Walking Tour along Paulista Avenue – The most Famous Avenue in Brazil

São Paulo , Brazil

Walking Tour along Paulista Avenue – The most Famous Avenue in Brazil

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Take a 3-hour private walking tour on Paulista ave. to unveil the hidden history of the most famous avenue in Brazil.

This fascinating place that is sure to impress you not only with its appearance, but also for its rich history that may seem common in the eyes of some, but in the company of an expert tour guide can be mind-blowing.

It's not just an avenue, it’s part of the Brazilian history for all it has been in the last 130 years. It is home to outstanding sites and happenings serving as ground for work, study, entertainment, demonstrations, leisure, theaters, shopping, important old palaces, marathon, gay parade, history, culture, gastronomy drawing millions of people along the year.

Get back into the past by the time when the area was a forest, and get you to understand the importance of the coffee for Brazilian socio-economic development and what Paulista had to do with it. Learn about the late Brazilian industrialization process that was closely related to Paulista.

Available options

3-Hour Walking tour

4-hour Walking Tour

What's included

VAT, all taxes and handling charges.

Professional licensed bilingual private tour guide.

Detailed itinerary

It features rotating art exhibits, as well as talks and classes about varied aspects of Japanese culture)

Stop 2 Pass by

It is the first European-style private hospital founded by religious women

Stop 3

It’s a classic French style mansion dedicated to several cultural manifestations, focusing on literature and poetry. It is one of the buildings reminiscent of the initial occupation of Paulista

Sesc Paulista is a cultural and leisure center. Atop of Sesc building there is an observation deck that allows visitors to see a long distance through São Paulo skyline. There is also a café where you can have a snack enjoying the view

Admire the massively-scaled panels on buildings made by the remarkable street artist Eduardo Kobra. Master pieces that ??bring life to famous people like the formula 1 driver Aryton Sena and the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer

Stop 6 Pass by

It’s a cultural institute dedicated to contribute to the valorization of the heterogeneous Brazilian culture and society

Stop 7 Pass by

More than a century-old school designed by the famous architect Ramos de Azevedo. It’s the largest polling station in Brazil

Stop 8 Pass by

It’s a scientific researcher century-old entity that played a huge whole in Brazil in the eradication of animal rabies in the early 20th century

Industrial Federation Headquarters of the State of São Paulo. It is still today a postcard of the city and an emblematic landmark of it

Stop 10 Pass by

São Paulo Art Museum is one of the most important Brazilian cultural institutions and one of the most attended museums

A historic park remnant of the original Atlantic Forest with centenary trees and relevant art works

An abandoned place, rediscovered to become the most unexpected multicultural space in the city

Stop 13 Pass by

Head office of “Fundação Carper Libero” (Gazeta TV network) which is a centenary traditional media conglomerate

Stop 14 Pass by

Out of all the elegant residences on this avenue, only a few bravely have resisted time and financial speculation such as this abandoned Palace

Street known for the effervescent nightlife filled with dance clubs, brothels, striptease clubs and LGBT section full of bars

It became an architectural paradigm for similar building projects in São Paulo during the 1950s

It aims to promote and develop cultural programs in the areas of photography, literature, iconography, plastic arts, music and cinema

What's not included

Meals and drinks.

Tips. (optional).

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

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2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

• In front of "Japan House" on Paulista avenue nº 52 - Bela Vista, São Paulo.

• Reference point: It's a walkable distance from the subway / metro stations "Brigadeiro" or "Paraiso" part of green line.

Important notes

• Meeting Point: In front of "Japan House" on Paulista avenue nº 52 - Bela Vista, São Paulo.

• Reference point: It's a walkable distance from the subway / metro stations "Brigadeiro" or "Paraiso" part of green line.

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

• Departure time: Whenever you have booked the tour to get started. As it’s a private tour, you choose the best starting time that suits your needs as long as it’s available on the timetable.

• In the very unlikely situation that the customer is not able to locate our guide, please call our emergency telephone number on the voucher.

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EMERGENCY CONTACT

In the unlikely event that you are unable to locate the driver, please contact us immediately at the numbers below:

• +55 (11) 2157-1629

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