Sao Paulo , Brazil » Entertainment » Attractions

Sao Paulo often called as Sampa is the most populous city in Brazil with cultural and architectural attractions. Explore the iconic buildings, museums, cathedrals while in Sao Paulo.

Ibirapuera Park is the largest park in the city, gathering over 158-hectares of green space under its cover. It hosts some of the city's best tourist highlights, including the Japanese Pavilion, Museum of Modern Art, the Planetarium, the Auditorium, and many other cultural buildings. The panorama is simply spectacular, with aquariums, lagoons, and rich flora & fauna, heightening the park's beauty. A visit to the park can be de-stressing with opportunities for bicycling, pleasant walking, and outdoor games and picnicking.

Located in the beautiful Parque do Estado, Jardim Zoológico is Brazil’s largest zoo. Home to more than 3,000 species, the environment is predominantly a Mata Atlântica (Atlantic rainforest). The zoo also runs a conservation program to save endangered species such as white rhinos and lion marmosets. It is one of the best-loved kid attractions in Sao Paulo.

Altino Arantes Building, better known as Banespa Skyscraper, is one of the best-known skyscrapers in Sao Paulo. Atop 35 storeys is an observation tower from where tourists can enjoy a 360° view of Sao Paulo's instantly recognisable landmarks such as Municipal Market, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Edifício Italia. Tourists get only 5 minutes at the top to enjoy the art deco structures, but the view is simply out of this world!

Praça da Sé is Sao Paulo's geographical centre, a Chineselic space with many historical and religious sites, most notably the Metropolitan Cathedral. The construction of this major began in 1913 under the guidance of Maximilian Emil Hehl, who designed it to resemble a neo-gothic architectural style. As the fourth largest neo-gothic cathedral in the world and Sao Paulo's largest, Metropolitan Cathedral can hold up to 8,000 worshippers at a time. Its architectural highlights feature stained glass panels from France, Italy, Brazil, and the Renaissance-style dome that contrast to the overall neo-gothic style.

The Avenida Paulista area is a commercial centre of the city and is well known for its skyscrapers and many restaurants, bookstores, fine hotels, shops, and commercial bank branches. Sao Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and Casa das Rosas (House of Roses) are also here. The subway and buses connect to the avenue with the rest of the city.

Well known as USP, the University of Sao Paulo is the largest university in Brazil and the third-largest in Latin America. The main campus of the University is in the Cidade Universitaria district. This state university is open for all and has a prominent place for cycling and jogging. Walk around the university or just lay down on the grass, especially in the summer. The museum of contemporary art (MAC, Museu de Arte Contemporanea) and an anthropology museum are here on the university campus.

The city centre of Sao Paulo city has a cosmopolitan culture where tourists coming from worldwide can easily mix up with locals. Due to the increase in police patrolling, this area has become relatively safe even at night.

Bixiga is famous for being one of the biggest meccas of Italian culture outside of Italy. The city's most important theatre venues and several energetic nightlife hotspots are situated in the area to fulfil the needs of tourists.

Liberdade is a Chinatown-like district of Sao Pauly where one can watch oriental-related things all around the district. Initially, it was the settling place of Japanese immigrants. In the last few years, the joint activities of Japanese, Chinese and Koreans have made this district more vibrant and colourful.

In Vale do Anhangabau, an attractively arranged square was built in the 1980s revitalisation works. This place has become very popular among skateboarders and office workers.

This region of the city is unusual to the style of Sao Paulo. The neighbourhoods having a small-town feel can be watched on the north side of the city. Some important venues like Expo Center Norte, which is one of South America's most prominent venues for fairs and exhibitions, Serra da Cantareira State Park and Anhembi Park are in this area.

The south side of the city is famous for leisure activities. Enjoy riding a bicycle in the park, if hungry, taste various menus in restaurants or enjoy shopping at large malls. Friendly and high-quality service available.

Well known for walking, eating, partying and shopping activities. Here, enjoy a large selection of cuisine in some of the city's best restaurants. Don't miss a chance of a great dinner at the Itaim Bibi.

This residential part of the city has been growing as a popular spot for bars and the nightlife scene. IbirapueraPark is in this area which usually attracts many people on sunny Sundays.

The districts on the east side offered shelter for thousands of immigrants settled in the city during the 20th century. The neighbourhood of Vila Zelina has a Lithuanian cultural impact, and Mooca has a solid Italian influence.

The west side of the city is home to high and middle-class residents. This wealthiest region of the city has many cultural establishments. The University of Sao Paulo and several buildings related to the city's historical heritage are here.

Paulista Avenue is a commercial centre of the city. This 2.8 kilometres long attraction is on the top of a ridge. This flat and wide area offers full enjoyment to the visitors. The neighbourhoods of Paraiso and Consolacao are connected by Paulista. The upscale Jardins neighbourhood and the more relaxed Bela Vista are around the Paulista.

This spot has sprouted as a traditional attraction for artists, writers, journalists, movie directors and many more.

These places were mainly famous for their industrial activities. Nowadays, it offers some perfect spots for culture-hungry people. Located here are attractions such as the Memorial da America Latina and the Latin American Parliament, which offer exhibitions and occasional political/cultural debates.