If you are reading this article, you probably already know that São Paulo has hundreds of incredible tour options to please any type of traveler.
However, it is very common to see the same itineraries being made by visitors, and even residents, in the city.
Whether due to the excess of options, a shallow search, or simply a lack of knowledge about the best places to visit, it is normal to see several people going on the same crowded and well-known tours.
And nothing against it! Walking along Paulista Av., visiting the Masp, and riding a bike at Ibirapuera are some of the classic and great tours to take in Sampa… but if you’re looking for new adventures, you’ve come to the right place.
Thinking about cases like this, we decided to bring some ideas for unusual and different tours to enjoy the city to the fullest.
Table of Contents
1. Eat a good breakfast
Start your day by visiting some of the famous bakeries in São Paulo, if you want to follow the São Paulo tradition, order bread on the plate and a pingado (coffee with milk). Virtually every bakery in town can offer you this combination, but if you’re looking for directions:
- Go to Padaria Bella Paulista: if you are looking for a classic tour, Bella Paulista is a good option. This is one of the most renowned bakeries in the capital and is open 24 hours a day, always with warm bread waiting for you. If you are a coffee lover, pay attention to the differentiated menu of this place with coffees from different countries of the world.
Price: Average Espresso (coffee with milk) – R$9.00; Bread on the Plate – R$4.50;
Location: Rua Haddock Lobo, 354 – Cerqueira César, São Paulo – SP, 01414-000;
Hours: Open 24 hours;
- Go to Cepam: if you like a variety of options, this is the place. This bakery has 2,300m² and an extensive menu with the most different sweets, snacks, snacks, bread, and meals. One of the highlights of the place is its super stuffed chicken pie with catupiry and a piece of delicious sweet walnut bread.
Price: Bread on the Plate – R$4.40; Walnut bread – R$19.90; Chicken pie with catupiry – R$10.50;
Location: R. Ibitirama, 1409 – Vila Lucia, São Paulo – SP, 03133-200;
Hours: 06:30 – 22:00;
- Go to the Coffee Lab: if you are looking for a relaxed and youthful atmosphere, the Coffee Lab is a good option. The place has become famous for its different options of coffee beans and for its beautiful environment.
Location: R. Fradique Coutinho, 1340 – Vila Madalena, São Paulo – SP, 05416-001;
Hours: 09:00 – 18:00;
2. Venture into urban abseiling
An unusual activity that has become increasingly popular in the capital of São Paulo is urban abseiling.
As the name implies, this activity is for adventurers looking for adrenaline by rappelling in buildings and overpasses in the city.
One of the most famous and organized tours that promote urban abseiling in São Paulo is the Rappel São Paulo, which carries out daily, day and night, abseiling activities on the Sumaré viaduct.
Price: from R$51.00;
Location: Sumaré Viaduct, SP;
Hours: 09:00 – 13:30; 16:00 – 22:15;
3. See the orchestra at Sala São Paulo/Teatro Municipal
Unlike what most people imagine, you don’t have to pay an absurd amount to attend a concert at the Teatro Municipal and Sala São Paulo. Both venues have several free orchestra and choir performances throughout the months, so don’t miss the chance to see a show for free and be surrounded by breathtaking architecture. In addition to the concerts, the two venues also have free guided tours that can be booked on the website.
Price: Free;
Location: Praça Ramos de Azevedo, s/n – República, São Paulo – SP, 01037-010; Praça Júlio Prestes, 16 – Campos Elíseos, São Paulo – SP, 01218-020;
Hours: According to the shows on display;
4. Climb in the Casa de Pedra
If you like different activities, you will definitely love this one! This is without a doubt one of my favorite tours in São Paulo… Seriously, Casa de Pedra is a unique find, known for being the biggest climbing gym in Latin America.
It is possible to train, learn and venture into different types of climbing modalities, all in one place.
And if you don’t have any experience with this type of sport, don’t worry. It is possible to request an instructor and learn everything in practice in a safe and fun way. In addition, there are no age restrictions and the site has children’s climbing walls.
Oh, and here’s a valuable tip – go with comfortable shoes that don’t slip, the place rents climbing shoes but if your shoes are in good condition you can save money by avoiding this rental. Apart from the shoes, all other basic equipments needed for climbing are included in the price charged.
Casa de Pedra has a branch in Moema, however, with a much smaller structure. If possible, visit the Perdizes unit and make the most of this experience.
