São Paulo Private City Tour
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São Paulo Private City Tour

Active
(96 reviews)
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This 4 hour private and exclusive city tour of São Paulo is suitable if you are in lay-over or taking a break from your hotel opting for an overview of the main attractions from São Paulo City.  Enjoy sightseeing by executive car or van with a knowledgeable and Licensed tour guide.

Take a brief walk through downtown São Paulo and view city landmarks like Pacaembu stadium, Paulista Avenue, Ibirapuera Park, Sé Cathedral square, Pateo do Collegio Luz Station and more. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off (São Paulo Metropolitan area) and pickup and drop-off to  São Paulo Major Airports: Guarulhos International airport  GRU or Airport from São Paulo - Congonhas CGH.

Available options

São Paulo Private City Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private tour
Professional guide
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Driver/guide
Local taxes
Transport by private vehicle
Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Estádio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho, colloquially known as Estádio do Pacaembu (Portuguese pronunciation: [isˈtadʒiu du pakaẽˈbu]) is a football and rugby union stadium in São Paulo, located in the Pacaembu neighborhood. The stadium is owned by the Municipal Prefecture of São Paulo. The stadium was inaugurated on 27 April 1940, in the presence of the Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas, the intervener Adhemar de Barros and the mayor of São Paulo, Prestes Maia. The stadium holds 40,199 people and its pitch dimensions are 104 m of length by 70 m of width.

The stadium is named after Paulo Machado de Carvalho. He was the 1958 FIFA World Cup Brazilian delegation chief, the founder of Rede Record, one of the largest television networks in Brazil and was known as "Marechal da Vitória" (Marshal of Victory).

Pacaembu is frequently used to host home matches of the Big 4 football clubs of the State of São Paulo, of which Corinthians, Palmeiras and São Paulo are based in the capital city itself, and only Santos is based in a different city. This occurs when the clubs must cede their own stadiums for concerts, or when reforms are being made. In the case of Santos, Pacaembu is also used when the club requires a site with a higher seating capacity for a particular match, given the low capacity of their own stadium.

2
Stop 2

Ibirapuera Park was inaugurated in 1954 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of São Paulo, and today is the most well-known park in town with over 14MM visits per year.

The park receives approximately 25,000 visitors from Monday to Friday, 75,000 on Saturday and 150,000 on Sunday. Due to its dimension, attractions and number of visitor, it is often comparable by foreigners to Ueno Park in Tokyo, Stanley Park in Vancouver, Hyde Park in London or Central Park in New York City.

3
Stop 3 Pass by

The Japanese presence in the neighborhood began in 1912. At this time, Japanese immigrants began to take up residence on the street of Count Sarzedas.[2] This street had a steep slope that gave way to a running stream and swamp area. Basement apartments were numerous and inexpensive, and groups of people or families often lived together in the small rooms. However, the central location of the neighborhood meant immigrants could also be closer to work. As the number of immigrants in the neighborhood grew, so did commercial activity. Soon Japanese-owned inns, emporiums, restaurants, shops, and markets were popping up. These new commercial endeavors also become workplaces, which brought more immigrants to the area, and thus the "street of the Japanese" was formed.

4
Stop 4

The project, in Gothic style The project, in Gothic style, was Maximiliano Hehl architect and construction started in 1913. The material used was granite, which is touted as one of the reasons for the delay of construction. The size of the church is 112 meters long and 47 wide. The building has stained glass windows and Italian capitals, towers 92 meters high dome and seating for eight thousand people.

It is speculated that the cathedral would be ready for the celebrations of the fourth centenary of Sao Paulo in 1954. In fact, it was inaugurated incomplete on that date without the towers. Only it was completed in 1970. The works were played by Alexandre Albuquerque until 1940 and, thereafter, at Anhaia Melo engineer.

5
Stop 5 Pass by

The Place of the São Paulo foundation

Pátio do Colégio

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Pátio do Colégio

Pateo do Collegio (archaic spelling)

PatioColegio.jpg

Religion

Affiliation Roman Catholic

Ecclesiastical or organizational status Built

Status Museum

Location

Location São Paulo, Brazil

Geographic coordinates 23°32′53″S 46°37′57″WCoordinates: 23°32′53″S 46°37′57″W

Architecture

Style Portuguese Colonial

Groundbreaking 1554

Pátio do Colégio (in Portuguese School Yard, written in the archaic orthography Pateo do Collegio) is the name given to the historical Jesuit church and school in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The name is also used to refer to the square in front of the church. The Pátio do Colégio marks the site where the city was founded in 1554.[1]

The city of São Paulo has its beginnings in a mission established by Jesuits Manuel da Nóbrega, José de Anchieta and others in the Brazilian hinterland. The village - then called São Paulo dos Campos de Piratininga - was founded on a plateau between two rivers, the Tamanduateí and the Anhangabaú, and was linked to the coastal village of São Vicente by a precarious path in the rainforest.

