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If Downtown represents the past, no other region represents the São Paulo of the present as well as the West. Although it contains only 7.7% of the population of the city, it is by far the most economically active region, concentrating 28.5% of the jobs. And with little doubt, the West is the place to be in the city for dining, drinking, clubbing, art, culture, business and science.
However, despite its reputation as a "wealthy" area, the West is also the region where São Paulo's social inequalities are most blatant. Here it is possible to find everything, from mansions and luxurious apartments to working class suburbs and slums (favelas), with extremes sometimes quite close to each other.
The West is divided into 15 districts, grouped into three subprefectures:
- Lapa subprefecture: Jaguará, Jaguaré, Vila Leopoldina, Lapa, Barra Funda and Perdizes.
- Butantã subprefecture: Rio Pequeno, Butantã, Raposo Tavares, Vila Sônia and Morumbi.
- Pinheiros subprefecture: Alto de Pinheiros, Pinheiros, Jardim Paulista and Itaim Bibi.
Av. Paulista is partially in the West. For places in this avenue and up to 4 blocks from it, check the São Paulo/Paulista section.
Understand
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Although neither the largest nor the most populous region of the city, the West is a probably the most diverse. The districts described below are the ones that have more attractions for a visitor, although many attractions listed in this page are in other districts.
- Butantã — The life in this former farming area changed during the early 1900s, with the founding of the Butantan Institute and the University of São Paulo. Butantã turned into a middle-class suburban area, whose real estate is quickly rising in value.
- Barra Funda — For decades, this district carried industrial activity boosted by one of the first railways in São Paulo, and was home to Italian, Portuguese and Spanish immigrants who worked in factories. After the decline of those industries, many areas became degraded, but the population became more diversified and cultural activity has intensified. Today, Barra Funda has economically recovered and is home to many attractions, and it is emerging as a new center of nightlife in the city.
- Itaim Bibi — For most of the past century, the neighborhoods of this district, like Brooklin and Vila Olímpia, were calm and residential, strongly influenced by German and Italian immigrants who lived in little ranches. The constant expansion of the city in a northeast-southwest direction, combined with government investment, made the region the new center of businesses, hotels and luxury housing. As one may expect, the area also began to attract all kinds of service to cater to the richer people who moved here, including restaurants, bars, clubs and shopping malls.
- Jardim Paulista (Jardins) — From Av. Paulista, if you decide to go down on R. Augusta towards river Pinheiros, you will find a sea of side streets named after countries of Europe and the Americas, full of trees and elegant houses (although some are hard to see, hidden behind tall walls). It is probably the area with the most expensive shops and restaurants in the city.
- Morumbi — The district is home to the government of the state of São Paulo, and a large portion of the district is occupied by mansions, where many of the richest people of the city live. A number of favelas also exist, illustrating the social contrasts of São Paulo in an almost stereotypical manner.
- Pinheiros — Vila Madalena and other neighborhoods of this district have become a hot spot for artists, writers, journalists, movie directors, intellectuals in general and, of course, wannabes in every one of these categories. It's not uncommon to run into a famous Brazilian artist – or nearly so – when casually drinking in a bar, leaving the supermarket or having an espresso.
Get in
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The West is a large region, with attractions relatively spread. As such, using metro/train, buses or a car is recommended to extensively cover them. If you have a bit more time, however, some areas can be nicely explored on foot or on pedals.
By metro and train
[edit | edit source]The east side of the Pinheiros river is well-covered by the rail network, while on the other side there are fewer stations. Lines 4 (Yellow) and 8 (Silver) cover the most ground in the region, but many other lines are also helpful. Particularly useful stations include 1 Barra Funda. (also a large bus station, with shuttle buses from both the Guarulhos and the Congonhas airports), 2 Faria Lima. and 3 Cidade Universitária., but you'll find yourself hopping off a lot more of them. Line 6 (see Get around section in the main São Paulo article), which opened in 2026, can be useful if you catch it during its limited operation hours, especially the 4 SESC-Pompéia. station, close to a lot of attractions.
By car
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The West is connected to the Northwest, Northeast, South, and north part of the Southeast by Marginal Pinheiros, and to the South-Central and south part of the Southeast by Av. dos Bandeirantes. Connections to downtown and to the north part of the South-Central are done by non-express corridors, like Av. Rebouças, Av. Cidade Jardim and Av. Juscelino Kubitschek. A car (or taxi) is particularly convenient to reach places in the west side of the Pinheiros river, and also to enjoy the nightlife as walking during the night is not recommended in some places (see Stay safe).
By bus
[edit | edit source]Other than cars, buses are the only way to reach most places on the west side of the Pinheiros river. The previously mentioned Barra Funda station is a large terminal that can take you to many places. There is a dedicated bus corridor that crosses the West region in east-west direction, starting at the Historical Center and passing through Av. Rebouças and Av. Francisco Morato.
By bicycle
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The West is one of the more bicycle-friendly areas in the city, being well covered by both cycleways and rent spots. The subway and trains have bicycle-friendly cars at the back end of the trains, making transport even easier. You can expect to mainly cycle through:
- Cycleway Marginal Pinheiros (see Get around on São Paulo's main article) is partly located in the West, running alongside the river.
- Cycleway USP runs from the Butantã train station to the first gate of the University of São Paulo. It is mostly intended for students of USP commuting to and from the metro. 840 m.
- A large portion of the Ciclofaixa de Lazer (see Get around on São Paulo's main article) is also in the West and can be used on Sundays.
On foot
[edit | edit source]Two nice areas to be explored on foot are the Itaim Bibi and Jardim Paulista districts, but most of the region has good walkways to take in the sights. These areas are relatively large, however, so it is a good idea to plan your walking route to pass through the most interesting museums, landmarks and shopping areas. Otherwise you may spend a lot of time in boring residential streets. Expect some climbs, as the region is not completely flat. Not every street is fully pedestrian-friendly, and the highways have little in the way of zebra crossings, so avoid crossing them except through pedestrian bridges.
See
[edit | edit source]If you're into modern urban architecture, the West will be the most visually pleasing region in the city to explore. While you will see a lot of impressive skyscrapers and bold artworks, splashes of green are available all around.
Museums and cultural centers
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Pinheiros and Jardim Paulista are the place to find small and medium art galleries of local and international artists. Combined with contemporary art showcases, the West is yet another area of São Paulo bursting with museums.
