The Perfect Two Days in Sao Paulo: Budget Itinerary
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São Paulo isn’t just Brazil’s biggest city — it’s one of South America’s most underrated cultural destinations.
I spent three days here during a three-week solo trip to Brazil wandering São Paulo’s museums, exploring the food scene, and tracking down the best street art — and I loved every minute of it.
But … I also love big cities.
São Paulo is a massive, buzzing place, so if you’re not really into the big-city vibe, it can definitely feel overwhelming. And if you just have a couple days here, it can be difficult getting a lay of the land and figuring out what to prioritize.
If you only have two days in Sao Paulo, this itinerary makes sure you experience the best of it, fast.
I’ll make sure you get to all the must-see spots that you can comfortably pack into just a couple days in Sao Paulo, from Beco do Batman — the city’s iconic, world-famous street art — to its historic core.
And perhaps most importantly — it’s all possible on a budget! I always aim to keep my spending to a minimum, without sacrificing any of a place’s highlights or anything that I really want to do, and that’s exactly what I did in Sao Paulo.
Here’s how to soak up São Paulo’s best street art, eats, and cultural gems, without breaking the bank — all in just two days.
Day 1: Vila Madalena and Ibirapuera Park
Morning
I can never resist an artsy city, and Sao Paulo is definitely up there (along with Valparaiso, Chile) for me when it comes to street art. And one of its best areas is undoubtedly in the Vila Madalena neighborhood.
This is a colorful, bohemian neighborhood that’s popular among travelers since you’ll find lots of affordable accommodation options, restaurants, and bars. It’s where I stayed and I would absolutely recommend it — it felt safe and easy to navigate (and that’s coming from someone who is constantly getting lost), and its art just really takes it to the next level.
Although it’s well worth wandering around and exploring the neighborhood overall, you definitely want to make sure to make it to Beco de Batman, aka “Batman Alley.”
It’s seriously one of my favorite places in Sao Paulo and a must while you’re here. Back in the day it was more of a hidden gem, and today, that’s definitely not the case, but nonetheless, it’s well worth a trip.
Here, you’ll see murals and graffiti practically everywhere you look. There’s a ton to see, including its more famous pieces like one of Batman and the Joker kissing, and another of legendary Brazilian soccer player Pelé and Batman. (Don’t worry, not all of the art is of Batman.)
I came here on a free walking tour, which was a great way to learn more about some of the art and artists. But, I don’t think a guided tour is necessary to enjoy Batman Alley. It’s free and open to visit 24/7. I went in the morning on a weekday and it wasn’t at all crowded.
You could spend the morning wandering around here until lunch time, but if you’re up for a museum, you can head to the nearby Tomie Ohtake Institute, which is less than a mile away from Beco de Batman.
Sao Paulo has a ton of top-notch museums (we’ll get to a couple later on), and this one wasn’t initially on my radar. But I had some time to kill before my flight, and an employee at my hostel recommended it to me. I ended up loving it!
First of all, the building itself is amazing, with super interesting architecture. But it also houses some really cool contemporary art exhibits. It’s closed on Mondays and has free admission!
Places to eat around Vila Madalena
Sao Paulo’s rich cultural fabric is one of the reasons why it’s one of Brazil’s best cities. Its significant Italian population is one example of that — and as a result, you can definitely expect to find lots of great Italian food here!
One of its standout spots is this Michelin-guide Italian restaurant, which is known for their fresh pasta. If you’re from the U.S. you’ll find prices are pretty reasonable, with their most expensive pasta dish priced at $98 BRL, or around $15 USD at the time of writing. Keep in mind that they close between 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
This restaurant brings the Amazon to Sao Paulo. I’m honestly super intrigued by this one and have to go next time!
Their whole menu is inspired by the culinary traditions and ingredients local to the Amazon, and everything looks so interesting and delicious. The prices look pretty good too, with most entrees between R$45/~$8USD and R$99/ ~$17 USD, with a tasting menu available for R$129/$21.92.
Technically in Vila Madalena’s next door neighbor, Pinheiros, Feijoada da Lana is beloved for its — you guessed it — feijoada. For those who are unfamiliar, this is Brazil’s national dish, a bean and meat-based stew. If you’re not super adventurous when it comes to cuts of meat, you’re in luck, because it’s buffet-style (Brazilians really love their buffets), so you can choose whichever types of meat you want.
