São Paulo Bike Tour: Avenida Paulista and Historic Downtown

São Paulo , Brazil

São Paulo Bike Tour: Avenida Paulista and Historic Downtown

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About this experience

Join us for a 3-hour bike tour through São Paulo’s iconic Paulista avenue and lively downtown. Starting at França Pinto Bike Lane, we ride toward Paulista, the city’s cultural hub, where historic landmarks meet modern skyscrapers. Highlights include Casa das Rosas, a restored mansion with gardens, MASP with its distinctive architecture, and the green oasis of Parque Trianon.

We continue along Paulista to Conjunto Nacional, a cultural landmark, then head downtown via Consolação Bike Lane, exploring historic buildings and lively spots like Praça Roosevelt, Parque Augusta, Republic Square, and Theatro Municipal. Crossing Vale do Anhangabaú, we reach the historic triangle, where São Paulo began as a Jesuit village.

For those wanting more, we can extend to Luz Station, its nearby park, and the Pinacoteca art museum. On the way back, we’ll visit Liberdade, São Paulo’s vibrant Japanese district, then head to Centro Cultural São Paulo, concluding at the stunning Cathedral.

Available options

São Paulo Bike Tour: Avenida Paulista and Historic Downtown

What's included

Bottle of water.

Use of bicycle.

Bike gear. (Helmet)

Souvenir.

Raincoat.

Professional licensed bilingual private tour guide.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Tour Begins at França Pinto Bike Lane – Starting in Vila Mariana, we ride along França Pinto Bike Lane, setting off through a scenic neighborhood that showcases São Paulo’s blend of local charm and urban energy.

Stop 2

Avenida Paulista and Casa das Rosas – Pedaling toward Avenida Paulista, we stop at Casa das Rosas, a beautifully restored mansion and cultural center where you can enjoy its peaceful garden or grab a coffee in the heart of the city’s most famous avenue.

Stop 3

MASP and Parque Trianon – Continuing along Paulista, we pause at the iconic MASP (São Paulo Museum of Art), renowned for its unique architecture. Nearby, we walk through Parque Trianon, a lush green haven perfect for a quick break.

Historic Downtown Highlights – Heading downtown, we explore Praça Roosevelt, Parque Augusta, Republic Square, and the historic Theatro Municipal, where classic architecture meets modern São Paulo energy.

Stop 5

Liberdade and Catedral Metropolitana Ortodoxa – We ride to Liberdade, the renowned Japanese district rich in multicultural heritage, before concluding at the stunning Catedral Metropolitana Ortodoxa, near Sé metro station, for easy access back to your hotel or further exploration.

What's not included

Hotel Pickup and Drop off.

Tips. (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

17 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

• Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure.

• Meeting address: Rua França Pinto, 183 - Vila Mariana, São Paulo - SP

• Nearest Metro: Ana Rosa Station (Line 1 - Blue), a short walk from the meeting point. Approximately 600 meters away, about 8 minutes walk.

Important notes

• Meet the guide at the designated meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time.

• Meeting point: Rua França Pinto, 183 - Vila Mariana, São Paulo - SP, 04016-001, Brazil

• Nearest Metro: Vila Mariana Station (Line 1 - Blue), a short walk from the meeting point.

Contacts:

● +55 (11) 2157-1629

● +55 (11) 9 9311-9144

● +55 (11) 9 4738-2606

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