TRVLS & COMIDA

It is the largest city in Brazil, and that’s why you need this guide from me. I lived in the city for a year and a half before moving to the United States in 2012. I lived through multiple solo walks around town, endless hours on public transportation, and a food obsession that you will only understand if you visit.  

People often question what there is to do in São Paulo, and as a former local, I would say a lot. Plenty of museums to visit, parks to spend the afternoon, different neighborhoods, such as Liberdade, the Japanese cultural hub, with the largest Japanese population outside Japan, with over 2 million people of Japanese heritage. You will also find Italians, Germans, Greeks, and people from the Middle East, as well as their cultures, all over town. 

The city hosts large musical festivals, business fairs, food festivals, and so on. With a large hotel brands and the capacity to receive guests with infrastructure to support all the visitors from all over the world, Sao Paulo is a South American hub to keep an eye on. And book a visit because it’s worth it. 

This short blog post will help you see most of São Paulo in 48 hours. From a person who lived there for almost 2 years and visited to see all the changes in the past 13 years. The city is becoming increasingly futuristic with each passing year, featuring high-rise skyscrapers, 7-story malls, a vast transportation system that includes buses, trains, and a massive subway system. And of course, ride-share cars all over town. Don’t be afraid to get lost in São Paulo. Be afraid of finding yourself in a fun, progressive city that allows you to be whoever you want to be. 

The Arrival:

São Paulo has 3 major airports: Guarulhos (GRU), the international one, Congonhas (CGH), Domestic, and the farthest one, outside the town, is Viracorpos airport. 

Coming from the USA or Europe, or even anywhere else, actually, Guarulhos (GRU) will be your arrival and departure airport. It’s located about 1 hour away from the city, and you will need either a private transfer to get to your accommodation or a ride-share located outside of your arrival terminal. There are plenty of ways to make it to the city. There is also the local train station, but  I never used this option, so I won’t be able to tell you much about it. 

The Stay: 

The city has a substantial number of hotels to choose from. From five stars to basic accommodation, as much as vacation rentals, your main decision will be the neighborhood to stay in. Fancy Hotels and big buildings are located at Morumbi, Vila Olimpia, and the financial district, Faria Lima.  Avenida Paulista is a great choice for a more travel-friendly option, as it’s centrally located, with numerous stores, events, and easy access to nearby neighborhoods. In the Jardins neighborhood, you will find more boutique, exclusive hotels like extended stay luxury properties.

Here are my 3 suggestions for every budget:

3-star category, great central location on Av Paulista itself, a few steps from the bustling and huzzah-ing at the heart of the city. Prices vary because of high and low seasons,but Ibis is a well-known low-budget hotel.

V3rso Jardins 

4 start category property, the hotel includes a rooftop pool and breakfast for a fee with a gym. 3 minutes away from Av Paulista, in the exclusive Jardins neighborhood

W Hotels – 

5-star category hotel, located at Vila Olimpia Neighborhood, it counts with  2 restaurants and a rooftop bar, a rooftop pool, spa concierge, and all the amenities a 5-star property could offer.

The Food

São Paulo is well-known for their culinary heritage and food experience. Renowned restaurants, Michelin Chefs, and fancy spots. But the best of it is still their street food.  Close to the train stations, you will find the true local cuisine. Kebabs, Skewers, Yakisoba, pastel, you name it. You will see a lot of people leaving their offices and stopping for a quick bite before heading home. 

A lot of neighborhoods offer options, connected to their history. Take Lliberdade for example, the Japanese neighborhood. They have the most amazing street food market on Sundays, restaurants, and stores that sell Japanese products, which makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a different country. 

In downtown São Paulo, you can find the Mercado Municipal, with a beautiful architecture and a must-try mortadela sandwich. Also, a lot of fruit and veggie vendors, followed by a cheese and salami booth. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon.  

I could talk about those restaurants for pages, but Im working on a free guide to post it soon. 

The Shopping

São Paulo is a city of malls. It’s a cultural habit to go hang out at the mall on Saturdays and Sundays. In Rio de Janeiro, and we have a joke that says the mall is Paulista’s beach. They gather there, have food, shop, and wander around, sometimes watch a movie or a play, as some of the malls have theaters. 

In downtown, you have a popular site called 25 de Marco, a mecca for street vendors and cheap clothing and outfits. It’s packed, and I would only go if you are in for a crazy adventure. There is also Braz, more clothing-focused. 

If you are looking for luxury brands, Jardins’ Oscar Freire is your spot. Brazilian and international brands collide at Alameda Casa Branca. The street also has Cafes, dining options, and Art Decor.  

Transportation:

The Train system hub – bus and subway basically cover the entire town and they run by colors, like every other big city. Its not hard to follow, based on where you plan to spend your day and you can buy the individual ticket as you go.

Uber is also very used and affordable, but keep in mind that Sao Paulo always have massive traffic, any time of the day, so getting the train would be a better option.

I haven’t had a chance to use bikes and since it would be your first time getting to know the city, its better to keep the bikes to go around parks.

This is only basic information; it doesn’t even scratch the entire vibe the city has to offer. 

São Paulo stands on its own. Make sure to go at least once, and I guarantee you won’t regret it. From the bottom of the heart of a former local .

I will have more on the São Paulo City guide I’m working on for a few months now. I had to come to a full stop as my dad passed last November. I’m still trying to catch up with all the work I have with my TRVLS & COMIDA Brand and my day job, which pays the bills and helps me to keep moving forward. 

Thank you tag along,

See you next week for another destination short guide!