Where to Stay in São Paulo – A Guide to the Biggest City in Brazil
São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, located in the southeast of the country.
This city is the third-largest metropolitan area in America, behind New York and Mexico City.
In addition, São Paulo is considered the richest and most populous city in Brazil, with the strongest economy in South America, which has made it one of the largest financial centers in the world.
São Paulo is also famous for its Gay Pride Parade that takes place on Paulista Avenue every year, between May and June.
Among the main attractions of São Paulo, there are the Beco do Batman or Batman Alley, an open-air museum dedicated to street art, as well as the Ibirapuera Park, with artificial lakes, a Museum of Modern Art and more than 150 hectares for recreation that has earned comparisons with New York’s Central Park.
The São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport is the main gateway to the city, with connections to countries such as the United States, Argentina, Chile, Germany, Spain, and London, among others.
When choosing the best time to travel to São Paulo, it is recommended to visit between April and September, with mild temperatures and little rain that allow you to explore the attractions of this city easily.
São Paulo also stands out for Caipiriña, a refreshing cocktail based on cachaca, sugar, and lemon that can be enjoyed in its many bars and nightclubs.
The transportation system in São Paulo is divided between metro, trains, and trolleybuses that run through most of its areas. In addition, since most of the city is flat, cycling is also a good option, depending on the season, considering that summers are usually very rainy.
When choosing between the best areas to stay in São Paulo, Brazil, Itaim Bibi stands out for its lively nightlife for all types of audiences and its many leisure offers(See accommodation in Itaim Bibi). On the other hand, São Paulo City Center is a good accommodation option for its good public transport connections and for hosting many attractions of the city (See hotels in São Paulo City Center).
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in São Paulo, Brazil
The best areas to stay in São Paulo, Brazil
1. Our favorite area: Itaim Bibi
Itaim Bibi is a district that is located southwest of São Paulo, and it includes some of the most elegant neighborhoods in the city such as Vila Olimpica.
This district is ideal for walking, eating, partying, shopping and visiting first-rate art galleries.
Itaim Bibi is also the favorite place for lovers of good cuisine because it has the best restaurants in the city.
In addition, this area serves as the home of the Villa Daslu shopping area, where department stores and luxury boutiques are located.
Itaim Bibi is a district that has sites of interest such as the Decio de Almeida Prado Theater, Mário Pimenta Camargo Park and the People’s Park, to name just a few.
This luxury area is well-connected by public transport and only 10 minutes from Paulista Avenue, the most important street in São Paulo.
Itaim Bibi is the best area to stay in São Paulo for nightlife, as it has many bars and clubs. However, it should be taken into account that accommodation in this area is usually more expensive, as it has many luxury hotels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in São Paulo:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Good restaurants
- Great public transport connections
- Luxury accommodation
- Best area for nightlife
- Best area for shopping
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Grand Mercure SP Vila Olímpia
The Grand Mercure SP Vila Olímpia offers comfortable rooms and all the support required by business travelers. The hotel has an impressive range of facilities designed for conventions and other events, and offers spacious meeting rooms.
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Budget
Ibis São Paulo Ibirapuera
Ibis São Paulo Ibirapuera is located in São Paulo, 1 km from Faria Lima x Juscelino Kubitschek Avenue. Guests can enjoy the hotel bar.
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Luxury
Intercity São Paulo Ibirapuera
Intercity São Paulo Ibirapuera, located 500 meters from Ibirapuera Shopping Center and 2 km from Ibirapuera Park, the largest green area in the city, offers an outdoor pool, restaurant, fitness center and free Wi-Fi.
2. São Paulo City Center
São Paulo City Center is the birthplace of the city, so it is full of historic sites to visit.
São Paulo City Center OR Centro São Paulo is made up of districts such as Bela Vista and Liberdade, adorned by baroque and neoclassical architecture.
Among the most important attractions in this area are the Portuguese Language Museum and the Pinacoteca of the State of São Paulo, two of the oldest and most important art centers in Brazil.
The Plaza de las Artes or Art Square, the Rock Gallery and the Museum of Diversity are other attractions found in this area.
Centro São Paulo has affordable accommodations, but caution is recommended when moving through this area at night.
The City Center is connected to the rest of São Paulo by train and metro.
This is one of the best areas to stay in São Paulo because it is the heart of the city.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in São Paulo:
- Heart of the city
- Pinacoteca of the State of São Paulo
- Good public transport connections
- Cheap hotels
- Portuguese Language Museum
- Rock Gallery
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Nobile Downtown São Paulo
Nobile Downtown São Paulo is located in the center of Sao Paulo, 300 meters from Republica Metro Station and 3 km from 25 de Março Street, and offers an outdoor swimming pool.
