A Travel Price Comparison for Brazil Sao Paulo vs. Brasilia for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Brasilia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Brasilia, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

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.

Brasilia

Brasilia is a vibrant, cultural, and lively city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Brasilia travel costs.

Sao Paulo and Brasilia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Sao Paulo or Brasilia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sao Paulo than Brasilia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sao Paulo is more touristy than Brasilia and is popular for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. It is also well known for Ibirapuera Park. Brasilia is famous for its modernist architecture, abundant green space, and planned layout.

How is Sao Paulo different from Brasilia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sao Paulo
Brasilia

Sao Paulo is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brasilia 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

Brasilia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums that highlight the city's rich history, modernist architecture, and diverse culture. Notable museums include the Museu Nacional, showcasing contemporary art, and the Museu de Arte de Brasília (MAB), which focuses on Brazilian art. The Memorial dos Povos Indígenas offers insight into indigenous cultures, while the Museu do Catetinho takes visitors through the early days of the city’s creation.


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

Sao Paulo
Brasilia

Sao Paulo is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Brasilia 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 Brasilia. The city's food scene is diverse, offering a mix of traditional Brazilian dishes and international cuisine. Since it is home to people from all over Brazil, you can find food from many different regions in one place. Popular dishes include Picanha (Brazilian steak), Feijoada (black bean and pork stew), and Tucunaré na Brasa (grilled fish).

Is Sao Paulo or Brasilia Better for Nightlife?

Sao Paulo
Brasilia

Sao Paulo is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Brasilia 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Brasilia has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is more sophisticated and calm compared to other Brazilian capitals. It's not a party city by traditional standards, but it's ideal for those looking to enjoy good food, drinks, and live music in a more relaxed atmosphere. If you're looking for high-energy nightlife, the city might feel quieter, but it's still plenty of fun.

Is the Shopping Better in Sao Paulo or Brasilia?

Sao Paulo
Brasilia

Sao Paulo is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Brasilia 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 Brasilia. There is a mix of modern malls, local markets, and high-end boutiques. The city is home to several large shopping centers, such as Shopping Iguatemi, ParkShopping, and Conjunto Nacional, which feature a variety of international brands, local shops, and food courts. For more traditional items, the Feira da Torre is a popular open-air market where you can find local crafts, souvenirs, and handmade goods.


Is Sao Paulo or Brasilia Better for Families?

Sao Paulo
Brasilia

Sao Paulo and Brasilia are both nice destinations for the whole family.

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.

Brasilia is a family-friendly place to visit. While it doesn't have as many theme parks as some of the other large cities in Brazil, there are a number of activities that families can enjoy. There's the Parque da Cidade, where children can ride bikes and play on playgrounds. There's also Nicolândia, a small amusement park with exciting rides. At the Brasília Zoo, kids can see native animals like jaguars, toucans, and capybaras while learning about Brazil's wildlife. The Planetarium of Brasília is a great spot for young space enthusiasts, featuring interactive exhibits and fascinating star shows.

Is Sao Paulo or Brasilia Better for Couples?

Sao Paulo
Brasilia

Sao Paulo and Brasilia are both nice to visit as a couple.

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.

Brasilia is a nice destination for couples. There are sunset boat rides on Paranoá Lake. If you enjoy culture, you can visit the National Museum or admire the stunning architecture of the Cathedral of Brasília. A romantic dinner at a lakeside restaurant in Pontão do Lago Sul is perfect for a night out with delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere. For nature lovers, a peaceful walk or picnic at Jardim Botânico de Brasília provides a lovely escape from the city.

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

Sao Paulo
Brasilia

Sao Paulo is very good for backpackers. However, Brasilia is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sao Paulo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Brasilia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's fascinating architecture and great green spaces, but the city has limited nightlife and it isn't the most popular destination for backpackers. There are some budget-friendly hostels and public buses that make it possible to explore without spending too much. Though it lacks a strong backpacker scene, Brasília's mix of culture, green spaces, and history makes it an interesting stop for adventurous travelers.


Is Sao Paulo or Brasilia Better for Students?

Sao Paulo
Brasilia

Sao Paulo is very good for students. However, Brasilia is not popular with students.

Sao Paulo is popular with 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.

Brasilia is not popular with students.

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

Sao Paulo
Brasilia

Sao Paulo is renowned for its public transit. Also, Brasilia 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.

While Brasilia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transit system is relatively limited compared to larger Brazilian cities, but it still offers a few options for getting around. The Metro is an efficient choice for traveling through central areas, with two main lines that connect key neighborhoods like Asa Norte and Plano Piloto. There are also buses that are more comprehensive.

Is Sao Paulo or Brasilia a more walkable city?

Sao Paulo
Brasilia

Sao Paulo is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Brasilia is not particularly known for its walkability.

Sao Paulo is a very walkable destination. 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.

Brasilia is generally not a very walkable city. The city isn't particularly walkable because it is very spread out.


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

Should I spend more time in Brasilia or Sao Paulo?

How long in Sao Paulo or Brasilia?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sao Paulo than Brasilia 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.


  • How many days in Sao Paulo or Brasilia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sao Paulo 2-3 
    Brasilia 1-3

One day in Sao Paulo or Brasilia?

Sao Paulo is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Brasilia. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brasilia has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sao Paulo or Brasilia?

Sao Paulo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sao Paulo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Brasilia. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sao Paulo or Brasilia?

Sao Paulo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Brasilia. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Sao Paulo or Brasilia?

Sao Paulo is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Brasilia 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Brasilia or Sao Paulo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $55, while the average daily cost in Brasilia is $93. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sao Paulo and Brasilia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $26
    Brasilia $31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $52
    Brasilia $62
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Brasilia

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Brasilia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Sao Paulo


Hotels in Brasilia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices and Brasilia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.17
    Brasilia $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $262
  • Arrival Private Transfer Guarulhos Airport GRU to São Paulo City by Minibus: $197
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos hotels - Arrival Transfer: $206
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $271
  • Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $209
  • Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $118
  • Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Luxury Van: $136
  • Guarulhos and Viracopos Airport Transfer: $135
  • Private Arrival Transfer | Viracopos Airport (VCP) x São Paulo City : $300
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $47
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Brasilia?

Prices for flights to both Brasilia and Sao Paulo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sao Paulo $22
    Brasilia $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo

For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189
  • Street Food Tour in São Paulo with a Local Guide: $232

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $3.55
    Brasilia $17

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • Downtown São Paulo's Epic History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • São Paulo (Ibirapuera) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
  • São Paulo Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
  • Casa do Povo: guided tour of Neo Química Arena: $9.65
  • Sao Paulo 360 Guided Tour: $26
  • Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $28
  • Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo : $31
  • Night Walking Tour through the Bars of the Augusta Street: $31
  • Personal aromatic experience in São Paulo: $35
  • São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $42
  • Boat Trip Billings Dam and Experience Bororé Island: $46
  • Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour (2,5hr Food included): $51

Tours and Activities in Brasilia

Here are a few actual costs in Brasilia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Brasilia : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.09
    Brasilia $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $149
  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Brasilia, we can see that Brasilia is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Brasilia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brasilia 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 Sao Paulo Expensive? and Is Brasilia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Brasilia?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Brasilia. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Brasilia, 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.