São Paulo, Brasil

View from Fasano Itaim

Sao Paulo is my hometown and we make sure to visit at least once a year. With a vibrant food scene, fun nightlife and engaging cultural experiences, Sao Paulo is a must for travelers and families of all types. Below are some spots and activities to do next time you are in São Paulo, Brasil

Where to stay?

1. Hotel Fasano São Paulo (Jardins)

• Vibe: Old-world European sophistication, quiet luxury, understated & timeless.

• Neighborhood: Jardins (Rua Vitório Fasano). Unbeatable walkability to high-end boutiques on Oscar Freire, fine dining, and art galleries.

• The Highlights:

  • Iconic English-leather and brick architecture designed by Isay Weinfeld.

  • Home to the legendary Fasano Restaurant (Italian fine dining) and Baretto (one of the world's best jazz bars).

  • Exceptional, discreet service where staff anticipate every need.

• Family Consideration: Very welcoming to families in terms of service, though the ambiance is distinctly refined and formal. Perfect if you value a quieter, low-key luxury atmosphere in a walkable residential/shopping neighborhood.

2. Fasano Itaim

• Vibe: Modern luxury, contemporary chic, corporate-meets-lifestyle.

• Neighborhood: Itaim Bibi (Rua Pedroso Alvarenga). Located in São Paulo’s bustling financial and dining epicenter.

• The Highlights:

  • Sleeker, taller, and more modern than its Jardins counterpart, featuring sweeping city views.

  • Exceptional rooftop pool area overlooking the skyline.

  • Excellent on-site dining (Gero) and immediate proximity to the city's trendiest modern restaurants and business hubs.

• Family Consideration: Great location if you want to be near top restaurants and shopping centers (like JK Iguatemi). It caters heavily to high-end business travelers and couples, but offers spacious, modern suites.

3. Rosewood São Paulo

• Vibe: Avant-garde, artistic, maximalist luxury, cultural oasis.

• Neighborhood: Bela Vista / Cidade Matarazzo (near Avenida Paulista). A secluded enclave restored from a historic maternity hospital.

• The Highlights:

  • Stunning architectural design by Jean Nouvel with interiors curated by Philippe Starck, featuring thousands of works by Brazilian artists.

  • Exceptional amenities: multiple world-class restaurants (Taraz, Blaise), vibrant cocktail bars (Rabo di Galo), and two stunning outdoor swimming pools set amidst lush gardens.

  • A true urban resort feel—you don't feel like you're in the middle of a concrete jungle.

• Family Consideration: Top pick for families. The sprawling grounds, outdoor garden pools, warm hospitality, and immersive visual environment make it very engaging and comfortable for traveling with children without compromising an inch on 5-star sophistication.

4. Hotel Unique

• Vibe: Bold, architectural icon, high-energy, design-forward.

• Neighborhood: Jardim Paulista (near Ibirapuera Park).

• The Highlights:

  • Famous "watermelon slice" building designed by Ruy Ohtake.

  • Home to Skye Restaurant & Bar, featuring the famous red rooftop pool with panoramic views over Ibirapuera Park and the skyline.

  • Spacious, curved-wall rooms with fun, modern design elements.

• Family Consideration: Located very close to Ibirapuera Park (ideal for outdoor walks with kids), but the hotel itself has a very vibrant, nightlife-adjacent energy (especially around the rooftop bar in the evenings). Best for travelers looking for a bold visual statement and lively social scene.

Our favourite Museums

MASP

MASP (Museu de Arte de São Paulo)

Museum of Art of São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand Click to open side panel for more information is Brazil's premier fine arts museum, world-renowned for housing the most comprehensive collection of Western European art in the Southern Hemisphere alongside a vast selection of Brazilian art.

• Focus: Fine art spanning classical masterpieces, Impressionism, Modernism, and contemporary works (including pieces by Rembrandt, Monet, van Gogh, and Picasso).

• Architecture: Located on Avenida Paulista, the landmark building designed by Lina Bo Bardi features a dramatic suspended red-frame design and glass picture easels inside that allow visitors to wander freely among floating artworks.

• Best For: Traditional and modern art enthusiasts, architectural sightseeing, and first-time visitors to São Paulo.

MIS

MIS (Museu da Imagem e do Som)

Museu da Imagem e do Som (MIS) Click to open side panel for more information focuses on contemporary visual and auditory media, housing over 200,000 items covering film, photography, music, video, and sound recordings.

• Focus: Pop culture, cinema, photography, and sound art, featuring dynamic, highly immersive temporary exhibitions dedicated to iconic figures and media universe themes.

• Vibe: Modern, interactive, and tech-forward, frequently hosting film screenings, workshops, and music festivals alongside its main galleries.

