Ola, Tudo Bem ? … is the best way to greet Brasilian. A pleasant country, friendly & smily. What Else ? Good food comes as a complementary. My free time in Sao Paulo has been quite short. If you’re there for few days most activities are art, food & maybe you’ll be courageous enough to visit the Cathedral. Do not miss Japanese food.
Did you know that Brazil has the largest Japanese community outside of Japan ?
Do you Know why? To overcome the shortage of European workers in the coffee plantations. Brazilian & Japanese governments signed an immigration treaty in the beginning of 19’s.
What to do in Sao paulo ?
In terms of safety in Sao Paulo I felt really safe daytime while waking on the street day especially near Pinheiros & Itaim Bibi Quarters. Everyone was friendly and helpful. I would suggest not showing of jewellery, watches or expensive valuables.
My main recommendation would be to avoid going downtown. This rule apply to most of the cities in Brazil. I went to Sao Paulo downtown to visit the Se Cathedral, it wasn’t the same atmosphere. Quite doggy and scary at some point. Be extra cautious. At night better to take the taxi or Uber.
1 - SÉ CATHEDRAL
Back in 1589, Sao Paulo was a small village. At that time the cathedral was only a church that have been finish around 1616. After that date several destructions & constructions occured before they built the cathedral in 1911 under the archbishop Duarte Leopoldo e Silva.
The cathedral itself is very beautiful however the surroundings are a big chocking at first. I wasn’t expecting, be prepared there is a real breaking point between rich and poor. A lot of drug addicts sleeping on the ground, in the middle of the square, on the street. Living in such deplorable conditions. The air was nothing you want to breath in, strong smell of urine, lack of health and safety. Most of the building are abandoned, full of graffitis, was like a death part of the city. BE CAREFUL if you go there, don’t show off your phones or valuables & everything will be fine.
2 - ART GALLERY: INSTITUTO MOREIRA SALES
Also called IMS, the instituto is a modern building with Art exhibitions founded in 1990 by the Moreira Salles Family. Three photography exhibitions were opened during my stay, beautiful gallery. Marc Ferrez, Bazilian photographer born in Rio in 1843 & son of a French sculptor. On of the greatest photographer of its time due to innovations. Letizia Battaglia, Italian photographer and photo journalist born in 1935. Known for her work with the Sicilian Mafia. Sergio Larrain, Chilean photographer born in 1931, traveled in Europe taking street photography.
3 - DELICIOUS FOOD IN BALAIO IMS BY THE CHEF RODRIGO OLIVEIRA
I highly recommend the Ceviche, the famous Dadinho de tapioca & Baby Colada.
4 - A MICHELIN GUIDE RESTAURANT, FIGUEIRA RUBAIYAT
Don’t miss the famous tree restaurant in Sao paulo. Wellknown for its qualitative meat & services. This Restaurant has a beautiful space covered outdoor terrace with an giant century tree.
More details Here.
5 - STREET ART, BECO DO BATMAN
If there is an area you can’t miss in Sao Paulo. This is the one near Vila Madalena where in the 80’s artists started to paint the walls of Rua Goncalo Afonso & Rua Medeiros de Albuquerque. Its nickname is Beco do Batman due to the first graffiti initiated. Few streets are full of wall paintings. This beautiful, colourful spot is perfect for an artistic afternoon. Few painters and books lovers are coming to enjoy the place. Walls are covered of beautiful Art paintings. The area is quiet, with some restaurants & bars.
6 - JAPANESE MICHELIN GUIDE RESTAURANT NAKKA
Fresh & flavorful Japanese food in an intimate, discreet & elegant atmosphere. The menu offers interesting suggestions, fishes are from the highest quality & the chef is using the traditional Japanese cutting technic. You can see it Here.
7 - Mocotó café mercado de pinheiros
Mocotó café is a snacks restaurant located in the local market of Pinheiros. The Famous chef Rodrigo Oliveira opened this restaurant more laid-back than Balaio IMS. My favorite dish is the famous Dadinho de tapioca by Rodrigo Oliveira.
Tips for your trip :
1 – Enjoy the delicious food.
2 – Pay attention to your belongings, avoid downtown location.
3 – Take taxi at night in some area.
4 – Don’t freak out, if you’re respectful you should be fine. As a lady alone 10 days in Brazil, nothing happened to me.
Looking for other destinations in Brazil ?
In this article you’ll discover how to go to Lagoinha Do Leste located in Florianopolis, Brazil.
White sand and surrounded by mountains. Only accessible by hike.
Enjoy,
Xxx
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