So, if you’re considering a stay in São Paulo during your first visit to Brazil, what can you expect, and where in the city do you choose to base yourself?
Although São Paulo is one of the world’s most populous cities serving over 12 million people, it is also one of the world’s most sprawling cities, covering an area of over 550 square miles.
A melting pot of different ethnicities, it is Brazil’s premier financial centre and the financial hub of most of Latin America. As you would expect, the city attracts large numbers of international financiers and business people on a daily basis.
Add to the mix thousands of tourists arriving from around the globe, and you begin to realise how important it is to find the best place to stay for your particular holiday plans.
With this in mind, and to help make your choice of where to stay in São Paulo a little easier, I have highlighted the following areas:
- Paulista Avenue
- Jardins and Paraiso
- Bela Vista and Consolação
- Itaim Bibi
- Pinheiros and Vila Madalena
- Vila Marina
My favorite areas to stay in São Paulo are Jardim and Paraiso. They’re always my go-to when visiting this vibrant city. I’ve also stayed in Paulista Avenue and Itaim Bibi, two other very popular areas that I can definitely recommend.
Where to stay in São Paulo: Best Areas and Hotels
1. Paulista Avenue, where to stay in Sao Paulo for first-time visitors
Of particular interest for those wishing to enjoy photographic opportunities, historical architecture, culture, cuisine, lifestyle, shopping and museums.
Originally planned in 1851 and inaugurated in 1891, Paulista Avenue is a wide, three-kilometre-long boulevard that is now considered the beating heart of this vibrant city.
In the early 1900s, grand mansions with spectacular gardens began to appear, financed by prosperous coffee barons eager to flaunt their new-found wealth.
With the continued growth of industrial and commercial Brazil, by the 1960s Paulista Avenue also began to attract big business, with plush company offices and banks being built, and numerous financial institutions investing in high-rise, skyscraper properties.
Along with this large investment came the required infrastructure, including wide pavements, new hotels, apartments, restaurants, cafes, and shops, to accommodate an increasing resident and visitor population.
Today, Paulista Avenue is considered one of the most valuable stretches of real estate in all of Latin America.
Places of interest on the avenue include:
- The São Paulo Museum of Art
- Casa das Rosas (historic mansion and cultural centre)
- The Centro Cultural FIESP (includes rotating art exhibitions and theatre)
- Parque Trianon (Trianon Park, a large park for those who enjoy picnic lunches.)
- Conjunto Nacional (large shopping mall)
- Shopping Cidade São Paulo (another large shopping complex with high-end brands.)
With its wide walkways, it is also an ideal district to explore on foot, especially on Sundays or Bank Holidays, when the whole area is pedestrianised.
That said, a complete selection of public transport is available on all other days, including Uber. All of which can get you around locally or further afield with minimum fuss and bother.
Paulista Avenue is very popular among tourists thanks to its security, central location, and accessibility. With several metro stations and bus routes, it’s one of the most connected areas of the city.
Accommodation is plentiful, with a wide range of hotels for all budgets.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PAULISTA AVENUE
2. Jardins and Paraiso, affluent and safe neighbourhood close to the city centre
Of particular interest to visitors who prefer a more laid-back style of exploring. Those who like pleasant, chilled evenings and sunset strolls away from the crowds, but close enough to reach all the attractions on their to-do list during the day.
Considering their close proximity to the city centre and Paulista Avenue; Jardins, Paraiso, and, to a lesser degree, Cerqueira Cesar, appear almost like an oasis of peace and tranquillity, surrounded by the buzzing, vibrant activity of everyday city life.
It is one of the main reasons many visitors choose the Jardins or Paraiso area for their stay in São Paulo – but there are others.
The entire district is a thriving, affluent residential area of broad, tree-lined avenues and high-rise properties owned by professional engineers and office personnel, with just minutes to travel to work.
Everything about the Jardins/Paraiso/Cesar area suggests wealth. Fine dining restaurants, upmarket boutiques, luxury shopping malls, clean, safe streets and manicured parks. All add to the popularity of this neighbourhood with both residents and visitors.
For those pleasant, relaxing evenings you can enjoy the friendly hospitality in numerous cafes, bars and restaurants. Or jump a cab and spend an evening soaking up the atmosphere in the nearby city centre.
Although another delightful district to explore on foot, the area and its surroundings are also well served by public transport, including Uber, taxis, metros, and numerous bus routes.
Accommodation in Jardins and Paraiso is plentiful, ranging from plush self-catering apartments to a wide range of hotels.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN JARDINS AND PARAISO
3. Bela Vista and Consolaçao, great place to stay in Sao Paulo for nightlife
Bohemian chic, with writers, authors and painters, Italian dining, LGBTQ community, street art, bars and clubs: if any of these topics interest you, Bela Vista or Consolaçao may be worth taking a serious look at for your stay in São Paulo.
