A Delicious 4-Day Foodie Itinerary in São Paulo

• Day 1: Mercado Municipal
  15 minutes (2.5 km) from downtown São Paulo

  São Paulo's Mercado Municipal is a must-visit for any foodie. Known for its vast selection of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and fresh produce, this historic marketplace also features a variety of eateries serving up traditional Brazilian cuisine. Be sure to try the iconic "mortadella" sandwich, it won't disappoint.

• Day 2: Jardim Paulista
  20 minutes (3.3 km) from the Mercado Municipal

  This trendy district is home to a slew of top-rated establishments, including the acclaimed Italian restaurant Fasano and the modern Brazilian eatery Mocotó. For a sweet treat, visit the Bacio di Latte gelato shop or try the famous "brigadeiro" at Maria Brigadeiro.

• Day 3: Vila Madalena
  30 minutes (5 km) from Jardim Paulista

  Known for its street art and bohemian vibes, Vila Madalena is also home to many great restaurants and bars. For a taste of Brazilian-Asian fusion, try the sushi at Jun Sakamoto or the "pastel" at Rinconcito Peruano. For a drink, visit the Botequim São Bento or the São Cristóvão Bar.

• Day 4: Liberdade
  25 minutes (4.2 km) from Vila Madalena

  This neighborhood is São Paulo's answer to Tokyo's Chinatown, with a strong Japanese influence in terms of cuisine, culture, and architecture. Try the ramen at Aska or the "okonomiyaki" at Aizome. For tea lovers, there are several specialized shops, including the Japan House São Paulo.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Mercado Municipal (2 hours, $): This historic market is free to enter. You'll want to budget a few reais for sampling all the delicious bites.
• Jardim Paulista (3 hours, $$): Dining options in this upscale neighborhood can range from mid-priced to expensive, so budget depending on your preferences.
• Vila Madalena (4 hours, $$$): This area can be a bit more expensive, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options as well.
• Liberdade (2 hours, $$): You don't have to spend a lot to have a great meal in Liberdade. Expect to pay around $10-$15 per dish.
Total Estimated Costs: $$-$$$

Transportation:

In São Paulo, the most efficient and convenient way to get around is by using the city's extensive metro system. A single fare costs under $1, and you can purchase a reloadable card at any station. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and 99 are also available, but traffic can be heavy during rush hour, which may increase travel time and costs.

Useful Tips:

If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip outside of the city to visit the wine region of São Roque or the historic city of Santos. If you're short on time, consider skipping Vila Madalena and focusing on Jardim Paulista and Liberdade instead. And don't forget to pack comfortable walking shoes!

Airports:

São Paulo has two major airports, Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) and Congonhas-São Paulo Airport (CGH). GRU is located about 25 km from downtown and is the main international hub. CGH is located closer to the city center (8 km) and serves primarily domestic flights.