Flights to Sao Paulo

Information about São Paulo

A trip to one of the most exciting places in the world: São Paulo offers everything an unforgettable vacation needs. Whether it's the nearby gorgeous sandy beaches, sightseeing, or a great shopping tour - all of this can be combined on a trip to São Paulo.

São Paulo is suitable as a year-round destination. From November to March, however, ample rain is to be expected. The climate in São Paulo is most pleasant from September to November (spring) and from the end of March to May (autumn).

On January 25, celebrations are held to mark the anniversary of the city's founding. The world-famous carnival with a big parade of the samba school takes place in February. This is followed in May or June by the "Virada Cultural," a 24-hour cultural festival with free concerts and theater performances. The world's largest LGBT parade takes place the Sunday after Corpus Christi. The city's biggest event is the Formula 1 "Brazilian Grand Prix" and is held in November.

Before the trip

US citizens do not need a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Upon entry, travel documents must have a validity of at least 6 months. For excursions outside the city a yellow fever vaccination may be required.

Tourists should avoid the old town around Praça de Sé or the area around the metro station "Estaçao da Luz" at night or after business hours. Visitors should carry money for themselves as well as money for the thief, as robberies cannot be ruled out.

The largest Japanese community outside of Japan is located in the Liberdade neighborhood.

There are big price variations within the city. Imported goods as well as electronics are about 30% more expensive than in Germany, but basic foodstuffs are cheaper. A restaurant meal costs about 25 BRL, caipirinha about 7 BRL, beer from 6 BRL, soft drinks about 4 BRL and a Rodízio in a grill restaurant from about 43 BRL.

From Guarulhos International Airport, the airport bus service takes 30-40 minutes to the city center for about 45.50 BRL. Bus 257 to the metro is cheaper (about 5.55 BRL), but is not suitable if you have large or a lot of luggage. A cab ride can take up to 2 hours and costs about 100-140 BRL.

Overnight stays in backpacker hostels are available from about 43 BRL. Prices range from about 152 BRL for a double room in a 3-star hotel. During the main holiday season, from mid-December to mid-February, overnight stays are more expensive.

Passenger transportation by subway, buses and light rail costs from 3.80 BRL for a one-way ticket to 16 BRL for a day pass. For shorter distances, a cab may be suitable for about 15-21 BRL for a 3 km trip.