Visit São Paulo
More than 100 museums throughout the city, almost 150 libraries, over 180 theaters.
​
And more than that, the city's gastronomic variety is enviable – it’s not just about fine dining. São Paulo's traditions are an attraction in themselves, whether it's a simple street market pastel or the famous mortadella sandwich from the Municipal Market – which is already an event in itself.
​
Check out some unmissable programs below!
Iconic Museums
1. Pinacoteca of the State
​The Pinacoteca do Estado has an architecture that is worth a visit for itself. It was designed at the end of the 19th century by the architect Ramos de Azevedo. It is the oldest museum in the city which is dedicated to the visual arts.
​
The museum houses an extensive collection of paintings, including more than 11,000 pieces of Brazilian art. The collection includes pieces of current national artists and also representative pieces from Tarsila do Amaral, Cândido Portinari, Di Cavalcanti and others.
​
It is located next to the Museu da Língua Portuguesa, one of our must-see attractions.
Location:
Praça da Luz, 2 - Luz, São Paulo - SP, 01120-010
2. MASP - São Paulo Museum of Art
With architecture by Lina Bo Bardi, MASP is one of São Paulo’s landmarks and the most visited museum in Brazil. Considered one of the most important art spaces in Latin America, MASP is an example of Brazilian brutalist architecture and is a National Historical and Artistic Heritage site.
​
In addition to more than 10,000 pieces housed in the museum, it also has one of the largest art-specialized libraries in the country. At MASP, you can find works by famous artists like Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, Picasso, as well as many Brazilian authors.
Location:
Av. Paulista, 1578 - Bela Vista, São Paulo - SP, 01310-200
3. Museum of the Portuguese Language
The Portuguese Language Museum presents its exhibitions using current technological resources. Its installations are innovative, and the environments are integrated and separated through lights and sounds.
​
The Portuguese Language Museum is one of the first museums in the world dedicated to a language. It is housed in a train station—Luz Station—dating from 1901 and still fully operational. Worth the double feature!
Location:
Praça da Luz, s/nº - Centro Histórico de São Paulo, São Paulo - SP, 01120-010
4. Football Museum
Brazilian culture told through its favorite sport. The Football Museum is located in the Paulo Machado de Carvalho municipal stadium. The museum tells the story of how a sport from the English elite became Brazilian, becoming part of the nation’s history and culture.
​
It houses the first specialized football library in the country. Moreover, it features 15 themed rooms that help narrate how this sport developed in Brazil.
Location:
Praça Charles Miller, s/n - Pacaembu, São Paulo - SP, 01234-010
Unmissable Programs
1. Luz Circuit
In downtown São Paulo, museums and architecture come together in a historical tour. Just a few steps away, you’ll find:
​
​1. Luz Station
The station’s history spans three periods. Initially inaugurated in 1865, its current version is the result of a renovation carried out around 1900.
​
In the early 2000s, the station underwent yet another renovation, renovation which aimed to house the Portuguese Language Museum.
​
​2. Portuguese Language Museum
​
One of the first museums dedicated to the study of a language, this museum stands out not only for its theme, but also for the technology used in its installations and exhibitions.
​
​3. Pinacoteca of the State
​
The museum houses an extensive collection of paintings—more than 11,000 pieces of Brazilian art. It features works by contemporary national artists as well as representative pieces by Tarsila do Amaral, Cândido Portinari, Di Cavalcanti, and others.
​
​4. Sala São Paulo
​
This concert hall is one of the most prestigious stages in Brazil and is home to OSESP – São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra. The building was proclaimed as a historical heritage site in 1999.
Luz Station
Portuguese Language Museum
Pinacoteca of the State
Sala São Paulo
2. Culture on Paulista
Get to know Paulista Avenue and imagine that 30 years ago this avenue was full of jabuticaba trees rented by the hour, serving as the Sunday afternoon program for many São Paulo families.
​
​1. Avenida Paulista
The avenue itself is an attraction—walk it end to end or pick a stretch to explore. Walk to find shops, cultural centers, or culinary opportunities—here you will find everything.
​
​2. São Paulo Museum of Art - MASP
In addition to more than 10,000 pieces housed in the museum, it also has one of the largest art-specialized libraries in the entire country. At MASP, you can find works by famous artists like Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, Picasso, as well as many Brazilian authors.
​
​3. MASP Free Standing Space and Aerial View of 9 de Julho
The museum has a large open area underneath, spanning about 74 meters wide — an impressive concept. It hosts fairs, protests, and concerts. This is also where you access the Aerial View of 9 de Julho.
​
​4. Tenente Siqueira Campos Park - Trianon
Opened just one year after Paulista Avenue, it spans 48,000 square meters and contains two trails and 135 species of vegetation. A highlight is the park’s flooring, made of Portuguese stones.
Park - Trianon
Avenida Paulista
MASP
Viewpoint 9 de Julho
3. Paulista Foods
São Paulo offers incredible culinary richness and variety, but here is a list of foods that are common in the daily life of Paulistano people.
​
​1. Pão na Chapa
The famous one is the mortadella sandwich, and it’s definitely worth trying, but on a daily basis, what cannot be missed is the pão na chapa, toasted bread with butter or requeijão (Brazilian cream cheese). A small coffee in a glass cup completes the combo.
​
​2. Prato Feito
If someone invented the prato feito, it was probably the Paulistano people. Here, the prato feito is served in small aluminum plates (one for salad, another for rice, French fries, and meat) plus a small bowl of beans.
​
​3. Virado à Paulista
This dish originated with the bandeirantes during their expeditions, who, along with their tools, carried cooked beans (usually unsalted to avoid hardening), corn flour, dried meat, and pork fat. With the shaking of the journey, the ingredients would become mixed or "turned".
Pão na Chapa - Grilled Bread
Prato Feito
Virado à Paulista
It’s impossible to leave Ibirapuera and its surroundings out of this tour. Get to know the park and the architecture designed by Oscar Niemeyer that surrounds the complex!
​
​1. Ibirapuera, Auditorium and Oca
Exploring every corner of Ibirapuera would take a few days. If you’re short on time, besides enjoying the beauty of the park, it’s worth taking a walk around these iconic buildings – the Auditorium and the Oca, both contributions by Oscar Niemeyer.
​
2. Museum of Contemporary Art - MAC
The museum is housed in an architectural complex designed by Oscar Niemeyer, with a walkway connecting the park to the museum. In addition to over 10,000 works of art, the museum also offers one of the city’s best views from its rooftop observatory.
​
​3. Afro Brasil Museum
It is a historical museum that aims, through a careful perspective, to explore Brazilian Black ancestry. Its mission is to deconstruct stereotypes, value Black culture, and preserve memories.​
4. Architectural Ibirapuera
Oca's Interior
MAC
Museu Afro Brasil - Afro Brazil Museum