10 Best Cultural Things to Do in Sao Paulo

Step inside the hallowed confines of an 18th-century monastery at the Museu de Arte Sacra. Centuries-old religious art, clay sculptures and colonial artefacts adorn the vast halls of this ornate museum dedicated to all things sacred. 

The city’s much-lauded symphonic orchestra plays to standing ovations at the Sala São Paulo – a highlight of the best cultural things to do in São Paulo. State-of-the-art acoustics in a renovated 1930s railway hall ensure a pitch-perfect experience. 

Contemplate the city’s most impressive art collection at the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP), a colossal glass box suspended over the frenetic action of Avenida Paulista. Art-lovers can admire the works of old Spanish masters, French Impressionists and Brazilian Surrealists.

Bar Brahma, a long-time haunt of Brazil’s best samba artists, brings together lovers of music for nights of sweet guitar playing. Black and white photos of old São Paulo line the wood-panelled walls while yellow-coated waiters keep the drinks flowing.

Traverse manicured French gardens to the steps of the resplendent Renaissance-style Ipiranga museum. Sumptuous rooms, filled with brass weaponry and other remnants of Brazil’s violent past, sketch the history of this proud nation. Panoramic views over the city cap the experience.

Book a São Paulo hotel and celebrate the city’s 100 years of Japanese immigration at the monumental Bunkyo cultural centre. Curious onlookers watch the intricate tea ceremonies and traditional flower arranging classes at this authentic corner of Japanese arts and crafts.

The stars of Brazilian modernist portraiture are on display at São Paulo’s neoclassical masterpiece, the Pinacoteca do Estado museum. Weave between the palace’s giant pillars and marvel at the exposed brickwork of this architectural gem.

Brazil’s rich African heritage explodes into life in a riot of colour at the Museu Afro Brasil. Rejoice in Afro-Brazilian culture and be enlightened by finely carved mahogany masks, vibrant landscape paintings and handsome photographic prints.

Flanked by towering palm trees on a colonial plaza, the grandiose Teatro Municipal houses the best musical performers from São Paulo and around the world. Marble staircases, gold chandeliers and classical statues add to the charm of this European-style opera house.

Bohemians flock to Pinheiros’ centre for urban art at the Choque Cultural. Take in tattoo art, skateboard design and graffiti creations at this hip townhouse turned contemporary gallery.