How to Spend 2 Days in São Paulo
Last Updated: July 26, 2023
How long should I spend in São Paulo?
We think 2-3 days is enough if you’re short on time and are just hoping to get a quick look. Two days will be enough time to take in the city vibes and see the top sites in São Paulo. São Paulo is also a great destination for nomads or for those who choose to work remotely.
With 2-3 days, you can build the best São Paulo itinerary that includes all top things to do in São Paulo, including:
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase or book through one of our links we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Day 1: Parque Ibirapuera + Avenida Paulista + Municipal Theater
Start off your day with the perfect Brazilian breakfast, which includes pão de queijo (cheese bread), a coxinha (chicken croquettes), and a bolo de fubá com goiaba (sweet cornmeal cake with guava). And no Brazilian breakfast is complete without smooth, strong Brazilian coffee. Many hotel breakfasts will offer these Brazilian staples, but if they don’t, you can venture out to any padaria (bakery) which are found on nearly every street corner in São Paulo.
Parque Ibirapuera
After breakfast, we recommend you start for a leisurely stroll through Parque Ibirapuera (Ibirapuera Park).
Parque Ibirapuera is a green oasis right in the hub of São Paulo’s city center. The park is quite large and home to a number of museums and event spaces. We found out when we got there that this exciting coffee convention was happening the day of our visit, but we missed out on getting a ticket! So don’t make our mistake—look in advance to see if you can attend any events happening in Parque Iberapuera!
What to do in Parque Ibirapuera?
Parque Ibirapuera offers many options such as sunbathing, basketball, and (our favorite) riding bike carts. There are also plenty of vendors selling Brazilian snacks, chips, and water.
Parque Ibirapuera is also home to a number of museums, including a museum of African History as well as a planetarium and a modern art museum. Depending on how much time you have, you could spend the morning at a museum before exploring the outdoors at Parque Ibirapuera.
Next, you’re probably hungry, so for lunch we’d recommend heading out to Avenida Paulista (Paulista Avenue).
Avenida Paulista
What is Avenida Paulista? Avenida Paulista is one long avenue with Brazil’s top stores. Avenida Paulista is São Paulo’s shopping hub. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a Sunday, you can enjoy the infamously busy Avenida Paulista free of vehicle traffic.
Here are some of our recommendations when it comes to visiting stores at Avenida Paulista:
6 Stores to Visit in Avenida Paulista
1. Centauro – For an original Brazilian World Cup Jersey, you might be able to find one at Centauro. They also sell jerseys for Brazil’s many amazing regional soccer teams, as well as other sports clothing and equipment by top brands.
2. Casa Bauducco – Need a coffee break in Avenida Paulista? Casa Bauducco is a Brazilian favorite for baked goods. And fun fact – it was actually founded in São Paulo! Mir’s family is Brazilian, and Casa Bauducco’s panettone is a household staple when it comes to holidays and celebrations. Try the original panettone with cinnamon, or the chocolate with nutella. Pair it with a cappuccino and you’ll thank us later. Casa Bauducco was one of our favorite food memories in São Paulo.
3. O Boticário – If you’re looking for perfumes, lotions, and other body products, check out O Boticário. O Boticário has all the small gifts to bring home from one of the most famous Brazilian cosmetic stores in the world. Plus, many of their ingredients are sourced directly from the Amazon Rainforest. Think unique and natural when you think of O Boticário.
4. Brazil’s First McDonald’s (“Méqui“) – Avenida Paulista is home to Brazil’s very first McDonald’s, affectionately called Mequi (pronounced “Mecky”) in Portuguese. McDonald’s menu varies in each country, but if you’re looking for some fast food, Mequi is a unique option!
5. Havaianas – Havaianas has store locations all over the world for flip flops and other shoe options. But buying Havaianas in Brazil gives you a heavily discounted price. Plus, they have more unique styles in Brazil! We stocked up and bought some extra pairs to gift as well.
6. Livraria Cultura – Lastly, Livraria Cultura is the stop for book worms and those who might be considering learning the Portuguese language. Livraria Cultura is a gorgeous and massive bookstore, with multiple floors stacked with books and creative displays. Think several steps up from Barnes and Noble, with more pizzazz and vibrance.
Municipal Theater
Lastly, as you wind up your evening we recommend a stop at the Municipal Theater (“Theatro Municipal “). Can you see a show at São Paulo’s Municipal Theater? Yes! In fact, we highly recommend catching a performance at the Municipal Theater!
You can buy tickets in advance to go see a performance. Watching a show at the Municipal Theater is a great way to see firsthand the modern arts that São Paulo offers. Plus, tickets to the theater are high in both affordability and quality. Often the performances are even free! Here’s the link to their site. This might even be one of those few times in life where you can get front row seats to something spectacular.
Day 2: Praça da Liberdade + Museum of Japanese Immigration + Batman Alley
Did you know Brazil is home to the largest Japanese population in the world after Japan? To put that into perspective, there are about 1.6 million Japanese-Brazilians living in São Paulo to date. Picture the beauty of two worlds coming together to create a unique amalgamation of flavors. Or instead of picturing it, see it for yourself by visiting the Praça da Liberdade (Plaza of Liberty), affectionately known as “Liba,” in São Paulo.
Praça da Liberdade
At Praça da liberdade, you’ll want to come hungry. You may even consider visiting one of the small grocery stores to buy snacks, candies, and other Japanese-Brazilian goodies.
Our favorite restaraunt was Eat Asia + Hello Kitty. And it’s exactly what it sounds like: Asian fusion, inspired by the world’s best animated cat, Hello Kitty.
Museum of Japanese Immigration
To better understand the evolution of the partnership between Brazil & Japan, the Museum of Japanese Immigration is worth a visit. You’ll be blown away by the struggles and amends that have shaped the present day for both countries.
89 Coffee Station
Speaking of blends, if you’re a coffee connoisseur or pastry enthusiast you have to visit 89 Coffee Station. This restaurant is in Praça da Liberdade, and is always packed with people sampling its delicious baked goods and coffee. 89 Coffee Station is where we first discovered kare pan, Japanese-Brazilian curry buns – warm, fried dough with curried beef and potatoes. The explosion of flavors in your mouth is surreal. It had a similar exterior to the Brazilian coxinha, but the curry interior reminded us of the flavor profile often found in Indian food. All to say, we ordered 3 kare pan and went back for more.
The coffee at 89 Coffee Station is also special. The 89 celsius is the temperature which the establishment believes makes the perfect cup of coffee. 89 Coffee Station was quite packed when we went, but it was well worth the wait.
Batman Alley
What is Batman Alley? Batman Alley spans a couple of blocks and is a collection of street art. Locals and tourists alike flock here for the lively ambiance of artisan pop ups, bars, and photo opportunities. Batman Alley forms a unique neighborhood of São Paulo that is worth a visit!
