São Paulo

An endless skyline, architectural masterpieces in the jungle of skyscrapers, and green oases at every corner - São Paulo surprises in every way! The city is as diverse, multicultural, and gigantic as no other in Brazil. If you want to get to know the country authentically, you cannot miss a trip to São Paulo!

São Paulo - all most people know about this megacity is that it is located in Brazil and is enormous. However, those planning to travel to Brazil are more likely to have Rio de Janeiro or another coastal destination on their radar. We asked ourselves why that is and took a closer look at this metropolis. São Paulo is one of Brazil's most important economic centers, it is multicultural and absolutely diverse and impressive. With 20.8 million inhabitants, it is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, which becomes clear when you walk through the jungle of skyscrapers. We will now reveal the highlights this metropolis has to offer, how to get there, and everything about safety.

São Paulo surprises

São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport is massive and has excellent global connections. From Frankfurt and Munich, you can even fly directly to the megacity in Brazil in just 12 hours. Round-trip flights often cost less than €600.

Entry to Brazil:

For a stay of up to 90 days in Brazil - whether as a tourist or for business - you do not need a visa, just a passport that is valid for at least another six months at the time of travel. Keep in mind that if you have a layover in the USA, you will need an ESTA.

Many other flights from Germany to São Paulo also connect with a layover - some for under €500. Upon arrival in São Paulo, the easiest way to get to the city is by taking the bus or the metro. The airport is quite far out of town, so the trip takes just over an hour, depending on your destination. Accordingly, there is not just one bus that takes you into the city but many different options. Therefore, our tip: Look for the Airport Bus Service - EMTU, which will show 'São Paulo' on the display. Once in the center, the metro or another bus will take you to your destination.

If you're good with Google Maps, just enter your current location and destination. The app will suggest the best routes using public transportation. If all of this seems too complicated, you should download the Uber app. This has two advantages: you can easily pay with a credit card, and you will arrive safely and easily at your destination. From experience, we can say that Uber is relatively inexpensive in Brazil. We do not recommend renting a car in São Paulo due to the incredible traffic in the city. In the city center, it's easiest to get around using the metro.

Whether hotel, hostel, or Airbnb - the range of accommodations in São Paulo is vast. If you're traveling alone or want to meet people, we recommend booking a hostel. This way, you may also meet interesting people for your further travels in Brazil or for a backpacking trip through South America.

In Brazil and many other South American countries, the general rule is: You should not stroll alone through the streets at night. If you keep a few basic principles in mind, which we also recommend in many other countries while traveling, you shouldn't run into any problems.

Don't worry!

Before you get discouraged and prefer to stay home instead of traveling to Brazil: you should follow these simple rules everywhere, as even in Germany it is not always 'safe'.

If you arrive at the airport at night or come into the city by long-distance bus, just take an Uber. It's simple and safe. Want to go out at night to party or experience the city after dark? No problem! Find some people in the hostel who want to go out with you or, if you're not traveling alone, take your partner or friends along. You can also ask at the hostel or hotel reception if there are areas nearby that you should avoid.

Another aspect is the language: Brazilian Portuguese is spoken in Brazil. Spanish and English are spoken by very few. It's beneficial to speak a little Spanish and learn a few important phrases and words in Portuguese beforehand, as it helps with reading menus, given that there are many similarities between Spanish and Portuguese. Otherwise, you can also get by with gestures - we speak from experience.

The first impression of São Paulo is shocking, confusing, and impressive at the same time. But not in a negative way: the city is simply overwhelming. Power lines are haphazardly crisscrossing the entire city, and the never-ending skyline looks like a jungle of skyscrapers. Opinions about São Paulo are divided: some find the city ugly and overwhelming, while others are absolutely enchanted by its unique charm. We felt the same way. And that's why we want to introduce you to all the highlights that await you in this Brazilian metropolis.

The first stop should lead you to the center of the city, where several sights are located that you can visit on foot. The Teatro Municipal is visually stunning - not just from the outside, especially from the inside. You can even take a guided tour here and hear its history told in English. Not far from there is the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, the cultural center of the Brazilian bank. The building was constructed in impressive Art Deco style and is beautiful in itself. However, exciting exhibitions also take place here that are worth seeing.

Once you arrive at the Catedral da Sé, you are at the central point of the city. This is also indicated by a stone in the middle of the Praça da Sé. The square looks particularly striking with its surrounding palm trees, which emphasize the church. Be sure to go inside! If you have a bit of time, you might even catch a mass.

Just a few steps further, you will find the Edifício do Banespa. The space below, filled with many trees and plants, creates a special atmosphere, giving a new dimension to the term 'urban jungle'. Here, you can also catch a skyline view from above for free. An elevator will take you to the rooftop terrace, where the view of São Paulo is doubly impressive!

The best part is: as you stroll through the market, you'll be offered samples of fruit at every corner. This way, you can directly enjoy tasting the most exotic fruits - from starfruit to mango and dragon fruit, down to the cashew, which grows in the stalk that produces the delicious cashew nuts we love. But don't forget to also buy some fruits.

