Sao Paulo Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
🛡️ Safety & Logistics
1. Is São Paulo safe for tourists? Generally yes, but it requires “street smarts.” Most crime is opportunistic (phone snatching) rather than violent toward tourists in major areas.
2. What is the number one safety rule? Do not use your phone on the street. Go inside a shop, pharmacy, or lobby if you need to check a map or call an Uber.
3. Is it safe to walk at night? Stick to well-lit, busy areas like Avenida Paulista. In most other areas, even if they seem close, it is better to take an Uber.
4. What areas should I avoid? The “Cracolândia” area in the historic center and the streets surrounding Luz, República, and Sé stations at night.
5. Are Ubers safe? Yes, they are the preferred way for tourists to get around. Always confirm the license plate and the driver’s name before entering.
6. Can I wear jewelry? It is highly recommended to leave expensive watches and flashy gold necklaces at home. Simple wedding bands are usually fine.
7. Is the Metro safe? Yes, the São Paulo Metro is clean, efficient, and generally very safe during operating hours.
8. Do I need a visa? As of 2025, citizens from the US, Canada, and Australia need an eVisa to enter Brazil.
9. Can I use my credit card everywhere? Yes, Brazil is highly digital. Even street vendors usually have card machines. Bring some cash (R$100-200) for emergencies.
10. Do I need a CPF for everything? Many online systems (like bus tickets) require a CPF (tax ID). As a tourist, you often have to buy these in person at the station.
🏨 Where to Stay
11. What is the best neighborhood for first-timers? Jardins. It is safe, walkable, upscale, and close to Avenida Paulista.
12. Where should I stay for nightlife? Vila Madalena or Pinheiros. These areas are famous for their bar scenes and bohemian vibe.
13. Is it okay to stay in the Historic Center? Most Redditors advise against it due to the area’s decline and safety concerns at night, despite the beautiful architecture.
14. Where do business travelers stay? Itaim Bibi or Brooklin. These are modern, corporate hubs with high-end hotels.
15. Is Higienópolis a good choice? Yes, it is a wealthy, traditional neighborhood with great architecture and a quieter vibe.
16. Are Airbnbs secure? Most apartments in São Paulo are in gated buildings with 24/7 doormen (portaria), making them very secure.
17. Is Moema a safe neighborhood? Yes, it is very residential, flat (great for walking), and close to Ibirapuera Park.
18. Should I stay near a Metro station? Absolutely. Traffic in SP is legendary; being near the Green or Yellow metro lines will save you hours.
19. Is Vila Olímpia good for tourists? It’s great for shopping and dining, but it can feel a bit “sterile” and corporate compared to Pinheiros.
20. What is the “steep hill” warning for Jardins? Jardim Paulista is on a slope. Walking to Avenida Paulista is an uphill climb; walking back is easy.
🍽️ Food & Drink
21. What is a “Must-Try” restaurant? A Casa do Porco is frequently cited as the best, though you should book weeks in advance.
22. Where can I find the best Mortadella sandwich? The Municipal Market (Mercadão), but be wary of the “fruit scam” where vendors overcharge for exotic fruits.
23. Is the pizza really that good? Yes. São Paulo claims to be the pizza capital of the world. Try Braz or Veridiana.
24. What is a “Padaria”? A Brazilian bakery. They are open all day and serve everything from coffee to full dinners. Bella Paulista is a famous 24-hour spot.
25. Where is the best Japanese food? Liberdade is the Japanese district, but high-end Omakase spots are scattered throughout Jardins and Itaim.
26. What is Feijoada? The national dish (black bean and pork stew). It is traditionally served on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
27. What are “Coxinha” and “Pão de Queijo”? Essential snacks. Coxinha is fried chicken croquette; Pão de Queijo is gluten-free cheese bread.
28. Can I drink the tap water? No. Stick to bottled or filtered water provided by hotels and restaurants.
29. What is a “Churrascaria”? An all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse. Fogo de Chão is the famous chain, but NB Steak is a local favorite.
30. Where should I go for a view with my drink? Skye Bar at Hotel Unique or the Sesc Avenida Paulista lookout (must book the Sesc app in advance).
🏛️ Things to Do
31. What is the best thing to do on a Sunday? Avenida Paulista is closed to cars and becomes a massive street festival with music and food.
32. Which park is the best? Ibirapuera Park. It’s the “Central Park” of São Paulo and contains several museums.
33. What is Beco do Batman? An alleyway in Vila Madalena famous for its constantly changing, incredible street art.
34. Is MASP worth it? Yes, the Museum of Art of São Paulo has one of the best collections in the Southern Hemisphere and iconic architecture.
35. Where can I see capybaras? You can often spot them along the Pinheiros River or inside the USP (University of São Paulo) campus.
36. What is the “Minhocão”? An elevated highway that turns into a pedestrian park on weekends—great for seeing urban murals.
37. Which museum covers Brazilian history best? The Museu do Ipiranga (reopened recently) or the Museu Afro Brasil in Ibirapuera.
38. Where can I go for high-end shopping? Rua Oscar Freire or the JK Iguatemi mall.
39. Is there a “Soccer Museum”? Yes, the Museu do Futebol at Pacaembu Stadium is highly rated even for non-fans.
40. What is Liberdade like? It’s the heart of the Japanese community. Go on weekends for the street market, but expect massive crowds.
🚗 Transportation
41. How do I get from GRU airport to the city? Uber is easiest (approx. 1 hour). There is also a train (Line 13-Jade) that connects to the Metro system.
42. What is the “99” app? It’s a local competitor to Uber. Sometimes cheaper, but Uber is generally more reliable for foreigners.
43. Should I rent a car? No. Traffic is terrible, parking is expensive, and local driving is aggressive.
44. How do I pay for the Metro? You can buy a “Bilhete Único” or use QR codes via the “TOP” app. Some turnstiles now accept contactless credit cards.
45. What is the “Rodoviária”? The long-distance bus station. Tietê is the main one for trips to Rio or the coast.
46. How long is the bus to Rio? About 6 to 7 hours. The “Leito” (sleeper) buses are very comfortable.
47. Is there a city airport? Yes, Congonhas (CGH). It’s much closer to the center than GRU and great for domestic flights.
48. Are taxis better than Ubers? Generally no, but “Taxi Common” can use bus lanes, making them faster during rush hour.
49. Is it easy to walk between neighborhoods? São Paulo is massive and hilly. You can walk within a neighborhood, but you’ll need transport between them.
50. What is “Rodízio”? It means “rotation.” It applies to steakhouses (meat) and even some pizza or sushi places where food is brought to your table continuously.