These places are only open for dinner, but if you’re staying in Vila Madalena or just end up coming here later in the day, here are a couple other highly-rated options:
- CARLOS PIZZA — Amazing Neapolitan-style pizzas (obviously) that are pretty reasonably-priced.
- CAIS — Known for seafood, Cais is in the Michelin Guide and has also been rated as one of the world’s top 50 restaurants! I didn’t come here but it looks like a great spot if you’re celebrating something/looking for a more upscale meal.
Afternoon
Next, let’s head to another one of Sao Paulo’s best-known spots: Ibirapuera Park. It’s a few miles from Vila Madalena, so grab an Uber.
(Ubering is super accessible, safe, and affordable in Brazil, so I recommend using it with this itinerary when you need to get between neighborhoods, especially since we’re short on time.)
But ok, back to the park — often compared to Central Park in New York, this massive 390-acre park hosts all types of events and programs, and also has lots of walking and biking trails.
Although I love a big city, I definitely need some green space in my life too, so I loved just walking around here and enjoying some nature.
Apart from just wandering around, there are all kinds of other things to do here, from seeing Oscar Niemeyer architecture (he’s one of Brazil’s best-known architects), to visiting a planetarium, but there are two main sights that I think are especially worth it.
The Museu de Arte Contemporanea, or the Contemporary Art Museum, often referred to as MAC, is part of the University of Sao Paulo and is one of the biggest art museums in the country. It has one of the best collections of Brazilian modern art, but you’ll also find lots of work by international artists, as well.
I love museums that incorporate all kinds of mediums, especially photography, and this museum does that well, with sculptures, photos, paintings, and more.
And perhaps most importantly — it’s free!
This next museum I sadly didn’t make it to — which I’m honestly kicking myself for.
It’s the Afro Brazil Museum, which houses over 6,000 works dedicated to Afro-Brazilian culture. In case you didn’t know, Brazil has the largest Black population outside of countries in Africa, and the Black community has played an enormous role in shaping many of the things Brazil is best known for today — from its music, to Carnival, and foods like feijoada.
In short, this museum looks like an amazing part to learn more — and it supposedly has all types of things to check out, from photographs, to sculptures, ceramics, documents, jewelry, and so much more. Although the focus is of course on Brazil, it also has some items from other places like the U.S., Haiti, Cuba, and the African continent.
This museum is 100% at the top of my list for my eventual return to Sao Paulo — so don’t be like me, and don’t skip it!
It’s closed on Mondays and costs R$15 ($2.54 USD at the time of writing).
Where to eat near Ibirapuera Park
One thing I didn’t mention earlier about MAC, the contemporary art museum, is that they have a rooftop restaurant that’s in the Michelin guide! I didn’t get to check it out, but people rave about it especially for the view. Despite being so lauded, the prices actually seem reasonable, so I’m sure it’s worth checking out!
This is a Brazilian restaurant in Paraíso, another neighborhood that borders the park. It’s about a mile-and-a-half away from the Afro Brazil Museum.
You’ll find lots of Brazilian classic dishes like moqueca, a seafood stew, and feijoada, among other options. They have a weekday lunch option that costs $89 BRL (around $15) which includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert, as well.
Did you know that Brazil actually has the largest population of Japanese people outside of Japan? With a large population concentrated in Sao Paulo, there are a ton of great Japanese restaurants here, and this is another one. In fact, it’s one of the best — and was even rated as one of the world’s top 50 restaurants.
You’ll find everything from sashimi to udon, and offer a tasting menu (that’s pricey) along with an a la carte menu. They’re also located in Paraíso, about two miles from the Afro Brazil Museum.
Day 2: Centro & Avenida Paulista
Morning
To me, the historic center is just the heart and soul of a city, so definitely spend a few hours or so exploring some of what Sao Paulo’s Centro Historico has to offer.
I know we’ve already gone to an art museum, but this one’s really worth it too, I promise!
Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo is all about Brazilian art, from the 19th century onward, and has three separate buildings you can explore.
It’s open Wednesdays through Sundays and costs R$30, or $5.22 USD at the time of writing. However, it’s free on Saturdays, and the second Sunday of the month. You can get your tickets either online or right at the door, which is what I did, and didn’t have to wait or anything.
