Three Perfect Days: A trip to São Paulo

São Paulo is the largest city in all of the Americas, but it’s easy to get around the sprawling metropolis on foot or by public transportation.

Things to do and see

Start your day off on Avenida Paulista, the center of São Paulo’s economic and political power. The avenue stretches almost two miles and was constructed in 1891 by Joaquim Eugênio de Lima, a Uruguayan-Brazilian civil engineer. Walk along this historic road to get a feel for the city and appreciate the beautiful concentration of modernist architecture.

After, continue exploring Ibirapuera Park, where lush trees surround a beautiful lake backdropped by towering skyscrapers. Grab a fresh coconut to drink as you wander or visit one of the park’s many museums like the Museu Afro Brasil, which holds exhibitions relating to Afro-Brazilian culture, Oca art museum or São Paulo Museum of Modern Art.

São Paulo is comprised of 32 boroughs, each a distinct and vibrant piece of the city’s culture. However, I recommend heading to the artistic and eclectic atmosphere of neighborhoods like Vila Madalena and Pinheiros. Locals refer to these neighborhoods as bohemian, where residents celebrate a more expressive yet laid-back lifestyle. The streets brim with graffiti like Beco do Batman, a dense concentration of colorful murals and street art. This alley earned its name from a striking graffiti Batman mural created in the 1980s. Since then, it has blossomed into a colorful canvas, attracting local and international artists and art lovers alike.

After exploring, enjoy a tranquil escape with a coffee break at Dois Trópicos. The woman-owned restaurant is also an architectural marvel featuring local, artisanal pottery for sale, yoga, and clean and organic eats.

If you're looking for nightlife, it’s easy to find in this neighborhood. Stop by Pé de Menga, which is known for its buzzing atmosphere and traditional Brazilian cocktails. As its name implies, the bar is nestled under a mango tree.

Where to eat

Since the city is a business hub for the world, you’ll find a variety of cuisines from Italian to Japanese made with local ingredients and a Brazilian twist.

• Start your morning with a quick bite at one of São Paulo’s oldest bakeries, Panificadora Ceci, known for its fresh baked bread, sandwiches, pastries, and more.
• Bosco Restaurante is one of the many Italian restaurants in São Paulo. In the 20th century, São Paulo became known as the “City of Italians” as immigrants moved to the region in droves for the promise of a better life. Bosco's simple yet elevated menu incorporates Brazilian flavors and ingredients into classic Italian pasta dishes.
• Before you leave Sao Paulo, it’s only right that you enjoy Churrasco. Jardineira Grill or Barbacoa are both top-rated Churrascarias. Churrasco is the traditional Brazilian style of barbecue where servers usually bring skewers of grilled meats and slice them directly onto your plate.

You could easily spend an entire trip exploring São Paulo’s urban jungle. But just outside the city, a real jungle awaits.

Rent a car and wind through Brazil’s dense rainforest, passing wetlands and coastal mountains. Just an hour and a half away lives what feels like a different world, where bays and beaches are abundant, and cities and small towns litter the coast.

Worried about driving? My friend and I, two city girls who drive about once a year, managed to travel four hours outside the city and back — not just once, but twice — and we handled it just fine. We almost missed a few exits on the rodovias, also known as highways, but the friendly locals let us cross over into lanes of traffic to make it!

São Paulo to Guarujá

Guarujá is the coastal escape for Paulistanos, where residents and tourists flee for the open sea and a vibrant beach culture.

This place is dear to my heart. After a plunge into the refreshing Atlantic, salty and sun kissed, I ordered an acai bowl and fresh coconut from a local beach vendor. Savoring these local delicacies on that soft white sand beach, the skyscraper-lined beachfront became my paradise.

Things to do and see

Yes, Guarujá has stunning beaches, but this coastal town is so much more. From mountain hiking trails like Morro da Barra to exploring local markets like Feira de Artesanato das Astúrias, filled with handmade goods, this bustling beachfront is rich in history and adventure.

While headed to Astúrias Beach, the town’s architecture reflects its geographic history and location, as colonial buildings exist between modern structures.

