🇧🇷 Brazil
São Paulo travel guide
São Paulo, Latin America's largest city, is Brazil's financial and cultural engine. This cosmopolitan megacity of 12 million offers exceptional museums, legendary nightlife, incredible food diversity, and more Italian restaurants than Italy. A must for urban explorers.
Language
Portuguese
Currency
Brazilian Real (BRL)
Timezone
BRT (UTC-3)
Best time
April to November (mild, less rain)
Budget/day
BRL 200-500/day ($40-100)
When to visit
Jan
2–8°C
Feb
3–10°C
Mar
6–14°C
Apr
10–18°C
May
14–22°C
Jun
18–27°C
Jul
20–30°C
Aug
19–29°C
Sep
14–22°C
Oct
9–16°C
Nov
4–11°C
Dec
1–7°C
Safety
moderateSão Paulo requires vigilance. Use Uber not street taxis, avoid displaying phones, and stay in well-lit areas. The "arrastão" — mass robbery — occurs rarely but stay alert.
Women travellers
Stay alert. Avoid flashy jewelry.
Culture & etiquette
- + Kiss on both cheeks
- + Try all the food
- + Appreciate coffee culture
- + Experience samba
- - Don't spread fingers in OK sign
- - Don't discuss politics lightly
Food to try
Feijoada
Black bean stew with pork
Pão de Queijo
Cheese bread
Coxinha
Fried chicken croquette
Mortadella Sandwich
Market classic at Mercado Municipal
Pizza Paulistana
SP-style pizza
Hidden gems
Details are indicative and may change. Verify visa, safety, and entry requirements before travel.