Both Bela Vista and Consolaçao are large neighbourhoods located just north of Avenida Paulista and divide the avenue from the city centre.
Bela Vista is probably the quieter of the two areas, and has a sizeable Italian community whose roots date back to the early 20th century.
Italian restaurants are everywhere. Not the chrome and glass versions of modern European eateries, but small, chic establishments complete with wooden furniture and chequered tablecloths.
Around the mid-1900s, urban development took over Bela Vista, with numerous high-rise blocks being built, modern shopping centres constructed, and various cultural institutions established.
With a main campus for the University Fundação Getulio Vargas and the São Paulo School of Business Administration (FGV EAESP) located in Bela Vista, the district is a significant draw for students, helping to retain its youthful, vibrant vibe.
While exploring Bela Vista on foot, you will come across numerous pieces of street art. If you’re a little unsure, look for Patio Bellavista and stroll along Constitución through to Pio Nono. Both areas are rich in street art.
Lying adjacent to Bela Vista and just north of Avenida Paulista, Consolação is well known locally for its many prominent institutions, its well-developed cultural scene, and buzzing nightlife, making it the district of choice for many of São Paulo’s LGBTQ community.
The district is a mix of historical and modern architecture, featuring art galleries, churches, theatres, cinemas, local and international restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, some of which stay open until dawn.
Cultural places of interest include the Mackenzie Presbyterian University and the Mário de Andrade Library.
Whether you choose to stay in Bela Vista or Consolação, the excellent public transport system across São Paulo ensures that moving from one district to another is quick, safe, and easy.
Accommodation in both neighbourhoods is similar, comprising self-catering apartments, Airbnb accommodations, guest houses, and hotels ranging from economy to five-star.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BELA VISTA AND CONSOLAÇAO
4. Itaim Bibi, wealthy district for a high-end experience
For visitors looking for top-quality accommodation and the best of gastronomic adventures, combined with high-end shopping and cultural experiences.
In the early 1930s, Itaim Bibi was a 10 km² parcel of land comprising several small holdings and mini-farms. In 1934, it was acquired by the local council.
Over the ensuing years, it was converted into a thriving commercial, industrial, and residential area, which by the early 2000s had incorporated the Vila Olímpia area and become one of the wealthiest districts in São Paulo.
American-style skyscrapers climbed upward. High-end shopping malls full of designer label stores mushroomed. Eager buyers snapped up expensive residential properties, while leisure facilities, including bars, restaurants, gyms, and cultural attractions, began to proliferate.
To help create an atmosphere that blends business and leisure, large, manicured gardens were constructed where staff and employees can walk, jog, cycle, swim, or simply relax before or after work, or during their lunch breaks.
Places of interest in Itaim Bibi include the JK Iguatemi Shopping Mall, offering high-end shopping at its best, with international big brands selling everything from evening accessories, jewellery, and footwear to the latest fashion.
The mall also has a large modern cinema and a fine-dining restaurant.
For an authentic culinary experience, visit Rua Joaquim Floriano. This street is filled with all types of eateries. From São Paulo cafes offering Brazilian coffee in a terrace setting, to mouth-watering Brazilian dishes and gastronomic delights from around the world.
Another one for the foodies. Pay a visit to Eataly, located at Avenida Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek.
This food emporium, spanning 4,500 square metres of floorspace, sells over 7,000 food-related items across its three floors. It also features 13 cafes and restaurants for your culinary tasting enjoyment.
Accommodations around Itaim Bibi range from top-end self-catering apartments to high-quality hotels, with prices generally falling within the higher end of the range.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ITAIM BIBI
5. Pinheiros and Vila Madalena, enjoy a real taste of Brazil’s modern young lifestyle
For those with a touch of bohemian in their soul, the cool dudes who enjoy a casual lifestyle, the art scene, the Instagrammers, local culture, shopping malls, casual dining and a buzzing hipster nightlife.
Another well-to-do area in the west zone of São Paulo, the combined districts of Pinheiros and Vila Madalena are renowned for their young, vibrant population.
Much of it is generated by the proximity of local universities and a young, professional, and ambitious workforce, where the old adage ‘work hard, play hard’ could well be a part of the psyche.
Vila Madalena is well known for its cool, hippie-style atmosphere and propensity for street art. (Be sure to look up Batman’s Alley and Patápio’s Staircase.) In fact, not many years ago, Vila Madalena was voted one of the top 20 coolest places on earth by Time Magazine. How cool is that?
That said, it is also as popular with 50/60-year-old visitors as it is with the 18/30s, and a great place to get up close to the modern São Paulo lifestyle.
Other places of interest in Pinheiros and Vila Madalena include:
- NossaCasa Confraria das Ideias: a multi-functional space for themed parties, film screenings, art exhibitions and various events. Address: Rua Mourato Coelho, 1032. Check what’s on during your visit.
