São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, is a vibrant metropolis, known for its cultural diversity. It is the commercial center of Brazil and is well worth adding to your Brazil itinerary. Two days in São Paulo is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for the city and see everything. From delicious eats to dynamic energy, you cannot go wrong visiting São Paulo.
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History of São Paulo
São Paulo was founded on January 25, 1554, by Jesuit priests José de Anchieta and Manuel da Nóbrega. The location was strategic and facilitated movement inland from the Portuguese-controlled coast. During the colonial period, São Paulo remained a relatively poor and isolated settlement, but it gained significance as a base for explorers and fortune-seekers who ventured into the interior of Brazil in search of gold, precious stones, and indigenous people to enslave.
The city’s growth accelerated dramatically in the 1800s with the rise of the coffee industry. São Paulo became a key hub. By the early 1900s, São Paulo had transformed into Brazil’s industrial center. Throughout the 1900s, it continued to expand rapidly, becoming a global city marked by both significant economic opportunity and social inequality. Today, it stands as a symbol of Brazil’s urban and cultural dynamism and is a fantastic entry point into Brazil.
When to Spend Two Days in São Paulo
São Paulo is an awesome place to visit any time of the year. March to May and October to November are good times to visit because it will be less crowded, but still perfect weather. From April to November, the temperatures will be the coolest. We opted to visit in June, and it was not a bad time to visit.
How to Get to São Paulo
São Paulo’s major airport is Guarulhos International Airport. It is a hub for GOL Airlines and LATAM Airlines, so they have the most flights that fly here. You can fly here from many places across South and Central America, and a few flights from the United States and Europe. Flights from the US can run upwards of $900. Skyscanner is my favorite way to search for flights.
Transportation in São Paulo
São Paulo is known for having a ton of traffic, so be aware that it will take a long time to get anywhere. We opted to take Uber everywhere because it was easy to get around that way. There are also taxis you can take around the city. You can also take the metro, but Uber is so affordable and convenient.
How to Get To/From the Airport
The easiest way to get from the airport to the city center is by Uber. This is a relatively affordable option and will take at least an hour without traffic. Alternatively, check out these airport private transfer options: Airport transfer (from airport) and Airport transfer (to airport).
In South American cities, I highly recommend using Welcome Pickups to get to and from the airports. They are great with scheduling your ride and are very reasonably priced.
Where to Stay in São Paulo
We opted to stay at the Grand Hyatt São Paulo. I booked this hotel for 12,000 points a night. It was a nice hotel, but it was a 20-minute drive from the city center, which was not great. If you want a hotel in a better location, check out the Renaissance Sao Paulo. TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Check out the best hotels in São Paulo here!
Other hotel options:
- InterContinental São Paulo
- Sheraton Sao Paulo WTC Hotel
- JW Marriott Hotel Sao Paulo
- Hilton Sao Paulo Morumbi
- Double Tree Sao Paulo
- Staybridge Suites Sao Paulo
What to do During Two Days in São Paulo
Day 1
São Paulo Tour
To get to know São Paulo, you will want to start off your two days in São Paulo with a walking tour of São Paulo or a food tour. If food and graffiti are your thing, you may want to check out this tour. This is the best way to get a feel for the city and get introduced to the main sites of the city.
Pinacoteca de São Paulo
Cost: Free
Hours: 8am-6pm
The Pinacoteca de São Paulo is a must-visit place during your two days in São Paulo. It is one of Brazil’s oldest art museums and specializes in Brazilian art from the 1800s and beyond. It is housed in a renovated historic building and is the perfect stop for art lovers. You will spend at least an hour visiting the exhibitions.
Catedral Metropolitana de São Paulo
Cost: Free
Hours: 8am-6pm
Next up, stop at the Catedral Metropolitana de São Paulo is a neo-Gothic cathedral located in São Paulo. It is known for its impressive architecture, stained glass windows, and intricate interior.
Teatro Municipal de São Paulo
You will want to make sure to walk past the Teatro Municipal, a historic opera house. It is one of São Paulo’s most iconic venues and is home to ballet, opera, theater, and classical music performances. You can opt to see a performance or take a guided tour.
Museu do Futebol
Cost: $4, Free on Teusdays
Hours: Tues-Sun: 9am-6pm
Futebol (Soccer) lovers will not want to miss the Museu do Futebol, located in the Pacaembu Stadium. This museum celebrates Brazil’s passion for football through interactive exhibits and memorabilia.
Jardineira Grill
Cost: $$
Hours: 12pm-11pm
You cannot spend two days in São Paulo without visiting a traditional Brazilian steakhouse or churrascaria, as the locals call it. Although you can visit the renowned Fogo de Chão, I recommend visiting some of the local steakhouse options instead. The Jardineira Grill is known for its welcoming atmosphere and high-quality cuts.
Day 2
Ibirapuera
Cost: Free
Hours: Anytime
Start your second morning of two days in São Paulo by taking a stroll through the Ibirapuera, São Paulo’s largest urban park. It has sprawling green spaces, lakes, and walking paths. It is a great place to get some fresh air and check out the outdoor art installations. There are also a few museums in the area.
Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand
Cost: $13
Hours: Tues: 10am-8pm, Wed-Sun: 10am-6pm, Closed Mondays
The Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) is one of Brazil’s most popular and premier art museums. It is known for its modernist architecture and extensive collection of European and Brazilian art. The museum also hosts various rotating exhibitions, so make sure to check what is on display! Plan to spend at least an hour here during your two days in São Paulo. Also note it is free to visit on Tuesdays!
Avenida Paulista
After the museum, stroll along Avenida Paulista, one of São Paulo’s most iconic avenues. Here you can find museums, shops, and offices along with street performers. On Sundays, the avenue is closed to traffic.
Mequi 1000
You may want to grab lunch at this unique McDonald’s. Here you can get items from the McDonald’s 1000 menu, items that are limited-edition and that you cannot get in other locations. It is a great place to stop for a quick lunch.
Baco de Batman
Cost: Free
Hours: Anytime
Baco de Batman, aka Batman Ally, is an open-air street art gallery located in the Vila Madelena neighborhood. This alley is covered in vibrant graffiti and murals by local artists. It is a must-visit stop for photography and street art lovers. There are also a few shops and restaurants in the area that you can visit.
Barbacoa Itaim
Cost: $$
Hours: Varies
To complete your two days in São Paulo, grab dinner at Barbacoa Itaim. This popular Brazilian steakhouse is known for its high-quality meats that are served and cut continuously at your table.
Final Tips for Two Days in São Paulo
Two days in São Paulo is a fun addition to a Brazil itinerary, especially when using points. It is an easy entry and exit point for the country. If you have more time, make sure to head to Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires as part of your trip.