- 1 Centro Cultural Vila Madalena, R. Gonçalo Afonso, 55, ☏ +55 11 98373-5618. Tue-Sun 10:00-22:00. Cultural presentations, arts and a yearly event around July-August dedicated to selling local crafts. Free entry.
- 2 Fundação Maria Luisa e Oscar Americano (FMLOA), Av. Morumbi, 4077, ☏ +55 11 3742-0077, atendimento@fundacaooscaramericano.org.br. Tue-Sun 10:00-17:30. Simultaneously a museum and a park. You can see sculptures, paintings and objects from all parts of the city's history. You can also drink tea, enjoy the nature, and see performances of Brazilian artists. Price varies by exhibition.
- 3 Instituto Tomie Ohtake, R. Coropés, 88, ☏ +55 11 2245-1900, instituto@institutotomieohtake.org.br. Tue-Sun 11:00-19:00. The audacious architecture of this institute is a highlight in Pinheiros. A cultural center with exhibit halls, theaters and workshops.
- 4 Memorial da América Latina, Av. Áuro Soares M Andrade, 564 (near Barra Funda station), ☏ +55 11 3823-4600. Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00. This cultural and political center about Latin America and its culture was designed by the legendary Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. It was the former meeting point for the Latin American Parliament. Now it hosts exhibitions, a library, a research center, and many cultural events throughout the year.
- 5 Museu Brasileiro da Escultura e Ecologia (MUBE), Av. Europa, 218, ☏ +55 11 2594-2601, mube@mube.art.br. Tue-Sun 11:00-16:30. A private museum that is partly open-air and partly underground, created to prevent the construction of a shopping mall in the same area. Although focused on sculpture, it hosts diverse expositions. Free.
- 6 Museu da Imagem e Som de São Paulo (MIS), Av. Europa, 158, ☏ +55 11 2117-4777, faleconosco@mis-sp.org.br. Tue-Fri 10:00-19:00; Sat 10:00-20:00; Sun 10:00-18:00. Museum about recorded image and sound. Contains 350,000 pieces of films, discs, records and photo albums. Hosts some quite interesting expositions. Price varies by exhibition.
- 7 Parque da Ciência (Instituto Butantan), Av. Vital Brasil, 1500 (near Butantã station), ☏ +55 11 3726-7222. Daily 07:00-17:00 (park); Tue-Sun 09:00-16:45 (museums). Instituto Butantan is a vaccine research institute founded in 1901. A park focused on education is open close to it, with 18 attractions, historical buildings and temporary events. The main topics are, as one would expect, snakes, poisonous animals and viruses. The venom farm is a major attraction and visitors can see the snakes housed in representations of their natural environments. The park also contains rare tree types. Free.
Universidade de São Paulo
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The university campus is open to visits and offers plenty of museums related to their areas of study. Information about them can be found here.
- 8 Praça do Relógio, R. do Anfiteatro. 24/7. The 176,000-m² in the middle of the campus contains gardens that replicate the 6 ecosystems from the state of São Paulo, totaling 180 species of plants. The 50-m-tall tower is the Torre do Relógio, its 12 panels represent the 12 areas of knowledge studied in the university. Free.
The museums found in the campus itself all cost R$6,00 per visit, with discounts for students and teachers. Those include:
- 9 Espaço das Artes (ECA USP), R. da Praça do Relógio, 160. Mon-Fri 10:00-21:00. Previously the Museu da Arte Contemporânea (which is now at the city's South Central), this museum houses works by the Art students in the university.
- 10 Museu de Anatomia Veterinária, Av. Professor Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, ☏ +55 11 3091-1309, mavfmvz@usp.br. Tue-Fri 09:00-17:00; Sat 09:00-14:00. Largest collection of veterinary medicine in Brazil, with over 2,000 pieces, including taxidermized animals, skeletons and anatomic models. Guided visits must be scheduled in advance.
- 11 Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia (MAE), Av. Professor Almeida Prado, 1466, ☏ +55 11 3091-4905, mae@usp.br. Mon Wed-Fri 09:00-17:00; Sat 10:00-16:00. The museum of archaeology is the right place to learn about the history of indigenous people in Brazil, as well as other cultures.
- 12 Museu da Educação e do Brinquedo (MEB FEUSP), Av. da Universidade, 308, ☏ +55 11 3091-2352, meb@usp.br. Tue-Thu 09:00-16:00. Museum that preserves the way kids played (and their toys) throughout the ages, along with the history of child education.
- 13 Museu de Geociências, R. do Lago, 562, ☏ +55 11 3091-3952, mugeo@usp.br. Tue-Fri 09:00-18:00. A geology museum with an impressive amount of ancient rocks, meteorites and fossils. Dinosaur fans will greatly enjoy the displays.
- 14 Museu Oceanográfico, Pç. Oceanográfico, 191, ☏ +55 11 3091-7149, museu.io@usp.br. Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00. Museum with a large collection of marine life taxidermy, conchs, boats and ocean exploration devices.
- 15 Museu da Polícia Civil (Museu do Crime), Pç. Professor Reinaldo Porchat, 219, ☏ +55 11 3468-3360, museu.acadepol@policiacivil.sp.gov.br. Tue-Fri 13:00-17:00; Sat 10:00-12:30. A museum about the history of the police - and also the criminals - of São Paulo.
Architecture
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From contemporary business buildings to streets full of graffiti, you can find a wide range of world-class metropolitan sights in the West:
- 16 Beco do Batman, R. Medeiros de Albuquerque, 82 (near Sumaré station). 24/7. The "Batman Alley" is a small street with walls covered with graffiti, forming a true open-air art gallery and one of the most vivid manifestations of São Paulo's graffiti culture. Souvenir shops and bars are also plentiful.
- 17 Brooklin Novo, Itaim Bibi (Near Berrini, Campo Belo and Brooklin stations). Perhaps the most impressive business center of the city, Brooklin Novo is between Av. Eng. Luiz Carlos Berrini and the Pinheiros river. From here you can also see one of São Paulo's most famous landmarks, the bridge Ponte Octavio Frias de Oliveira, more known by locals as Ponte Estaiada (tip: the best view of the bridge is from Ponte do Morumbi).
