Brazil's South-East Region
Sao Paulo Travel Guide
The business capital of Brazil is home to the best international cuisine the country has to offer.
São Paulo, the largest city in South America, is a global financial hub known for its skyscrapers, diverse culture, and vibrant arts and culinary scenes. The city is home to renowned museums like MASP (São Paulo Museum of Art), theaters, and the expansive Ibirapuera Park. São Paulo’s multicultural population is reflected in its neighborhoods, from the Italian heritage of Bixiga to the significant Japanese influences of Liberdade, making it a melting pot of traditions.
Top 10 Things to See & Do in Sao Paulo
Explore Ibirapuera Park
Visit the the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP)
Visit the Pinacoteca, one of Brazil's oldest art museums
See a show at the Municipal Theatre of Sao Paulo
Walk along Avenida Paulista (walking tour)
Take a bicycle tour around the downtown historic area (tickets)
Visit Mercado Municipal or take a food tour (tickets)
Go to a football game at the Neo Química Arena (tickets)
Try Japanese cuisine in the Liberdade District, or take the Liberdade street food tour to find the best local spots (tickets)
See the street art at Beco do Batman (Batman Alley) on a bar & street art crawl (tickets)
Short on time? Take a private city tour with a local guide (tickets) to see several sites in one day.
Just passing through? Take a layover tour from Sao Paulo GRU airport (tickets).
Want to know more? See my list of the Top things to see & do in Sao Paulo.
Where to stay in Sao Paulo
Hotels
Grand Hyatt São Paulo - best for those seeking an international hotel (see prices)
Palácio Tangará - an Oetker Collection Hotel - best for those seeking a luxury experience (see prices)
Leques Brasil Hotel Escola - a local hotel with a pool in Liberdade District (see prices)
Studio Apartments
The Capital Flat - apartments in the Itaim Bibi District (see prices)
Flat Prime - studio located in Jardim Paulista (see prices)
Studio Novo - studio located in Jardim Paulista (see prices)
Backpacker Hostels
Parada 86 - hostel with a pool in Lapa (see prices)
Lamparina Hostel - ideally located in Jardim Paulista (see prices)
Find cheap accommodation for your trip.
Where is Sao Paulo, Brazil
Closest airport
- Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
- Viracopos/Campinas International Airport (VCP)
- Congonhas Airport (CGH)
Main bus terminal
Terminal Rodoviário Tietê
N/A
Main ports
How to get to Sao Paulo
How to get to Sao Paulo by Plane
Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city, is one of the best connected cities in Brazil for international flights, and is often one of the cheapest cities from which to arrive in Brazil.
São Paulo is served by three major airports:
São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), located about 25 kilometers from the city center, is the main international gateway, handling the majority of the city's long-haul flights and offering extensive global connections.
Congonhas Airport (CGH), situated within the city itself, focuses on domestic flights and is known for its convenient location for travelers looking to access the city's central business districts.
Viracopos International Airport (VCP), located in Campinas (approximately 100km from São Paulo), is another alternative for both domestic and international travel.
The main airport (GRU) has numerous direct international connections with Europe (Lisbon, Paris, Madrid, London), South America (Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile, Lima), Central America, the USA, the Middle East, and Africa. Sao Paulo also has frequent domestic flights to both large and smaller cities in Brazil.
How to get to Sao Paulo by Bus
There are regular long-distance bus connections to popular tourist destinations (such as Paraty, Florianopolis, Foz do Iguaçu), as well as to other major cities including Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and Curitiba.
Sao Paulo has several bus terminals, make sure to double check from which bus terminal your bus is scheduled to depart:
Click here to see available tickets and timetables for busses to and from the Terminal Rodoviario Tiete in Sao Paulo.
Click here to see available tickets and timetables for busses to and from the Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU).
How to get to Sao Paulo from Paraty
There are regular busses running directly from Terminal Rodoviario de Paraty (map) to Sao Paulo's Tietê bus terminal. The trip takes around 6+ hours (tickets & timetable).
It is also possible to take a bus directly from Paraty to the Sao Paulo Airport (GRU), taking around 6+ hours (tickets & timetable). There is currently no direct connection to São Paulo Congonhas Airport (CGH).
