When you think of traveling to Brazil, if all that comes to mind are breathtaking beaches and Amazon forest adventures, São Paulo may surprise you. This megalopolis is home to more than a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants, jaw-dropping museums, and a lively Brazilian music scene.
To help you experience the best of it, we’ve selected the top three neighborhoods in the city that never sleeps.
Paulista Avenue: the new city center
Open any map app and you’ll see that most hotels in São Paulo are clustered around Paulista Avenue—and for good reason. The Jardins neighborhood, adjacent to Paulista, is considered the “new downtown,” the heart of modern São Paulo. There are many great places to stay, but we recommend two of the coziest:
- Rosewood São Paulo
Built on the historic site of the Matarazzo Hospital, this architectural gem has been beautifully restored to honor its history while blending into the city’s concrete and natural surroundings.
Address: R. Itapeva, 435 – Bela Vista, São Paulo – SP - L’Hotel PortoBay São Paulo
Perfectly located for practicing a bit of flânerie—wandering without a fixed destination and soaking in the city.
Address: Alameda Campinas, 266 – Jardim Paulista, São Paulo – SP
Why Stay Near Paulista Avenue?
This area is home to some of the city’s best cultural centers:
- IMS (Instituto Moreira Salles) – a top-tier photography institute
- Itaú Cultural – with rotating, thought-provoking exhibitions
- Japan House – showcasing Japanese culture, architecture, and cuisine
- MASP (São Paulo Museum of Art) – a São Paulo postcard icon, known for its red concrete-and-glass design by Lina Bo Bardi.
In 2025, MASP expanded with a new black modernist building just beside the historic one. Its height matches the original’s length, creating a visual dialogue. Book your tickets in advance. MASP is free on Tuesdays and also on Fridays from 6 PM to 9 PM.
Renata Vanzetto is one of Brazil’s most renowned chefs, and she dominates a block in the Jardins neighborhood, with three restaurants side-by-side. Muquifo, with a more homey approach, featuring family recipes; Mi.ado, with Asian cuisine but with a Brazilian twist; and the newest, Mamma Vanzetto, cozy Italian dishes inspired by nonna’s recipes.
Fun fact: São Paulo hosts the largest Japanese and Italian communities outside their respective homelands, so its cultural accolades are no coincidence.
At Muquifo, try “Batata da Vó Cida e Milanesa”. As the name suggests, it’s Grandma Cida’s baked potato recipe, served with a breaded steak. The recipe is so home-grown that the ingredients are “magic sauce.” Crunchy and creamy in the same bite — so good it’ll bring you to your knees.
It’s not exactly in Jardins, but it’s right next door, don’t miss the traditional Bixiga neighborhood—also home to the city’s best samba places. Of course, nothing compares to Rio de Janeiro when it comes to samba, but the musical genre is present throughout Brazil, and São Paulo is not left behind.
Bixiga is a lively nightlife, with dozens of bars, our inside tip is to head to Sirigoela, a legendary samba club. It’s guaranteed fun, and don’t be surprised: samba clubs in São Paulo are always packed, so there’s a thousand chances you’ll end up chatting in the middle of the street while listening to good live music and sipping a caipirinha – a famous Brazilian drink with “cachaça” local spirit, mixed with lime and sugar. Pure Brazilian joy!
The historic city center is back
After decades of neglect, São Paulo’s historic downtown is making a big comeback, with major private and public investments. Even the governor’s palace is relocating from Morumbi to the city center. Young locals have embraced downtown’s cool, vintage charm.
There are not many hotels in downtown São Paulo, but two of the most traditional ones have a great location: Hotel Nacional Inn Jaraguá and Hotel Ca’d’Oro. Ca’d’Oro has also a Sky-bar at the rooftop with an amazing view for sunsets.
- Hotel Nacional Inn Jaraguá
Address: R. Martins Fontes, 71 – Consolação, São Paulo – SP - Hotel Ca’d’Oro
Address: R. Augusta, 129 – Consolação, São Paulo – SP
Bonus: Ca’d’Oro has a rooftop sky bar perfect for sunset views.
Why Stay in the Historic Center?
Coffee lovers, don’t miss Por Um Punhado de Dólares, located right at the corner of the Jaraguá Hotel. Try the ciabatta sandwich with zucchini and mushrooms—it’s a quick bite you’ll remember. Their curated local shop is perfect for thoughtful souvenirs, and coffee for family and friends, of course.
For a hearty Brazilian meal, Orfeu—at the base of the iconic Copan building—is always buzzing with locals. Sitting at the sidewalk tables is delightful, but upstairs the ambiance is also beautiful, with an impressive wall of melted candles.
Try the pork belly confit to start, super tender! Then, if it’s Wednesday or Saturday, take the opportunity to try one of the most typical Brazilian dishes, feijoada, which is made of black beans stew with sausage and dried meat. Baião de Dois, a dish from the Brazilian Northeast with pork, cilantro and Brazilian grilled cheese, is also lip-smacking choice. There’s also a vegetarian option of Baião de Dois, which is just as delicious. Wash it down with their signature caipirinha made with three types of lemons.
