Day 1 in Sao Paulo
Welcome to Sao Paulo! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!
We recommend you get acquainted with the city, begin by visiting Patio do Colegio, the site where the city was founded in 1554. Set in the heart of Sao Paulo, this is the oldest building in the city and served as the foundation of the city, founded by the Jesuits Manuel de Nobrega and Jose de Anchieta. The original church and school can be found here along with the Padre Anchieta Museum, where you can discover the history and colonization of Brazil.
Make your way to the Sao Paulo Cathedral, which is the fifth largest Gothic-style cathedral in the entire world and the largest in South America. The cathedral dates back to 1589 and features a Renaissance style dome, Neo-Gothic Revival style interiors with marble and vibrantly stained glass windows with a capacity to hold 8,000 worshipers. Check out the 12,000 pipes, five keyboard organ and take a tour of the crypts found below.
In the heart of the city, there are plenty of opportunities to sit outside and enjoy some lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants while watching the world pass by.
After lunch, discover one of the lovely parks in the city. Parque da Luz dates back to 1825, decorated with old trees and modern sculptures. Adjacent to the park is the Pinacoteca of the State of Sao Paulo, which is the oldest museum in the city and one of the most important. Step inside and discover over 8,000 pieces of Brazilian artwork from artists including Almeida Junior, Pedro Alexandrino and Oscar Pereira da Silva. Visit the onsite cafe for a snack and refreshments and take in the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum.
As evening time approaches, ascend to the top of the Edificio Italia, a 46 story 541-foot tall skyscraper, which is the second tallest building in the city. Head to the rooftop observation deck for jaw-dropping views of the city below. Enjoy dinner at the rooftop restaurants here called `Terraco Italia` and follow up with a nightcap at The Bar do Terraco while enjoying sounds in the piano bar.
Day 2 in Sao Paulo
Begin your second day with a visit to the bustling Municipal Market of Sao Paulo. This is the most important and famous market in the city bursting with sights, sounds and delicious smells. A gourmet point in the city where you can find local specialties including fresh fruits, vegetables, and fresh meat and seafood. Enjoy samples from the different stalls set up and take note of the 72 beautiful colorful stained glass windows. There are hundreds of retailers selling all kinds of products situated on the ground floor and be sure to visit the second floor where the Gourmet Lounge is located. A must try here at the market is the city`s classic ‘pernil’ sandwich, a massive mortadella and Swiss sandwich sold at the Bar do Mane or Hocca Bar.
Once your sense and stomachs are filled, take a walk to the oldest church in Sao Paulo, the Mosteiro Sao Bento dating back to 1598. A beautiful old church featuring a neo-Gothic style facade with impressive stained glass windows. You can even attend a daily mass held at 7 am on the weekdays.
In the downtown area is the beautiful Banespa Building,which is amongst the tallest buildings in the city. Take a journey to the top where the observation deck can be found and enjoy spectacular views of the city. You can also visit the museum found on the ground floor.
Make your way to MASP, The Museum of Art Sao Paulo, located on the famous Avenida Paulista, the museum is internationally recognized for its collection of European and Western Art. The architecture of the building is worth a look with its four striking red lateral beams that suspend the building in mid-air. Explore the 8,000 pieces of artwork by world-renowned artists dating back to the thirteenth century.
This afternoon reward yourself with some shopping on the most important avenue in the city, Avenida Paulista, which runs for 1.7 miles. The Avenue is lined with extensive dining and shopping opportunities as well as galleries and museums. Enjoy something to eat at one of the popular eateries, browse one of the galleries and do some window shopping.
The real shopping begins on the leafy and swanky streets of the Jardins neighborhood, which is known for its high-end fashion boutiques. The intersection of Rua Oscar Freire and Rua Augusta is home to the most luxurious shopping streets in the city. This chic neighborhood is brimming with shops and boutiques selling expensive clothing, jewelry, and extravagant gifts, pick up that special item for yourself as a souvenir.
On your second evening in Samba, you can stick around Avenida Paulista, which offers a great selection of nightlife boasting excellent restaurants, bars and clubs buzzing with activity.
Alternatively, spend your evening in Vila Madalena, this hippest neighborhood packed with funky bars, authentic restaurants and live Samba music with plenty of dancing. Enjoy the atmosphere while dining on local cuisine, then dance off those calories.
Day 3 in Sao Paulo
Begin your day with a leisurely bicycle ride and discover some places in the city, alternatively explore the 87 miles of car-free biking paths in the city, which connect to the city parks. Cycle to Ibirapuera Park, one of the large green spaces in the city, comparable to New York`s Central Park. The park is filled with monuments including the Bandeiras Monument, which commemorates the pioneers of the city who died in 1932. Many important buildings can be found in and around the park including MAM (modern art museum), The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Afro-Brazilian Museum. Take some time to visit a museum or two of your choice.
Head over to the neighborhood of Liberdade, which is Sao Paulo`s version of Japantown, the city has the largest population of Japanese outside of Japan. Explore the streets filled with restaurants and shops and take in the Asian-inspired architecture, Chi Fu is the city`s most famous Chinese restaurants serving excellent food. Enjoy some lunch and purchase some Japanese ornaments to take home.
Discover the striking street art on Beco do Batman (Batman`s Alley) found in the Vila Madalena neighborhood. Sao Paulo is famous for its vibrant street art scene, saunter around the area and take some pictures.
Praca do Por-do-Sol or Sunset Square, is a great place to capture a sunset in the city. Then grab some pizza for dinner, the city is filled with pizza places as Paulistino`s claim to have the best pizza in the world (due to the large number of Italians that habitat the city).
End the evening with a show at the world-class Municipal Theatre of Sao Paulo. The theatre is a historic landmark in the city built between 1903 and 1911, it was modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris. Operas, symphonies, and ballets are held at the theatre, sit back in the rich red seats and enjoy the show.
Additional Days in Sao Paulo
Should you be able to spend additional days in Sao Paulo visit the Museo de Futebol, dedicated to the history and importance of soccer in the Brazilian culture. Explore the 16 exhibition rooms featuring multimedia, posters, photographs and a gallery dedicated to the World Cup.
The Maria Luisa and Oscar Americano Foundation is a beautiful museum located within a wooded estate featuring works of art including paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and silver. Enjoy a traditional high tea at the tea shop, and concerts in the auditorium (Sundays).
If you are visiting Sao Paulo during the weekend check out the Calixto Outdoor Market, filled with antiques and handicrafts, along with live music and dancing. Paulista Avenue closes down to traffic on Sundays and is filled with cultural displays, shops, restaurants, food, and music.
Your Last Day in Sao Paulo
Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.