Sightseeing OverviewSão Paulo’s appeal to tourists is not immediately obvious. Finding your way around is not easy, and
attractions are
widely spread out.
One of the best ways to enjoy the city is to get into the
hedonistic rhythm of the locals. Enjoy the
art and the
shops during the day and take in the
rich culture,
food and
bars by night.
The city is a
cosmopolitan center and a
cultural capital. The large influx of
Greek,
Italian and
Japanese immigrants has formed
distinctive communities, filled with vibrant
local shops and restaurants that are attractions in themselves.
Two very different world-class art museums are here - one contemporary, one religious. São Paulo’s
architecture is
overwhelmingly modern; one of the highest buildings,
Prédio do Banespa,
affords a good perspective of the bustle below while the
Science Station is decidedly 21st century.
Parque do Ibirapuera (Ibirapuera Park) and the
Snake Farm both offer welcome green relief.
Tourist InformationCity of São Paulo
CIT República, Praça da República, in front of Rua 7 de Abril
Tel: (11) 3231 2922.
Website:
www.cidadedesaopaulo.comThis is the main tourist information booth in São Paulo. The website offers comprehensive and detailed information on the city, including a list of tour agencies and the citywide tourist information booths (CIT), which offer leaflets and promotional information.
São Paulo Convention and Visitors BureauAlameda Ribeirão Preto 130, 12th floor
Tel: (11) 3289 7588.
Website:
www.spcvb.com.brThe bureau concentrates on marketing, but offers some useful city information and a virtual tour.
São Paulo Turismo SA
Avenida Olavo Fontoura 1209
Tel: (11) 6226 0400.
Website:
www.spturis.comThe website for the city’s own tourism and events company features a downloadable calendar of events.
PassesNo city passes are currently available.
Key Attractions:Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP; São Paulo Museum of Art)
This is the city’s biggest and best museum, housing the most significant collection of Western art in Latin America, including more than 8,000 paintings and sculptures. It also hosts impressive changing exhibitions.
Avenida Paulista 1578
Tel: (11) 3251 5644.
Website:
www.masp.uol.com.br Admission charge.
Parque do Ibirapuera (Ibirapuera Park)
Designed by Oscar Niemeyer and Burle Marx,
Ibirapuera is São Paulo’s answer to New York’s Central Park, with playgrounds, lakes and the unique Bosque de Leitura (Reading Woods), where books can be borrowed. There are free Sunday morning concerts, two museums of modern art and a planetarium.
Avenida Pedro Álvares Cabral
Ibirapuera
Tel: (11) 5574 5177.
Free admission.
Snake Farm at the Instituto Butantãn
Deadly snakes, spiders and scorpions from around the world can be seen at this pioneering anti-venom research center set in beautiful parkland. Certainly not for the squeamish, but this is one of the city’s most popular sites.
Avenida Vital Brasil 1500
Tel: (11) 3726 7222.
Website:
www.butantan.gov.brAdmission charge.
Mercado Municipal
The sprawling municipal market, filled with stained-glass windows, opened in 1932. Visitors can marvel at the fresh produce of all descriptions sold from more than 300 stands, many manned by third-generation stall-holders. Tuck into excellent local snacks at the
Hocca Bar and
Bar do Mané.
Rua da Cantareira 306
Tel: (11) 3228 0673.
Website:
www.mercadomunicipal.com.brFree admission.
Museu de Arte Sacra de São Paulo
The first archbishop of São Paulo, Don Duarte Leopoldo, began this collection of sacred art objects in the beginning of the 20th century; it now includes over 4,000 pieces ranging from silver plates to a candlestick collection rivalled only by the Vatican’s.
Avenida Tiradentes 676
Tel: (11) 3326 1373.
Website:
http://artesacra.sarasa.com.br/Admission charge.
Further Distractions:Prédio do Banespa
Inspired by the Empire State Building, São Paulo’s first skyscraper was inaugurated in 1949. For two decades it was the tallest concrete structure in the world. The observation deck offers spectacular panoramic views of the city; there are free, guided tours and a small museum.
Rua João Brícola 24
Tel: (11) 3249 7405.
Estação Ciência (Science Station)
Children of all ages can play and learn in this enormous, once abandoned factory packed with interactive displays relating to all things scientific from astronomy to meteorology. Look out for changing exhibitions and special events.
Rua Guaicurus 1394, Lapa
Tel: (11) 3673 7022.
Website:
www.eciencia.usp.br
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
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