Things to do in Sao Paulo

Why go to Sao Paulo

• Pinacoteca do Estado

  Brazil's oldest fine arts museum housed in a stunning 19th-century brick building with a world-class collection of Brazilian art.

• Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP)

  An iconic modernist landmark on Avenida Paulista housing one of the most important art collections in the Western Hemisphere.

• Ibirapuera Park

  São Paulo's answer to Central Park, sprawling green oasis with pavilions designed by Oscar Niemeyer and constant cultural happenings.

• Vila Madalena Street Art (Batman Alley)

  A maze of alleyways transformed into an ever-changing open-air gallery of vivid Brazilian graffiti murals.

• Mercadão (Mercado Municipal)

  A magnificent 1930s market palace packed with exotic Brazilian produce, spices, and the legendary mortadella sandwich.

Good to know in Sao Paulo

• Use the Metro and CPTM rail network, a single fare is under $1 and covers most tourist zones; avoid taxis and use 99 or Uber instead of street hails.
• Tipping is not mandatory in Brazil; a 10% service charge is often added to restaurant bills automatically, you are not obligated to pay it.
• Tap water is technically treated but most locals and visitors drink bottled or filtered water; budget $1-2/day for a large bottle or use a filtered hostel jug.
• MASP offers free entry on Tuesdays, and the Pinacoteca is free on Saturdays, plan your museum days accordingly to save $8-15 per person.

Trip essentials