- 18 Capela do Morumbi, Av. Morumbi, 5387 (near Butantã station), ☏ +55 11 3772-4301, museudacidade@prefeitura.sp.gov.br. Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00. A small church painted in striking red, believed to date from the colonial period, although its true origins remain a mystery due to a lack of historic documentation. After its reformation, it is used for cultural events and exposition. Free.
- 19 Casa do Butantã (Casa do Bandeirante), Pç. Monteiro Lobato (near Cidade Universitária station), ☏ +55 11 3031-0920, museudacidade@prefeitura.sp.gov.br. Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00. One of the oldest houses of São Paulo, dating from the 18th century. Built in the bandeirista rural style that was predominant in the rivers close to São Paulo, the house was inhabited until 1954. Free.
- 20 Palácio dos Bandeirantes, Av. Morumbi, 4500, ☏ +55 11 2193-8000. Mon-Fri 10:00-16:00. The house of the government of the state of São Paulo, and home to the governor. Contains a garden with 90,000 m², including patches of preserved rainforest. Only guided visits are available and reservations (done only through the official website) are required, at least 48 hours in advance. Free.
- 21 Paróquia Nossa Senhora do Brasil, Pç. Nossa Senhora do Brasil (near Oscar Freire and Fradique Coutinho stations), ☏ +55 11 3082-9786, nsbrasil@nossasenhoradobrasil.com.br. Mon 08:00-09:00; 17:30-18:30 Tue-Fri 08:00-13:00, 17:30-18:30; Sat 08:00-13:00, 16:00-17:00; Sun 08:00-13:30, 16:00-21:00. Beautiful church constructed in Baroque style. Worth seeing the art inside it as well.
- 22 Santuário Nossa Senhora do Rosário de Fátima (Santuário de Fátima), Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 1831 (near Sumaré station), ☏ +55 11 3862-8665, mailcontato@fatima.com.br. Mon-Sat 06:00-18:00; Sun 06:00-19:30. Church dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima, from Portugal. One of the main landmarks of the Perdizes district.
- 23 Vila Olímpia, Itaim Bibi (near Vila Olímpia station). Another important business center is between Av. Faria Lima and the Pinheiros river. In comparison to Brooklin Novo, this area has more bars and restaurants, and you can also see more people in the streets. A curious phenomenon is that during weekends at 1AM or so, you can see traffic jams in Av. Faria Lima, due to many young people going to the nightlife in Vila Olímpia.
Parks and green areas
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Many of these make for great resting spots, some are quite good for cycling.
- 24 Parque da Água Branca, Av. Francisco Matarazzo, 455 (near Barra Funda station). Daily 06:00-20:00. This historical park was, in the beginning of the 1900s, a center of agricultural education and trade. It now houses a lagoon with fish and turtles, alongside the old building where business used to be held.
- 25 Parque Raposo Tavares, R. Telmo Coelho Filho, 200 (near Raposo Tavares road). 07:00-18:00. This park also has an interesting history. Its site used to be an immense waste dump area, known as Lixão Raposo Tavares. The trees had to be introduced, rather than naturally grow, due to a layer of clay that holds the toxic gases from the former landfill. It is now a pleasant recreation and resting area.
- 26 Parque Villa-Lobos, Av. Prof. Fonseca Rodrigues, 1655 (near Jaguaré station), ☏ +55 11 2683-6302, atendimento@villalobosparque.com.br. Daily 05:30-19:00. A park popular for sports and outdoor activities such as cycling and skating, and a solid choice for a picnic. The park also hosts a giant wheel, the largest in South America. Not a lot of foliage besides grass, though.
- 27 Praça Coronel Custódio Fernandes Pinheiro (Praça do Pôr-do-Sol), Pç. Cel. Custódio Fernandes Pinheiro, 334 (near Faria Lima and Vila Madalena stations). Daily 06:00-20:00. One of the best places in the city to see the sunset.
- 28 Rio Pinheiros. Despite its pollution, the Pinheiros river is still the dominating figure in the scenario of the West side of São Paulo. The shores of the river, with their vegetation being gradually restored, have become a really pleasant view. The bad smell of the river may take some to get used, through. One of the best ways to watch the river is to take the cycling route from Vila Olímpia to Jurubatuba stations, on the east shore, or walk over the bridges.
Do
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Many people in West São Paulo come for business or study, but entertainment is still plentiful, from sports to movies.
- 1 Centro Brasileiro Britânico (CBB), R. Ferreira de Araújo, 741, ☏ +55 11 99905-6307, eventos@cbb.org.br. Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00. Dedicated to fostering relationships between Brazil and the United Kingdom through cultural events, a library and a restaurant, although nowadays it's mostly a corporate event venue. The British consulate can be found here.
- 2 Cinépolis - JK Iguatemi, Av. Pres. Juscelino Kubitschek, 2041 (inside JK Iguatemi), ☏ +55 11 3152-6605. Mon-Sat 10:00-22:00; Sun 14:00-20:00. High-end movie theater with one of the few IMAX screens in the country. This screen features a laser 4K projector, allowing for some of the highest-quality images available in the medium, with some of the more expensive tickets. R$70 (IMAX screening).
- 3 Cinesystem - Bourbon Shopping, R. Palestra Itália, 500 (inside Bourbon Shopping). Mon-Sat 10:00-22:00; Sun 14:00-20:00. Another IMAX screen found in São Paulo. While this one is "only" a 2K projector, you can score cheaper tickets here. R$50-70 (IMAX screening).
- 4 Escola de Samba Vai-vai, Av. Dr. Abraão Ribeiro, 505, vaivai@vaivai.com.br. Traditional Samba school that participates in the São Paulo carnival parade. They have training presentations before the carnival.
- 5 Estádio do Morumbi (Estádio Cícero Pompeu de Toledo), Pç. Roberto Gomes Pedrosa (near São Paulo-Morumbi station), ☏ +55 11 3749-8000. Daily 09:00-18:00. The largest stadium of the city and the 3rd largest of Brazil, with capacity for 70,000+ people. Home to São Paulo FC. R$80 (guided tour).
- 6 Estádio Palestra Itália (Nubank Parque, formerly Allianz Parque), Av. Francisco Matarazzo (near SESC-Pompéia station), ☏ +55 11 4800-6680, sac@nubankparque.com. Tue-Sat 06:00-23:00; Sun 06:00-20:00. The oldest football stadium of São Paulo is home to Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, a football club closely associated with the Italian community, as is the district of Barra Funda. It is also the main venue for high-profile concerts in the city. R$90 (guided tour).