How to get to Sao Paulo from Ubatuba
There are regular busses running directly from Terminal Rodoviario de Ubatuba (map) to Sao Paulo's Tietê bus terminal. The trip takes around 5-5.5 hours (tickets & timetable).
It is also possible to take a bus directly from Ubatuba to the Sao Paulo Airport (GRU), taking around 4.5 hours (tickets & timetable). There is currently no direct connection to São Paulo Congonhas Airport (CGH).
How to get to Sao Paulo from Ilha Grande
First, take a ferry (1.5 hours) or speedboat (30 minutes) from Ilha Grande to Angra dos Reis. Then, from Angra dos Reis, take a bus to Sao Paulo's Tiete bus terminal, around 8+ hours.
Busses between Angra dos Reis and Sao Paulo run frequently, and it is possible to take an overnight bus, so you don't lose a day on travel (tickets & timetable).
It is also possible to take a bus directly from Angra dos Reis to the Sao Paulo Airport (GRU), taking around 8+ hours (tickets & timetable). There is currently no direct connection to São Paulo Congonhas Airport (CGH).
For more detailed information on the ferries and speed boats, including prices and timetables, see the travel guide for Ilha Grande.
How to get around Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo has several transportation options available. The city's public transportation system includes a bus and subway system that connects various areas of the city, beaches, and the airports. Ride-sharing services like 99 and Uber are also widely available and inexpensive, are a safer way to travel after dark.
Fares for Public Transport in Sao Paulo, 2024
Sao Paulo's public transport payment card is called the Bilhete Único, which can be purchased in subway stations and some supermarkets. It allows you to pay for your journeys conveniently by tapping the card when you enter the metro or bus. Inconveniently, you cannot buy the card, top it up, or buy a ticket with a foreign credit card, so make sure to carry cash.
Subway (Metro): R$5
Train: R$5
Bus: R$4.40
Up to date routes and timetables are can be found on Google Maps by searching for directions.
Things to know before you go
The Largest City in the Southern Hemisphere: São Paulo is Brazil’s thriving financial and cultural hub. Being such a large city, it offers a rich variety of experiences, from world-class museums and galleries to street art, live music, and bustling nightlife. You’ll find diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character.
Stay Safe and Be Cautious with Valuables: Like in any big city, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings. Areas like Jardins, Vila Madalena, Itaim Bibi, and Moema are considered safer and are popular among tourists and expats for their amenities, restaurants, and lively nightlife. On the other hand, parts of the historic downtown, such as Sé, República, and some areas on the outskirts of the city can be riskier, especially after dark. Avoid showing valuables in public and use ride-sharing apps like 99 or Uber when moving around the city at night.
Culinary Scene: São Paulo is a true culinary capital, where Brazil’s indigenous, African, and European influences blend with flavors from around the world. One of the standout features is the city’s Japanese community, the largest outside of Japan, which has given rise to some of the best Japanese food in the world. In neighborhoods like Liberdade, you’ll find excellent sushi, ramen, and other Japanese dishes. Beyond Japanese cuisine, São Paulo offers everything from traditional Brazilian steakhouses to cutting-edge fusion restaurants, making it a paradise for food lovers.
Free Museum Entry: Sao Paulo has a wide variety of museums and galleries, and many offer free entry on specific days. The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) is free on Tuesdays and the first Thursday of each month (tickets must be reserved online). In addition, the Pinacoteca, one of the city’s most important art museums, is free on Saturdays, and the Museum of the Portuguese Language offers free entry on Saturdays as well.
Unpredictable Weather: São Paulo’s weather can change dramatically throughout the day. Be sure to pack layers and carry an umbrella for sudden rain showers, especially if you’re visiting between December and March when rain is more frequent.
Language - Do I need to learn Portuguese: Although São Paulo is an international city with English spoken in many tourist areas, knowing some basic Portuguese will go a long way in connecting with locals. Even learning a few phrases can enhance your experience and make navigating the city easier.
Want more tips for your trip? See my list of the Top Sao Paulo Tourist Attractions and Where to Find Them
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