When it comes to planning a trip to Sao Paulo, there's an abundance of things to see and do. This can make it difficult to know where to start.
The best way to get an overview is to take a guided tour. These are usually free and a great way to meet other travelers.
1. Museum of Art of Sao Paulo (MASP)
Located on Paulista Avenue, the Museum of Art of Sao Paulo (MASP) is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city. As well as hosting a variety of temporary exhibitions, MASP also holds an extensive permanent collection that is sure to inspire you.
MASP is a private non-profit museum founded in 1947 by Assis Chateaubriand and Pietro Maria Bardi. Its mission is to establish, critically and creatively, dialogues between past and present, cultures and territories, through the visual arts.
The museum's collections include a vast selection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and decorative arts from Europe and Latin America. Among its most important holdings are works by early modern French and Italian masters, as well as a significant amount of Brazilian art.
The museum's headquarters is a 1968 concrete and glass structure designed by Lina Bo Bardi. It features a main body supported by two lateral beams over a 74 metres (243 ft) freestanding space. It is considered a landmark of the city and a main symbol of modern Brazilian architecture.
2. Parque da Repblica
Located in the Repblica neighborhood of Sao Paulo, Praça da Repblica is one of the most popular areas in Sao Paulo and has many shops, restaurants and attractions. It also serves as a good place to relax and enjoy the view of the city skyline.
In addition to the beautiful scenery, you can also visit many fantastic museums including the Museum of Art of Sao Paulo (MASP), which houses the world's largest collection of Brazilian and international art. It also hosts exhibitions and events such as the annual New Year's Eve celebrations.
Parque da Repblica is also home to the Museu do Cinema, which is well worth a visit. The museum houses a large number of artefacts and exhibits, including films. The museum is open daily and is free to enter. Other museums in the area include the Brazilian Museum of Sculpture and the Sao Paulo Museum of Image and Sound. The park is also a great place to go for a picnic or just to sit and relax.
3. Ibirapuera Park
One of Latin America’s largest city parks, Ibirapuera Park covers 158 hectares (nearly 400 acres) with both natural and cultural features. It was opened in 1954 on the 400th anniversary of Sao Paulo and has since been one of the city’s most popular attractions.
This massive park is a great place for relaxation and fun. It has several cultural attractions, fitness areas, bicycle paths and tennis courts.
It’s also home to one of the city’s most popular museums, the Afro-Brazil Museum. It has one of the best collections of art in Latin America, including works by Tarsila do Amaral, Marc Chagall and many more.
The park is a must-visit for anyone visiting Sao Paulo and it’s worth taking a break from the city to enjoy the lush outdoor spaces. You’ll find a range of activities to keep you busy and entertained, and you can even book a tour at the planetarium to learn about Brazil’s history.
4. Beco do Batman
In the city of Sao Paulo, there is no better place to see street art than Beco do Batman (Batman Alley). This narrow cobblestone pedestrian walkway starts on Rua Medeiros de Albuquerque and ends on Rua Harmonia.
- As a result, it is a hotspot for graffiti artists. The streets are full of murals that range from simple pictures to intricate pieces that have an undeniable Batman theme.
- The area around Beco do Batman is also home to many bars, restaurants and shops that make it a lively place to explore. There are also plenty of places to stay if you want to be close to the action.
- The best way to visit Beco do Batman is on a self-guided walking tour. There are several options to choose from, including this one that I did with a company called GPSmyCity. They offer a variety of tours and you can even download the app on your mobile device for offline walks.
