Things To Do - How to get to Sao Paulo 2025

The city of São Paulo, SP is easily accessible by different means of transportation. Just choose the option that best fits your needs and enjoy everything the city has to offer.

Things To Do - How to get to Sao Paulo 2025

Check out the available options below:

By plane 🛩️

São Paulo has two main airports: Congonhas Airport (CGH) and Guarulhos International Airport (GRU).

Congonhas Airport is located closer to the city center, making it a convenient option for domestic flights.

Guarulhos International Airport is the largest airport in Brazil and receives domestic and international flights.

Both airports have several public transport options and taxis to get to your final destination.

By bus 🚌

For those who prefer to travel by bus , Rodoviária Tietê is the largest bus terminal in Latin America and is located in the north of São Paulo.

From there, you can find lines that connect the city to various regions of the country. The bus station offers a complete structure, with shops, a food court and ticket offices for various bus companies .

Therefore, you can buy a bus ticket at the station or online if you prefer to avoid queues.

By car 🚗

If you prefer the flexibility of traveling by car , São Paulo is connected by an extensive network of well-maintained highways.

The main highways that provide access to the city include the Presidente Dutra Highway, Anhanguera Highway, Bandeirantes Highway, among others.

Before hitting the road, it is recommended to check traffic conditions, as the city is known for its traffic jams, especially during peak hours.

If you decide to drive, keep in mind that finding parking in São Paulo can be a challenge, especially in busier areas.

It is advisable to plan ahead and consider paid parking for added convenience.

It is also important to remember that São Paulo faces frequent traffic jams, especially during rush hour.

The city has adopted a vehicle rotation system to reduce traffic, which means that cars with certain license plates are prohibited from circulating at specific times, depending on the day of the week.

Hitchhiking 🚙

If you are looking for a more economical and sustainable option, ride-sharing platforms are an excellent alternative.

Companies like BlaBlaCar allow you to share a trip with other passengers who have the same destination, thus dividing the costs.

Not only is it a budget-friendly option, it’s a great way to meet new people and share travel experiences.

When you hitchhike to São Paulo , you won't have to worry about parking or free rides!

How to get around in São Paulo?

The subway is a practical and fast option for getting around São Paulo. The city has several subway lines that connect different regions, including Line 4-Yellow, which is one of the newest and runs along Avenida Paulista.

If you want to avoid the city's heavy traffic, the metro is an excellent option. São Paulo also has a well-developed and extensive bus system that covers almost every corner of the city.

There are several integration terminals that facilitate connections between different bus lines and between the bus and subway systems. The Bilhete Único is a rechargeable card that allows the user to make multiple trips within a period of up to three hours, paying a single fare.

CPTM (Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos) operates train lines that connect the capital of São Paulo to several cities in the metropolitan region. This is a good option for those coming from neighboring cities or needing to travel between the ends of the city.

São Paulo has a large fleet of taxis available. They can be found at taxi ranks throughout the city, airports, bus stations and can also be called by phone or apps.

In addition to conventional taxis, transport apps such as Uber, 99 and Cabify have a strong presence in the city and are widely used for their convenience and variety of service options.

In recent years, the city has expanded its cycle path network, making the use of bicycles a viable alternative, especially over shorter distances.

There are bike sharing services , such as Bike Sampa, which allow you to rent bikes for short periods.

Electric scooters , offered by companies like Lime and Grin, have also become popular and are a fun and fast option for short distances.

What to do in São Paulo: Tours and tourist attractions

Paulista Avenue

A true symbol of the city, Paulista Avenue is a must-see for any visitor. This important thoroughfare is home to a fascinating mix of iconic buildings, shops, restaurants, theaters, and art galleries. It’s the perfect place to stroll, enjoy the cultural hustle and bustle, and watch the people of São Paulo go by.

Municipal Theater of Sao Paulo

The Municipal Theater is an icon of São Paulo's architecture and culture. With influences from the Art Nouveau style, the theater offers opera, ballet and concert performances that have enchanted its audiences for over a century. In addition, it is possible to take guided tours to see behind the scenes of this magnificent space.

Botanical garden

The Botanical Garden is a true green oasis in the heart of São Paulo. With an area of ​​approximately 360 thousand square meters, the park is home to a variety of plants and animals, providing direct contact with nature. It is an ideal place for walks, picnics and outdoor activities, as well as having several spaces for contemplation and relaxation.

Sao Paulo Museum of Art (MASP)

MASP is one of the most important art museums in South America. Located on Avenida Paulista, the museum houses a vast collection of Western art, notably works by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, MASP
also hosts temporary exhibitions that provide a unique cultural experience.

