A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hamburg vs. Sao Paulo for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Hamburg or Sao Paulo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Sao Paulo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a historic, energetic, and cultural port city. Hamburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Hamburg travel costs.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a vibrant, colorful, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Hamburg and Sao Paulo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hamburg or Sao Paulo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sao Paulo than Hamburg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sao Paulo is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hamburg attracts visitors for its music and impressive beauty. Hamburg is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. Sao Paulo is famous for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. It is also well known for Ibirapuera Park.

How is Hamburg different from Sao Paulo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sao Paulo and Hamburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hamburg or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Sao Paulo on the map. 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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hamburg can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

Is the Food Better in Hamburg or Sao Paulo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sao Paulo is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Sao Paulo is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hamburg or Sao Paulo Better for Nightlife?

Sao Paulo is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Sao Paulo is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for 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.

Many people head to Hamburg for the nightlife scene. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Is Hamburg or Sao Paulo Better for Music?

Hamburg is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Sao Paulo is not a live music destination.

Hamburg has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Sao Paulo is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Sao Paulo is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Is Hamburg or Sao Paulo More Beautiful?

Hamburg is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hamburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is divided into a number of different districts that each have their own personality.

Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hamburg or Sao Paulo Better for Families?

Hamburg is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hamburg. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Sao Paulo is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

Is Hamburg or Sao Paulo Better for Couples?

Both Hamburg and Sao Paulo are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Hamburg is a good port city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Sao Paulo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

Is Hamburg or Sao Paulo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hamburg and Sao Paulo are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hamburg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Sao Paulo. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is Hamburg or Sao Paulo Better for Students?

Hamburg and Sao Paulo are nice places to visit for students.

Hamburg is popular with students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

It's common for students to visit Sao Paulo. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

Is Hamburg or Sao Paulo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sao Paulo is renowned for its public transit. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Sao Paulo has a great public transit system. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

Public transit in Hamburg is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Is Hamburg or Sao Paulo a more walkable city?

Hamburg and Sao Paulo both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

Sao Paulo is very walkable. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

For even more information, also check out Is Hamburg Worth Visiting? and Is Sao Paulo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sao Paulo or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Sao Paulo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hamburg and Sao Paulo. In our opinion, Sao Paulo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sao Paulo than Hamburg. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hamburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sao Paulo.

Families should spend more time in Hamburg than Sao Paulo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hamburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Sao Paulo than Hamburg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sao Paulo that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sao Paulo than Hamburg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Sao Paulo.

One day in Hamburg or Sao Paulo?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the port city of Hamburg. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hamburg has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Sao Paulo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Hamburg or Sao Paulo?

You'll find live music and food around the energetic destination of Hamburg. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Sao Paulo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sao Paulo has to offer.

Five days in Hamburg or Sao Paulo?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the energetic port city of Hamburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Sao Paulo is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hamburg or Sao Paulo?

Hamburg is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sao Paulo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sao Paulo. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hamburg and Sao Paulo, we can see that Hamburg is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hamburg is in Europe and Sao Paulo is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hamburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hamburg than you might in Sao Paulo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hamburg Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hamburg. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg and Sao Paulo, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Hamburg or Sao Paulo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Hamburg has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Hamburg or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

Both Sao Paulo and Hamburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Hamburg is cooler than Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hamburg usually gets less rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Should I visit Hamburg or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Sao Paulo. Many travelers come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hamburg is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hamburg in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

In October, Hamburg usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.

Should I visit Hamburg or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Sao Paulo. Many visitors come to Hamburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hamburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hamburg is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 0°C (33°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Hamburg usually gets more rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Hamburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.

Should I visit Hamburg or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

Both Sao Paulo and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hamburg for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the activities around the city.

Hamburg is much colder than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.

In April, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin October. Hamburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Hamburg