- 7 Instituto Goethe (Goethe-Institut Brasil), R. Lisboa, 974 (near Oscar Freire station), ☏ +55 11 3296-7000. Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00. German institute with language classes, events and a library.
- 8 Jockey Club de São Paulo (Hipódromo Cidade Jardim), Av. Lineu de Paula Machado, 1263 (near Cidade Jardim station), ☏ +55 11 2161-8300. Daily 08:00-17:00. São Paulo's horse racing and social club dates from 1875. The club is also home to a sports center, a spa, two bars, social areas and a space for large musical events. Definitely one place to go if you want to socialize with the richest inhabitants and visitors of the city. Free entry.
- 9 Teatro Renaissance, Al. Santos, 2233 (inside Renaissance São Paulo Hotel), ☏ +55 11 3069-2286. Daily 14:00-19:00. Focused on comedies, stand up shows and classical music presentations.
- 10 Unibes Cultural (Centro de Cultura Judaica), R. Oscar Freire, 2500 (Near Sumaré station), ☏ +55 11 3065-4333. Wed-Sat 12:00-20:00; Sun 10:00-19:00. Cultural presentations and activities promoted by the Jewish community.
Learn
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The West houses two of São Paulo's most prestigious institutions:
- 1 University of São Paulo (USP), Butantã, ☏ +55 11 3091-3116. The largest academic institution in the country, and third largest in Latin America. It is a state university, and undergraduate as well as graduate courses are free of charge for those who pass its competitive entrance exams. USP's main campus is Cidade Universitaria, in Butantã, and it is open for both students and non-students. It is a nice place to ride a bicycle, jog or just lay down on the grass, especially in the summer.
- 2 Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC-SP), R. Monte Alegre, 984 (near Sumaré station), ☏ +55 11 3670-8000. Mon-Fri 06:30-23:30; Sat 06:30-17:30. Founded in 1946, PUC-SP is a private university that is highly regarded in Latin America for its departments of human sciences. The main campus is in the neighborhood of Perdizes and also open for both students and non-students, but it has a very small area and almost no places for sport activities. However, it's notable for the impressive neoclassical architecture.
Buy
[edit | edit source]If your goal is high-end shopping, this region is where you'll be spending the most time in your São Paulo trip. Premium brands and glitzy malls are available to splurge on, mainly at Pinheiros, Vila Olímpia and Morumbi. More populist options are also available around Barra Funda if you need some good or service, and they can be a good option to take an indoor walk.
Shopping malls
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The West has a high concentration of malls even for São Paulo's standards, catering to different audiences.
- 1 Bourbon Shopping São Paulo (Bourbon Shopping Pompéia), R. Turiassu, 2100 (near SESC-Pompéia station), ☏ +55 11 4004-1828. Mon-Fri 10:00-22:00; Sun 14:00-20:00. Another shopping mall focused on upper-middle class and wealthy consumers. Contains a theater and a supermarket with a lot of interesting products, like a large drink section and premium candy brands. About 210 shops.
- 2 Iguatemi São Paulo, Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 2232 (near Cidade Jardim station), ☏ +55 11 3048-7344. Mon-Fri 10:00-22:00; Sun 14:00-20:00. The oldest shopping mall of São Paulo, and the second oldest of Brazil. Focused on wealthy consumers. Even if the expensive shops do not interest you, its nicely decorated interior is worth a visit. About 330 shops.
- 3 Shopping Cidade Jardim, Av. Magalhães de Castro, 12000 (accessible via Av. Magalhães de Castro, part of the "Marginal Pinheiros" roadway; use the lanes to stay on the right, making sure to enter "Pista Local"), ☏ +55 11 3552-3560. Mon-Fri 10:00-22:00; Sun 14:00-20:00. The luxurious 4-tower shopping mall is next to the Jardim Panorama slum, a prime portrait of Brazil's social inequality. Consists of shops (most ultra-expensive, like Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani and Daslu), the largest spa of the city, a gym, and also hosts exhibitions. The mall however has very limited eating options, and it is very difficult to access without a car or taxi (the only pedestrian entrance available is mostly aimed at employees). The gardens and the bookshop - Livraria da Vila - are very pleasant environments, though. About 120 shops.
- 4 Shopping Eldorado, Av. Rebouças, 3970 (near Hebraica-Rebouças station), ☏ +55 11 2197-7800, atendimentocliente@shoppingeldorado.com.br. Mon-Sat 10:00-22:00 Sun 14:00-20:00. A large shopping mall in Pinheiros, close to Butantã. Has a diversified public, but middle to high class consumers, as well as workers from the area during lunch time, are predominant. Easily accessible by public transport, either by the train station or the many buses that pass through Av. Rebouças. One of the main attractions of this mall is the enormous food court, the oldest of São Paulo, with restaurants from all types and price ranges. The shopping also has a theater, a gym, and a services center where you can wash clothes, copy keys, or fix almost anything. About 328 shops.
- 5 Shopping JK Iguatemi, Av. Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek, 2041 (near Vila Olímpia station), ☏ +55 11 94469-5030. Mon-Fri 10:00-22:00; Sun 14:00-20:00. The beautiful shopping mall will be part of a large mixed corporate and entertainment complex. It is aimed at wealthy consumers and contains several designer stores, like Goyard, Lanvin, Miu Miu, Yves Saint Laurent, and Topshop. It also offers different stores for other target audiences, like a few bookshops, a good range of restaurants for diverse budgets, and a terrace that provides a nice view of the Chácara Itaim neighborhood. Unlike Shopping Cidade Jardim, it is easily accessible by public transport. About 210 shops.
- 6 Shopping Vila Olímpia, R. Olimpíadas, 360 (near Vila Olímpia station), ☏ +55 11 4003-4173. Mon-Fri 10:00-22:00; Sun 14:00-20:00. The "other" shopping mall of Vila Olímpia, quite near the JK Iguatemi, is more aimed at middle class consumers and corporate employees. The food court in the upper floor has a good selection of restaurants and nice Christmas decorations during December. About 191 shops.