The date that marks the beginning of São Paulo is January 25, 1554, when the priests celebrated the inaugural mass of the Jesuit school. Initially, the church building was a modest hut covered with palm leaves or straw. In 1556, under father Afonso Brás, new buildings of the school and church were finished using taipa de pilão (rammed earth), a more solid technique. These buildings would be the centre of spiritual and educational life in the settlement in the next couple of centuries.

Since its beginnings, the Jesuit action in evangelising the Amerinds clashed with the interests of many settlers, who used indigenous slave labour and profited from the indigenous slave trade. In the early São Paulo, the expeditions of the bandeirantes to the hinterland in order to capture Amerinds were an important economic activity, and the conflicts with the Jesuits led to the expulsion of the Order from the village in 1640. Only in 1653, bandeirante Fernão Dias Pais Leme allowed the return of the Jesuit priests. The church and school were extensively rebuilt around 1653.

In 1759, with the Suppression of the Society of Jesus in Portugal and its colonies ordered by the Marquis of Pombal, the fathers had to leave again. The Jesuit buildings now housed the colonial governors of São Paulo, and they continued to serve administrative functions after the Independence of Brazil and well into the 20th century. The colonial structures were completely rebuilt in different styles, and in 1896 the church collapsed. The tower survived but was greatly modified.

In 1953, during the celebrations of the city's 400th anniversary, the area was given back to the Jesuit order. Thanks to their relative simple architecture and the abundance of 19th-century iconography, the church was rebuilt and the tower and the school façade were given back their colonial look. The church and tower, in particular, have the sober Mannerist style they had in the 17th century, typical of Jesuit churches of colonial Brazil.

6
Stop 6 Pass by

Municipal Theatre of São Paulo is a theatre in São Paulo, Brazil. It is regarded as one of the landmarks of the city, significant both for its architectural value as well as for its historical importance, having been the venue for the Week of Modern Art in 1922, which revolutionised the arts in Brazil.

7

The station was built in the late nineteenth century in order to host the newly created company Sao Paulo Railway, of British origin, as well as to be in São Paulo stop its railway line, which ran from Santos, in the state's coast in Jundiaí, in the interior. In the first decades of the twentieth century, it was the main gateway to the city of São Paulo. His greatest importance, however, was provided economic infrastructure for the country, passed by the coffee to be exported at the port of Santos, as well as there came consumer goods and capital imports that supplied the city (in an under-industrialized phase). The current station was built between 1895 and 1901, instead of the original Light of 1867. Presumably chosen in an English catalog by local authorities, the metal structure of cast iron that supports it was brought from England, through pre pieces molded and assembled here - Masonry station, however, is locally sourced. Its design is attributed to Henry Driver English engineer and similar to Flinders Street Station, an existing station in Melbourne, Australia.

8
Stop 8

The Municipal Market of São Paulo (Portuguese: Mercado Municipal Paulistano, Mercado Municipal de São Paulo) is a large public market in São Paulo, Brazil.[1][2] It was designed by the architect Francisco Ramos de Azevedo and inaugurated on January 25, 1933 as a wholesale and retail post specializing in fruits, vegetables, cereals, meats, spices and other food products. The market is located in the Mercado neighborhood, a name that references the market, in the historic center of São Paulo. It is located near the Tamanduateí River in the old Várzea do Carmo, a floodplain of the river now primarily used as Dom Pedro II Park. The market was formally named the Mercado Municipal São Paulo in 1995.[3] It is commonly known in São Paulo as the Mercadão, or "big market", and a noted meeting point for resident São Paulo and one of the most visited tourist spots in the city.

9

The famous Alley of street art of São Paulo

What's not included

Food and drinks
Port cruise terminal pick-up or drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide
PT EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5
41 reviews
5★
33
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3
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1
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1
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3
Tripadvisor 4.8
55 reviews
5★
51
4★
2
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Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship

Important notes

Dear,

Thank you to booking with us! 

