One weekend in São Paulo - Brazil

Hello everyone!!

Are you travelling by business or do you have quick time in São Paulo? Do you have just one weekend for visit this big city? Wooow...ok...don't worry I'll help you with some tips. São Paulo is the biggest city in Brazil then I'll talk about the main sights. Here we go!!

IBIRAPUERA PARK

Ride a bike: you can rent a bike in the Park. The best day to visit Ibirapuera Park is Saturday (or weekdays if you have free time), because on Sundays it's really crowded!

Planetarium: you should buy your tickets at least one week in advance, because the Planetarium receives many visitors everyday.

PAULISTA AVENUE

This avenue is great during the days or after hours!

Following some good places at Avenida Paulista:

Trianon Park - It's next to Trianon-Masp subway station. You can't ride a bike at Trianon Park, just walk is allowed. It's a good park on Paulista's heart.

House of breads: I love Bella Paulista Casa de Pães. They have takeaway or dine in options, however on Fridays and Saturdays nights, you need to be patient, because probably Bella Paulista will be crowded. 

Masp Gallerie: This place has a temporary expositions. Check on its website for more information and open hours.

Avenida Paulista has cycleway and some bike points by Bradesco and Itau Bank. You can rent a bike with ordinary credit cards.

Calçadão Urbanóide (Food Trucks): It is next to Trianon-Masp subway station as well. They are open 12pm until 10pm, however they are closed on Mondays!

Gastronomy

São Paulo has lot of restaurant options. I usually check the best places and plates at Comer & Beber magazine, but you can go in these places that I know:

Burger: I've visited some burger houses, but in my opinion the best Gourmet Burger is Zé do Hambúrguer. They have some sandwich options, however I recommend that you order it with green special mayo, it's so delicious!  

Other burger house options: Cadillac Burguer (nice ambiance), Johnny Rockets (traditional American burgers), Madero (if you go there, try palmito assado, it's really yummy), General Prime Burguer (they have good plates, but the milk shake menu are the best. I love the Nutella Milk Shake!!), Hamburguinho (since 1974, it's a modest place, however they have really good burgers. Do you remember about the green mayo that I've told you? They have the same mayo but this one with garlic. To be honest, I don't know witch one is better! LOL. 

Indian food: Tandoor.  They have a small menu, but it's good enough. 

Thay food: Namga. São Paulo has few options regarding Thay food. How about the food? Well, the food smell so good and yummy.

Pizzas: ahhhhh.... São Paulo and its pizzas!!! Let me tell you the top 3 pizzas in São Paulo: 

1º - Quintal do Bráz: good pizzas and nice ambience.

2º - Veridiana Pizza: yummy pizzas, expensive menu, lovely place and large queues.

3º - Padaria Estoril (Moóca region): Well, of course that I like a good and charmy place, but this modest bakery has some delicious pizza. You can eat in or takeaway. They sell whole pizza or just a slice. Fresh and warm pizzas all day...huuum...stop it!! I'm hungry already!!!

Barraca do Zé (Açaí): have you ever tried açaí? Believe me, you will like it (I hope..hahaha). Try açaí na tijela (açaí bowl). It looks like smooth ice cream. I've eaten it with banana, granola (muesli) and leite condensado (condensed milk). YUMMYYYYY!!!  

Bars: if you don't care about crowded place, go to Veloso Bar, they make traditional brazilian caipirinha (mix vodka and fruit). If you prefer beer, go to Bar Brahma.  Tip - the best Bar Brahma branch stays in São João Ave., corner with Ipiranga Ave. (these are the most famous streets in São Paulo Center). Brazil hasn't strict alcohol drinking rules. You can drink it everywhere and every time. You just need to be eighteen or above to buy beer. You can't drive if you are high, then take a taxi, subway or bus in these conditions.  

Steak House: the most popular steak house in São Paulo is Fogo de Chão. Well, somebody can disagree with me, but it isn't the best steak house in my opinion. I like Vento Haragano too. Another one that I like is Jardineira, but it's little bit more expensive. 

Would you like to make a happy hour? Then, go to Bar do Juarez (visit the one that stays next to Faria Lima Ave.) or you can go to Outback Steak House (São Paulo has lot of Outback branches). 

Pastel (snack): at Mercado Municipal de São Paulo, called "Mercadão", you'll find the famous "pastel" in market fairs. It looks like a stuffed fried pasta. They have big menu options! Are you a fit person? Good, but in São Paulo you will get fat LOL. Are you hungry yet? OMG, go to Hocca bar at Mercadão too, and order a "lanche de mortadela"  (mortadella sandwich). Stop here, if you eat something else, you will explode LOL.


Sweets: Have you ever heard about Cold Stone Creamery? Do you like Ice Cream? Then, go to Cold Stone now!!! Another good ice creamery is Freddo (from Argentine), obviously that the most popular Freddo's ice cream is dulce de leche flavor. 

ZOO

It isn't good in summer days, because probably it'll be hot and a dry weather. The day will turn tiring and the animals are will be lying and quiet. It's better on Spring and Autumn. 







Well, I think it's good enough for one weekend in São Paulo. Enjoy it!! ;)