- 7 Shopping West Plaza, Pç. Sousa Aranha, 408 (near SESC-Pompéia station), ☏ +55 11 3677-4000. Mon-Fri 10:00-22:00; Sun 14:00-20:00. Just a couple of minutes walk from Bourbon Shopping, this used to be the favorite place of the wealthy in the region, it has now a more general profile, as the former have switched to Bourbon and Higienópolis. An open square lights up beautifully at night. About 218 shops.
Outdoor shopping
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The West is one of the only areas in São Paulo with high-end outdoor shopping. The Lapa neighborhood also houses a lot of cheap goods, mainly clothing.
- 8 Avenida Europa, Jardim Paulista. Nicknamed Zoropa by locals, if you enjoy seeing expensive cars like Ferraris, Bentleys and Lamborguinis, there is no better place than this street in one of the richest neighborhoods of the city, containing many car shops of luxury brands. Buying them is another story, however, as Brazil is one of the most expensive places in the world to buy a car.
- 9 Benedito Calixto Square Flea Market (Feira de Artes, Cultura e Lazer da Praça Benedito Calixto), Pç. Benedito Calixto (near Sumaré station). Sat 09:00-19:00. On Saturday, this square is home to one of the most famous and charming fairs in São Paulo. Antiques, rarities and collections are on offer. It’s also a great place to have lunch or a snack, as there are many bars and restaurants—such as the excellent Consulado Mineiro, where the long wait is softened by a delicious lime and cane liquor caipirinha cocktail. In the middle of the square, musicians playing traditional choro music on Brazilian ukuleles keep the crowds entertained.
- 10 Rua Oscar Freire, Jardim Paulista (Oscar Freire station within). Hours vary by shop. The area around the crossing between this street and R. Augusta is the city's most well-known luxury shopping area, with shops such as Diesel, Tommy Hilfiger, Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton. There is also a large Havaianas shop, where you can find some hard-to-find models. If you don't want to walk to or from the metro station, there is a bus stop in the crossing of the street with Av. Rebouças, where many buses to Downtown and Av. Paulista pass.
- 11 Rua Teodoro Sampaio, Pinheiros (Clínicas and Faria Lima stations at North and South ends, respectively). The section between Av. Henrique Schaumann and Hospital das Clínicas is the place to buy, sell or trade musical instruments. From Av. Henrique Schaumman down, the street is a magnet for shops selling new furniture, much of which is made to order. If you prefer to invest in items with a certain age, go to the parallel street, Cardeal Arcoverde, that has many antique shops.
- 12 São Paulo Depot and General Warehouse Company (CEAGESP), Av. Dr. Gastão Vidigal, 1946 (near Ceasa station), ☏ +55 11 96605-5815. 24/7. The CEAGESP, a state-owned warehouse, hosts a farmers' market three times per week, and a flower market two times per week (see website for detailed schedule). The flower market requires a minimum quantity to be bought, so it is more suited for gardening than simple decoration.
Speciality shops
[edit | edit source]Some especially interesting and unique stores can be found here, worth visiting just to look.
- 13 Livraria da Vila, R. Fradique Coutinho, 915 (near Fradique Coutinho station), ☏ +55 11 3814-5811. Mon-Fri 09:00-22:00; Sat Sun 10:00-20:00. This five-story bookshoop, worth a long visit, is nestled in between two bars. Pick up a few titles and enjoy a delicious coffee at the back of the store. You won’t even notice time flying by.
- 14 Granado, R. Haddock Lobo, 1626 (inside Shops Jardins, 2nd Floor), ☏ +55 11 3198-8235. Mon-Sat 10:00-22:00, Sun 14:00-20:00. Shop of Brazil's most famous manufacturer of natural cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.
Eat
[edit | edit source]| This page uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink: | |
| Budget | Below R$ 50 |
| Mid-range | R$ 50-100 |
| Splurge | R$ 100+ |
The West is São Paulo's pearl of gastronomy, with many (if not most) of the best rated restaurants of the city here. If you came to São Paulo to explore Brazil's cuisine at its boldest and fanciest, you have plenty to explore. However, such high quality doesn't come cheap. The region around Lapa, Barra Funda and Perdizes sees more economical options, but if you really want to splurge, check what's around Jardins. "Hole in the wall" spots can give you pleasant surprises while exploring the streets, meanwhile shopping malls and their fast food courts are plentiful if you're looking for convenience.
Budget
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There are many unique and tasty sweet treats you can find in the region. Well worth stopping by one of the many cafes for a small snack in between meals.
- 1 Cozinha de Damasco (Damascus cuisine), R. Palestra Itália, 363 (in front of Bourbon Shopping), ☏ +55 11 97730-3993, aminbbadawi@gmail.com. Tue-Sun 11:00-22:30. Owned by a Syrian family, it has cheap and tasty meals from the country's capital, such as esfihas, kibes and kebabs. R$20-40.
- 2 Frida & Mina, R. Artur de Azevedo, 1147, ☏ +55 11 2579-1444. Mon-Fri 12:00-22:00; Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 11:00-21:00. Ice cream parlor that focuses on locally produced flavors and cones. Flavors swap out daily, with vegan options available. Many surprising choices might be available, such as cupuaçu fruit with chocolate, salty caramel and even beer with chocolate. R$20-30.
- 3 Galeria dos Pães, R. Estados Unidos, 1645, ☏ +55 11 3064-5900, galeria@galeriadospaes.com.br. 24 hours. Chic bakery which gets very crowded at peak hours. Offers a great breakfast. R$40-80.
- 4 Hanami Confeitaria, R. Mourato Coelho, 505, ☏ +55 11 2675-9300, contato@hanamiconfeitaria.com.br. Mon-Sat 08:00-19:00. A Japanese-style cafe with unique creations by chef Cesar Yukio. Among its available pastries include a matcha-filled choux cream and a yuzu-shaped candy with yuzu cream, citrus jelly and a chocolate shell. R$30-80.
- 5 Jaber, Av. Morumbi, 8477, ☏ +55 11 5041-5844. Mon-Sat 10:00-21:30. A long-standing Lebanese restaurant, offering both snacks and full meals. R$30-50.
- 6 Lanchonete da Cidade, Av. Magalhães de Castro, 12000 (inside Shopping Cidade Jardim), ☏ +55 11 5555-2355. Mon-Wed Fri Sat 10:00-23:00; Thu 10:00-15:00 18:00-23:00; Sun 12:00-22:00. Hamburgers, sandwiches, and draft beer in an art-deco environment. R$40-60.
