New York, Paris, Rome. These are the cities that spring to mind when thinking of quintessential travel destinations. However, there is so much more to this world than just these places. There are so many wonderful and fascinating cities across the globe that have remained hidden from view for far too long. One such place is São Paulo, Brazil. This dynamic city has long been overlooked by travelers in favor of other Latin American destinations such as Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires; however, this centralized location offers incredible opportunities for visitors looking for an alternate take on South American culture. With its unique blend of local history and modern architecture, Sao Paulo is a cultural hotspot with a lot to offer visitors. Here are some tips on how you can make the most of your time there…
1. Explore the city’s art scene
The city’s art scene really ignited in the 1960s, when Brazilian artists began to break away from traditional themes and explore new subjects and techniques. This new wave of contemporary art has since gained international recognition and has even been labeled as one of the most influential movements of the 20th century. One of the best places to explore this incredible art scene is at the Museu de Arte Contemporânea in São Paulo. This museum offers a unique insight into the works of renowned Brazilian artists such as Lygia Clark, Hélio Oiticica, and Mira Schendel. The building itself is also a work of art, with a stunning glass facade that reflects the colors of the neighborhood around it. The museum is located in a vibrant part of the city, making it easy to explore the rest of the area after your visit.
2. Go on a food tour
Food is a central part of Brazilian culture, and it’s easy to see why once you’ve tried it. From tropical fruits to hearty meats, the flavors of Brazil are unique and distinct. A great way to sample the local cuisine is to go on a food tour with a local guide. Food tours are incredibly popular in cities across the world and are a great way to get an insider’s perspective on a place. The best part is that on a food tour, you actually get to try the food you’re learning about. Tours are usually guided by locals who are passionate about their city and its cuisine. You’ll be sampling a wide variety of dishes and drinks while getting to know more about the culture of the city. You can find tours in many different languages, so they’re easy to use if you don’t speak Portuguese. Tours usually last between two and three hours and are a great way to get to know the city. You’ll learn about the history of the city, as well as its culture, through the lens of its food. After your tour, you’ll leave with a full stomach and new friends.
3. Experience the city from above
São Paulo is famous for its modern architecture, making it a great place for architecture lovers. One of the best ways to experience the city from above is to visit the Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer’s Casa do Patio. This house is one of Niemeyer’s prime examples of his unique style, with curves and unusual shapes that are unlike anything else in the city. The house itself is a work of art, with a unique architecture that is unlike anything else in the city. While the house itself is impressive, it is also surrounded by lush, green gardens that make it even more eye-catching. This is one of the best ways to see the city from above while also appreciating the creativity of architecture. The house is open every day, making it easy to plan a visit around your schedule.
4. Take an art museum tour
Famous museums like the Museu de Arte Contemporânea may have long since finished their tours, but there are many other art-filled museums in São Paulo that you can visit. Perhaps the best place to start is at the Museu do Futebol. While the name may seem dull, the content inside this museum is anything but. The museum is dedicated to Brazilian soccer and its history, telling the story of the sport through artifacts and memorabilia. Visitors can also test their own soccer skills with interactive displays, making this a fun and interesting place for all ages. While the museum is small, it packs in a lot of content, making it worth a visit for those interested in Brazilian soccer and its history. The building also features modern architecture and design, making it a great place to visit for those interested in the aesthetic side of things as well.
5. Enjoy a caipirinha at Mistura
São Paulo is famous for its food, but there are also many opportunities to enjoy drinks while visiting the city. One of the best places to sample Brazilian cocktails is at Mistura. This relaxed and casual bar specializes in caipirinhas, a Brazilian drink made with cachaca (Brazilian rum) and lime. In addition to caipirinhas, Mistura also serves other Brazilian alcoholic beverages and snacks, making it the perfect place to enjoy a casual drink with friends or colleagues. While the drinks are delicious, the real highlight of this bar is the view. Mistura is located on top of a skyscraper, making it an incredible place to enjoy the city from above. The bar is open during the day and also has a lunch menu, making it easy to visit during any time of day.
6. See a soccer match
São Paulo is known for its love of soccer, making it the perfect place to experience the sport up close. The city is home to many top soccer teams, including São Paulo FC, Corinthians, and Palmeiras. While São Paulo FC is the most famous team in the city, visiting a game is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shouldn’t be missed by any soccer fan. The city has plenty of soccer teams, making it easy to choose which one to visit. The atmosphere at a soccer match is unlike anything else in the world, making it a perfect place to experience Brazilian culture while also enjoying a sport that millions of people around the world love. Most games are held on weekends, making it easy to plan a visit around your schedule.
7. Walk along the Anhanguera freeway
As you walk along the Anhanguera freeway, you’ll get an incredible view of the city and an insight into its history. Built in the 1950s, this 16-lane stretch of road is famous for being the widest road in South America. It’s also known for being the former runway for São Paulo’s airport, making it a unique place to visit. The freeway is located in the affluent part of the city, making it easy to walk to from almost anywhere. While it’s not the most exciting walk, it’s a fascinating insight into the history of the city. Walking along the 16 lanes of traffic is an unusual way to explore the city, but it’s also a great way to experience the city and see the sights while avoiding the crowds.
Conclusion
São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, and with its vibrant culture, rich history, and modern architecture, it’s a great place to visit. From visiting the modern buildings to seeing the Brazilian soccer teams play, there are many unique things to do in São Paulo. With so much to explore, São Paulo is a great place to visit for those looking for an alternative to the more popular Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. This vibrant city has long been overlooked by travelers in favor of other Latin American destinations such as Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires; however, this centralized location offers incredible opportunities for visitors looking for an alternate take on South American culture. These are just a few examples of the incredible things there are to do in São Paulo.
