Paulo is the largest city in Latin America and, therefore, can leave any visitor feeling a bit overwhelmed. However, this megalopolis has plenty to offer the traveler. Here are some of the city’s best-known attractions.

Ibirapuera Park

Address

Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, S/n – Portão 2 – Moema, São Paulo – SP, 04094-050, Brazil

Phone +55 11 5082-1777

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Oca is one of the several buildings that make up an interesting architectural complex in Ibirapuera Park, the city’s largest green space. Designed by one of the 20th century’s best-known architects, Oscar Niemeyer, the dome-shaped Oca houses exhibitions across its three floors. Nearby highlights include the Planetarium and Biennale buildings.

Mercado Municipal

Address

R. da Cantareira, 306 – Centro Histórico de São Paulo, São Paulo – SP, 01024-900, Brazil

Phone +55 11 4580-1390

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This historic building, beautifully decorated with stained glass and architectural details on the exterior, houses the city’s grandest food market. Step inside the Municipal Market for every imaginable fruit, homemade sweets, dried fruits, nuts, salami, and cheese on the first floor, then proceed upstairs for one of the city’s famous mortadella sandwiches.

Street Art in São Paulo

São Paulo is known as one of the world’s best cities for street art, thanks to an innovative group of dedicated artists who continue to refine the art form. The Beco de Batman showcases the city’s largest concentration of street art murals, while commissioned works by renowned artists, such as the duo Os Gemeos, can be spotted throughout the city, including on the side of the Modern Art Museum in Ibirapuera Park.

Museu de Futbol

Address

Praça Charles Miller, s/n – Pacaembu, São Paulo – SP, 01234-010, Brazil

Phone +55 11 3664-3848

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The Museu de Futbol, or Soccer Museum, is located in one of the city’s most important soccer stadiums, Estadio Pacaembu. Although the museum lacks English translations, much of the display is visual, making it accessible for soccer fans who will appreciate the memorabilia, photos, and videos of soccer history. Visitors can also gain insight into the experience of a real Brazilian soccer stadium, marking an essential landmark in the city.

Edificio Italia

Address

Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1078 – Setor D Lote 3 – Santana, São Paulo – SP, 02012-021, Brazil

Phone +55 11 99214-2496

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Edificio Italia is a prominent skyscraper in the heart of the city, offering a must-visit terrace restaurant and bar. Here, visitors can savor a caipiroska or other popular Brazilian cocktails while enjoying stunning views of São Paulo.

Museu de Arte de São Paulo

Address

Av. Paulista, 1578 – Bela Vista, São Paulo – SP, 01310-200, Brazil

Phone +55 11 3149-5959

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The Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) sits prominently on Avenida Paulista, which is one of the city’s grandest boulevards. The modern architecture of the museum may seem in contrast to the classical art it houses; yet, it possesses perhaps the finest collection of western art in South America. Its permanent collection showcases works by many renowned European masters such as Rembrandt, Velazquez, and Monet, while its high-quality temporary exhibitions explore various art genres.

Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo

Address

Praça da Luz, 2 – Luz, São Paulo – SP, 01120-010, Brazil

Phone +55 11 3324-1000

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The Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo is regarded as one of the city’s finest art museums. Inside, visitors will discover a significant collection of Brazilian paintings that display the history of the country. The museum also features an impressive collection of French sculptures. Additionally, downstairs, a lovely café offers typical Brazilian food and snack options, and outside, there is a quaint sculpture garden set in the European-style Parque da Luz.