- 7 Mercado Municipal da Lapa (Lapa municipal market), R. Herbart, 47 (near Lapa (Line 15) station), ☏ +55 11 3641-3946. Mon-Sat 08:00-18:00. If you're looking for something similar to the Mercadão (big market) found in Downtown, but with less tourists and cheaper, this makes for a good choice. Of particular note is the Pastelaria Mercadão (Box 40/42), a shop which serves particularly large pastéis (deep-fried turnovers). R$20-40 (pastel).
- 8 Pikurrucha's Perdizes, R. Diana, 695 (near Perdizes station), ☏ +55 11 4111-6859. daily 11:00-20:00. Beautifully decorated cafe, full of pink furniture, flowers and bears. There's a variety of sweets, pastries and drinks if you have a sweet tooth, the rabanada (French toast) with ice cream is especially recommended. Zero-sugar sweets are also available. R$30-50.
Mid-range
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Plenty of international options are available, making this a good region to explore cuisine that is hard to find anywhere else in Brazil.
- 9 Alternativa Casa do Natural, R. Fradique Coutinho, 910 (near Fradique Coutinho station), ☏ +55 11 3816-0706. Mon-Fri 11:00-16:00, Sat Sun 10:00-18:00. A vegetarian restaurant housed along with a burger shop and an organic vegetable market. Nighttime has an all-you-can-eat buffet. R$50-60.
- 10 Arábia, Al. Lorena, 1821, ☏ +55 11 3061-2203. Mon-Fri 12:00-15:30 19:00-23:00; Sat 12:00-00:00; Sun 12:00-23:00. Popular Lebanese restaurant, offering sandwiches and larger meals. Vegan options are available. R$70-150.
- 11 Fazenda Churrascada, Av. Morumbi, 5594, ☏ +55 11 2649-4394. Mon Wed-Fri 12:00-23:00; Tue 09:00-23:00; Sat Sun 11:00-22:00. Barbecue and traditional São Paulo food, served in a historical manor house that once belonged to the tea farm that started the neighborhood of Morumbi. R$70-100.
- 12 Gopala, R. Dr. Melo Alves, 54, ☏ +55 11 3289-1911. An unique fusion of vegetarian, Indian and Brazilian cuisines, creating unique dishes such as cheese tikka masala, veggie stroganoff and tofu-filled eggplant. R$50-70.
- 13 Kebab Salonu, R. Apinajés, 597, ☏ +55 11 3803-8986. Tue-Fri 12:00-16:00 18:00-22:00; Sat Sun 12:00-16:00 18:30-22:00. Great Turkish food, including locally made flatbread. Full plates are available, but you can also order kebabs with seasoned french fries as sides. R$50-70.
- 14 Maha Mantra, R. Fradique Coutinho, 766, ☏ +55 11 96570-4472. Mon-Fri 11:30-15:00; Sat Sun 12:00-16:00. All-you-can-eat vegetarian Indian buffet at a fixed price. Drinks and desserts can be bought as well. R$50-60.
- 15 Sushi Den, R. Doutor Luiz Migliano, 1110 (inside Trade Center Shopping), ☏ +55 11 3742-8477. Mon-Sat 12:00-15:00 19:00-23:00. Casual sushi shop, sells hot meals such as yakisoba as well. R$70-120.
- 16 Tanuki, R. Jericó, 287, ☏ +55 11 3814-3760. Mon-Fri 12:00-14:45 18:30-22:45; Sat 12:30-15:30 18:30-22:45. Japanese food including sushi, teppanyaki, yakisoba, and tempura. $80-150.
Splurge
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Some well-known high-end restaurants are found within hotels. For those, check the Sleep section.
- 17 Bolinha, Av. Cidade Jardim, 53, ☏ +55 11 3061-2010. Mon-Fri 11:00-16:30; Sat Sun 11:00-19:00. Offering four types of feijoada plus various à la carte items including fish, meat dishes, pasta, and pizza. If you've never tried feijoada, this is a good place to have your first experience. A kosher feijoada is available if requested in advance. R$110-150.
- 18 D.O.M., R. Barão de Capanema, 549, ☏ +55 11 3088-0761, dom@domrestaurante.com.br. Mon-Fri 12:00-15:00 19:00-23:00; Sat 19:00-23:00. Owned by award-winning chef Alex Atala, this restaurant offers nouvelle cuisine with Brazilian ingredients. It held a top 10 spot in The World's 50 Best Restaurants for five years, and holds two Michelin stars. R$230 (executive menu), R$1150 (tasting menu).
- 19 Evvai, R. Joaquim Antunes, 108 (near Fradique Coutinho station), ☏ +55 11 3062-1160, contato@evvai.com.br. Tue-Thu 19:00-22:00; Fri 19:00-22:30; Sat 12:00-13:00 19:00-22:30. Winner of many awards, most notably 3 Michelin stars. It focuses on innovative, trendy Italian-Brazilian fusion cuisine. Price changes by menu served, but expect R$1500-2000.
- 20 Figueira Rubaiyat, R. Haddock Lobo, 1738, ☏ +55 11 3087-1399, recepcao.figueira@rubaiyat.com.br. Sun-Thu 12:00-23:00; Fri Sat 12:00-00:00. Barbecue in a romantic atmosphere, with the main dining room built around a gigantic ficus tree. Try the grilled octopus or fish from the Amazon, and when you're done, there is an excellent dessert bar. R$150-200.
- 21 Nagayama, R. da Consolação, 3397 (near Oscar Freire station), ☏ +55 11 98392-0962. Mon-Sat 19:00-23:30. A bit overpriced, but one of the better Japanese restaurants outside of Liberdade. R$200-300.
- 22 Parigi, R. Amauri, 275 (inside Metropolitan Condominium Edifice and Platinum Offices), ☏ +55 11 99025-2285, parigi@fasano.com.br. Mon-Fri 12:00-15:00 19:00-00:00; Sat 19:00-00:00; Sun 12:00-17:00. One of São Paulo's most respected fine dining establishments, focused on French-Italian fusion. Reservations required. R$125-200.
- 23 Petí Gastronomia, R. Cotoxó, 110 (near SESC-Pompéia station), ☏ +55 11 3873-0099, eventos@petirestaurante.com.br. Tue-Fri 12:00-15:00; Sat Sun 12:00-16:00. Tucked away in a small but relaxing space, this restaurant led by young chef Victor Dimitrow changes its menu every two weeks (vegetarian dishes are always guaranteed to be available). Weekday deals for three-course meals are available. R$100-120.
