São Paulo, a city like no other #South American city! Thinking of São Paulo, you will probably first think of huge skyscrapers and Brazil’s business center but it is a city with so many facets. A mix of cultures, extraordinary food, diverse ethical and #LGBTQ communities, a beautiful art scene, the #jungle close by... a city that is alive! Save this trip to see what to do and see for your next vacation to #Brazil! 

Center 

To discover São Paulo’s center, it is best to join a free walking tour! Some spots you should stop by are the Praça da Repúblicat and the municipal theatre, which is inspired by a Parisan opera! Besides, in the Mercado Municipal you can try different kind of foods like traditional delicacies. For instance, pasteis, that are fried and stuffed pastries. The architecture of the market is amazing, the exterior made of stained glass and huge domes. Another sight you shouldn’t miss out on is the train station Estação da Luz. The station was first built in Scotland and then reassembled in Brazil in 1901. In here, there is also a museum of the #Portuguese language! 

Art scene 

Walking around the streets of São Paulo, you will notice how widespread #art is! You will encouner streetart, museums and art galleries everywhere! You probably have heard of the Beco do Batman, an alleyway in the neighborhood Vila Madelena. Here, some of São Paulo’s best #graffiti artists have covered its walls with colorful and diverse art works and made it to a very popular spot in São Paulo! The most famous museum is the São Paulo Museum of Art, the MASP. Being here you will feel like walking through the world history of art. From medieval times paintings to modern artworks. A few artgalleries you should stop by are the Baro Galeria, the Choque Cultural, the Galeria Jaqueline Martins and the Galeria Vermelho. 

Ibirapuera park 

If you need to escape the rush of the city than go to the Ibirapuera park. It is close to the city center but the perfect #park for a little retreat! Locals and tourists listing to livemusic, working out or just chilling on the grass! And there is so much more to it: Many museums and architectural buildings waiting to be discovered. By the way, they also host the world class arts fair here, Bienal de São Paulo! 

Avenida Paulista 

THE street in São Paulo. What once used to be a residential area, is now one of Brazil most known streets and the heart of business, culture and entertainment in São Paulo. Important museums like the MASP and theatres can be found here as well as music and art fairs, street art and a lot more! 

If you love Italian food, make sure to visit Bela Vista. São Paulos Italian neighborhood. Bela Vista, also known as Bixiga, has one of the most famous #samba schools in Brazil “Vai-Vai". They teach you traditional Samba and you will get a little insight of Brazil's one-of-a-kind #Carnival feeling! 

What to consider 

Even though São Paulo is a very international city, don’t expect everyone to know English! Learn the basic expressions to comunicate and to get around. And also, probably good to know is that Sampas, as the locals call themselves, are very touchy. What first can seem a little weird, is just the locals trying to be friendly and welcoming. São Paulo is a huge city in South America. So, while walking around be aware of your surroundings and don’t walk around with too many valuable belongings. There are also some neighborhoods that you should avoid, especially at night. Find out in advance which areas are recommendable to stay at and what security pecuations there are. But no worries, especially in the tourist areas, you will feel safe!