Municipal Market of São Paulo, also known as Mercadão, is a world-famous food market, with over 300 vendors offering a wide range of fresh produce, artisanal products, and local specialties. This is the perfect place to indulge in traditional Brazilian dishes, such as feijoada, coxinhas, or pastel de bacalhau, among others. The market also has plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy a refreshing caipirinha or draft beer.
Jardim Paulista is a chic and upscale neighborhood in São Paulo, filled with trendy bars, restaurants, and cafes. Here, foodies can discover a wide range of contemporary Brazilian and international cuisines, such as Japanese, Italian, and Lebanese. Some recommended places to savor the local flavors are Mocotó, Maní, and Figueira Rubaiyat, among others. The area also has several parks, museums, and cultural centers to explore.
Pinheiros is a bohemian district in São Paulo, known for its vibrant nightlife, street art, and gastronomic diversity. This area has lots of food markets, food trucks, and craft breweries, as well as themed bars and innovative restaurants that serve dishes with ingredients sourced locally or organically. Some recommended foodie experiences are dining at Tuju, ordering a sandwich at Estadão or Mortadela Brasil, or tasting the craft beers at Goose Island or BrewDog.
Getting around in São Paulo can be challenging and time-consuming, especially during rush hours, so it's recommended to use public transportation, such as buses or subway. A single ticket for the subway costs around $1.5, and a daily pass is $5. Taxis and ride-hailing services, such as Uber or Cabify, are also available, but can be more expensive, depending on the distance and traffic.
If you have more time, you can also visit the Bixiga neighborhood, famous for its Italian culture and cuisine, or the Vila Madalena neighborhood, known for its street art and bars. If you have less time, you can skip Pinheiros and explore the city's historic center, where you can find many traditional cafes and restaurants, such as Casa Mathilde or Confeitaria Colombo. Always check the opening and closing times of the places you want to visit, as they may vary on weekends and holidays.
The main airport in São Paulo is São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), located 25 km northeast of the city center. The travel time from the airport to the city center can vary from 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the traffic. Another airport nearby is Congonhas-São Paulo Airport (CGH), located 10 km south of the city center, which serves mostly domestic flights.