- 24 Rufino's, R. Dr. Mario Ferraz, 377, ☏ +55 11 3074-8800. Mon-Thu 12:00-15:00 19:00-00:00; Fri 12:00-16:00 19:00-00:00; Sat 12:00-23:00; Sun 12:00-22:00. Seafood-focused restaurant, with a good selection of different recipes and sides. Try the Hungarian Shrimp or Shrimp Mango Chutney. R$200-300.
- 25 Tuju, R. Frei Galvão, 135, ☏ +55 11 91899-0002, reserva@tuju.com.br. Tue-Fri 19:00-22:00; Sat 12:00-14:00 19:00-22:00. Focused on São Paulo's cuisine and its quirks, this restaurant asks you to climb through its three floors, with one course being served in each. This unique experience is São Paulo's second Michelin three-star establishment. Price varies, but expect R$1500-2000.
Drink
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Vila Olímpia is São Paulo's most famous clubbing area, and Vila Madalena is the place for die-hard Bohemians. Nightlife is also intense, although a bit more sparse, in the districts of the Lapa subprefecture, and now these areas contain some of the best clubs in the city. Most parties held by students of University of São Paulo happen inside the campus or in other districts like Pinheiros (especially Vila Madalena) or Barra Funda. Outside the campus, the district of Butantã isn't really an exciting place, although as of 2026, there are a growing number of bars.
The bizarrely named streets of Vila Madalena, such as Aspicuelta (who was a 16th-century Spanish priest), Girassol (sunflower) and Purpurina (glitter) are home to bars with something for everyone: there are “classic” pubs with Portuguese tiles on the walls serving super-chilled draft beer and bean soup, some are homes away from home for journalists and soccer fans, and for the LGBT crowd there are many good choices. Those who are fond of live music have several options, from samba to shows by future stars of Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). Even Father Aspicuelta used to have a little glass of wine after mass in some of the bars on “his” street.
Bars
[edit | edit source]- 1 Balcão, R. Dr. Melo Alves, 150, ☏ +55 11 3061-3781. daily 17:30-01:00. This old-school bar used to be a meeting spot for journalists but is now used as a venue to promote indie books. Extensive cocktail menu served in a single, large table (rather than smaller tables for groups of guests), making for a good social space. R$20-30 for a drink.
- 2 Empanadas Bar, R. Wisard, 489, ☏ +55 11 3032-2116, empanadasbar@empanadasbar.com.br. Mon-Sat 12:00-02:00; Sun 14:00-02:00. Bar whose specialty is in its name. Empanadas are baked pastries from Argentina, a great snack alongside a variety of drinks. R$10 for an empanada, R$15 for a drink.
- 3 Pirajá, Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 64, ☏ +55 11 3815-6881. Mon 12:00-23:00; Tue Wed 12:00-00:00; Thu 12:00-01:00; Sat 12:00-02:00; Sun 12:00-19:00. Bar chain inspired by food and drink from Rio de Janeiro (but created in São Paulo), it has happy hour deals and a solid food menu. R$40-50 for a drink.
- 4 Seu Justino, R. Harmonia, 77, ☏ +55 11 2305-0130. The garden ambiance makes this a great spot for a relaxed drink. R$20-40 for a drink.
- 5 Skye, Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 4700 (inside Hotel Unique), ☏ +55 11 3055-4700. Mon-Sat 18:00-00:30; Sun 18:00-23:30. As fancy as the hotel it's housed in, this bar makes for a high-end drinking experience, with its bold decor and finely-crafted dishes. Works as a restaurant and serves breakfast earlier in the day as well. R$200+.
- 6 Astor, R. Delfina, 163, ☏ +55 11 5555-2351. Mon 12:00-23:00; Tue Wed 02:00-00:00; Thu 12:00-01:00; Fri Sat 12:00-01:30; Sun 12:00-20:00. Laid-back, cozy, with slick decor and classic bar food. An underground bar called SubAstor is also available for a more intimate mood. R$20-60 for a drink.
- 7 Vianna, R. Cristiano Viana, 315, ☏ +55 11 3082-8228. Mon-Fri 17:00-00:00; Sat 17:00-00:00. The bar features its own authorial drink menu, and a large selection of caipirinhas. The sandwich menu is also worth exploring. R$30-45 (caipirinha).
Live music venues
[edit | edit source]These bars offer live music to listen to while having a drink, usually samba or sertanejo. Having a conversation can be harder here if you don't feel like shouting a bit.
- 8 O'Malley's, Al. Itu, 1529, ☏ +55 11 3081-2114, party@omalleysbar.net. Mon-Thu 18:00-02:30, Fri 18:00-04:00, Sat 14:00-04:00, Sun 14:00-02:30. São Paulo's Irish bar is very popular among tourists and paulistanos alike. Sports on screen and live music everyday. R$13-25 (entry fee after 22:00).
- 9 Posto 6, R. Aspicuelta, 644, ☏ +55 11 3812-4342, contato@barposto6.com. Tue-Fri 16:00-02:00; Sat 12:00-02:00; Sun 12:00-01:00. Aside from a long list of drinks and meals, you can also catch sports on its three televisions and listen to live music alongside a feijoada on Sundays. R$20-30 for a beer.
- 10 Rei da Batidas, Av. Valdemar Ferreira, 231, ☏ +55 11 3031-5795. Sun-Tue 10:30-00:00; Wed 10:30-01:00; Thu 10:30-02:00; Fri Sat 10:30-03:30. A traditional boteco (Brazil-specific bar style), popular with USP students, has been operating since 1970. Plenty of chairs on the outside to sit and chat. R$10-20 for a drink.
- 11 Salve Jorge, R Aspicuelta, 544, ☏ +55 11 3812-4342, contatovilamadalena@barsalvejorge.com.br. Tue-Thu 17:00-01:00; Fri 17:00-02:00; Sat 12:00-02:00; Sun 12:00-01:00. Fancy bohemian bar with many drinks, appetizers and music. R$30-40 for a beer.