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Budget
155 Hotel
Located in the Consolação neighborhood of São Paulo, the 155 Hotel is 1.5 km from the Frei Caneca shopping center and the Sírio-Libânes hospital. The property offers private parking for a fee.
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Luxury
Novotel Jaraguá São Paulo Conventions
This Novotel is located in the heart of São Paulo, one block from Anhangabau or the Republica metro station. It has 2 restaurants, an equipped gym and offers facilities for people with reduced mobility.
3. Pinheiros
Pinheiros is one of the oldest districts in São Paulo and includes neighborhoods such as Jardim das Bandeiras, Jardim das Rosas and Vila Magdalena that are located west of the city.
This area has a wide selection of restaurants, breweries, and cafes, as well as several cultural centers.
It is in this area that a traditional Brazilian festival full of music, dance and traditional food is organized every year, between June and July.
Pinheiros is one of the best areas to stay in São Paulo for its many leisure options for bohemian public, hipsters and travelers who want to know the most authentic side of the city.
On weekends, its inhabitants congregate at Praça Benedito Calixto, a space where live music is enjoyed and an antique fair with very interesting items is held.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in São Paulo:
- Charming hotels
- Bohemian area
- Good area for nightlife
4. Bela Vista
Bela Vista is a neighborhood located in the perimeter of the central area of São Paulo.
Within its limits is Paulista Avenue, which separates Bela Vista from Jardim Paulista.
It is in this area that the most important attractions of the city are found, as well as many cafés, theaters and the São Paulo Museum of Art.
Bela Vista houses a large number of Italian restaurants that make it one of the best areas to stay in São Paulo for foodies.
In addition, it is known as the theater district for venues such as the Sergio Cardoso State Theater.
The district connects with the rest of the city by lines 2 and 6 (green and orange) of the metro, so it is easy to move to other neighborhoods.
This central district is one of the best areas to stay in São Paulo for its different sites of interest, good transport connections and accommodation of all kinds.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in São Paulo:
- Relatively central
- Theater District
- São Paulo Museum of Art
5. Jardins
Jardins is a step away from Paulista Avenue and the São Paulo Museum of Art, one of the most important museums on the continent.
This neighborhood brings together the most exclusive of the city in terms of hotels, entertainment centers, and designer shops, showing one of the most luxurious facets of São Paulo.
It also has the best sushi restaurants, bars, cafes, apartments and hotels that have brought it the reputation of being one of the best areas to stay in São Paulo.
The Museum of Imagem e do Som is also located here, with multimedia exhibitions, as well as the Museum of Casa Brasileira.
Jardins is a residential area of the upper-class that is ideal for those seeking tranquility during their stay in the city. In addition, it has been an important location in Brazilian soap operas.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in São Paulo:
- Peaceful area
- Luxury area
- Museu da Imagem e do Som & Museu da Casa Brasileira
6. Jardim Paulista
Jardim Paulista is an exclusive area in the western part of São Paulo, in the region that includes Paulista Avenue and, at the same time, several neighborhoods.
This area is located in one of the highest parts of the city, called Pico Paulista, home to a good percentage of the upper class of São Paulo.
This cosmopolitan place is one of the most important business centers in the city, with business-type hotels and all kinds of spaces designed for those who visit São Paulo for work.
Jardim Paulista has the best restaurants and bars, the most diverse leisure centers and luxurious hotels, so it is among the best areas to stay in São Paulo.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in São Paulo:
- Paulista Avenue
- Best area for business travelers
- Business-type hotels
7. Liberdade
Liberdade is the district of Sao Paulo that is located in the central area of the city, near the City Center and about 400 meters from Paulista Avenue.
This neighborhood has a metro stop in its main square and several bus lines that connect it with the rest of the city.
This area stands out for housing a good percentage of Asian immigrants, housing many quality oriental food restaurants. Therefore, it is a good idea to stay in this area during the celebration of the Festival of Flowers (in April) or the Festival of Stars (in July).
Liberdade is known for preserving some houses of Japanese aesthetics and other typical elements of Japanese architecture.
Liberdade is one of the best areas to stay in São Paulo, as it has a wide range of hotels for any type of budget and a very central location.
However, caution is recommended in this area, as it is not the safest area to stay in São Paulo.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in São Paulo:
- Asian restaurants
- Very central location
- Great variety of hotels
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