Is Sao Paulo worth visiting?
Yes, Sao Paulo is absolutely a city that any traveler should visit. During our time here, we had so much fun.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the spectacular museums and attractions and terrific nightlife.
São Paulo is the largest city in South America. It's also the economic and financial capital of Brazil and a cultural and international megacity. There's a range of architecture styles around town and many unique neighborhoods. It's not the most popular destination in Brazil, but it does offer a unique experience with a glimpse at real life in a large and diverse setting.
Sao Paulo, Brazil
6 Reasons to Visit Sao Paulo
1. Museums and Attractions
While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral
Museum of Art of São Paulo (MASP) is known for hosting an impressive collection of Western art and innovative modernist architecture. (R$50)
Football Museum (Museu do Futebol) is known for showcasing the history and cultural impact of football in Brazil with interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations. (R$20)
Museum of the Portuguese Language is known for exploring the history and evolution of the Portuguese language through interactive exhibits. (R$ 20)
Pinacoteca do Estado is known for its extensive collection of Brazilian art spanning from the 19th century to contemporary works, housed in a historic building with beautiful architecture. (R$20)
São Paulo Cathedral (Catedral da Sé) is known for its stunning neo-Gothic architecture and significance as one of the largest churches in Brazil. (Free)
2. Nightlife
As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.
3. Shopping
The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.
Municipal Market of São Paulo (Mercadão) is known for its vast selection of fresh and exotic foods, beautiful stained glass windows, and iconic mortadella sandwich. (Free)
4. Food
The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).
Municipal Market of São Paulo (Mercadão) is known for its vast selection of fresh and exotic foods, beautiful stained glass windows, and iconic mortadella sandwich. (Free)
5. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Sao Paulo might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Sao Paulo here or see if Sao Paulo is expensive here.
6. Authenticity
Sao Paulo has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Sao Paulo worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the low season for travel in Sao Paulo. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Sao Paulo is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 25°C (77°F). But it can get as warm as [No Data] at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to browse through museums, discover the big city activities, and dance the night away.
Summer Weather in Sao Paulo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| February | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| March | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
Is Sao Paulo worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Sao Paulo. Even though Sao Paulo is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 22°C (72°F) with daily high temperatures often more than [No Data].
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Sao Paulo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| June | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
Is Sao Paulo worth visiting in the Winter?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F).
The peak season for travel is winter in Sao Paulo, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and take advantage of the local nightlife. Also, you can check out the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Sao Paulo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| August | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| September | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
Is Sao Paulo worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Sao Paulo. Even though Sao Paulo is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 21°C (70°F) with daily high temperatures often more than [No Data].
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and enjoy an evening out.
Spring Weather in Sao Paulo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| November | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| December | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Sao Paulo
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
Related
What is Sao Paulo most famous for?
Sao Paulo is most famous for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. People visit this impressive city for its great museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Also, it's known for food. It is often described as cultural, dynamic, vibrant, and colorful.
What is the most famous sight in Sao Paulo?
The most popular sight in Sao Paulo is Ibirapuera Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Sao Paulo on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Ibirapuera Park and other attractions here.
How touristy is Sao Paulo? Is it a popular city to visit?
Sao Paulo is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English: $31
- Downtown Photo Tour: $150
- LGBTQIA+ Private Tour: Explore São Paulo With A Local Gay-Friendly Guide: $179
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $176
- Private Sao Paulo Architecture Tour – The Most Diverse Styles, Shapes & Sizes: $162
- Guarani Tribe Experience: Experience in indigenous villages: $170
- Private Layover Tour from GRU or CGH airports (6h): $198
- Sao Paulo Top Highlights Tour with Market visit (4h): $145
How long should I spend in Sao Paulo?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Sao Paulo is two to three days. Since Sao Paulo has a variety of activities such as museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Sao Paulo? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Sao Paulo?.
More Things to Do in Sao Paulo
- Is Ibirapuera Park (Parque Ibirapuera) Worth Visiting?
- Is Museum of Art of São Paulo (MASP) Worth Visiting?
- Is São Paulo Zoo (Zoológico de São Paulo) Worth Visiting?
- Is Municipal Market of São Paulo (Mercadão) Worth Visiting?
- Is Football Museum (Museu do Futebol) Worth Visiting?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Brazil and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.
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