Football Museum

For fans of Brazil’s most popular sport, a visit to the Football Museum is a must. Located in the Pacaembu Stadium, the museum tells the story of Brazilian football in an interactive and engaging way. Exhibitions, videos and historical objects portray the national passion for football and the trajectory of the country’s great teams and players.

Municipal Market

A visit to the Mercado Municipal is an unforgettable sensory experience. Located in the historic city center, the market is famous for its striking architecture and for offering an incredible variety of fresh food, spices, cheeses and wines. Be sure to try the traditional mortadella sandwich or explore the many stalls selling typical foods.

Ibirapuera Park

Located in the heart of the city, Ibirapuera Park is a true green gem. With large green areas, lakes, running tracks and bike paths, the park is an invitation to relax and enjoy nature. It is also home to important cultural institutions, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) and the Afro Brazil Museum , which are also must-see destinations in the capital of São Paulo.

Vila Madalena

With its colorful streets, graffiti and bohemian atmosphere, Vila Madalena is a charming neighborhood worth exploring. Full of bars, restaurants, craft shops and art galleries, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in São Paulo’s cultural life. Be sure to check out the walls covered in urban art and enjoy a happy hour at one of the area’s cool bars.

State Art Gallery

Located in downtown São Paulo, the Pinacoteca is one of the oldest art museums in the city and has a vast collection of paintings, sculptures and different artistic expressions. The works focus on Brazilian art from the 19th century to the present day. This is a space for reflection and admiration of works by artists such as Candido Portinari, Tarsila do Amaral and Di Cavalcanti. It is an ideal place to appreciate art and immerse yourself in culture.

Liberdade neighborhood

The Liberdade neighborhood is the main stronghold of the Japanese community in São Paulo and one of the largest outside of Japan. Its streets are adorned with red lanterns, and you’ll find an impressive variety of Asian restaurants, shops selling traditional products and markets. The neighborhood hosts festivals and traditional celebrations throughout the year.

Cathedral of Sé

The imposing Metropolitan Cathedral of São Paulo , popularly known as Catedral da Sé , is a majestic example of neo-Gothic architecture in Brazil. In addition to its architectural grandeur, it is a place of religious and cultural importance, located at the city's Marco Zero.

March 25th Street

Known for being the largest shopping mall in Latin America, Rua 25 de Março is a paradise for shoppers. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of stores selling everything from fabrics and clothing to toys, electronics, and home decor.

Batman Alley

Near Vila Madalena, Beco do Batman is almost an open-air museum. This small alley is covered in vibrant graffiti that is constantly being renewed. It is a meeting point for street art and photography enthusiasts.

Martinelli Building

The first skyscraper in São Paulo, the Martinelli Building is a testament to the city’s growth and development. With its historic architecture and observation deck at the top, it offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the city center.

What to do in São Paulo when it rains?

When the weather is not favorable in São Paulo, there are still several options for activities to enjoy in the city.

Check out some suggestions for enjoying the day even in the rain:

Catavento Museum

Located in the Palácio das Indústrias , the Catavento Museum is an excellent option for exploring science in an interactive and fun way.

With exhibitions divided into four sections, it covers themes such as energy, life, society and the universe. It is an educational and interesting tour for both adults and children.

Immigration Museum

Located in the Mooca neighborhood, the Immigration Museum tells the story of the different waves of immigrants who arrived in Brazil and helped build the country's cultural diversity.

The space features permanent and temporary exhibitions that narrate the life stories and challenges faced by those who came from distant lands.

Banco do Brasil Cultural Center

The Banco do Brasil Cultural Center offers a varied program that includes contemporary art exhibitions, cinema, theater and music.

With its imposing architecture, the space also has a café where you can relax while enjoying a good drink.

Shopping centers

São Paulo has a large number of shopping centers spread throughout the city.

In addition to offering a variety of stores for shopping, shopping malls also have food courts with a variety of gastronomic options, cinemas and entertainment spaces such as theaters and bowling alleys.

You can spend hours having fun and shopping even on rainy days.

• Shopping Iguatemi is the oldest shopping mall in São Paulo and is considered one of the most luxurious in Brazil. Located in the Jardim Paulistano neighborhood, it has a selection of national and international designer stores, such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co.
  The space also offers a variety of renowned restaurants, a beautiful food court and state-of-the-art movie theaters. Its architecture and decor are charming, making the shopping experience even more enjoyable.
  
• Located in the southern part of the city, Shopping Morumbi is one of the largest shopping centers in São Paulo. With a diverse mix of stores, from popular brands to more sophisticated labels, it caters to all types of customers.
  The mall has a large food court, movie theaters, a gym and even a terrace with a panoramic view of the city. Its modern and spacious facilities make it an excellent option for family outings or get-togethers with friends.

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