Southeast
São Paulo
Brazil's cultural and economic powerhouse
São Paulo state is the economic engine of Brazil, producing roughly one-third of the country's GDP and hosting South America's most diverse and cosmopolitan metropolis. The city of São Paulo is home to the world's largest Japanese community outside Japan, the most Michelin-starred restaurants in Latin America, and a cultural scene that rivals any global city in its ambition, museums and nightlife.
Capital
São Paulo
Region
Southeast
Estado
SP
Top Highlights
- 1MASP and Pinacoteca — world-class art museums on the iconic Avenida Paulista
- 2Liberdade district — the largest Japanese diaspora community outside Japan, with a lively weekend market
- 3Ilhabela — Atlantic Forest island with 300+ waterfalls, pristine diving and sailing
- 4Campos do Jordão — alpine mountain resort with European architecture and the Inverno festival
Best Time to Visit
April to September for cooler, dry weather in the capital; December to March for the beach season on the coast.
Traveller's Tip
São Paulo's traffic is notoriously intense — use the Metro (one of Latin America's best systems) for navigating the city center.