True football fans are in the right place in Brazil, not only because football is played at every corner, but also because experiencing a game in a stadium is a must for enthusiasts in the land of football! The Campeonato Brasileiro Série A is Brazil's equivalent to the German Bundesliga. Maybe you'll even be lucky enough to score tickets to a game. For example, in the far east of São Paulo, outside the city center, is the Arena Corinthians, built for the 2014 World Cup. Nearly 50,000 fans can fit here to watch a Corinthians São Paulo match. Would that be something for you?

Estádio do Morumbi in the southwest of the city is the home stadium of FC São Paulo, which currently plays in the upper ranks of the Brazilian Bundesliga. Even if you're not a big football fan, you should still take a look at the stadium, which has a capacity of about 70,000 spectators.

A few kilometers further east, you will find Parque do Ibirapuera, which at first glance resembles Central Park and holds significant importance for the locals. One million square meters of lawns and 150,000 square meters of water landscapes attract countless visitors every day who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Many joggers, skateboarders, and walkers keep the park lively, young people gather and relax on the lawns, and children romp on the playgrounds.

But art and culture enthusiasts are also drawn here, as famous personalities like architectural icon Oscar Niemeyer have left their mark. In addition to the Pavilhão da Bienal in Parque do Ibirapuera, he is also the architect of various buildings worldwide, such as the National Stadium in Rio de Janeiro or the Interbau Oscar-Niemeyer-Haus in our capital Berlin. The Museu do Arte Moderna is also located in the city park and features various artworks by Brazilian artists as well as legends like Pablo Picasso.

In the western city center, not far from the Centro, lies the famous Avenida Paulista. It is one of the most important streets in the city, as the financial center has established itself here in recent years, along with other important institutions along the Paulista, which spans eight lanes. The Museu de Arte de São Paulo is particularly eye-catching, an art museum that looks like a block with legs along Avenida Paulista, thus, from an architectural standpoint, representing a work of art in itself. Across from the museum lies a smaller park compared to Parque do Ibirapuera, but because it is situated amid the jungle of skyscrapers, it has a massive impact. In fact, the park resembles a small jungle, and as soon as you disappear among the trees, you can feel the air becoming clearer and fresher, birds chirping, and the noise from Avenida Paulista fading away.

One final stop shows another side of São Paulo alongside the exciting architecture and business districts:

Good to know:

The name of the neighborhood comes from a painting of the character Batman, which originated in the neighborhood back in the 80s.

Beco do Batman is a neighborhood that enchants with vibrant color. No high-rises and elegant buildings line the streets, instead, it's houses' walls adorned with colorful graffiti, true works of art that stretch along the cobbled streets. A stark contrast to the rest of the city and therefore a must-see among the sights in São Paulo.

Brazil is, as many might not realize, a true paradise when it comes to cuisine. The only downside: vegan and vegetarian dining options can be a bit challenging. However, even here you'll find some true highlights, as Brazil is also a fruit paradise.

Cake is also a typical part of breakfast. If you don't have one at your accommodation, we recommend Dona Vitamina. A great selection of fruit juices, sweet pastries, and açaí cream will give you the vitamin boost you need. If you're not so keen on sweets for breakfast, they also serve wraps, omelets, and many other variations. Things get particularly sweet at Casa Mathilde at Edificio do Banespa in the city center. Here, cakes, tarts, pastries - like the well-known Pastel de Nata from Portugal - filled croissants, and chocolates await you in the long glass display case.

In Brazil, it's common to fill your plates at a buffet. Many restaurants charge by 'per kilo'. At first glance, this sounds as if it will be very expensive. But in fact, the per-kilo prices are generally quite low.

A meatless highlight!

The Nutrisom Restaurante Vegetariano in the center serves up a massive buffet for you and is completely vegetarian! You can also create vegan dishes here. The best part: you pay a fixed price.

In touristy areas, it can certainly get pricier, but you'll see the price upfront and can compare. Even for light dishes, dining can be worthwhile. A very popular per-kilo restaurant is the Restaurante Laportes not far from Parque do Ibirapuera. It's ideal for dipping your toes into Brazilian cuisine, as you can throw anything on your plate and see what you like best. If you want something more central, we recommend Varanda Copan: A wide selection in a cozy restaurant. Perfect for a light snack.

One thing up front: This section is only for meat lovers. If you want an authentic Brazilian experience, you must absolutely visit a churrascaria. Here too, the price is fixed. Depending on the restaurant and region, it ranges from €10-15. For that price, you can fill your plate at the buffet as many times as you like, and a chef will often come to your table with a skewer of freshly prepared meat. It is usually beef, while pork or chicken is less common. The chef always tells you what type of meat it is, and you can then decide whether you want a piece or not. Here are our top 3 churrascarias in São Paulo:

As mentioned earlier, São Paulo is incredibly diverse and can show you authentic Brazil in all its variations. That's why we've created a to-do list for you with all the things you must experience, try, and do when you venture into this world metropolis. Then you'll be all set for your onward journey through Brazil.

Did we promise too much? We find São Paulo is vastly underrated and should be on the list of anyone traveling to Brazil, as this global city can definitely compete with Rio de Janeiro.