Since this area isn’t considered the safest (more on that in a second), I suggest Ubering directly to the museum from wherever you’re staying.
🚨 Although this is a good rule of thumb throughout Sao Paulo and Brazil, you’ll want to be extra careful to not flash your phone around while you’re in this area. Unfortunately, Centro isn’t considered the safest area, and robberies are not uncommon. I didn’t have any issues and felt very safe throughout my time in Sao Paulo, but it’s best to always be on guard. As a result, I seemingly have 0 photos from this area haha, since I kept my phone mostly put away. 🚨
As for the rest of the historic center, one of the city’s architectural gems worth checking out quickly is the Theatro Municipal de São Paulo, which was built in 1911 in Renaissance and Baroque styles.
If you have the time, it’s worth seeing if they have any shows available while you’re in Sao Paulo — they have everything from opera to ballet. Seeing a ballet here would be a dream for me!
The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil São Paulo is also here. I didn’t get to go, but they have another location in Rio de Janeiro that I’ve visited a number of times and always enjoy. Admission is free, and you can expect to find some interesting exhibits.
Another one of Sao Paulo’s most famous destinations, the Farol Santander, is in this area too. The 35-floor skyscraper is a cultural center with some exhibits, and is also a popular spot for its observatory deck.
I passed on this since I enjoyed a different rooftop (we’ll get to that in a bit) but this one seems to be even more well-known than the one I visited. Tickets are $45 BRL.
While doing your Brazil research for your trip, you’ve probably come across favelas at some point. They’re Brazil’s lower-income communities that have undergone many challenges over the years, from both local gangs and police.
I sadly didn’t get a chance to check The Favela Museum out, but it looks like it would be a really interesting way to learn more about them.
They’re open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and they close for lunch between 1 and 2 p.m. Admission is free!
Where to eat near Centro Histórico
MUNICPAL MARKET OF SAO PAULO
This is the one food option I’m listing for Centro Histórico, because it’s a destination in itself!
It’s a bit touristy, yes, but you’re a tourist, so why not?
You may hear it referred to as Cantareira or Mercadão, and it’s become a fixture of the city since it opened in the 1920s.
There are a ton of different vendors to check out here, and this market is particularly known for its impressive array of fruit.
Prices are way higher than elsewhere though, which isn’t surprising since this place is so popular — but nonetheless, it’s fun to walk around and just see everything. And just as a heads up, be prepared for some vendors to try really hard to get you to sample or buy something.
When it comes to an actual meal, you’ll also find lots of restaurant options here.
But what’s considered the thing to try is a mortadella sandwich, which you can get from Bar do Mané. This restaurant has been open in some capacity since the 1930s, and the famous sandwich came to be in the ‘60s.
In a sense, the mortadella has become a culinary symbol of Sao Paulo. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s a giant sandwich on toasted French bread that’s stuffed with griddled mortadella (a type of Italian pork sausage) and melted cheese. It’s super simple, and typically just has a mix of dijon and mayonnaise as well (I personally forego the mayo).
If you’re not feeling the sandwich, this spot is also known for their codfish, which is a popular fish to eat in Brazil. And like I said, there are plenty of other restaurants to check out here too.
I’m assuming hours vary by restaurant and vendor, but it seems like most places wind down between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Afternoon
If I had to pick the most famous area in Sao Paulo, it would be Avenida Paulista. It’s been compared to Fifth Avenue in New York, and while I don’t totally know if I totally agree, I can understand why.
Avenida Paulista has tons of tall buildings, restaurants, cafes, and all kinds of sightseeing, and in some ways feels like the city center.
Now, if your visit aligns with a Sunday, this place is even more special. It closes to cars and becomes pedestrian-only. It becomes filled with markets, street performers, vendors, music, etc.
Sadly, my time in Sao Paulo was limited to weekdays, so I didn’t get to experience this, but it’s definitely still worth visiting regardless of the day. Be sure to spend some time walking around and exploring.
And I hope you’re not tired of art museums yet, because one of São Paulo’s best art museums (yes, another one) is next on the agenda.
While here, one place you don’t want to miss is the Museu de Arte de São Paulo, or MASP.