• Best For: Movie buffs, pop culture fans, photography lovers, and visitors seeking multimedia or multi-sensory experiences, usually great for kids.

Ibirapuera Museum (Museu Afro Brasil)

This is a great one to go if you decide to spend the day in Ibirapuera park. Located inside Ibirapuera Park, Museu Afro Brasil Click to open side panel for more information highlights the cultural, historical, and artistic contributions of African diaspora and Afro-Brazilian creators from the 18th century to the present day.

• Focus: Over 8,000 items including sculptures, paintings, sacred objects, ethnographic artifacts, and historical documents spanning religion, labor, slavery, and contemporary art.

• Setting: Housed inside the Padre Manoel da Nóbrega Pavilion designed by Oscar Niemeyer, offering a direct integration with the surrounding greenery of Ibirapuera Park.

• Best For: Travelers interested in history, social identity, cultural heritage, and combining a museum visit with outdoor park recreation.

Where to eat:

It is unfair to make any list of restaurants in Sao Paulo as the reality is that you are likely to eat extremely well wherever you go. The list below is simply the ones we continue to return to because they are family favourites

1. Manioca (Iguatemi / Shopping)

• Cuisine: Contemporary Brazilian / Casual Fine Dining (by Chef Helena Rizzo of Maní).

• Vibe: Chic, lively, upscale casual.

• Neighborhood: Jardim Paulistano (located inside Shopping Iguatemi).

• The Experience: Manioca brings the soul of the 1-Michelin-starred Maní into an accessible, relaxed, all-day format. The menu highlights comfort food elevated by Brazilian ingredients: tapioca diced bites (dados de tapioca), slow-cooked meats, and refined pastries.

• Best For: A high-end, effortless lunch while shopping, business meetings, or a stylish family meal with young kids where formal fine dining isn't ideal.

2. Rodeio (Jardins)

• Cuisine: Traditional Brazilian Steakhouse / Churrascaria.

• Vibe: Classic, wood-accented, prestigious, old-money São Paulo.

• Neighborhood: Jardins (Rua Haddock Lobo).

• The Experience: A São Paulo institution since 1958. Rodeio is a polished, à la carte churrascaria famous for introducing the Picanha fatiada (sliced picanha) and serving legendary Arroz Biu-Biu. Unlike all-you-can-eat rodízios, Rodeio delivers a refined, sit-down steakhouse experience with impeccable service and a serious wine list. It is our favourite and the girls’ favourite and a must everytime we come. They have just renovated and moved to a beautifull new location so booking is essential

• Best For: Meat lovers, business dinners, multi-generational family gatherings, and traditionalists looking for classic Paulistano hospitality.

3. Metzi

• Cuisine: Modern Mexican meets Brazilian Ingredients (Chefs Luana Sabino & Eduardo Ortiz).

• Vibe: Trendy, intimate, highly acclaimed, gastronomy-focused.

• Neighborhood: Pinheiros.

• The Experience: Metzi is one of the most exciting dining destinations in Latin America (featured on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants). The chefs blend ancestral Mexican techniques (like authentic Oaxacan moles and nixtamalized corn) with native Brazilian biomes. It offers both à la carte options and a tasting menu alongside an extraordinary mezcal program.

• Best For: Adventurous foodies, date nights, culinary enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to experience cutting-edge Latin American gastronomy.

4. Restaurante Capim Santo

• Cuisine: Health-Conscious Brazilian / Tropical Comfort Food (Chef Morena Leite).

• Vibe: Airy, garden-inspired, relaxed, tropical.

• Neighborhood: Jardim Paulistano (Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, housed at the MCB/casarão grounds) & Instituto Tomie Ohtake.

• The Experience: Capim Santo focuses on fresh, aromatic, wholesome Brazilian cooking deeply rooted in Bahian heritage. Chef Morena Leite uses native herbs (like lemongrass/capim santo), seafood, tapioca, and tropical fruits. The setting features lush outdoor seating and a peaceful atmosphere.

• Best For: Leisurely weekend lunches, outdoor dining in nature, healthy yet flavorful Brazilian meals, and relaxed family outings.

5. Picchi

• Cuisine: High-End Italian / Michelin-Starred Fine Dining (Chef Pier Paolo Picchi).

• Vibe: Elegant, intimate, romantic, formal.

• Neighborhood: Jardins (Rua Oscar Freire).

• The Experience: Holding 1 Michelin Star, Picchi serves some of the most refined Italian cuisine in South America. Chef Pier Paolo Picchi seamlessly combines classic Italian recipes (house-made artisanal pastas, delicate game dishes) with select Brazilian ingredients. The atmosphere is sophisticated and quiet, with a world-class wine cellar.

• Best For: Romantic dinners, anniversary celebrations, food connoisseurs, and formal fine-dining occasions.

