The “Free Walking Tours”
These free walking tours offer a great introduction to the city’s history, sights, culture, and local life. Led by professional guides in small groups, you can choose from three different routes: “Vieux Centre” (focused on the historic heart), “Vila Madalena” (exploring this trendy neighborhood known for its vibrant street art and graffiti), and “Avenue Paulista” (right in the middle of the city’s bustling cultural scene).
Brasilia
São Paulo
These free tours run on a collaborative economy basis. This means that instead of a set price, you are free to choose what you want to pay for the experience.
To make sure you get a spot, we highly recommend booking online: https://www.saopaulofreewalkingtour.com
Guided Tour of the Municipal Theatre
The theater offers a diverse and free program, including educational tours, themed visits, open-house days in the workshops, and artist residencies.
However, it is highly recommended to book in advance on their website: https://theatromunicipal.org.br/visitas-educativas/
Stroll through Parque do Ibirapuera
A massive green oasis right in the heart of the city, this 160-hectare park is the perfect spot for a stroll. You’ll even find a beautiful Japanese garden here.
There are always events and activities going on. Keep an eye on their website to see what’s happening during your visit: https://www.parquedoibirapuera.org/
Discovering Avenida Paulista
Spanning 2.8 km, Paulista Avenue is often called “the most expensive avenue in South America.” It’s the true heart of São Paulo, where you’ll find countless shops, hotels, cafes, and restaurants, alongside lively street performers and the iconic São Paulo Museum of Art.
We highly recommend visiting on a Sunday! The avenue is completely closed to cars every Sunday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Visiting the Tomie Ohtake Institute
Like many other buildings in São Paulo, the Institute’s architecture is a work of art in its own right. You can head inside for free to admire the contemporary art exhibitions. To check out the current exhibitions and opening hours, we recommend visiting their website: https://www.institutotomieohtake.org.br/en/
Head up to the top of the SESC
There are plenty of spots where you can catch a bird’s-eye view of the city. But very few of them are free… The SESC lets you head up to its terrace for free, offering a fantastic view of Paulista Avenue. All you need to do is download their app and book your slot to go up!
You can find all the details on their website: https://www.sescsp.org.br/unidades/avenida-paulista/
Check out Beco do Batman
This neighborhood is famous for its vibrant street art, lovingly kept up by the local community. Wandering through here, you’ll discover colorful streets, local artisan workshops, and plenty of cozy, stylish cafes and ethical boutiques that are well worth a stop!
Culinary stroll through the municipal market
Built between 1928 and 1933, the municipal market is one of the city’s must-see spots. Here you can discover fine and rare foods, but also, in the main restaurants, specialties from all over the world, like the famous mortadella sandwiches!
Touring the Liberdade district
This is where you’ll find the largest Japanese community outside of Japan. Historically, this community calls the Liberdade neighborhood home. Here, you’ll find streetlights shaped like torii gates, a fantastic Japanese food scene, manga cafes, and street art celebrating Japanese history—it’s truly a journey within a journey!
Wander through the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo pavilion.
This pavilion filled with modern art, located right in Ibirapuera Park, offers free exhibitions organized by the Bienal Foundation. The exhibitions here are thought-provoking, and the building’s architecture makes the stroll even more enjoyable.
You can find all the details about the exhibitions and how to get there on their website: https://bienal.org.br
Stepping inside the Metropolitan Cathedral
Even if you’re not particularly religious, this cathedral is well worth a visit. You can wander inside this massive cathedral, which stands 111 meters tall, or simply admire it from the outside. It’s one of the largest neo-Gothic cathedrals in the world and boasts the largest organ in South America!
Right out front, you’ll also find Marco Zero, a marble marker symbolizing the city center—the official starting point from which roads, highways, railways, and telephone lines are measured.
Summaries
