Sao Paulo

Let's talk about São Paulo, or "Sampa," as residents often call it. Forget notions of Brazil's beaches and samba – this is the country's thumping economic and cultural heart. The vibe is a mix of relentless energy and surprising warmth; it's a concrete jungle where incredible street art, world-class restaurants, and lush parks burst through the cracks. It's chaotic, sure, but it's a chaos that feels alive and full of possibilities.

This city is anything but a tourist trap. Travelers come here to live it, not just see it. The food scene is phenomenal; one can eat a traditional Brazilian feijoada for lunch, have some of the best Japanese food outside of Japan for dinner in Liberdade, and grab a life-changing pão na chapa (buttered toast) at a corner padaria (bakery). The cultural offerings are immense, from the world-renowned São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) to the ever-changing graffiti at Beco do Batman (Batman Alley). The people-watching is a top-tier activity in itself, especially on a Sunday when Avenida Paulista closes to traffic and becomes a massive urban park for everyone to enjoy.

Paulistanos are a fascinating mix. As the economic engine of Brazil, the city has drawn people from all over the country and the world, creating a diverse and multicultural population. Travelers will find the largest Japanese community outside of Japan here, a strong Italian heritage in neighborhoods like Bela Vista, and influences from countless other cultures. People can seem rushed and busy (it's a bit like New York in that sense), but they are incredibly kind and helpful if approached. While Portuguese is the official language, English speakers are often found in most hotels and major tourist spots, but learning a few phrases in Portuguese will absolutely win points and open doors.

The food here is a highlight of any trip. Visitors absolutely must try a sanduíche de mortadela at the Mercado Municipal (the Municipal Market)—it's an absurdly large and delicious sandwich. Other essentials include coxinha (a savory chicken-filled dough), pão de queijo (cheese bread), and feijoada (a black bean and pork stew, traditionally served on Wednesdays and Saturdays). One can get a fantastic meal at a "kilo restaurant" where payment is by weight, or splurge at one of the city's many high-end spots. The simple joy of a fresh pastel (a thin, fried pastry with various fillings) from a street market is peak São Paulo.

São Paulo is a mega-city, and its infrastructure shows its age and strain. The internet is generally fast and reliable in major commercial and residential areas, as are power and water. However, expect inconsistencies. The public transport system, especially the metro, is excellent—clean, efficient, and often the preferred way to get around. Note that significant metro expansion is underway, with the first section of Line 17 (Gold) connecting Congonhas Airport to the rail network expected to open in 2025, and Line 6 (Orange) partially opening in late 2026 to connect the north to the city center. Buses are extensive but can be tricky for newcomers to figure out. The biggest infrastructure challenge is traffic; it's legendary for a reason, so factoring that into travel times is essential, especially when heading to the airport.

Most international travelers fly into São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU), located about 25 km from the city center. The most convenient option is to take a ride-hailing app like Uber or a licensed taxi from the official stands (like Guarucoop) at the airport, costing around R$150-200. For a more budget-friendly option, the Airport Bus Service runs to various points in the city, including Avenida Paulista and the Tatuapé metro station, for around R$39. There's also a train service, the Airport Express, which connects to Luz station, but it can be less frequent.

The Metro is an invaluable asset in São Paulo. It's clean, safe, and efficient. To use it, travelers need a Bilhete Único, a rechargeable transit card that works for the metro, trains (CPTM), and buses. These cards can be purchased and topped up at metro stations and newsstands. A single trip is very affordable. Within neighborhoods like Pinheiros, Vila Madalena, and Jardins, walking is a great way to explore. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and the local favorite, 99, are widely available and generally cheaper than traditional taxis for getting around places the metro doesn't reach.

São Paulo faces significant security challenges, despite the city's efforts to reduce overall crime rates. While São Paulo has seen a decline in its homicide rate over the past two decades, there has been a reported increase in intentional homicides in the city, rising 15.5% in the first half of 2025 compared to last year. Attempted homicides also surged by 51% in early 2025. Violent crimes remain a concern, including armed robbery and carjacking, which can occur at any time of day or night. Robbery, particularly mugging, is common in urban areas, with criminals sometimes forcing victims to withdraw money from ATMs. There have also been incidents of kidnapping, including "express kidnappings" where victims are coerced into transferring funds. Major security risks extend to targeted assaults, with criminals using dating apps or frequenting bars to drug and rob individuals (date drug scams). Always watch your drinks and avoid going to bars or leaving with strangers. Certain areas, such as informal housing developments (favelas) and the "Cracolândia" (Crackland) region, are considered highly dangerous and should be avoided. Public transportation, especially buses at night, carries a heightened risk of robbery and assault. To mitigate risks, tourists are strongly advised to avoid displaying valuables, refrain from walking alone at night, and never physically resist a robbery attempt. With all this in mind, millions of tourists visit every year and the vast majority of them have a lovely time with no issues at all. So, in all likelihood you will be fine, I just wanted you to be informed about the realities as its important to know what you are getting in to.