São Paulo Vacations

1. Cathedral of São Paulo

Don't miss a visit to this imposing building on your São Paulo vacation! The São Paulo Cathedral is one of the largest neo-Gothic churches in the world. It was only completed in 1954, but before that there were already other churches on this site. As the number of worshippers increased over the past 400 years, the sacred buildings became more spacious. Today, the cathedral holds approximately 8,000 people.

2. Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP)

Already the architecture of the art museum of São Paulo is a real eye-catcher. After all, the building designed by the architect Lina Bo Bardi seems as if it would float. Inside, the museum displays medieval as well as contemporary Latin American art on three floors. The collection ranges from Manet to El Greco to Goya and also includes impressive works by Brazilian artists. By the way, on Sundays there is an antique market in the square below the museum.

3. Avenida Paulista

During the week, the shopping street Avenida Paulista is the busy, six-lane main artery of the metropolis. On Sundays, however, it transforms into a pedestrian zone with a lively market. There you can really feel the life of the big city. Strolling, nibbling, shopping and haggling are on the agenda. If you want to take a break, you can watch one of the music and dance groups showing off their talents. Avenida Paulista is the meeting place for travellers and locals alike.

4. Pátio do Colégio

The oldest building and also the founding point of São Paulo is the Pátio do Colégio. The small museum in the former Jesuit church from the year 1554 tells about the city history as also about the religious development of São Paulo. In the simple, yet very elegant building you can admire sacral treasures or view the original documents of the Anchieta in the library. An insider tip: enjoy a cup of coffee here. The delicious bean is the reason for Brazil's wealth and is said to taste particularly aromatic in the Pátio.

5. Edifício do Banespa

You won't understand how big the city really is until you get a bird's eye view of it on your São Paulo vacation. And what better place for such a view than the tallest building in the city? In the case of São Paulo, it is the Edifício do Banespa bank building, completed in 1947, which rises dramatically above the city. From the observation deck, you can look out over the skyline that stretches to the horizon. On the 26th floor you will also find an interesting museum about the design and construction of this iconic building. Less