Things to Do in São Paulo

I got really sick in Hungary and have been bedridden for the past couple of days.🤒You all know that I'm in trouble if I start skipping gym days.

So…I can act a fool in Brazil for a month, but just 1 week in Hungary exhausts me. The irony!

I don't believe it's food poisoning, but rather a combination of jet lag, dehydration, and not eating enough. Anyway, I'm feeling better today.

São Paulo is often compared to the New York City of Brazil. Just like people have varying opinions about NYC, Brazilians also have mixed sentiments about São Paulo. Personally, I enjoyed São Paulo more than Rio de Janeiro because it attracts fewer tourists and offers more activities to engage in.

Dance forró - Pronounced (Foe Hoe). You have to try this local dance. It's very similar to salsa dancing and a lot of fun. It's also a great way to meet people. It came from the English phrase "For All" because it was a dance that people from all walks of life and social classes could participate in, especially visiting American soldiers. However, I'm not sure how it became known as forró.

Go to the Pinacoteca de São Paulo, a beautiful art museum where you can see the works of famous artists like the Brazilian Frida, "Tarsila do Amaral.” I like this museum because it houses a variety of art types in one location. Unlike other museums that focus on a single genre, this museum has a nice mix of everything. Additionally, admission is free on Saturdays. Make sure to check it out! I had a great time.

Beco do Batman - There is probably some historical significance to this place, but all I know is that there is a lot of Batman graffiti everywhere. If I were Batman, (I'm actually Spider-Man though), I'm not sure how I would feel about Batman-related activities happening here. But jokes aside, this is a cool area where locals like to hang out and there are plenty of bars and restaurants. I took many photos (thirst traps) here and you should do the same if you're in the area.

Parque Ibirapuera - A cool park where you can relax, go jogging, or take a bike ride. I highly recommend visiting this park as a nice escape from the city. I hung out there multiple times and it never failed to impress me.

Catedral da Sé de São Paulo - You should visit one of the largest Cathedrals in the world. It’s a beautiful cathedral and a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Just be cautious of pickpockets in the area. Rest assured, they are probably not hardened criminals. They’re just people trying to eat.

Areas to stay

Pinheiros - You can't go wrong in Pinheiros; it's the nicest and safest area. There are many places to stay and nearby restaurants.

Places to party

Pinheiros - Did you see what I did there? Don't worry about partying and staying in Pinheiros because the vibrant nightlife won't disturb your sleep. There are plenty of places to chill out and relax.

Vila Madalena - This area is where the locals hang out, and you can find nightlife options to suit your preferences. There are laid-back bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and even places for dancing. It's interesting how Paulistas (people from São Paulo) enjoy being outside, even when it's chilly. They can often be seen gathered in the streets.

Let's discuss safety

I have a great love for Brazil and I am eager to visit again. With that in mind, it is important to be cautious. Avoid walking around with your phone out in public. If you need to check your phone, step aside and have someone keep watch for you. Furthermore, avoid walking around at night. Fortunately, Uber operates in Brazil, so it is recommended to call an Uber and wait indoors until it arrives. By following these steps, you should be safe.

If you’ve already traveled to São Paulo, what did you do? If you haven't been to São Paulo, what is the first thing you would do?

Cocktail of the Week

The Pimm's Cup cocktail is a famous British cocktail with its origins dating back to the mid-19th century in England. It was created by James Pimm, an English oyster bar owner in London. He came up with the recipe as a tasty and refreshing drink to accompany his seafood dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Pimm's No. 1
• 4 oz lemon-lime soda
• Cucumber slices
• Fresh mint leaves
• Strawberries, sliced
• Orange slices

Instructions:

• Fill a glass with ice cubes.
• Add cucumber slices, mint leaves, strawberries, and orange slices to the glass.
• Pour the Pimm's No. 1 over the ice and fruit.
• Top it off with lemon-lime soda.
• Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
• Garnish with a cucumber slice or mint sprig.

Random Travel Thought

Now that I'm out of Brazil, I'm feeling so productive again.

Follow me on Instagram.  

The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com*: This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner: An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing*: I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.
  
  *Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

View Previous Posts