São Paulo Travel Guide

Paulistanos, or residents of São Paulo, are known as a work-hard, play-hard bunch. Because Sampa (the city's nickname) is the financial and industrial hub of Brazil, it is filled with people of many different backgrounds. Portuguese is the official language, though Paulistanos know some English and many understand Spanish. You should probably learn some essential phrases in Portuguese to help you while you're visiting: olá (hello), bom dia (good morning), ó desculpe (excuse me), não compreendo (I don't understand), por favor (please), obrigado/a (thank you), Você fala inglês? (Do you speak English?) and Onde está o banheiro? (Where is the bathroom?) are a few to memorize. Also, write down the addresses of destinations in case you need to ask for help finding locations.

People in São Paulo typically don casual and comfortable clothing, but seeing as the city is a hotbed for fashion, you'll also notice many Paulistanos dressed to the nines in colorful attire. Since the city is a commercial hub, too, you'll encounter businessmen and women wearing suits to work.

When it comes to money, São Paulo's official currency is the real (BRL); since the real to U.S. dollar exchange range fluctuates, check what the current exchange rate is before you go. Major credit cards are also accepted at most restaurants, hotels and shops, though in smaller eateries and stores you may have more difficulty using a credit card. (Also, keep in mind some ATMs may not accept international debit cards.) Tipping in Brazil isn't required (a tip of around 10 percent is usually included as a service charge on the bill in restaurants), but it is appreciated. If the service charge isn't included on your bill, a tip of 10 to 15 percent should suffice.

As with many of the world's large metropolitan areas, Sao Paulo does have a dangerous side that can plague the unsuspecting tourist. Kidnappings, murders, rapes, muggings and robberies are not uncommon. Travelers should take several precautions to protect themselves while in the city, especially around the tourist areas and at night. Some tips: Do not wear expensive jewelry or watches. Travel with only as much cash as you'll need each day and leave the rest (and your passport) at your hotel or apartment. Keep wallets, purses, cellphones and cameras concealed and stay alert when you need to pull money out. If you're traveling with a laptop, be especially careful to conceal it in a backpack or your luggage. (Laptops are the No. 1 target of criminals in the city.)

Because the city is a melting pot, you can find cuisines from around the world in São Paulo. However, chances are you'll be looking for a traditional taste of Brazil. Try Mani or D.O.M., both of which consistently earn spots on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list (as voted on by world-renowned chefs, restaurateurs and restaurant critics). Earning its second Michelin star in 2018, Tuju is a standout for its innovative and exquisite seasonal cuisine. These venues spotlight Brazilian cuisine through robust flavors and authentic foods but are typically expensive and booked weeks – if not months – in advance.

Steakhouses (aka churrascarias) are another staple in Brazil and some of Sampa's best include Varanda Grill (travelers say steaks here are seasoned well and cooked "to perfection") and Barbacoa (visitors praise the salad bar in addition to the meat). Other eateries that win favor with critics, residents and travelers range from Italian classics at Bráz Pizzaria to Japanese fare at Kinoshita. Another excellent option is A Casa do Porco, one more restaurant on the world's best, which serves up pork, in creative and inventive ways to huge success.  

If you're looking for more casual or affordable eats, check out one of São Paulo's lanchonetes, which offer savory, light meals for cheap, or swing by a sandwich bar for a mortadella sandwich (a heaping mound of thinly sliced Italian mortadella sausage and provolone cheese on a sourdough roll) and an ice cold chop (beer). Travelers say the best sandwiches can be found in the Mercado Municipal. Whatever your budget, a great way to start any meal is with a refreshing caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail made with sugar cane liquor, sugar and lime.