With a population of 20 million in its metropolitan area, São Paulo is Brazil’s biggest city, as well as most diverse. $100 will get you just a bit more than 300 Brazilian reals. Here’s how to use it in a day.
Taxis tend to more expensive here compared to other larger cities, and visitors will most likely use the city’s rail network, composed of subways and surface trains. Single rides cost R$3.50 with no limit, and you can also purchase credits for smartcards, which will make things easier and slightly cheaper if you take the bus, as swiping the magnetic strip will get you three hours of bus rides.
If you’re in town on a Sunday, Avenida Paulista is a definite stop on your itinerary. The street is a blend of historic buildings and modern architecture, splitting the city between the old Centro and the up-and-coming West. Avenida Paulista has two outdoor markets open on Sundays, one for antiques under the art museum, and a handicrafts market across the street. The area also has a plethora of restaurants that are perfect for lunch. For a quick bite, try Black Dog, the city’s famous hot dog franchise, where a meal will cost around R$10. If you want something heavier, there is a range of delicious street food vendors that charge you per kilo (think half a kilo per person).
Once you’ve eaten your fill, walk it off with a visit to MASP, São Paulo’s famous art museum, considered to have one of Latin America’s best collection of European art, in addition to exhibits on Brazilian, African and Asian culture. Entrance is R$25, but there is free admission all day on Tuesday, and after 5 p.m. on Thursday. While MASP is impressive, São Paulo is also known for its street art, so try to take a stroll down Beco de Batman, located on Vila Madalena in the West Side. “Batman Alley” acts as a sort of testing ground for the city’s artists, a constantly morphing, open-air gallery where nearly every space is either filled, or has been painted over and will inevitably be filled again.
You’ve no doubt heard of Fogo de Chão, the famous Brazilian steakhouse that has spread around the world, but now that you’re in São Paulo, you have a range of options for dinner at a churrascaria. Though it will run you R$100, Vento Haragano is well worth the price for an authentic Brazilian barbecue. The restaurant has a folk-style ambience, with Alexandre Reider landscapes decorating the walls and servers wearing gaucho attire.
São Paulo has a great nightlife, though it tends to start later than in the States. Before you’re in the thick of it, try one of the city’s Brazilian bars, called botecos. These are essentially bars stripped down to serving just beer, snacks and maybe caipirinhas if the bartender is feeling particularly daring. Astor is one of the city’s most well known, located in Vila Madalena, but if you want to try something more experimental, try SubAstor, located directly underneath. The place is headed by Italian mixologist Fabio la Pietra, who enjoys utilizing an eclectic palate of tastes including butter, capers and even saffron worth its weight in gold.
Read This Next
LGBT: São Paulo
LGBTQIA+
Dec 12, 2014All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Car Enthusiasts Head to California for La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
Head to La Jolla, California, this April for the 18th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. The automotive and lifestyle festival offers car fanatics a variety of free and paid events. This year’s theme showcases the roaring 20s and glamorous 1930s. The event takes place April 19–21.
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips.
Surveys
Mar 26, 2024Study Discovers Destinations Where Hotels are Cheaper Than Home Rentals
For the longest time, travelers touted home rentals as an affordable alternative to hotels. However, is that really the case? Do you really get more for your money when you book an Airbnb versus a hotel room?
Slideshow
Mar 26, 20245 Must-See Sites in Tallinn, Estonia
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are five must-see sites in Tallinn, Estonia.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024A Trendy Lifestyle Hotel Opens in Downtown Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee, is now home to a new trendy hotel, located half a block from Broadway and steps from shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Tempo by Hilton Nashville marks the second property to open nationally from Hilton’s stylish new brand. The hotel, which officially opened its doors Feb. 15, features 306 rooms across 16 floors.
ShareThis