Price: R$65.00 – Monday to Friday; R$80.00 – Saturday, Sunday, holidays;
Location: R. Venâncio Aires, 31 – Pompeia, São Paulo – SP, 05024-030;
Hours: 07:00 – 22:00;
5. Walkthrough the Botanical Garden
São Paulo has several charming parks, including the famous Ibirapuera, but another great option for a walk in the São Paulo Botanical Garden.
With historic structures, greenhouses, and other must-see attractions, a special highlight should be given to Jardim dos Sentidos. There you can touch, smell, and feel different plants and flowers.
Addition, another outstanding attraction is the Nascente trail that takes visitors to the source of the Riacho Ipiranga.
Price: The entrance fee is R$10.00 (full) and R$5.00 (half);
Location: Av. Miguel Estefno, 3031 – Vila Água Funda, São Paulo – SP, 04301-905;
Hours: 09:00 – 17:00;
6. Skate on Roller Jam
This is a really fun tour, especially if you are planning a tour with kids. The Roller Jam is a 70’s themed skating rink open to audiences of all ages.
In addition to all the decor following the theme, the place also has disco music and a retro snack bar.
And if you don’t know how to skate, don’t worry. The place has monitors who are always guiding and helping beginners.
Stay tuned for the schedule on Instagram, as there are some days with themed parties and others when the place remains closed for special events.
A tip, leave the bag at home or in the car as the establishment does not provide a place to store your objects, and it is necessary to rent a locker at a separate price.
Price: Starting at R$30.00 for entry and R$20.00 for renting skates and safety equipment;
Location: Alameda dos Nhambiquaras, 1980 – Moema, São Paulo – SP, 04090-004;
Hours: 16:00 – 22:00;
7. Dance and sing at Tokyo karaoke
This is one of the most popular nightspots in São Paulo today. With a different concept and inspired by the capital of Japan, the space has a bar, restaurant, karaoke, parties, rooftop, tattoo rooms, and various cultural projects.
If you are looking for a party to enjoy in a nice atmosphere, this is a great place. For karaoke lovers, it is possible to sing in a community space or in private rooms available for reservation.
Stay tuned for the schedule, as the place has special events every day with different price ranges.
Price: From R$30.00 with name on the list; R$100.00 for 1 hour in a private room for up to 20 people;
Location: R. Maj. Sertório, 110 – Vila Buarque, São Paulo – SP, 01222-000;
Hours: 17:00 – 05:00 from Monday to Thursday; 12:00 – 06:00 on Friday and Saturday; 12:00 – 23:30 on Sunday;
8. Mining at the Benedito Calixto Fair
Since 1987, the antiques, crafts, and art fair takes place in Benedito Calixto square.
Here is the ideal place to find a unique object or a special souvenir.
In addition to the antique stalls, the place also has many shops and galleries around the square that are worth visiting.
Here you can find glasses, clothes, paintings, furniture and other things that you wouldn’t easily find around. It’s a super cool tour to observe interesting objects, eat delicious food and get to know a little more about the city through history.
Price: Free;
Location: Praça Benedito Calixto – Pinheiros, São Paulo – SP, 05406-040;
Opening hours: Every Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00;
9. Laugh at the Barbixas Comedy Club
The Clube Barbixas de Comédia, formerly known as Comedians, is located on Rua Augusta in one of the most famous spots in the city. The place has incredible presentations and events, perfect for moments of relaxation and laughter.
This bar is an atypical place because it is the only one in the city to follow the model of an American comedy club with chairs and tables facing a stage and an extensive menu of food, appetizers, and drinks.
There you can enjoy stand-up shows, drag queens contests, skits, magic shows, clowns, and many other splendid attractions. But beware, some shows sell out quickly, so buy your tickets in advance and enjoy the show!
Price: Varies according to schedule;
Location: R. Augusta, 1129 – Cerqueira César, São Paulo – SP, 01305-100;
Opening hours: Depends on the schedule;
In short…
The 9 best and most different things to do in São Paulo are:
- Have a good breakfast
- Venture into urban abseiling
- See the orchestra at Sala São Paulo/Teatro Municipal
- Climb in the Stone House
- Walkthrough the Botanical Garden
- Skate in Roller Jam
- Dance and sing at karaoke in Tokyo
- Mining at the Benedito Calixto Fair
- Laugh at the Barbixas Comedy Club
Concluding
I hope this article helps you plan your trip or tour to São Paulo. I’m sure your day will be amazing, regardless of your choice of location from the ones listed above.
If you have any questions or suggestions, just write in the comments! It will be a pleasure to help you enjoy the best that the capital of São Paulo has to offer.