- Benedito Calixto Square Market. Music and much more. Open Saturday, 9am-5pm
- A CASA Museum. Arts and Crafts from across Brazil. Located at Avenida Pedroso de Morais
- Millan Gallery. Exhibitions of art and photography. Located at Rua Fradique Coutinho
- Kobbi Art Gallery. On the Travessia Alonso
Stylish restaurants, chic cafes, retro boutiques, bars and shopping centres are all available in Pinheiros and Vila Madalena to make your holiday the best it can be.
Although much exploring around Pinheiros and Vila Madalena can be achieved with pleasant strolls along tree-lined boulevards, São Paulo’s excellent public transport system is there when you need it.
Both areas offer a diverse selection of accommodations, ranging from student bedsits and Airbnb options to guesthouses, luxury apartments, and hotels.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PINHEIROS AND VILA MADALENA
6. Vila Mariana, where to stay in Sao Paulo on a budget
For anyone wanting safe, quiet evenings but easy daytime access to the city’s main attractions during their stay in São Paulo.
Like most of São Paulo’s districts, Vila Mariana morphed from general farmland in the 18th century to heavy industrial use in the early 20th century, and then to a primarily commercial and high-end residential district in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
With the arrival of heavy industry came migrants seeking work, and Vila Mariana evolved into a multicultural area, primarily populated by native Brazilians, Portuguese, Italians, Japanese, and other nationalities from around the Americas and Europe.
Now, in 21st-century Vila Mariana, old industries have given way to new developments, and factories and workshops have been demolished to make way for high-rise offices, apartments, and impressive homes.
With such a multicultural population, you would expect a variety of international restaurants, and you would be right.
Around the streets of Vila Mariana, you will find Italian trattorias aplenty, pizzerias, fast-food burger and chicken joints and Middle Eastern bakeries.
If that nudges the taste buds, look up Joaquim Tavora Street and Franca Pinto Street for a first-class gastronomic experience.
For shopaholics, modern shopping complexes and open-air markets rub shoulders with trendy retro boutiques and antique shops.
Although much of the old architecture has been demolished, there are a few examples still standing that show how things used to be. Look up the Palácio Mourisco, located on Rua Domingos de Morais.
Or, on Capitão Cavalcanti, 82, an old mansion circa 1929. Now known as Casa da Vila, it is a store that sells traditional Brazilian handicrafts from across the country.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN VILA MARIANA
- ($$$) Grand Mercure Sao Paulo Ibirapuera
- ($$) Cozzy Suites Paraíso Hotel
- ($) Charlie For You Vila Mariana
Finally, the six districts I have chosen for your stay in São Paulo are among the safest in the city. Nonetheless, it’s always wise to use a bit of common sense and be a little streetwise when visiting any big city anywhere in the world.
While daytimes shouldn’t be a problem, safety-first is a good adage. Only carry the amount of cash you think you’ll need and split it among different pockets.
If you think you might need a debit or credit card, put it in a separate pocket, a shoe or your underwear. And don’t walk around swinging your new iPhone on your wrist.
If you have evening plans with a friend, consider booking an Uber or taxi. Stay away from dark alleys, even if they are a shortcut, and walk in well-lit, busy areas. Other than that, enjoy your stay in São Paulo, I know I did.
In Vila Mariana there are no luxury hotels. Accommodation is more limited than in other, more touristy areas of the city, but what’s available is quite affordable.
FAQ about Staying in Sao Paulo
For first-time visitors, Paulista Avenue is highly recommended. It’s centrally located, well-connected by public transport, has many hotels for all budgets, and offers culture, shopping, museums, cafes, and more. Jardim Paulista and Bela Vista and Consolaçao are also great choices.
Jardins and Paraíso are excellent choices. These neighbourhoods are affluent, with tree-lined avenues, luxury shopping, fine dining, clean and safe streets, and are very close to many main attractions.
Bela Vista and Consolação are great for nightlife, street art, bars, clubs, theatres, and a youthful/bohemian atmosphere. Also Pinheiros and Vila Madalena are known for their creative, hip scenes and vibrant evenings.
Itaim Bibi is the go-to district for high-end experience. It has upscale hotels, fine dining options, designer boutiques, plus attractions like the JK Iguatemi mall and Eataly.
Vila Mariana is recommended for budget-conscious travellers. It offers safer, quieter evenings, easy access to attractions, and more affordable lodgings compared to upscale districts.
Yes. Many of the areas (Paulista Avenue, Jardins, Paraíso, Bela Vista, Consolação, Pinheiros, Vila Madalena, Itaim Bibi) are well served by public transport including metro, buses, taxis/Uber, making it fairly easy to get around.
The areas I have recommended you in this post are among the safer parts of São Paulo. However, usual urban safety precautions are advised: avoid showing valuables, stick to well-lit busy areas at night, use reputable transport when needed.
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