It will be a pleasure touring with you soon

Kind Regards,

Salt&CityTours Team
+55 11 986808958 / Cell - SMS - WHATSAPP
info@saltdmc.com.br

About São Paulo

São Paulo is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city known for its dynamic culture, diverse cuisine, and bustling urban life. As Brazil's financial and cultural hub, it offers a unique blend of modern skyscrapers, historic landmarks, and lush parks, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a mix of excitement and relaxation.

Top Attractions

Ibirapuera Park

Ibirapuera Park is São Paulo's most famous green space, offering a vast area for recreation, cultural events, and relaxation. It's a great place for picnics, jogging, and enjoying outdoor activities.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP)

MASP is one of the most important art museums in Brazil, housing a vast collection of European and Brazilian art. The museum's iconic modernist building is a landmark in itself.

Museum 2-3 hours R$ 70 (USD 14) for general admission

São Paulo Cathedral

The São Paulo Cathedral is a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture and one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The cathedral's towering spires and intricate details make it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Mercado Municipal

Mercado Municipal is a bustling market offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local delicacies. It's a great place to sample São Paulo's diverse culinary scene and shop for souvenirs.

Market 1-2 hours Free entry, prices vary by item

Jardim Botânico

Jardim Botânico is a beautiful botanical garden featuring a diverse collection of plants, trees, and flowers. The garden's peaceful atmosphere and scenic paths make it a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Nature 1-2 hours R$ 7 (USD 1.40) for general admission

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pão de Queijo

Delicious cheese bread made with tapioca flour, originating from Minas Gerais but popular throughout Brazil.

Snack Gluten-free, contains dairy

Feijoada

A hearty stew made with black beans, pork, and sausages, often served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices.

Dinner Contains pork and beans, can be made vegetarian

Acarajé

Deep-fried black-eyed pea fritters stuffed with shrimp, vatapá (a spicy paste), and salad, originating from Bahia but popular in São Paulo.

Snack Contains shrimp and peanuts, gluten-free

Pastel

Crispy fried pastry pockets filled with various savory ingredients, such as cheese, meat, or hearts of palm.

Snack Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby nature reserves Water sports at Santos Beach Exploring the city's street art and graffiti scene Relaxing in Ibirapuera Park Enjoying a traditional Brazilian massage Visiting a local café or spa Visiting museums and galleries Attending local festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

April to June and September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with lower humidity and less rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

18-28°C (64-82°F) 64-82°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Portuguese
  • Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Italian, Japanese
  • English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other parts of the city

Currency

Brazilian Real (BRL)

Time Zone

GMT-3 (Brasília Time, BRT)

Electricity

110-127V and 220V (varies by region and establishment)V, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

São Paulo is a vibrant and exciting city, but it also has its share of safety concerns. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common in crowded areas and on public transport. Violent crime, including robbery and assault, can occur, especially in certain neighborhoods and at night. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone or at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Avoid walking alone in isolated or unfamiliar neighborhoods, especially at night
  • • Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps like Uber, and avoid unmarked or unlicensed taxis

Getting there

By air
  • São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport • 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center
  • São Paulo/Congonhas Airport • 10 km (6.2 miles) from city center
By train

Estação da Luz, Estação da Sé

By bus

Terminal Tietê, Terminal Jabaquara

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is efficient, clean, and air-conditioned, making it the preferred mode of transport for locals and tourists alike.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, 99 Taxis

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jardins Vila Madalena Liberdade Pinheiros Santa Cecilia

Day trips

Campinas
95 km (59 miles) from São Paulo • Full day

Campinas is a vibrant city known for its universities, cultural attractions, and proximity to nature. It's a great destination for a day trip from São Paulo, offering a mix of urban and outdoor activities.

Santos
75 km (47 miles) from São Paulo • Full day

Santos is a popular beach destination known for its beautiful coastline, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene. It's a great escape from the city for a relaxing day by the sea.

Paraty
250 km (155 miles) from São Paulo • Overnight

Paraty is a charming colonial town known for its historic architecture, beautiful beaches, and lush rainforests. It's a great destination for a longer day trip or overnight stay from São Paulo.

Festivals

Carnival • February or March (varies by year) São Paulo Fashion Week • July and October Virada Cultural • May (specific dates vary by year)

Pro tips

  • Use the metro or bus to get around the city, as traffic can be heavy and unpredictable
  • Be cautious of pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially in crowded areas and on public transport
  • Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases, as this will be appreciated by locals and can enhance your travel experience
  • Try the local street food and cuisine, as São Paulo is known for its diverse and flavorful food scene
  • Visit the city's museums and cultural attractions, as São Paulo has a rich and vibrant artistic scene
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 1-90
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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