This is considered to be one of the most important museums in the Southern Hemisphere, with 10,000 pieces of art from across the world, from antiquity until today, and was Brazil’s first modern museum.
You’ll find work by everyone from big art world names like Raphael and Picasso to little-known artists, and all types of mediums like photography, sculptures, drawings, clothing, and more. Definitely plan to spend at least a couple hours here — there’s a lot to see!
Tickets are R$75 ($12.73 USD) or R$37 ($6.28 USD) with a student ID (for my fellow budget travelers, this is the most expensive excursion in this itinerary!)
Admission is free on Tuesdays, but of course, it’ll be extra crowded then. I went on a Wednesday and had to wait in line for a bit to get my ticket, but it wasn’t bad.
The museum is closed on Mondays.
If you’re up for another quick stop, the Japan House São Paulo is also in this area. Japanese immigrants and culture have had a huge influence in Sao Paulo, and this cultural center is a great place to learn a bit about it.
They have rotating exhibits on Japanese design and culture, and it’s relatively small, so you won’t need much time here.
It’s also free 🙂
If you’re not wiped out by this point and are looking for something else to do, you can also check out SESC Avenida Paulista. It’s a cultural center that hosts all types of workshops and events, but the main draw is the viewpoint on the 17th floor.
Like I said, Sao Paulo is a huge city, and you can get a really cool view of it from above here. And it’s free to visit!
Back when I went, I visited as part of another walking tour, so I didn’t deal with this. But I have read that nowadays you need to make a reservation to visit the viewpoint, which you can get more info about here. (The website is only in Portuguese but either use a Chrome extension to automatically translate or pop it into Google Translate.) You’ll have to download the Credencial SESC app, which is a bit annoying, I have to admit.
Tickets are apparently released for each week every Tuesday at 10 a.m. with some day-of tickets becoming available at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays and at 10 and 2 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Where to eat on Avenida Paulista
This is a chill, no-frills sushi bar that has great quality food. Meals aren’t cheap, especially by Brazilian standards, but if you’re coming from the U.S., it will probably seem pretty moderately-priced to you. Keep in mind that they close in the middle of the day for a few hours, so if you’re eating during an off-time, you may miss them.
This beautiful Italian restaurant is all about the ambiance — it’s located within Casa das Rosas, which is a historic mansion/museum that’s free to visit. It dates back to the 1930s, when Avenida Paulista was a residential street, rather than the massive commercial street it is today.
The onsite restaurant, Caffe Ristoro has a cafe menu as well as a rotating lunch menu that includes various pastas, meats, and salads.
According to Google, they close at 6:30 on Mondays, 7 p.m. on Sundays and Tuesdays, and 9 p.m. the rest of the week, so just keep that in mind if you’re looking for a later dinner spot.
Not technically on Avenida Paulista but a few blocks away, this Palestinian restaurant/bar/cultural center in the Bela Vista neighborhood has a ton of great ratings and is on my list for next time! Depending on the day you may even catch some live music here. It looks like a fun place for a meal or even just for a drink.
Best bars in Sao Paulo
If on either (or both) days of this itinerary, you’re looking for nightlife, you’re definitely in luck, because Sao Paulo has a ton of great options!
In general, I haven’t found that Brazil has a huge cocktail culture like in the U.S. — at least apart from caipirinhas. Sao Paulo, however, seems to have a number of cocktail-centric spots, and is home to a bunch of places that have received international attention over the years. This was great news for me, personally, since I’m not a huge beer drinker.
But anyways, with a ton of options to choose from, here are some places to check out:
Bar Astor is one of those examples of cocktail-forward spots. Although they’re mostly known for their drinks, they have a solid food menu as well. Plus, it’s all set in a really cool ambiance. They have a few different locations throughout the city, including one in Vila Madalena.
This Japanese-style bar and restaurant is in the Pinheiros neighborhood and is known for serving some of the best cocktails in the city. This is a trendier spot that has shown up on “best bars in the world” lists, so keep in mind that prices are higher as a result. They also serve “pan-Asian” cuisine, which includes things like noodles, dumplings, and sandwiches.
This bar is also in Pinheiros and is known for its cozy atmosphere and solid drink and food menu. Their signature offering seems to be the “bolovo,” which to be totally honest I had never heard of before writing this, but is a Brazilian version of a Scottish egg … which I’ve also never heard of. Apparently it’s a street food made of a hard-boiled egg that’s been wrapped in minced meat.
