This is my second stop in my 2 month Latin America trip back in December 2022. I was so very surprised by the sheer size of this city, and how similar it is to Singapore and other big Asian cities. São Paulo is bigger than New York City by population and is the economic capital of Brazil, the biggest country in Latin America. Put that into perspective — I feel that São Paulo does not receive enough recognition.
Is São Paulo Worth Visiting?
This is a hard one. Do not get me wrong, this is a proper metropolitan city, but I am not that much of a city guy, and it reminds me too much of Singapore, so that removed some of the uniqueness away. I also did not have time to visit all of it — I just had a taste of different neighbourhoods. It felt safe, and I could find good Asian food everywhere, so that is a plus.
Overall if you like big city life, this is great. If you are more into beaches and nature, Rio de Janeiro might be a better fit.
São Paulo vs Rio de Janeiro
Since I visited both cities on the same trip, I get asked this a lot. Rio is the postcard city — beaches, mountains, Christ the Redeemer, and that relaxed tropical vibe. São Paulo is the opposite — a massive urban sprawl that feels more like an Asian mega city than a Latin American capital.
Food-wise, São Paulo wins for variety. The Japanese food in Liberdade, the churrascarias, and the international dining scene are all stronger here. Rio wins on nature, beaches, and that iconic scenery. If you can do both, start with São Paulo and end with Rio — it is a nicer city to wind down in.
How Many Days in São Paulo
I would say three to four days is enough to hit the highlights. One day for Avenida Paulista and the weekend markets, one day for Liberdade and Mercadão, and one day for Pinheiros and Parque do Ibirapuera. If you are a foodie or want to explore more neighbourhoods, a full week would keep you busy — this city is massive.
For a quick stopover between Rio and other destinations, two days covers the essentials.
What to Eat in São Paulo
Nativas Grill: The Full Churrascaria Experience
Nativas Grill São Paulo is a renowned churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse) located in São Paulo. This establishment offers a traditional rodízio dining experience, where guests can enjoy an unlimited selection of various grilled meats served directly at their tables.
Food here is pretty similar to Rio! I went to Nativas, a mid-range all-you-can-eat steakhouse. The sushi there is very bad though (Brazilian sushi, with jam — yuck). But the meat is very good. My Brazilian friend brought me there, and she has since migrated to New Zealand. I like making friends with international people — hope she is doing well.
Açaí Sorbet and Brazilian Soda: Sweet Treats on a Hot Day
Açaí sorbet is a refreshing, nutrient-rich dessert made from açaí berries, known for their deep purple hue and antioxidant properties. This dairy-free treat offers a delightful balance of natural sweetness and earthy flavours, making it both delicious and health-conscious. A must-try in any Brazilian city.
Things to Do in São Paulo
I only managed to hit the famous spots — this city is so huge you probably need weeks just to explore it. It is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, even bigger than New York City!
Avenida Paulista: The Beating Heart of Modern São Paulo
Avenida Paulista, inaugurated on December 8, 1891, is one of São Paulo’s most iconic thoroughfares, stretching 2.8 kilometres through several neighbourhoods. Originally a residential area for the coffee elite, it has transformed into a bustling financial and cultural hub.
Probably like Orchard Road in Singapore — a road with things to do on the weekend, live music, pop-up stores and more. I liked the vibe here a lot. Definitely come here on a weekend for the crowd and the shops. There were live music bands too, and people just dancing along to rock music during the day.
Lots of shops selling handicrafts and food. There is a big Japanese influence here so you can see a lot of Japanese snacks. I bought a few bracelets here as souvenirs.
Pinheiros: Trendy Cafés, Art Spaces, and Local Vibes
Pinheiros is a prominent and historic neighbourhood located in São Paulo’s western zone. Established in 1560 along the banks of the Pinheiros River, it is considered one of the city’s oldest districts. Today, Pinheiros is recognised for its vibrant cultural scene, diverse gastronomy, and dynamic energy.
It is a hip neighbourhood near my Airbnb with bars, pubs, and restaurants. I went around for a drink and watched the World Cup when I was there. This is pretty similar to the area surrounding Singapore’s central district in terms of energy and shops. I would recommend coming over here for a walk and grabbing something to eat.
Mercadão de São Paulo: The Historic Central Market
The Municipal Market of São Paulo, affectionately known as the “Mercadão”, is a prominent public market situated in the historic centre of São Paulo. Inaugurated on January 25, 1933, the market has become a significant landmark, celebrated for its architectural beauty and rich culinary offerings.
This place is cool — I think most cities have a “central market” of some sort. The first floor has shops selling different goods, the second floor has restaurants. It is amazing, but the area outside the market is shady and felt slightly dangerous. It is close to Chinatown though, and I always fancy Asian food whenever I can find some.
Liberdade: São Paulo’s Vibrant Japanese Neighbourhood
Liberdade is a vibrant district located in the central zone of São Paulo, renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and historical significance. Often referred to as São Paulo’s Japantown, Liberdade has been a focal point for Japanese immigrants and their descendants, contributing to its unique character.
Now this is really the famous Japanese town in São Paulo. The Japanese population here has been around for 4 generations, and they speak really good Portuguese. Culturally they are more Brazilian than Japanese. It was an interesting visit for the most part, although a little small. There are many Japanese stores and restaurants, so I was able to get some Japanese food fix. Highly recommended.
Parque do Ibirapuera: The Central Park of São Paulo
Parque do Ibirapuera, inaugurated on August 21, 1954, is São Paulo’s largest urban park, encompassing approximately 158 hectares. It serves as a central hub for leisure, culture, and environmental preservation in the city.
This is a large garden in the middle of São Paulo. Reminds me a lot of the tropical gardens in Singapore. It is pretty nice to go for a walk or run and buy a coconut here. To me it is nothing special, but I am sure for people not from a tropical climate this is a good escape from city life.
Final Thoughts
My review of São Paulo is rather short compared to Rio de Janeiro because I am familiar with big city life. I do like it and think it is a unique mix of Latin America, Asia, and big city energy. It is huge, and is the financial centre of Brazil.
Personally I think there is so much to do here, but in terms of uniqueness I prefer Rio. Nevertheless, this is the most international city I have been to in Latin America!