Things to do in Sao Paulo

Beneath São Paulo's urban exterior exterior beats the heart of a vibrant cultural and artistic metropolis. The city's artistic community is large, with many art galleries and museums scattered throughout. Clustered in neighbourhoods like Jardins, Cerqueira César and Bela Vista, visitors will find both local and international talent at the likes of the Luisa Strina Gallery, Arte 57 Escritorio de Arte, Choque Cultural Gallery and the Museu da Tatuagem (Museum of Tattooing). São Paulo also boasts a number of interesting museums, including those dedicated to immigrants, the African Diaspora, the Japanese community, revolutionary heroes, and Brazilian language and literature.

Of course, São Paulo is the home of Brazil's famous and fascinating combination of dance and martial art: capoeira. There are several capoeira schools for tourists wanting to give it a try, including the Salão De Festas or Academia Spah.

The city is also blessed with plenty of green spaces, including the manicured Botanical Gardens, the São Paulo Zoo and the miniature rainforest in the Parque Siqueira Campos. The Praça da República in the city centre is surprisingly green as well, with lagoons, a fountain and a bandstand.

Architecture enthusiasts will marvel at São Paulo's collection of interesting buildings, including whimsical Victorian mansions in Bela Vista, and modern skyscrapers such as the curving Edifício Copan, the colourful Instituto Tomie Ohtake, the Victorian train station Estação da Luz and the Baroque cathedral Igreja de São Francisco de Assis. The Italia and Banespa buildings offer panoramic views of São Paulo from their viewing decks.

Most attractions in São Paulo are easy to get to through a combination of walking and taking the metro. Pickpockets and muggings are common, but visitors are generally safe in well-populated areas during the day. We'd advise that tourists just keep their wits about them and remain vigilant.

Ibirapuera Park photo

Ibirapuera Park

The Parque do Ibirapuera is a large park near the centre of Sao Paulo with many interesting features, including a planetarium, a Japanese pavilion, a gymnasium, the Obelisk of Sao …

Ibirapuera Park

The Parque do Ibirapuera is a large park near the centre of Sao Paulo with many interesting features, including a planetarium, a Japanese pavilion, a gymnasium, the Obelisk of Sao Paulo (a symbol of the Constitutionalist Revolution of 1932), and the Cicillo Matarazzo Pavilion, which houses the Museum of Contemporary Art and is typically the venue for large events like the São Paulo Art Biennial and São Paulo Fashion Week. The park is home to many other museums, including the Air Force Museum and Folklore Museum. It also has jogging and walking trails and a picturesque lake. Generally the park is a good spot to explore for those wanting a bit of holiday exercise or some fresh air in the heart of this sprawling city.

Address Avenida Pedro Alvares Cabral, Vila Mariana

Website www.parquedoibirapuera.com

Football Museum photo

Football Museum

The Parque do Ibirapuera is a large and celebrated park near the centre of São Paulo, and is home to a planetarium, a Japanese pavilion, a gymnasium, the Obelisk of São Paulo (a …

Football Museum

The Parque do Ibirapuera is a large and celebrated park near the centre of São Paulo, and is home to a planetarium, a Japanese pavilion, a gymnasium, the Obelisk of São Paulo (a symbol of the Constitutionalist Revolution of 1932), and the Ciccillo Matarazzo Pavilion, which houses the Museum of Contemporary Art and is typically the venue for large events such as the São Paulo Art Biennial and São Paulo Fashion Week. The park also contains a number of other museums, while also boasting jogging and walking trails and a picturesque lake. Generally the park is a good spot to explore for those wanting a bit of holiday exercise or just some fresh air in the heart of this sprawling city.

Website www.museudofutebol.org.br/pagina/horarios-e-ingressos

Julio Prestes Cultural Center photo

Julio Prestes Cultural Center

This cultural centre and concert venue is located in what was once the Julio Prestes Train Station, an imposing and meticulously restored building. The highlight of the centre is t…

Julio Prestes Cultural Center

This cultural centre and concert venue is located in what was once the Julio Prestes Train Station, an imposing and meticulously restored building. The highlight of the centre is the Sala São Paulo, a concert venue which seats nearly 1,500 people and is home to the renowned São Paulo State Symphonic Orchestra (OSESP). Specifically designed as a venue for symphonic and chamber music, the Sala has world-class acoustics and is the best place for classical music lovers to catch a concert in the city. Other events are also hosted at the cultural centre, including a vast variety of musical concerts, with pop and rock featuring alongside the traditional, classical offerings.

Website www.osesp.art.br