This is my second stop in my 2 months LATAM trip back in Dec 2022. I was so very surprised by the sheer size of this city, and how similar this city is to Singapore/ other big asian city. São Paulo is bigger than the population of New York City and is the economic capital of Brazil, the biggest Latin America country. So put that into perspective, I feel that São Paulo does not receive enough recognition.
Is São Paulo worth going?
This is a hard one. Don’t get me wrong, this is a metropolitan city, but I am not that much of a city guy, and it reminds me too much of Singapore, so that removed some of the uniqueness away. I also did not have time to visit all of it, I just had a taste of different neighbourhoods, it felt safe, and I could find good asian food everywhere, so that is a plus. Overall if you like big city life, this is great.
What I Ate – Brazilian BBQ, Açaí & Local Flavors
Nativas Grill São Paulo – The Full Churrascaria Experience
Nativas Grill São Paulo is a renowned churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse) located in São Paulo, Brazil. This establishment offers a traditional rodízio dining experience, where guests can enjoy an unlimited selection of various grilled meats served directly at their tables.
Food here is pretty similar to Rio! I went to Navitas a mid-range all-you-can-eat steakhouse. The sushi there is very bad tho (Brazilian Sushi, with jam, yuck). But meat is very good. My Brazilian friend brought me there, and she has since migrated to New Zealand. I like making friends with international people, hope she is doing well.
Açaí sorbet and Brazilian soda – Sweet Treats on a Hot Day
This is a refreshing, nutrient-rich dessert made from açaí berries, known for their deep purple hue and antioxidant properties. This dairy-free treat offers a delightful balance of natural sweetness and earthy flavours, making it both delicious and health-conscious.
Places I visited – Neighborhood Gems
So I only managed to hit the famous spots and this city is so huge you probably need to spend weeks just to explore it. It is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, even bigger than New York City!
Avenida Paulista – The Beating Heart of Modern São Paulo
Avenida Paulista, inaugurated on December 8, 1891, is one of São Paulo’s most iconic thoroughfares, stretching 2.8 kilometers through several neighborhoods, including Paraíso, Bela Vista, Jardim Paulista, Cerqueira César, and Jardim América. Originally a residential area for the coffee elite, it has transformed into a bustling financial and cultural hub.
Probably like Orchard Road in Singapore, a road with stuffs to do on the weekend, live music, pop-up stores etc. I liked the vibe here a lot, definitely come here on a weekend for the crowd, and the shops. There was living music bands too and people just dancing along to rock music in the day.
Lots of shops selling handicrafts and food, there is a big Japanese influence here so you can see a lot of Japanese snacks. I bought a few bracelets here as souvenir.
Pinheiros – Trendy Cafés, Art Spaces & Local Vibes
Pinheiros is a prominent and historic neighborhood located in São Paulo’s western zone. Established in 1560 along the banks of the Pinheiros River, it is considered one of the city’s oldest districts. Today, Pinheiros is recognized for its vibrant cultural scene, diverse gastronomy, and dynamic economic activity.
It is a hip neighbourhood near my airbnb with bars, pubs, restaurants. I went around for a drink and watched World Cup when I was there. This is pretty similar to the area surrounding Singapore’s central district in terms of energy and shops. I will recommend coming over here for a walk and grab something to eat.
Mercadão de São Paulo – Great for buying some souvenirs
The Municipal Market of São Paulo, affectionately known as the “Mercadão” is a prominent public market situated at Rua da Cantareira, 306, in the historic center of São Paulo, Brazil. Inaugurated on January 25, 1933, the market has become a significant landmark, celebrated for its architectural beauty and rich culinary offerings.
This place is cool, I think most cities has a “central market” of some sort. The first floor are shops that are really nice selling different goods, second floor are restaurants. It is amazing, but the area outside the market is shady and felt slightly dangerous. It is close to Chinatown though, and I always fancy asian food whenever I get to find some.
Liberdade – São Paulo’s Vibrant Japanese Neighborhood
Liberdade is a vibrant district located in the central zone of São Paulo, Brazil, renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and historical significance. Often referred to as São Paulo’s Japantown, Liberdade has been a focal point for Japanese immigrants and their descendants, contributing to its unique character.
Now this is really the famous Japanese town in São Paulo. Lots of Japanese, I believe the Japanese population here has been around for 4 generations, and they speak really good Portuguese. Culturally they are more Brazilian than Japanese. It was an interesting visit for the most part, although a little small. There are many Japanese stores and restaurants, so I was able to get some Japanese food fix. Highly recommended.
Parque do Ibirapuera – The Central Park of São Paulo
Parque do Ibirapuera, inaugurated on August 21, 1954, is São Paulo’s largest urban park, encompassing approximately 158 hectares. It serves as a central hub for leisure, culture, and environmental preservation in the city.
This is a large garden in the middle of São Paulo. Reminds me a lot of the tropical gardens in Singapore. It is pretty nice to go for a walk/run and buy a coconut here. To me it is nothing special but I am sure for people not from a tropical climate this is a good escape from city life.
Thoughts
My reviews of São Paulo is rather short compared to Rio de Janeiro because I am familiar with big city life. I do like it and think it is a unique mix of Latin America, Asia and big cities. It is huge, and is the financial centre of Brazil. Personally I think there’s so much to do here, but in terms of uniqueness I prefer Rio. Nevertheless, this is the most international city I have been to in Latin America!