Allegedly inspired by the hotel bar in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” if that speaks to you, this bar is located in the Municipal Theater of Sao Paulo in Centro Histórico, and has also earned itself a spot on the “World’s 50 Best Bars” ranking at some point.
Also in Centro Historico, this is one of the city’s most popular rooftop bars. They have vintage decor and typically have live music or other events here.
Are two days in Sao Paulo enough?
Honestly … no.
With only two days, it’s really only enough time to experience some of the highlights of Sao Paulo, and not much more. Like I said, it’s a massive city, with so many museums, amazing restaurants, and just a ton to explore. I spent three days here and even just having one extra day helped me cover a lot more ground, but I’m still so far from seeing it all.
In this itinerary, we’ve definitely made the most of just two days — it’s enough time to check some of the top sights off our list, and to try at least a couple of Sao Paulo’s amazing restaurants.
And if you’re not into big cities, then two days may work perfectly for you!
If you end up having extra time during your Brazil itinerary, or just are looking for an alternative, here are some more ideas of things to do here:
- If your visit coincides on a Sunday, head to Liberdade, a neighborhood known as Sao Paulo’s Little Tokyo. On Sundays, they have a street market that’s a great place for trying different street food, and is just all-around a fun time, so I’ve heard! Although Sunday would be especially fun, it’s a cool neighborhood to check out any day.
- If you’re looking for a day trip that’s out of the city, you can head to Santos, a beach town just under two hours away.
This day-trip will arrange all your transportation for you, and includes stops in a couple other areas, São Vicente, and Guarujá, too! I haven’t been, but looking at this tour literally makes me want to go!
- As someone who has literally 0% interest in sports, I always overlook the fact that Brazil is a huge soccer destination … sorry.
But on that note, I do know that Sao Paulo is a great place to see a game. What I also have heard is that games can be pretty chaotic, so maybe enjoying a game with a local is your best bet for a smooth/safe experience. If that speaks to you, take a look at this experience with a local guide who will take you to a Palmeiras game.
- Check out this things to do guide for more ideas — I’ve got a few awesome museums here that I couldn’t fit into this itinerary, plus a couple of other cool neighborhoods to explore!
Where to stay in Sao Paulo
Now that you’ve got your sightseeing squared away, it’s time for one of my favorite parts of trip planning — picking where to stay!
I break down all the best neighborhoods to stay in with affordable accommodation options in this guide, but here are my top three picks if you’re short on time:
LAGHETTO STILO SAO PAULO
Located in my all-time favorite Sao Paulo neighborhood Vila Madalena, Laghetto Stilo São Paulo has all the amenities you could possibly need, from a fitness center to a restaurant that serves Brazilian and international cuisine. It’s rated a 9.0 on Booking.com with over 2,000 reviews, so you can trust that you’ll have a comfortable stay.
🪴 Looking for a safe, stylish stay close to the action? Laghetto Stilo checks all the boxes.
Ô DE CASA HOSTEL
Hostels weirdly get so much stigma, but I will forever be a hostel defender. This hostel also has a 9.0 on Booking.com, and you get lots of options here depending on your budget, ranging to a bed in a shared dorm, to a private room, to a whole suite.
🍻This budget stay doesn’t sacrifice any comfort, and is the ultimate spot for solo travelers hoping to meet others in Sao Paulo! Book your stay before it’s gone.
MARAVILHOSO APARTMENT
Prefer a more private stay? Here, you get all the perks of a hotel, like a 24-hour front desk, and facilities like a laundry room, a gym, and a laundry room, with your very own private apartment. Plus, the view really brings this place over the edge for me — you get a really amazing skyline view here.
🌇Unreal views, a rooftop pool, and a space all to yourself? Your perfect stay at Maravilhoso Apartment is waiting for you!
If you’re looking for some more options, you’ll definitely want to check out this neighborhood and accommodation guide.
It’s got different options at a range of prices and accommodation types — from hostels, to boutique hotels, and private apartments — across all of São Paulo’s best neighborhoods.
And for some more of my favorite things to do that I couldn’t fit into this quick two-day itinerary — plus some other info you need to know before visiting — check out this post.
