4-Day Budget-Friendly São Paulo Itinerary Under $500

Day 0: Arrival

São Paulo, Brazil on May 15, 2025

5:00 PM

Arrival at Guarulhos Airport

Land at Guarulhos Airport, the main international airport serving São Paulo.
$0, 0.5 hours

5:30 PM

Airport Bus to City Center

Take the Airport Bus Service to Praça da República for an affordable and convenient ride to the city.
$5, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Check-In at Accommodation

Check in at inexpensive hostels like Selina São Paulo or Hostel Mirante for a cozy place to rest.
$30, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Dinner at Padaria Bella Paulista

Enjoy a cheap and delicious dinner at this popular Brazilian bakery known for its pastries.
$5, 1 hour
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Day 1: Historic Center & Culture

São Paulo, Brazil on May 16, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Start your day with a simple breakfast provided at your hostel.
$0, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Sé Cathedral

Explore the stunning architecture of this iconic cathedral located in the heart of São Paulo.
$0, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Pátio do Colégio

Visit the site where São Paulo was founded, featuring a museum detailing its history.
$0, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Browse Mercado Municipal

Check out this vibrant market famous for its fresh fruits and local delicacies, trying a *pastel* for just ~$2.
$2, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Opt for a nearby eatery for an economical local meal, best around $7.
$7, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Liberdade Walk

Stroll through São Paulo's Japanese district, enjoying the unique vibe and outdoor markets.
$0, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Luz Station & Pinacoteca

Visit the historic Luz Train Station and check out the Pinacoteca museum (admission ~$2).
$2, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Bar do Mané

Indulge in a budget-friendly *feijoada*, a hearty Brazilian stew for only ~$8.
$8, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Art & Parks

São Paulo, Brazil on May 17, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy another affordable breakfast in your hostel to fuel up for the day.
$0, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Walk along Avenida Paulista

Take a leisurely stroll down this iconic avenue, known for its cultural institutions and lively atmosphere.
$0, 2 hours

11:00 AM

MASP Visit

Admire the renowned São Paulo Art Museum (free entry on Tuesdays; otherwise ~ $10).
$0, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch in the Park

Grab a reasonably priced meal from a local food truck around the area.
$6, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Parque Ibirapuera Exploration

Spend the afternoon enjoying this beautiful park; consider renting a bike for ~$3.
$3, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Sunset at Sesc Avenida Paulista

Catch breathtaking views of the sunset from the free rooftop area of Sesc.
$0, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Casa do Porco's Lança Stand

Savor a mouth-watering sandwich from this renowned spot for only ~$5.
$5, 1 hour
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Day 3: Bohemian Vibes

São Paulo, Brazil on May 18, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Refuel with a light breakfast at your hostel to kick off another exciting day.
$0, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Explore Vila Madalena

Discover the vibrant street art at Beco do Batman, an open-air gallery that's completely free.
$0, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Coffee at Coffee Lab

Enjoy a well-crafted espresso at this trendy coffee shop for just ~$2.
$2, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Local Cafeteria

Taste a local dish in a nearby cafeteria for around $7.
$7, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Football Museum Visit

Dive into Brazil's football culture at this museum with an entry fee of around ~$5.
$5, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Shopping Light

Window shop at Shopping Light, a popular mall in the city known for its architecture, which is free.
$0, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Nightlife at Bar da Dona Onça

Enjoy a fun evening with happy hour drinks costing around ~$3.
$3, 2 hours
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Day 4: Departure

São Paulo, Brazil on May 19, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Padoca do Maní

Indulge in delightful pastries and coffee at this affordable bakery for about $5.
$5, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Last-Minute Souvenirs at Galeria do Rock

Browse and shop for unique souvenirs in this popular venue, free to look around.
$0, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Return to Airport

Take the Airport Bus back to Guarulhos for your flight.
$5, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Arrival at Guarulhos Airport

Arrive at the airport and prepare for your departure.
$0, 1 hour
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