Funnest Stops with the family

1. ZooFoz (Morumbi)

• Type: Private, guided sanctuary & animal-assisted therapy farm.

• Best Age Range:2 to 8 years old (though engaging for all ages).

• The Experience: Unlike a traditional zoo, ZooFoz is a highly intimate, 2-hour VIP guided experience (by appointment only). Kids get up-close, hands-on interactions with over 100 gentle species—feeding deer, touching baby alligators, and meeting owls. It is educational, low-stimulation, and deeply calming.

• Family Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Top Pick for Young Kids)

• Verdict: Unbeatable for toddlers and young children who love animals without the overwhelming crowds of a major theme park.

2. Parque da Turma da Mônica (Shopping SP Market)

• Type: Massive indoor theme park based on Brazil's iconic comic universe.

• Best Age Range:3 to 10 years old.

• The Experience: 100% climate-controlled, safe, and vibrant. It features character meet-and-greets, interactive rides, climbing zones, and creative workshops. Because it's indoors, it is an ideal rainy-day option.

• Family Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best Indoor Theme Park)

• Verdict: Pure entertainment for children. It offers high energy, familiar local characters, and effortless logistics inside a shopping mall complex.

3. Animália Park (Cotia — ~45 min from SP)

• Type: Mega outdoor theme park & wildlife conservation reserve (Note: often referred to as Animália).

• Best Age Range:4 to 14+ years old.

• The Experience: Spanning 350,000 m², it combines a world-class zoo with a massive covered indoor/outdoor amusement park featuring roller coasters, a cable car (teleférico), and an enormous walk-through aviary.

• Family Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Best Full-Day Adventure)

• Verdict: Spectacular for active families with slightly older kids who want a full-day, high-energy theme park experience. It requires a short drive out of the city center and a full-day commitment.

4. Parque Ibirapuera (Jardim Paulista)

• Type: Iconic urban park, outdoor nature & cultural hub.

• Best Age Range:All ages (0 to 99).

• The Experience: The green heart of São Paulo. Families can rent bikes or family quadricycles, picnic near the lakes, visit the planetarium (Planetário Ibirapuera), and explore the modern playgrounds.

• Family Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best Outdoor Essential)

• Verdict: A mandatory stop for any family visiting São Paulo. It offers a relaxed, slow-paced atmosphere where adults enjoy the architecture (Oscar Niemeyer) while kids run free in green spaces.

5. Casa Bradesco (Cidade Matarazzo / Bela Vista)

• Type: High-end, immersive cultural & art center (adjacent to Rosewood São Paulo).

• Best Age Range:6+ years old (varies by current exhibition).

• The Experience: A sophisticated cultural destination set within the historic, restored Cidade Matarazzo complex. It hosts world-class, large-scale immersive art installations (such as Es Devlin's interactive mirror mazes and light works).

• Family Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Best for Cultured / Older Kids)

• Verdict: Ideal for cultured families with school-aged kids or teens who enjoy modern art and immersive visual setups. Less suitable for energetic toddlers who need to touch everything.

6. Vila Madalena (Neighborhood)

• Type: Bohemian, artistic neighborhood (featuring Beco do Batman).

• Best Age Range:8+ years old (or younger in strollers for a quick stroll).

• The Experience: Famous for street art, vibrant murals at Beco do Batman, indie boutiques, and outdoor cafés.

• Family Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Best for Photography & Older Kids)

• Verdict: Great for a 1-to-2-hour morning stroll to take family photos against colorful murals. However, its narrow, cobblestone, hilly streets and nightlife-centric vibe make it less ideal for long outings with very young children.

Parque Ibirapuera

Key Essentials for Visiting São Paulo with Small Kids

• Sidewalks & Strollers: Pavements are uneven and broken. Use a sturdy lightweight stroller, but keep a baby carrier handy for stairs and narrow streets.

• Skip Lines Legally: Brazil’s Prioridade law lets families with toddlers skip main queues at airports, museums, and restaurants. Use the Atendimento Preferencial lanes.

• Traffic Strategy: Rush hours (7:30–10:00 AM & 5:00–8:00 PM) stall the city. Cluster activities by neighborhood to avoid wasting hours in Ubers.

• Car Seats: Ubers and taxis do not provide child car seats. Bring a travel booster or pre-book a private car service if needed.

• Street Safety: Keep phones out of sight on sidewalks to avoid snatch-and-grab bicycle theft. Leave flashy jewelry at the hotel.

• Dynamic Weather: Temperatures swing quickly (especially during winter, when daily highs average around 22°C/72°F and nights drop to 12°C/54°F). Pack light layers and rain gear daily.

• Dining: Kids are welcome everywhere. Restaurants open late for dinner (7:00 PM+), but neighborhood padarias (bakeries) serve warm, child-friendly meals all day. Always stick to bottled water.