If São Paulo was a girl, she’d be that effortlessly cool girl. A blend of cultural richness, architectural wonders, culinary creativity, and stylish street energy. It’s the ultimate backdrop for the effortlessly chic girl who craves both an adventure and an aesthetic lifestyle.
Whether you’re a local craving to fall in love with your own city, or a traveler looking for a day to explore this magical place. Here is the perfect itinerary to make the most of São Paulo. Grab your sunnies and let’s go.
Authentic breakfast at KEZ bakery
Tucked in a quiet street in Higienópolis, KEZ bakery is a bright and breezy spot to start the day at the best vibe. The place is warm and welcoming, with Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast dishes like croissants, various bagel sandwiches, and their homemade babka. There’s a good chance you’ll want to linger longer than planned — and that’s kind of the point.
Book browsing at Livraria cultura
Not far from KEZ, it is the newest store of Livraria cultura, located inside a beautifully preserved historical house on Angélica Avenue. It’s the kind of bookstore that invites you to slow down — with an incredible design of shelves, cozy corners, and with a huge curation of books and magazines. You don’t need to buy anything – but you probably will .It’s the perfect place to let your curiosity wander.
Lunch time! Holy Burger is the perfect option
From the bookstore, it’s easy to stroll through the busy streets of Higienópolis, one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods, toward Santa Cecília. Eventually, you’ll find Holy Burger, a laid-back spot with one of the best burgers in the city.
The place feels unpretentious, but is always packed with locals that know what’s up. The menu is short, but very well executed: classic and delicious burgers, crispy fries, and their famous pastrami coxinha.
A quick stop at Minhocão
Heading toward downtown, you might pass by Gengibrão, a tiny shop with a cultural following. It’s a mix of vintage, handmadeand upcycled goods. From clothes, to home items, to natural cosmetics.
If it’s a sunny day, you should take a detour through Minhocão — the elevated highway that turns into a pedestrian walkway on weekends and evenings. There’s street art, city views, and an unusual kind of calm.
Why not have a tour at Tem Umami?
In the downtown part of the city, the Copan building is one of those places that never gets old. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, its curves and scale feel both futuristic and nostalgic. Wander around, take lots of photos, and then reward yourself with a scoop from Tem Umami, an ice cream shop located inside the building. They’re all about unexpected flavors and natural ingredients — the kind of ice cream that makes you die for it.
A chill evening at Cine Belas Artes
If you’re in the mood for something quieter, Cine Petra Belas Artes might be the perfect place for you. It’s a classic street cinema with a mix of indie, international, and cult films. Even just walking into the lobby feels like a step back in time. Perfect for a little solo movie date, or a quiet moment with a friend.
Drinks and late-night bites at Riviera Bar
Right across the street from Cine Belas Artes, Riviera Bar is a São Paulo classic, and quite cool place. The red neon sign, checkered floor, and big windows overlooking Avenida Paulista, makes you feel like you are in a scene from an old film.
The food is casual, but delicious — snacks that hit just right with their classic cocktails. It’s the perfect and fun way to end the day.
Of course, this is just one version of a day in São Paulo. The city’s too big, too wild, and too alive to fit into a single guide. But if you follow this route, even just loosely, you might catch a little bit of the magic that makes this city so cool and unforgettable.
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The article above was edited by Maryanna Arison.
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