Visit São Paulo
As the economic engine of Brazil and the third-largest megalopolis in the world with 20 million Paulistanos, São Paulo is one of those South American cities that defines scale. Founded in 1554 by Portuguese Jesuits, the small village evolved through the gold rush of the 17th century and the massive coffee industry boom of the 19th century. Today, São Paulo stands as the country's wealthiest city and its primary economic, culinary, and cultural hub.
A capital of sheer scale
Start your visit by exploring the old city center, anchored by the Praça da República and the Largo Páteo do Colégio, the historic site where the Jesuit college was established in 1554. As you wander the surrounding streets, you will encounter signature landmarks like the massive São Paulo Cathedral, one of the five largest religious buildings in the world, and the ornate Municipal Theatre. Nearby, swing by the municipal market, a sprawling 12,000 square meter indoor space housed under a hall featuring intricate stained glass.
Next, head to the city's most famous thoroughfare, Avenida Paulista. It connects the historic center to the financial district and is packed with art galleries and restaurants. While walking the avenue, make sure to visit the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), which holds an extensive collection of art spanning from antiquity to the present day.
São Paulo is defined by its endless sea of skyscrapers. For a view of the concrete horizon, head to the top of the Martinelli Building, which offers a perspective of the city from its 30th floor. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, head over to Vila Madalena, a bohemian neighborhood known for its vibrant street art scene.
A history of Brazil
São Paulo is the ideal place to dive into Brazilian history. The city is home to several significant museums, including the Paulista Museum or Ipiranga, built in 1895, and the Afro Brasil Museum, which honors Black South American cultures. The latter is located in the heart of Ibirapuera Park, a massive green space landscaped by Roberto Burle Marx with buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
Also worth a visit is the Latin America Memorial, a complex designed by Oscar Niemeyer to celebrate Latin American culture. You will not miss the famous concrete hand sculpture, featuring a red stain shaped like the map of Latin America.
When to go?
The best months to visit São Paulo are between April and October.
How to get there?
São Paulo has an international airport that connects the city to the rest of the world.
Getting around
The city is served by a subway system and a massive network of buses to help you navigate the urban sprawl.
I have visited São Paulo twice, the first time to visit a Brazilian friend and the second time for her wedding. It is much more interesting to discover this cosmopolitan megalopolis with a local. Each neighborhood has its own little charm, but no site offers any real tourist appeal. The traffic is a nightmare, and compared to it, Paris is just a village. The least unpleasant parts? Ibirapuera Park and the hipster neighborhood of Vila Madalena.