Two Days in São Paulo: Your Weekend Itinerary for São Paulo

Posted 19/01/2025 | 19th January, 2025
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São Paulo is a phenomenal city in Brazil, often overlooked by backpackers. It has a population of over 11 million, creating a bustling metropolis.
It’s vibrant and extremely diverse, with an exciting atmosphere that made me want to return and explore more.
There is easily enough to do here to fill a week. But if you’re short on time, here’s your perfect itinerary for two days in São Paulo.

Is São Paulo Worth Visiting?
I was unsure whether to add São Paulo to my six-week Brazil itinerary. I’d heard mixed reviews about whether the detour would be worth it: afraid of the crowds, smog and potential danger.
I’m very happy to report that my fears were quickly absolved. Of course, there is a completely different vibe in São Paulo than in Rio de Janeiro. But that doesn’t mean that both aren’t great!
São Paulo is definitely worth visiting. It has a great food culture, beautiful parks and lots of fantastic street art.
Where to Stay in São Paulo
São Paulo is a huge city; therefore, staying in the right area of town is extremely important. This will make or break your experience in São Paulo. I stayed in the Vila Madalena area and would 100% recommend it.
It is clean, safe and close to all of the best nightlife. Almost every residential block in the area has a 24-hour security or concierge service, and it was easy to get an Uber to almost anywhere else in the city.
Getting Around São Paulo
There are two main ways to get around São Paulo: Uber or Metro.
Uber is plentiful and extremely affordable. You won’t struggle to get a cab regardless of where in the city you are travelling to or from. However, the traffic in São Paulo is horrible! In a city of over 11 million people, it will be no surprise that the roads are busy and congested.
So, whilst rides are easy to find, you should plan for the drive to take at least twice the time Google Maps predicts.
The Metro is extremely easy to navigate and very affordable. You don’t need to purchase a reusable travel card. Instead, you just buy single tickets from the booths at each station. I recommend buying two tickets at once (your outbound at return journey) to save time.
However, do not buy too many tickets at once. The paper is extremely delicate and the code that you need to scan will wear off in your purse/pocket. Every booth I visited was cash only (a very rare occurrence in Brazil!).
Day One
Take the Downtown Walking Tour
The downtown area of Sao Paulo is not the safest, and therefore I thoroughly recommend visiting via the free downtown walking tour. Only one company offers this experience, and, therefore, you can expect a pretty big group, but it’s worth it.
A walking tour is also an ideal way to kick off the first of your two days in São Paulo, as it helps orient you.
You will see amazing sights and gain a deeper understanding of the history of the city. Some of the most impressive buildings include Sé Cathedral, Pátio do Colégio, Municipal Theater, and São Bento Monastery.
Whilst this is a free tour tips are expected and appreciated. You can pay in cash (Reals, US Dollars or Euros) or on card (this is Brazil, after all!).


Ibirapuera Park
After you’ve explored downtown, I recommend heading to Ibirapuera Park. The easiest way to get here is via Uber. Be sure to stand somewhere safe whilst ordering and waiting for your ride.
Ibirapuera Park is São Paulo’s largest urban park, blending nature, culture, and recreation. It features green spaces, lakes, jogging paths, and iconic modernist buildings by architect Oscar Niemeyer, like the Oca and Auditorium.
Expect to see lots of families enjoying picnics, people working out and groups of friends having a good time. Not only is this a beautiful place to exercise and hang out, but it’s also a glimpse into real-life São Paulo.

Spend the Evening at Pinheiros
Pinheiros is a vibrant, trendy neighbourhood in São Paulo, known for its eclectic mix of culture, nightlife, and gastronomy. It features stylish bars, craft breweries, and diverse restaurants offering global and Brazilian cuisine.
With its mix of modern architecture and tree-lined streets, Pinheiros is also home to boutiques, cafes, and cultural spaces, making it a favourite for locals and visitors alike. It’s easily accessible and offers a lively, yet laid-back urban vibe.
There are heaps of places to eat and drink in the evening and lots have free live music which is great fun! For any football lovers, I recommend a dinner at São Cristóvão Bar, which is filled with football memorabilia from across the globe.


Day Two
Spend the Morning at Paulista Avenue
On a Sunday, you simply have to head to Paulista Avenue! It’s closed to cars, and cyclists, runners, and walkers take over the street.
I’ve been lucky enough to attend a fair few of these Sunday road closures across South America, such as in Medellin and Mexico City, but São Paulo wins the award for the most fun!
There are markets with street vendors selling drinks, snacks, and artisanal goods. A huge number of bands also line the street, creating an incredibly vibrant atmosphere. You can easily spend a few hours here soaking in the atmosphere and stretching your legs.
Be sure to also pop into Trianon Park (the main entrance is on Paulista Avenue), which is a beautiful green escape from the hustle of the big city.


Beco do Batman
After spending a few hours enjoying Paulista Avenue, I recommend heading to Beco do Batman.
Beco do Batman (Batman Alley) is a vibrant open-air gallery in São Paulo’s Vila Madalena neighbourhood, famous for its stunning street art.
It began in the 1980s when a Batman drawing appeared in the alley, inspiring local artists to transform it into a dynamic street art hub. Over time, it became a cultural landmark, with murals continuously evolving, showcasing São Paulo’s artistic energy.
Alongside the incredible artwork, there are markets selling jewellery, clothes and souvenirs. Close by there are bars, restaurants, and even a couple of tattoo pop-ups if you’re feeling extra adventurous!


Paint the Town Red!
On your second night in the city, it’s time for a ‘proper’ night out! São Paulo is well known for having incredible nightlife, so make the most of it! Whether it’s an underground club or a swanky rooftop bar, you won’t struggle to find it in this vibrant city.
If you’re looking for a safe, guided experience with a bunch of new friends then consider this bars and clubs walking tour, which has a local guide, a one-hour open bar, and entrance to bars and clubs included.
Is Two Days in São Paulo Enough?
Are two days ever enough to enjoy a city? Especially one of this size? Probably not. However, I feel like two days in São Paulo is enough to get a taste of what the city is all about. It gives you time to explore the historic side of town as well as its modern, hipster half.
Useful Links for Travelling Brazil:
🛌Booking.com / Hostelworld for the best-priced accommodation
🚌 BusBud for long-distance busses in advance
🌎 Viator / Get Your Guide for tours across Brazil
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