THINGS TO DO

If you’ve ever talked to Bianca for more than five minutes, you already know this: São Paulo is amazing. Incredible food, legendary nightlife, deep cultural roots, and yes — the largest Japanese population outside of Japan.

Below is just a starting point. If you want more recs (restaurants, bars, late-night chaos), reach out …we have opinions.

Restaurants

São Paulo is one of the best food cities in the world. Near our hotel area, you’ll find everything from buzzy new spots to old-school classics.

ITALIAN:

Gero, Shihoma Pasta Fresca, Parigi, Modern Mamma Osteria, Due Cuochi 

CHURRASCO (brazilian bbq):

Barbacoa , Rodeo, Figueira Rubaiyat

BRAZILIAN FOOD: 

A Casa do Porco, Tordesilhas, Tuju, Mocoto, Mani

SUSHI: 

Jun Sakamoto ,Hon Maguro, Kosushi, Sushiguen, Kitchin

EVERYTHING ELSE: 

Shoshana Deli Shop, Mercadao no Municipal (this is a giant market. Must get pastel de bacalhau and mortadela sandwich here) 

bars

Cocktail bars, wine bars, dive bars that turn into dance floors.

Rabo di Galo - This bar is inside The Rosewood hotel (one of Bianca’s favorite spots in the city). Come here for a jazz show and amazing drinks! 

Bar dos Arcos - Great cocktails and snacks inside the Municipal theater of Sao Paulo 

Sarau Bar - Inside Pulso Hotel. Very cool vibe and creative cocktails!

Astor in Vila Nova - Prepare to wait for a table here! This is the go-to post-work bar for a lot of Paulistas! It is a fun vibe and has outdoor seating  

Rooftop at Fasano Itaim - Great views, and also great food! Try to snagging a table outside if you can

Raio que o Parta - Cute cocktail bar 

Balsa - Live music, cool vibes 

P'Lek - Thai cocktail bar 

No Bar - Consolacao - Great vibe, and bites. Can get packed after 8PM

Culture & Exploring

For when you want to balance the caipirinhas with something wholesome:

  • Ibirapuera Park — São Paulo’s version of Central Park, but more coconuts

  • MASP Art Museum — iconic architecture + world-class art

  • Pinacoteca de São Paulo — beautiful museum in a stunning historic building

  • Beco do Batman — colorful street art + great photo ops

  • Liberdade — the heart of São Paulo’s Japanese culture (and amazing food)

we have put together our top 4 recommendations if you plan to tour around. We have also included a few travel agencies below should you want extra help planning your Brazilian getaway. 

For those of you who want to see Rio, we have included this Rio cheat sheet here. (~1H flight from SP)

Recommendation #1: Paraty (4.5h drive from SP)

Paraty is a postcard-perfect colonial town with cobblestone streets, boat days, and excellent caipirinhas. — no flight required.

Note: There are other driving distance beach locations in SP that are closer… email us to learn more.

Recommendation #2: Bahia (~2.5-3h flight from SP)

Bahia is the heart and soul of Brazil, where vibrant culture, Afro-Brazilian history, incredible food, and some of the country’s most beautiful beaches come together.

Within Bahia, we recommend the following places to visit: 

Salvador – The cultural heart of Bahia.

Trancoso – Chic beach town with barefoot luxury.

Itacaré – Nature + adventure vibes.

Recommendation #3: Foz de Iguacu (~2h flight from SP)

Foz do Iguaçu offers front-row views of Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s most extraordinary natural landmarks, set in the heart of the rainforest at the border of Brazil and Argentina.

If you’re willing to splurge, we really recommend staying at the Belmond Hotel…
so worth it.

Recommendation #4: Fernando de Noronha (~3+h flight from SP)

Fernando de Noronha is a protected archipelago famous for its untouched beaches, vibrant marine life, and breathtaking scenery — a bucket-list destination for nature and ocean lovers.

Suggested Travel Agencies: 

Matuete - More high-end trips… they have EXCELLENT taste 

The Cool Guide - a friend of a friend… she can curate fun trips or just use her IG for inspo

Your Way Travel - Recommended by a friend, and has experience with wedding guests!