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

Should you visit Hanoi or Sao Paulo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Sao Paulo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a colorful, cultural, and historical city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hanoi travel costs.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a vibrant, colorful, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Hanoi and Sao Paulo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Sao Paulo?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Sao Paulo. While Sao Paulo is larger than Hanoi, Hanoi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hanoi is more popular for its historical sights, while Sao Paulo is known for its nightlife. Hanoi is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Sao Paulo is popular for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene.

How is Hanoi different from Sao Paulo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the first-rate sights and museums in both Hanoi and Sao Paulo.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Hanoi are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sao Paulo has many famous sights for visitors. 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

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Hanoi and Sao Paulo.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hanoi. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

Sao Paulo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

Is Hanoi or Sao Paulo Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Hanoi for the nightlife scene. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

Is Hanoi or Sao Paulo Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Sao Paulo does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Hanoi is revered around the world. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Sao Paulo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Sao Paulo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sao Paulo and Hanoi.

The abundance of shops in Hanoi make it a world-class shopping destination. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

Many people travel to Sao Paulo specifically to go 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.

Is Hanoi or Sao Paulo Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Sao Paulo are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hanoi. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Sao Paulo offers lots of family activities. 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 Hanoi or Sao Paulo Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Sao Paulo are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hanoi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

Sao Paulo is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Hanoi or Sao Paulo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hanoi, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Hanoi or Sao Paulo Better for Students?

Hanoi is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Hanoi is a great city to visit as a student. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for students. 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 Hanoi or Sao Paulo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sao Paulo is renowned for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known 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 is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Hanoi or Sao Paulo a more walkable city?

Sao Paulo is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Sao Paulo is a very walkable city. 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.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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

Should I spend more time in Sao Paulo or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Sao Paulo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hanoi and Sao Paulo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hanoi than in Sao Paulo. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sao Paulo.

Couples should spend more time in Sao Paulo than Hanoi. 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 Hanoi than Sao Paulo 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 Hanoi.

One day in Hanoi or Sao Paulo?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Sao Paulo, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hanoi or Sao Paulo?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sao Paulo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hanoi or Sao Paulo?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Sao Paulo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Sao Paulo. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Sao Paulo?

Hanoi is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the dynamic big city of Sao Paulo. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.

When comparing the travel costs between Hanoi and Sao Paulo, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Hanoi is in Asia and Sao Paulo is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

Both Sao Paulo and Hanoi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hanoi is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Should I visit Hanoi or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Sao Paulo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.

In October, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin April. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Sao Paulo. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hanoi is cooler than Sao Paulo in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in July.

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 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 Hanoi or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

Both Sao Paulo and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Hanoi is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin October. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Hanoi