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São Paulo, a city of 12 million people, is not the first stop that an ordinary tourist wants to visit in Brazil. However, it is often the first transfer destination for further trips in the country. However, I have to admit that despite its grayness, it has its own charm. If you happen to be here and want to see or taste something interesting, this blog will come in handy.
Short history
Founded in 1554, the city was poor for many years as it was just a stop on the way inland where the Portuguese were looking for gold, silver and native slaves. São Paulo's first expansion came with the development of sugar cane in the 18th century. From the plantations, sugar was exported to Europe through the port city of Santos. And since the road went through São Paulo, it soon grew into a full-fledged city.
When agriculture became more coffee-oriented, SP experienced its boom. Already in the 1840s, Brazil was the world's largest producer of coffee - even 40% of the world's production was then concentrated in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. Since most exports again went through Santos, Sampa (as the Brazilians slang call it) became one of the most important cities in the country. In the 19th century, São Paulo continued to grow thanks to coffee and gradually industrialization was added, many dyers were created and the city gradually grew into the form we know it today.
Is São Paulo safe?
Personally, I don't feel as comfortable in Sampa as here in Caraguatuba. I try to be vigilant, especially in the city center. I don't even go to the areas around the Luz or Tiradentes metro stations, as there is a small town with more than 1,000 drug addicts who can act short-tempered. Homeless people line the streets mainly in the city, they mostly sleep on the ground with their families in tents or just blankets, they usually do not pose any risk. However, São Paulo is not a great destination for walking around at 3 in the morning, so use UBER taxi services. My tips for safety travels in Brazil you will soon find in English, I will send it to you for free.
So what is worthy a visit in São Paulo?
1. Central Market
A beautiful building from the 20th century designed by an Italian architect with even more beautiful stained glass windows hides shops, stalls selling fish and seafood, butchers, fruits not only from Brazil but also from nearby countries, spices, oils, salted cod, dried fruits, olives, coffee, cheeses or salamis... It is a great place to understand the multicultural gastronomy of São Paulo. Beware of fruit sellers. The sellers are very happy to let you taste the fruit, but they are also happy to sell you a small tray of fruit for 50 Euros. Try the fruit and stop at a restaurant for traditional dishes like Bar do Manu and their tall mortadella sandwich or bolinhos de bacalhau - fried cod croquettes.
Address: R. da Cantareira, 306 - Centro Histórico de São Paulo, São Paulo - SP, 01024-900
2. Cathedral
An iconic neo-Gothic cathedral built in the 20th century. The material for its construction and parts of the interior were imported from Italy. If you're in town on a Sunday, plan your trip in the morning and you'll also see a nationally televised mass. Don't stay too long in the square in front of it, the place is full of social workers and police during the day due to the number of homeless people who have settled here.
Address: Praça da Sé - Sé, São Paulo - SP, 01001-000
3. Asian vibe at Liberdade or Bom Retiro
If you love Asian culture and cuisine like I do and want to see how Asian immigration has affected Brazil, you'll love this place. Visit Liberdade for Japanese culture or Bom Retiro for Korean culture and the gastronomic scene. Did you know that São Paulo is home to the largest Japanese enclave? Japanese immigration has influenced Brazilian culture in many ways, and this is where you'll find the most Japanese restaurants, snack bars, shops selling Japanese ingredients, anime, and more.
Address: R. Cônego Martins - Bom Retiro, São Paulo - SP, 01120-020
4. Ibirapuera Park and its museums
A great place to relax, suitable for the whole family. It tends to be busier on weekends - the park is full of families with children, young people on skateboards, cyclists and runners. You can rent bikes at the gate and explore this green island in the concrete jungle more quickly. In the area you will find several interesting places from museums (I was most interested in the Museum of African Culture, where you can also see how the slave system affected Brazilian culture), a planetarium, lakes, restaurants and cafes.
Address: Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral - Vila Mariana, São Paulo - SP, 04094-050
5. The most expensive avenduee in Brazil - Avenida Paulista
With a length of 2.8 km, it is considered the longest street in Brazil. During the working week, it is a busy business center, the most interesting is on Sundays. On this day, it will be closed to car traffic and opened to pedestrians and cyclists. On the sides of the street are vendors selling art products, food stalls, drink carts filled with ice, magicians, music groups, samba schools, artists or a DJ playing on the balcony of a historic building rented by Mc'Donalds. Stop by the flea market below the MASP Art Museum and try some sugarcane juice with pineapple. It is on this street that protests, the biggest Gay Pride in the world (in May or June), the New Year's Eve run or the New Year's Eve party are organized. In addition, you get a view of the city for free from the SESC building.
Av. Paulista, 119 - Bela Vista, São Paulo - SP, 01311-903
6. Vila Madalena and Beco de Batman
Reserve a late afternoon in the bohemian hipster neighborhood of Vila Madalena. If you explore this area on foot, you will also get some exercise, as this area also has very steep streets with studios that enhance the relaxed artistic atmosphere. Forget about walking with a stroller here. Discover graffiti and paintings in the Beco de Batman alley, buy a unique souvenir at the market and sit in an interesting establishment. The streets of the Vila Madalena area are dotted with restaurants of all tastes, modern bars, brewpubs with craft beer and interesting cafes. If you want tips on where to eat well, book your consultation with me..
Address: R. Medeiros de Albuquerque, 82-154 - Jardim das Bandeiras, São Paulo - SP, 05436-060
7. Fine-dining
It should not be forgotten that São Paulo is a gastronomic mecca, you will also find 8 restaurants with at least one Michelin star, lines of people stand in front of some restaurants to try known or unknown dishes. How to taste as many dishes as possible? Go to a restaurant with buffet tables full of traditional Brazilian food. If you prefer grilled meat - find a traditional churrascaria, where they will bring you steaks skewered on grills during dinner. When they come to your table, they offer you a cut and you can eat until you burst. Or you can try rodízio sushi, where they will serve you more than 15 different courses of various Japanese delicacies.
Are you interested in visiting São Paulo?
Would you like to plan your trip to Brazil or get advice about it? Need a guide? Schedule a consultation with me. You can find more information here.