After a feast, head across the street to Megafauna Bookstore, a cultural gem. Even if you don’t read Portuguese, they have many translated titles. Grab a coffee at Cuia, the in-store café, and—if there’s room left—treat yourself to the Amazon vanilla ice cream with chocolate and Brazilian nuts. It’s divine.
In the evening, start at Bar dos Arcos, tucked in the basement of the 120-year-old São Paulo City Theater—an atmospheric spot perfect for cocktails. Tip: Book in advance. From there, dance the night away at A Balsa, a rooftop bar with soul, funk, and disco. They are open from Wednesday to Sundays. Nothing like its rooftop view of São Paulo’s night skyline.
Pinheiros, the city’s darling
Trendy and ever-evolving, Pinheiros is packed with art galleries, bars, and foodie favorites. We’ve handpicked the best for your visit.
Where to Stay?
- Pulso Hotel Faria Lima
Modern design and warm ambiance, also home to Sarau Bar.
Address: R. Henrique Monteiro, 154 – Pinheiros, São Paulo – SP - George V Residence
A homey stay near Ferreira de Araújo Street, a haven for foodies.
Address: Praça Roquete Pinto, 9 – Alto de Pinheiros, São Paulo – SP
Why to stay in Pinheiros?
Stroll down Rua dos Pinheiros you’ll find an overwhelming number of good food and drinks, but we’ll try to help you with our beloved ones.
For a yummy ice cream, gelato L’Albero dei Gelati, it’s creamy and tasty, chocolat nibs is delicious. The best sandwich in town is at Z Deli, it’s a São Paulo institution, the burgers are amazing, but our favorite is the pastrami sandwich. It’s their flagship.
To sit back and relax with a nice drink, Boca de Ouro is a cozy charming spot. Macunaíma is a cocktail born there, inspired by the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, and now found citywide in every corner of São Paulo. Pair it with a bolovo, a meatball croquette with a boiled egg inside. I know you’re reacting a bit strange right now, but it’s worth trying. For those who don’t eat meat, or just want something different, the grilled polenta with parmesan and roasted tomatoes is sensational.
From samba and art to Michelin stars and historical revival, São Paulo is a world within a city. You’ll encounter the samba of Adoniran Barbosa, the graffiti of Osgemeos, and the architecture of Oscar Niemeyer. Take a piece of it home—visit Galeria Estação or BR Arte Galeria in Pinheiros for works by brilliant Brazilian artists.
São Paulo Like a Local: Where to Stay, Eat & Discover
- Rosewood São Paulo – Luxury hotel built on historic hospital grounds.
- L’Hotel PortoBay São Paulo – Boutique hotel, perfect for urban flânerie walks.
- Instituto Moreira Salles (IMS) – Top photography institute with acclaimed exhibits.
- Itaú Cultural – Rotating exhibitions of Brazilian art and culture.
- Japan House – Celebrates Japanese architecture, design, and cuisine.
- MASP – Iconic red‑framed museum, expanded in 2025.
- Muquifo – Homey Renata Vanzetto restaurant with family recipes.
- Mi.ado – Asian cuisine with unmistakable Brazilian twist.
- Mamma Vanzetto – Cozy Italian dishes inspired by nonna’s recipes.
- Sirigoela – Legendary samba club, always packed with locals.
- Hotel Nacional Inn Jaraguá – Classic downtown stay with vintage charm.
- Hotel Ca’d’Oro – Rooftop sky bar with stunning sunset views.
- Por Um Punhado de Dólares – Hip coffee shop with curated gifts.
- Orfeu – Bustling Copan‑building restaurant, famous for feijoada.
- Copan Building – Niemeyer‑designed icon of São Paulo skyline.
- Megafauna Bookstore – Trendy bookstore with translated titles and events.
- Cuia – Bookstore café serving Amazon vanilla ice cream.
- Bar dos Arcos – Speakeasy‑style bar under City Theater.
- São Paulo City Theater – 120‑year‑old landmark with grand architecture.
- A Balsa – Rooftop bar for funk, soul, and disco.
- Pulso Hotel Faria Lima – Modern design hotel with Sarau Bar.
- George V Residence – Homelike hotel near foodie street.
- Rua dos Pinheiros – Epicenter of São Paulo’s food scene.
- L’Albero dei Gelati – Creamy artisanal gelato, loved for chocolate nibs.
- Z Deli – Pastrami sandwich legend of São Paulo.
- Boca de Ouro – Cozy bar, birthplace of the Macunaíma cocktail.
- Galeria Estação – Celebrates Brazilian folk and outsider art.
- BR Arte Galeria – Features bold contemporary Brazilian artists.
Featured photo – unsplash.com/@gabrieluizramos
