Planning a solo trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:
QUICK FACTS
- The largest city in Brazil (and in the Southern Hemisphere), with 12.3 million people.
- The cultural capital of Brazil, known for its varied and jovial nightlife. Increasingly recognized for its street art scene and contemporary cultural offerings.
- São Paulo draws over 15 million visitors each year, making it the top city in South America for tourists
- With the largest economy (in GDP terms) of all Brazilian and Latin American cities, Sao Paulo is a financial hub and a symbol of the region’s rapidly growing economy.
- Nickname: The City that Never Sleeps. Known to locals (paulistas) as Cicade da Garoa (“city of drizzle”) and Sampa.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL)
- Spoken languages: Portuguese, though English is also widely spoken.
- Best time to visit: June to October. The summer is typically hot and humid, while the winter (June-August) is more pleasant (though still chilly in the evenings). Avoid visiting during the rainy season, which typically lasts from December to January.
- Great festivals to catch:
– Carnival Festival (February)
– São Paulo Fashion Week (April/September)
– International Film Festival (October)
– Street Art Festival (November) - Arriving via airport (Aeroporto Guarulhos):
– Airport Express train: Runs hourly from 05:00-00:00, takes 45 minutes, costs only BRL 10 (the cheapest option)
– Private airport transfers: €50 (approximately BRL 320) for up to 3 passengers
– Official taxi fare: Around BRL 66 during the day, increasing to BRL 85 at night (much lower than your listed R$100-140)
– Bus: The 257 bus costs approximately BRL 8, available daily from 05:10 to 23:10 - Safety tips: download safety apps like “Quick Help” or “B4UGO” which can assist in emergencies.
WHERE TO STAY
- Best Sao Paulo hostel for solo travelers: Hostel Calábria. Much better than the loud party hostels.
– Located right in Vila Madalena (close to all the action), clean and comfortable. 8 minutes’ walk from Beco do Batman.
– Very friendly and helpful staff.
– Book ahead to reserve your spot (especially in peak season) - Vila Madalena is one of the trendiest neighborhoods of Sao Paulo, known for its party scene.
- Avenida Paulista/Jardins are the more upscale areas, and are home to the best restaurants with everything in walking distance.
- The most affordable areas for budget travelers include Pinheiros and parts of downtown.
- For a happy medium, try Ibirapuera – it is next to the largest park in the city, and has a trendy (yet sophisticated) feel.
GETTING AROUND
- The metrô, Sao Paulo’s subway system, is safe, clean, and efficient. It runs from 5 AM to midnight (or later), and a single ride costs just R$5.
– Note: the metro doesn’t run during holidays. - Buses can be crowded, particularly during peak times (6AM – 9AM and 4PM – 8PM), but they reach places the metrô does not. One way tickets cost R$3.
- Consider buying a Bilhete Único card for easier access to public transportation (R$50: unlimited rides for 24 hours).
- If you want a taxi, look out for the white taxi ranks with green letters (taxis in Sao Paulo are known to be overpriced).
- Instead of a taxi, consider hailing a ride through Uber or 99 (two popular ride-sharing apps in Brazil).
- Useful app: download the Moovit app for easy route planning.
SAO PAULO NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18, last call is never – this city is alive and kicking 24/7!
- Rua Augusta is Sao Paulo’s nightlife central, particularly along Baixo Augusta (a stretch filled with wall-to-wall bars, gastro-restaurants, strip clubs and bar-baladas).
- Definitions:
– Botecas: Neighborhood bars for daytime drinking. Easy picks: Bar Astor in Vila Madalena for cold chopp beer and Veloso for authentic caipirinhas.
– Baladas: Club bars with conversation areas, smoking rooms, and dance floors. - Vila Madalena is the place to go for a more traditional night out, with many gastropubs and bars hosting live Samba bands.
- Sao Paulo nightclub recommendations:
– D-Edge: one of the best EDM clubs in South America
– Lions Nightclub: For EDM, hip hop, funk, and soul in Republica neighborhood
– Milo Garage: For 80s/90s flashback parties in an underground setting
– Rey Castro in Vila Olímpia or Azucar in Itaim Bibi: for salsa dancing and Latin pop music - Great bars for solo travelers: The Blue Pub ($$ – Bela Vista), Cervejaria Dogma ($$$ – beer garden), Bar Moela (pub), St. John’s Irish Pub ($$).
- For live music: Bourbon Street Music Club ($$$) and All of Jazz ($$).
- Cool clubs to check out: Madame Underground Club and Jai Club.
- Unique spots:
– Nos Trilhos (Mooca) – a train yard venue hosting massive outdoor parties.
– Love Story: The premier after-hours spot where party-goers gather after other venues close. - Bar/club logistics: often requires ordering at one counter and picking up drinks at another.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- Head to the Banespa skyscraper – take a free ride to the observation deck for stunning panoramic views of the city.
- Avenida Paulista is the city’s cultural hub, well worth the visit for its contrasting new and old architecture. It is packed with art galleries, theaters, pubs and restaurants.
- While not that aesthetically-pleasing, Sao Paulo’s historic center is intriguing and a must-see for the first time visitor.
- Built in 1967, the immense Sao Paulo Cathedral features beautiful interior work.
- MAC Museum (Museum of Contemporary Art): Features a rooftop with incredible panoramic views.
- Municipal Theatre: Breathtaking example of early 20th-century architecture
- The Instituto Butantan is a unique institution focused on medical research and famous for its snake garden.
- For fans of architecture:
– Copan Building – Oscar Niemeyer’s iconic curved residential complex.
– Luz Railway Station (19th century)
INTERESTING WALKS
- Parque do Ibirapuera is the largest green space in Sao Paulo, and makes for a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Walk along the Tea Viaduct: a historic elevated walkway in the downtown area.
- Free organized walking tours are always available from various points downtown.
- For those interested in street art, take a walk in the Vila Madalena district. Be sure to check out “Batman’s alley” off Rua Harmonia, where you can find artistic street graffiti 500 ft high.
WHERE TO EAT
- Must-try local dishes: “Feijoada” (a hearty black bean stew), “Pão de Queijo” (cheese bread), and street food options like “Coxinha” (chicken croquettes).
- Where to find good cheap eats: everywhere! Sao Paulo is well known for its vast amounts of food on offer and most areas will provide good cheap options for food. While in Sao Paulo, be sure to check out caipirinhas, and cachaca – the Brazilian national drink and cocktail!
- Check out the Municipal Market of São Paulo, where travelers can taste regional fruits, snacks, and other local delicacies.
- Typical costs: Budget meal: BRL 25-40, Nice restaurant dinner: BRL 70-150.
LOCAL WISDOM
- Keep valuables hidden at all times. When using ATMs, opt for those in highly concentrated areas such as theaters, cinemas or shopping malls.
- Expect inefficiency: Queues at supermarkets can easily take 30 minutes
- Traffic jams: São Paulo’s congestion is among the worst in South America; a journey of a few blocks can sometimes take over an hour.
- Sao Paulo isn’t as synonymous with Carnaval as Rio but its lack of crowds and lower prices make its Carnaval in February appealing. It hosts its own Rio-style parade in its sambódromo, and many bars and clubs keep the party going with costume balls and special events.
- Dangerous areas to avoid: be careful in the downtown center at night, and watch out for pickpockets at Praça da Sé. Other areas to avoid after dark: the East Zone and areas around Praça da Sé.
- There’s been a rise of express kidnappings targeting tourists using ATMs after dark. Only take out money during the day (from major banks).
- Be particularly cautious around São Paulo International Airport and Congonhas Airport.
- Keep a close eye on your belongings at all times.
Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days