The metropolis of Brazil and largest city in South America has been known for years as a fast-growing metropolis and important business city: São Paulo is completely hip. Yet people quickly have a feeling of anxiety when they think of the busy traffic and the enormous skyscrapers. But São Paulo cannot be ignored as a tourist city. There are countless sights and you will not be bored for a second in this metropolis.
Basic information
- City: São Paulo
- Country: Brazil
- Language: Portuguese
- Number of inhabitants: 11,316,149
- Founded in: 1554
- Climate: subtropical
Sights
Ibirapuera Park
São Paulo’s most famous and largest park is the Ibirapuera Park, located in the Vila Mariana district. There are many lakes here where you can swim and several jogging paths have been laid out for sporty visitors. The Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer designed a planetarium and a museum.
Address:Avenida Pedro Alvares CabralVila Mariana, São PauloOpening hours: 5 a.m. to midnight
Metropolitan Cathedral
On the Praça da Sé, a quiet square in the center of the city, is the neo-Gothic cathedral that can accommodate as many as 8,000 people. For example, the cathedral has stained glass windows with tropical images of coffee beans, among other things.
Address:Praça da Sé, São Paulo1238-908Opening hours: 7am to 7pm
Sao Paulo Zoo
The São Paulo Zoo with no fewer than 3,000 animal species is located in the suburb of Congonhas. It is one of the largest zoos in the world. The zoo also has botanical gardens and a tropical walking trail.
Address:4241, Avenida Miguel Stéfano,Água Funda, São Paulo 04301-905Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm
Activities
Altino Arantes Building
The Paulista version of the Empire State Building is located in the center of the financial district. The Altino Arantes building is owned by the Banespa Bank and has a beautiful view of the entire city from the top floor.
Address:24, Rua João Bricola, São PauloOpening hours: Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm
Teatro Municipal
In the center of the city you will find the Teatro Municipal. This theater plays a major role in the cultural existence of São Paulo. Operas, ballets and concerts are given here. The interior is a pleasure for the eyes. Visitors can take a free tour by appointment.
Address: Praça Ramos de Azevedo, São Paulo 01037-010 Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday by appointment
São Bento Monastery
The 16th-century church in the city’s financial district has an attached monastery. In this Benedictine monastery the monks sing Gregorian songs every day at sunrise.
Address:Largo de São Bento, São Paulo01029-010Opening hours: The church is open Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM, on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. The Gregorian chant is Monday to Friday at 7:00 AM, Saturday at 6:00 AM and Sunday at 10:00 AM.
Museums
Immigration Hotel
The Immigration Hotel is located in the suburb of Brás. The hotel is dedicated to the various immigrant groups present in the city. For example, the Immigration Hotel offers various exhibitions and restored trams and trains run there at weekends.
Address:Memorial do Imigrante1316 Rua Visconde de ParnaíbaSão Paulo 03164-300Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm
Sao Paulo Art Museum
The São Paulo Art Museum on the busy Avenida Paulista exhibits several Brazilian and European masterpieces from the past five centuries. In addition to the modernist building, an antique market is also held every Sunday.
Address: 1578, Avenida Paulista, São Paulo 01310-200 Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pinoteca do Estado
The Pinoteca do Estado gallery is located in the Luz district. This gallery in the renovated part of the city exhibits works of art by Brazilian artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. The building is fully illuminated and also has a terrace café.
Address:2, Jardim da Luz,Praça da Luz, São PauloOpening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm