This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Planning a trip to São Paulo? You’re in the right place!
This buzzing Brazilian city has a rhythm all its own, with a mix of skyscrapers, leafy parks, world-class museums, and some of the best food we’ve ever tasted. We love how one moment you’re sipping a strong coffee in a bustling café, and the next you’re wandering quiet streets filled with street art and hidden gems.
From sky-high adventures to laid-back escapes by the sea, São Paulo is full of surprises. Whether you’re here for a quick stop or a longer stay, we’ve rounded up the top tours and experiences to make your visit unforgettable.
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in São Paulo was this private city tour. From wandering through lush Ibirapuera Park to marveling at the grand Sé Cathedral, every stop showed us a different side of the city. It’s endlessly fun and insightful!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in São Paulo
- 1. Feel the thrill of a tandem skydive
- 2. Explore the best of São Paulo on a private city tour
- 3. Uncover the hidden history of São Paulo on two wheels
- 4. Take in breathtaking views on a helicopter flight
- 5. Connect with nature on an eco-walk
- 6. Taste your way through São Paulo
- 7. Escape to Brazilian Switzerland on a full-day trip
- 8. Relax by the sea on a private Santos beach tour
- 9. Snap iconic photos with a professional photographer
- 10. Hike through lush rainforest
- Where to Stay in São Paulo, Brazil
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in São Paulo
1. Feel the thrill of a tandem skydive
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am, 11 am, or 1 pm
- Highlights: Jump from 3,658 meters (12,000 feet), feel the rush of a 50-second freefall at over 200 kilometers (124 miles) per hour, take off on a scenic flight over Boituva, enjoy a safe tandem skydiving experience with a certified instructor
- Inclusions: Professional instructor, full training, skydiving tickets, equipment rental, private experience
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Ready to tick “jump out of a plane” off your bucket list? São Paulo has one of the best tandem skydiving experiences in the world, seriously, this skydiving experience was voted Best of the Best Attraction in both 2022 and 2024. Don’t stress if you’ve never done it before. Your instructor handles every single detail, so your only job is to enjoy the ride (and maybe scream a little on the way down).
The fun kicks off with a quick 10-minute briefing and getting strapped into your jumpsuit. Then it’s time to climb aboard the plane for a scenic flight that feels pretty calm… until the door opens at 12,000 feet (3,658 meters). That’s when your heart does a flip!
The freefall lasts nearly 50 seconds, hitting speeds of 200 kilometers (124 miles) per hour, which sounds crazy but honestly feels incredible, like flying on the world’s fastest roller coaster with the best views. And once the parachute opens, it’s pure bliss. We even got to steer a little before gliding down for the smoothest landing ever.
If you’re chasing an unforgettable story (or just want the ultimate bragging rights), this is the experience to beat. Safe and thrilling with a whole lot of glowing five-star reviews to back it up, it’s the definition of living on the edge!
Book your São Paulo skydive and dive into adventure!
2. Explore the best of São Paulo on a private city tour
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: Multiple starting times from 5 am–2 pm
- Highlights: Stroll through Ibirapuera Park (named one of the best parks in the world), see the Sé Cathedral and Pateo do Collegio, admire the street art of Batman Alley, explore the vibrant Liberdade neighborhood
- Inclusions: Professional and local guide, hotel/airport pickup and drop-off, private tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check 600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If it’s your first time in São Paulo and you want to see as much as possible without feeling rushed, this private city tour is the way to go. With a local guide by your side and a flexible itinerary, you’ll get to hit the must-sees and hidden gems all in one go. Plus, hotel or airport pickup makes things super easy from the start.
We loved how varied the stops were. One minute we were wandering through Ibirapuera Park (yep, the one The Guardian called the best in the world), and the next we were gazing up at the grand Sé Cathedral right in the city center.
Our guide, Danilo, peppered in fun facts about São Paulo’s history as we cruised down Paulista Avenue and showed us quirky corners like Batman Alley, where every wall bursts with colorful street art. Of course, we couldn’t resist the Municipal Market—the displays of tropical fruit and oversized mortadella sandwiches are legendary.
The best part? Because it’s private, you call the shots. Want to linger longer in Liberdade or snap more photos at the Teatro Municipal—totally up to you! This tour is perfect for getting your bearings in a massive city while tailoring the experience to your own interests.
Check availability for your private São Paulo city tour here!
3. Uncover the hidden history of São Paulo on two wheels
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours
- Time: Multiple starting times from 9 am–7 pm
- Highlights: Pedal through São Paulo’s Japanese neighborhood, admire the neo-Gothic Sé Cathedral, ride along Paulista Avenue, stop at cultural icons like Casa das Rosas and the Municipal Theatre, visit the bustling Municipal Market
- Inclusions: Bike, helmet, your professional guide, raincoat, souvenir, water, coffee/tea, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Want to cover more ground in less time without missing the details? This small-group bike tour is a brilliant way to explore São Paulo’s downtown highlights while soaking up its history, street life, and architecture. The route is about 10 miles (16 kilometers), but don’t worry, you can opt for an e-bike for an effortless ride (we did, and it made cruising the city a breeze!).
We kicked things off at a cozy café, where our guide gave us the lowdown before setting off. From there, it was a rolling adventure through the city’s heartbeat. Riding past Paulista Avenue felt electric, with its mix of skyscrapers, museums, and street performers.
We glided through the Japanese neighborhood of Liberdade, spotted the towering Sé Cathedral, and even took breaks in leafy squares like Praça da República. One of our favorite moments was wandering the colorful stalls at the Municipal Market, perfect for a snack stop!
What really made it special was the balance: plenty of time for photos, stories, and soaking in the vibe, without ever feeling rushed. On a bike, the city feels more alive, and you notice little details you’d miss in a car.
If you’re up for a fun, active way to discover São Paulo’s history and hidden gems, this tour is a must. And seriously, go for the e-bike, it’s all fun, no sweat.
Hop on this São Paulo bike tour and explore with ease!
4. Take in breathtaking views on a helicopter flight
- Duration: 15–60 minutes
- Time: Multiple starting times from 9 am–10 pm
- Highlights: Fly over Paulista Avenue, the Sambadrome, and the Municipal Market, spot iconic skyscrapers, admire the neo-Gothic Sé Cathedral and historic Estação da Luz, capture São Paulo’s skyline from panoramic helicopter windows
- Inclusions: Pilot/guide, flight headphones, coffee/tea, private tour
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Want to see São Paulo from a whole new angle? This helicopter tour is hands down one of the coolest ways to take in this massive city. With flights ranging from 15 to 60 minutes, you’ll soar high above the skyline while your pilot points out landmarks like Paulista Avenue, the Sambadrome, the Municipal Market, and the sweeping curves of the Copan Building.
We couldn’t believe how different the city looked from above. From ground level, São Paulo feels like an endless concrete jungle, but from the air, you can actually take in the patterns of the streets, the green spaces tucked between skyscrapers, and the sheer size of it all.
Gliding past the Sé Cathedral and spotting Estação da Luz from above was a surreal moment, plus, with headsets on, we got insider tips from our pilot about the best spots to eat and explore back on the ground.
What we loved most was the thrill-meets-comfort combo. The takeoff gave us a burst of adrenaline, but once we were in the air, it felt smooth and surprisingly relaxing, just us, the skyline, and an unbeatable perspective.
If you’re looking to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime memory (or just want the best photo op ever), this flight is pure magic.
Check availability for your São Paulo helicopter ride today!
5. Connect with nature on an eco-walk
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Time: Multiple starting times from 7 am–1 pm
- Highlights: Walk through the lush Atlantic Rainforest with a naturalist guide, learn about native plants and wildlife, visit waterfalls to cool off, and climb to scenic viewpoints for sweeping views of São Paulo
- Inclusions: Professional guide, hotel/airport pickup and drop-off, snacks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Need a break from São Paulo’s buzzing streets? Just outside the city, you can swap skyscrapers for towering trees on this half-day guided rainforest walk. It’s the perfect way to breathe in fresh air, stretch your legs, and see a completely different side of Brazil. With hotel pickup included, it’s easy to escape the city for a few hours of pure nature.
You’ll wander shaded trails through Cantareira State Park while your guide points out orchids, bromeliads, and vines that look straight out of a nature documentary. Birds flutter through the canopy as you learn how the Atlantic Rainforest became one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
The pace stays relaxed, giving you time to notice the little things like wildflowers tucked between roots or the sound of a hidden stream rushing nearby. Then comes the best part—cooling off at a waterfall before hiking up to the Pedra Grande lookout. Standing 1 kilometer (0.62 mile) above São Paulo, you’ll see the skyline framed by rainforest. It’s an unforgettable contrast of nature and city.
If you’re craving greenery, fresh air, and a hint of adventure, this walk delivers. Luis keeps things easygoing and fun, and the mid-hike snack break is a welcome treat before the final views.
Book this São Paulo rainforest walk here!
6. Taste your way through São Paulo
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: Multiple starting times from 8 am–9:30 am
- Highlights: Explore São Paulo’s bohemian Vila Madalena district, taste local specialties like pão de queijo, coxinha, pastel, brigadeiro, and tropical fruits, sip cachaça or an ice-cold chopp, visit the bustling Municipal Market
- Inclusions: All tastings and samples, professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, all fees, private tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Food is hands-down one of the best ways to experience São Paulo, and this private gastro tour is a feast from start to finish. With hotel pickup and an expert foodie guide by your side, you’ll dive into the city’s vibrant markets, bakeries, and bars while tasting your way through Brazil’s most beloved flavors.
Our guide, Monica, was a total star. She knew exactly where to take us in the Municipal Market, pointing out fruits we’d never seen before (and happily let us sample them too!).
Between bites of warm pão de queijo and crispy pastel, she shared stories about how these dishes became part of daily Brazilian life. We couldn’t get enough of the coxinha, golden, crunchy, and filled with shredded chicken, and of course we had to save room for brigadeiros, Brazil’s addictive chocolate truffles.
The second half of the tour took us into Vila Madalena, a bohemian neighborhood bursting with street art, cafés, and cool little food joints. Monica had us sipping cachaça like locals and introduced us to the tradition of an ice-cold chopp (draft beer) to round things off.
By the end, we felt full in the best way possible, not just with food, but with stories, culture, and a real taste of São Paulo’s soul. If you’re a foodie at heart (or just love eating like one), this tour is an absolute must!
Taste 7+ São Paulo specialties on this private food tour!
7. Escape to Brazilian Switzerland on a full-day trip
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 7 am, 8 am, or 9 am
- Highlights: Explore Campos do Jordão, Brazil’s highest city nicknamed the “Switzerland of Brazil,” admire German-style architecture, wander Vila Capivari’s charming streets, visit landmarks like Boa Vista Palace, Amantikir Park, and Itapeva Peak
- Inclusions: Professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, private tour
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
On this full-day tour from São Paulo, you’ll trade city streets for mountain charm in Campos do Jordão—a little town that feels straight out of Europe. Nicknamed the “Switzerland of Brazil,” it’s famous for its half-timbered houses, crisp mountain air, and cozy cafés that invite you to slow down and savor the moment.
You’ll stroll through Vila Capivari, the town’s lively center, where German-inspired buildings line the streets and chocolate shops tempt you at every corner. The cooler climate makes it the perfect escape from São Paulo’s heat, adding a laid-back, holiday feel to the entire day.
Then, your guide leads you up to Itapeva Peak for sweeping views across the Paraíba Valley before exploring the peaceful trails of Campos do Jordão State Park, surrounded by towering araucaria trees. Between nature stops, the tour also includes visits to local highlights like Boa Vista Palace and the whimsical Amantikir Park, where themed gardens and labyrinths create a storybook setting.
Of course, no trip here is complete without a stop at Baden Baden Brewery, where you can see how one of Brazil’s most beloved brews is made—and sample it for yourself!
With its mix of culture, nature, and a little indulgence, this tour offers a perfectly balanced day in the mountains. It’s ideal if you want a change of pace, stunning mountain scenery, and a dash of European charm, without leaving Brazil.
Plan your Campos do Jordão getaway from São Paulo here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
8. Relax by the sea on a private Santos beach tour
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: Multiple starting times from 7 am–1 pm
- Highlights: Visit the historic Coffee Museum, ride the Monte Serrat funicular for sweeping views, admire the Guinness-recognized beachfront gardens of Santos, learn about Pelé at his namesake museum, enjoy the sun and sand with a fully customizable private itinerary
- Inclusions: Professional licensed guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, tolls and parking fees, private tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
When the bustle of São Paulo gets a little too much, this full-day private tour to Santos is the perfect escape. Just over an hour away, this coastal city blends history, culture, and beach time into one sun-soaked adventure, and with your own guide customizing the day, it feels completely personal.
Our day started the best way possible: with breakfast at the Coffee Museum. Sipping a fresh brew while learning how coffee shaped Brazil’s history was such a cool experience. From there, we hopped on the Monte Serrat funicular for sweeping city views from what used to be an old casino perched on the hilltop. It’s the kind of spot that makes you stop and just say “wow.”
Of course, no visit to Santos is complete without some time on the beach. The shoreline here is framed by the world’s largest beachfront garden (Guinness-approved!), so even a quick stroll feels special. Our guide also took us to the Pelé Museum, which was a highlight for football fans; it’s a whole love letter to Brazil’s greatest player. Between stops, we had time to relax, snap photos, and just enjoy the slower pace of life outside the big city.
If you’re after a day of history, culture, and sandy toes, all without the stress of planning, this private tour is an easy win. But don’t just take our word for it—check out the rave five-star reviews here to see why this is a top-rated tour in São Paulo!
Plan your perfect Santos beach day from São Paulo here!
9. Snap iconic photos with a professional photographer
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 1:30 pm (we recommend morning for the best light!)
- Highlights: Stroll through downtown São Paulo with a professional photographer, snap iconic spots like the Copan Building and Municipal Theatre, practice street, portrait, and architecture photography
- Inclusions: Local photographer guide, coffee/tea, small-group tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you love travel photos but never quite capture the magic yourself, this downtown photo tour is a game-changer. With a professional photographer guiding you, you’ll see São Paulo through a whole new lens, literally! It’s part sightseeing, part creative workshop, and a fun way to sharpen your skills while exploring the city.
Your guide will lead you through the city’s lively downtown streets, showing you the best spots for lighting and composition. You’ll stop at landmarks like the Municipal Theatre and the iconic Copan Building, while also learning to notice everyday beauty like a burst of color on a market stall, a candid street moment, or the curve of modern architecture.
Along the way, you’ll pick up practical tips on working with natural light, framing portraits, and using your camera settings in creative ways.
Midway through, there’s even a traditional Brazilian coffee break—a chance to relax, review your shots, and get personalized feedback before heading back out to capture more. The atmosphere is laid-back yet inspiring, making it ideal for travelers who want to build confidence behind the lens.
If you want to come home with more than just selfies, this tour is perfect. You’ll not only see São Paulo’s highlights, but you’ll leave with unique photos and new skills to boot!
Join this São Paulo photo tour and snap your best shots yet!
10. Hike through lush rainforest
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: Multiple starting times from 7:30 am–9 am
- Highlights: Hike through Jaraguá State Park’s rainforest trails, climb to Pico do Jaraguá (São Paulo’s highest point at 1,135 meters (3,724 feet), spot wildlife like marmosets, capuchin monkeys, and toucans, enjoy panoramic 360° views with a picnic lunch included
- Inclusions: Professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, picnic supplies, all fees
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Trade the buzz of the city for birdsong and fresh mountain air on this private hiking tour through Jaraguá State Park. Just a short drive from São Paulo, this patch of Atlantic rainforest is packed with wildlife, winding trails, and sweeping views from the city’s highest peak.
Our guide, Luiz, made the whole experience feel like an adventure with friends. He led us along the Pai Zé trail, pointing out orchids, exotic plants, and the chatter of monkeys in the canopy above. We even spotted a few marmosets and toucans along the way, which felt like a real treat. The climb itself was steady but totally manageable, and Luiz kept the pace relaxed so we could stop to take in little details of the forest.
After about an hour and a half, we reached the Pico do Jaraguá, the highest point in São Paulo at 1,135 meters (3,724 feet). The view was breathtaking, the city skyline on one side and endless waves of green forest on the other. Sitting down for a picnic lunch at the top was the cherry on top, and it gave us time to just soak in the moment before heading back down.
This hike is perfect for anyone who loves nature, wants to spot wildlife, and fancies swapping concrete for rainforest. It’s private, personal, and the perfect mix of exercise, discovery, and wow-factor views.
Book your Jaraguá rainforest hike here!
Related Read: Planning to spend a few days in the city? Check out our three-day São Paulo Itinerary here for a detailed day-by-day guide covering top attractions, local food spots, and insider tips.
Where to Stay in São Paulo, Brazil
Now that you’ve seen the best activities São Paulo has to offer, the next step is choosing where to stay. We’ve narrowed it down to three great options in central neighborhoods, whether you’re after five-star luxury, mid-range comfort, or a budget-friendly base. Hotels here fill up quickly, so if you find availability for your dates, be sure to book before it’s gone!
Luxury – $$$
If you’re looking to splurge, L’Hotel PortoBay São Paulo delivers true five-star luxury right in the heart of Bela Vista. Just steps from Paulista Avenue and the Trianon-MASP metro station, the location is perfect for exploring the city’s top museums, restaurants, and shops.
What we really love is the extra indulgence on offer: a spa with massage treatments, an indoor heated pool, and two excellent dining options. The Bistro L’Hotel specializes in Italian and Mediterranean dishes, while Gastrobar 011 mixes up drinks in a stylish setting. It’s a glamorous yet welcoming choice for travelers who want to experience São Paulo in style.
Prices for this luxury stay average between $200 and $600 USD per night, and you can check availability and book it on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
For a comfortable stay at a reasonable price point, the Radisson Pinheiros is a solid choice. Located in one of São Paulo’s trendiest neighborhoods, it puts you close to plenty of shops, cafés, and cultural attractions, with Pacaembu Stadium and the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) both just 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) away. The hotel is also just 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from Congonhas Airport, making it convenient for arrivals and departures.
The rooms are modern and cozy, with thoughtful touches like air-conditioning, bathrobes, slippers, and even a coffee machine for your morning pick-me-up. On-site, you’ll find a traditional Brazilian restaurant, plus a bar and coffee shop for lighter bites and drinks.
Rooms here start from around $150 USD per night, and you can check availability and book it in advance here!
Budget – $
If you’re after a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on comfort, Vila Galé Paulista is a fantastic pick. Its central location means you’re less than 1 kilometer from the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and just a short walk to Pacaembu Stadium, with Congonhas Airport about 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) away. It’s a great base for exploring the city without spending too much time in transit.
Despite the affordable price point, the hotel has impressive facilities for guests to enjoy. There’s a fitness center, sauna, a lush garden, and even a year-round outdoor pool, not something you always find in a budget stay. Rooms are simple but stylish, with parquet floors, city views, and amenities like air-conditioning, minibars, and private bathrooms stocked with toiletries.
Rooms here average between $110 and $150 USD per night, and you can secure your rooms in advance here!
For even more great options, scroll through all the hotels listed for São Paulo here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
São Paulo is the kind of city that stays with you long after you’ve left—from its skyline views and leafy parks to its buzzing streets and coastal escapes. Whether you’re here to eat, explore, or just take it all in, this city offers a mix of culture, creativity, and energy that feels uniquely Brazilian. We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to São Paulo, filled with amazing food, local insight, and a few surprises along the way.
And if you’re exploring more of Brazil, don’t stop here—check out our other Brazil blogs here, packed with firsthand tips, itineraries, and hidden-gem ideas for every kind of traveler. For even more inspiration, here are a few of our favorite Brazil guides we think you’ll love:
Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: 6 Best Areas & Hotels