After relaxing on the beach, enjoy the sunset or drive just a few minutes up to Mirante do Morro da Campina, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the city.

Another stop with incredible views is the Canhão do Forte dos Andradas, a historical Brazilian fort built to defend Santos Bay during World War II. Free monitored tours of the fornication are available if scheduled in advance.

São Paulo to Ubatuba

The drive from São Paulo to Ubatuba is a little under four hours. But trust me, it’s worth it. Ubatuba is renowned for its stunning beaches and lush natural surroundings. What sets this lovely coastal city apart from other beach towns is its melting pot of cultures, from indigenous traditions of Guarani Mbya and Caiçara people to Portuguese influences.

Things to do and see

The city is a haven for nature lovers, featuring over 70 pristine beaches. Of those, Itamambuca, Felix, Playa Grande and Vermelha do Sul are known for having prime surfing conditions. The area is also rich with ecological museums dedicated to the region’s native wildlife like Museu da Vida Marinha and Museu Caiçara.

If you’re looking for a taste of the city’s rich and diverse culinary scene, head to its bustling markets and restaurants like Padaria Integrale and Peixe Com Banana.

Full and content, escape to secluded beaches like Praia do Alto, Praia do Cedro or Praia Vermelha where soft, powdery sands meet crystal-clear waters surrounded by tropical jungle and small, hilly islands.

São Paulo’s food scene is unparalleled, a city with endless dining experiences. And as you eat across town, uncover some iconic cultural sights and museums.

Things to do and see

Start your day at the bustling Mercado Municipal, an iconic traditional market where you can find the perfect breakfast of pastels (fried, filled pastries) and Brazilian coffee.

Then, venture into Liberdade, a captivating neighborhood steeped in Japanese culture. As you stroll through its bustling streets, the aromas of fresh sushi, takoyaki and sweet mochi waft through the air. On Saturday and Sunday local vendors showcase an array of handcrafted goods and delectable Japanese, Korean and Brazilian treats at the lively street market Feira de Arte e Artesanato da Liberdade.

Liberdade isn’t just a feast for the senses; it’s a celebration of community and tradition, where old blends with new and visitors are immersed into just one part of São Paulo’s diverse culture. Lean more into the past at the Museu Histórico da Imigração Japonesa no Brasil, where photographs, documents and artifacts illustrate the journey of Japanese people who settled in Brazil.

Often considered the city’s cultural heart, the Centro Cultural São Paulo is one of the country’s first multidisciplinary centers where rotating art exhibitions showcase contemporary and traditional works from a rich array of São Paulo’s ethnic groups. The center also offers workshops and courses in various artistic disciplines, from visual arts to literature.

Just steps away is the Museu do Tribunal de Justiça do Estado de São Paulo, which houses various exhibits that highlight and preserve significant legal and historical artifacts of the justice system in São Paulo.

If you’re looking for the perfect end to your trip, find a samba show at Vila do Samba, Bar Samba or Sambarylove. Originating in the Afro-Brazilian communities of Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century, the dance is deeply intertwined with the experiences of African descendants in Brazil, embodying their struggles, joys and resilience. Today, samba holds a special place in Brazilian culture, serving as a powerful expression nationwide.

Where to eat

São Paulo is a culinary journey. Indulge in exquisite fine dining, enter a heartbreakingly beautiful restaurant and experience the rich flavors and culinary creativity that define this dynamic city.

• Enjoy brunch all day at Botanikafé Jardins with an eclectic menu of smoothies, lattes, sandwiches and more.
• D.O.M. is the first Brazilian restaurant to earn two Michelin stars. Alex Atala, one of Brazil’s most internationally renowned chefs, curates a tasting menu that takes diners through the flavors and palate of the Amazon.
• Taraz also has a Michelin star but offers a more relaxed vibe centered around wood-fired cuisine that incorporates Brazilian, Peruvian and Japanese flavors.

São Paulo is not merely a bustling business hub. The city is a vibrant treasure trove of experiences and unforgettable memories. These streets buzz with life and diversity, where visitors can effortlessly stumble upon hidden gems and cultural richness.