Clubs
[edit | edit source]- 12 D-Edge, Al. Olga, 170, ☏ +55 11 3665-9500. Thu-Sat 23:59-08:00; Sun 12:00-00:00. Chosen by DJMAG one of the best clubs on earth, it's focused on underground electronica. R$200+ (entry fee).
- 13 Dj Club, Al. Franca, 241, ☏ +55 11 2592-4474. Fri Sat 23:30-last client. Plays 1980s and 90s rock. R$60 (entry fee).
- 14 Morrison Rock Bar, R. Fidalga, 531, ☏ +55 11 3814-1022. Thu 20:00-02:00; Fri Sat 21:00-04:00. An institution for rock clubs in the city, it is mostly frequented by an older audience with a preference for the classics. R$30 (entry fee).
Sleep
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The West is another area of São Paulo mostly populated by high-end, luxurious hotels. Many award-winning modern venues are available, but some deals can be found on cheaper locations if you decide to stay around Barra Funda and Lapa. Lodging in the region can get full and prices can go high if an important concert is happening in one of the association football stadiums.
Budget
[edit | edit source]| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
| Budget | Below R$ 300 |
| Mid-range | R$ 300-500 |
| Splurge | R$ 500+ |
- 1 Ibis Budget Jardins, Av. Nove de Julho, 3597 (near Trianon-MASP station), ☏ +55 11 3886-4600. Simple and functional, includes free Wi-Fi and is close to a mall. R$200-300.
- 2 Ô de Casa Hostel, R. Inacio Pereira da Rocha, 385 (near Faria Lima station), ☏ +55 11 3063-5216. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 11:00. A home-like hostel with grass in the backyard and its owners at reception. R$200-250.
Mid-range
[edit | edit source]- 3 Ibis Morumbi, Av. Roque Petroni Junior, 800, ☏ +55 11 3738-3800. Yet another Ibis unit, with the expected amenities. A budget version is up close, but the prices are usually similar to the fully featured building. R$300-350.
- 4 Mercure Jardins, Al. Itu, 1151, ☏ +55 11 3089-7555. Heated indoor pool, sauna, free Wi-Fi, breakfast for an extra fee, a restaurant and a bar. R$450-500.
- 5 Paulista Garden Hotel, Al. Lorena, 21 (near Brigadeiro station), ☏ +55 11 3885-8498, reservas@hotelpaulistagarden.com.br. Cheap but clean, free Wi-Fi and 24hr reception. No air-conditioning but the rooms do have ceiling fans. Laundry is available. R$300-400.
- 6 PremiumFlats Boutique, R. Indiana, 1165, ☏ +55 11 5105-0000, saopaulo@ciaux.com. Boutique hotel with European-style decor, it includes unique amenities like gym-equipped suites and a cigar shop. R$300-350.
- 7 Royal Collection Paulista, Al. Jaú, 729, ☏ +55 11 4082-0000, reservas.jardins@royalhoteis.com.br. 98 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and 4-star level facilities. Aside from a restaurant, free wifi and a 24-hour business center, it also offers guestrooms, fitness center, spa, meeting/banquet facilities, and concierge service. R$450-500.
Splurge
[edit | edit source]- 8 Emiliano, R. Oscar Freire, 384 (near Congonhas airport), ☏ +55 11 3728-2000. Luxury hotel that offers premium treatment to its clients, such as a welcome massage, custom-designed beds and furniture and their own helicopter if you need a ride. R$2500-3000.
- 9 Fasano, R. Vittorio Fasano, 88 (near Oscar Freire station), ☏ +55 11 3896-4000, reservas.sp@fasano.com.br. Luxury rooms, built after the older, more well known Italian restaurant available inside. R$3000-3500.
- 10 Grand Hyatt São Paulo, Av. das Nações Unidas, 13 (in the business area of Morumbi), ☏ +55 11 6838-1234. Usual Hyatt high-end unit, with full suites available. R$900-950.
- 11 Hampton Park, Al. Campinas, 1213 (near Trianon-MASP station), ☏ +55 11 2627-1800. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Nice and clean rooms, rooftop terrace with small swimming pool, breakfast included, air-conditioning and cable television in rooms. R$500-600.
- 12 Hilton São Paulo Morumbi, Av. das Nações Unidas, 12901 (in the Business United Nations Center towers and attached to its mall), ☏ +55 11 2845-0000, reservations.morumbi@hilton.com. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Has some nice touches, such as a rooftop pool and many restaurants and lounges. R$800-1000.
- 13 InterContinental, Al. Santos, 1123, ☏ +55 11 3179-2600. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Rooftop pool, premium breakfast (for extra fee), the Tarsilla restaurant (a pleasant combination of French and Brazilian cuisine), bar and meeting rooms. Pets are allowed at a premium. R$1300-1700.
- 14 Meliá Jardim Europa, R. João Cachoeira, 107 (near Cidade Jardim station), ☏ +55 11 3702-9600, jardim.europa@melia.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Modern accommodations with lots of different room sizes. One free drink included with your stay. R$650-850.
- 15 Renaissance São Paulo Hotel, Al. Santos, 2233 (in the Jardins area,), ☏ +55 11-3069-2821 (Reservations). Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Has expansive meeting facilities, a first-class spa and outstanding restaurants. R$2500-3000.
- 16 Unique, Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 4700, ☏ +55 11 3055-4700. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Built by Ruy Ohtake (who was taught by Oscar Niemeyer), this hotel has an (appropriately) unique shape, and is accompanied by imposing interior decoration. R$1700-2000.
Stay safe
[edit | edit source]Crime statistics in the West are more or less around the average of the city. However, richer neighborhoods (especially Morumbi) see robberies more commonly. The usual victims of these crimes are not visitors but wealthy paulistanos, who like to show their expensive cars and possessions when going out. Do not imitate them. If you need a car to go clubbing or dining in the region, consider to take a cab or ride with a group of friends.
Acting like a reckless tourist, however, will bring you problems no matter if you look rich or not. Don't go to run-down areas or favelas, not even during the day. You might get shot if you approach. Students of University of São Paulo are often robbed near the pedestrian-only entrances, even during the day. If you are going to the University, there is no need to avoid these entrances, but if you are using them, don't bring valuable items like laptops, tablets or your passport.
Connect
[edit | edit source]As usual, most malls have free Wi-Fi available, usually asking for information like an email account to spam ads to. Restaurants and cafés listed in Eat also tend to have internet available, ask the waiter for the password if necessary.