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Banespa Building

Praca Antonio Prado, Sao Paulo, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil (Centro Historico)
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As featured in Sao Paulo for free
Ranked #21 of 272 attractions in Sao Paulo
Type: Architectural Buildings, Lookouts
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: 1-2 hours
Owner description: São Paulo's very own Empire State Building — the Edifício Altino Arantes, better known by the name of its previous owner, Banespa — opened in 1947 as... more » Owner description: São Paulo's very own Empire State Building — the Edifício Altino Arantes, better known by the name of its previous owner, Banespa — opened in 1947 as a symbol of the fast-growing city's economic might. The striking views from the observation deck, accessed from the 33rd floor of the 161-meter-tall building, never fail to impress visitors. Views, while free, are daytime only; the building is only open during normal business hours. « less
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163 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    76
    62
    19
    3
    3
Date Rating
Sao Paulo, SP
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

As other reviews have noted, the building is only open during weekdays and not on holidays. I went around 2pm on a Wednesday and there was a only a short line, but it look a long time nonetheless. The receptionists and the computer system are not really equipped to deal with the volume of people who would like to see... More

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See 3 more reviews by LizzyHS for Sao Paulo
Runcorn, United Kingdom
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 4, 2013

Great experience although advised to get there at 10am. We got there at 1pm and waited 45mins to go up. Take our passport and do not wear flip flops although shorts etc are fine. Fantastic lobby and view is great. Only 5 people at one time and you get 5 mins with security following you around the small viewing area.... More

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See 5 more reviews by 496PaulW496 for Sao Paulo
1 review
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 30, 2013 via mobile

The best place in São Paulo to see the incredible city's landscape. Just consult the agenda before going, since it doesn't work everyday.

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London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 4, 2013 via mobile

Ask security on the street to find the right door. The latest entrance to the tower is at 3pm. According to an earlier review, the earliest possible visit is at 10am. Note that the tower is also open on Mondays, unlike many other tourist attractions.

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Cape Town Central, South Africa
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 24, 2013

This excursion was worth the wait. From the top you get fantastic 360 degree views of massive Sao Paulo. Even though you only get to spend 10 minutes there it is worth it, it is free after all. be prepared to wait esp in busy tourist season (which I hear is always); visiting times are strictly 10am to 3pm Mondays... More

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See 2 more reviews by Ingrid S for Sao Paulo
Comblain-au-Pont, Belgium
Top Contributor
75 reviews 75 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
34 helpful votes 34 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 27, 2012

follow the strict instructions of the bank people, and enjoy a wonderful view! Arrive at 10 am sharp, and you will be the first up!

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berlin
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
82 helpful votes 82 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed December 21, 2012

Historic building (from around 1930), interesting lobby, the view from the rooftop is stunning. Not really "beautiful" (most skyscrapers were built in 70') but impressive because you can better realize that more than 15 million people are living here. Free entry, you will need your passport. You have only 5 minutes at the observation deck, but this is enough to... More

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See 6 more reviews by audax for Sao Paulo
Bogota, Colombia
Top Contributor
137 reviews 137 reviews
124 attraction reviews
Reviews in 37 cities Reviews in 37 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed November 28, 2012

Usually going to quite a high floor to get views over a city are pretty impressive. But most of the other buildings in Sao Paulo are pretty tall as well, although not quite as tall as this one. The problem is Sao Paulo just isn't a beautiful city, it's pretty drab and dull and so the views aren't anything great.... More

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See 4 more reviews by Kalmaro for Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo, SP
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 22, 2012

Amazing panoramic view of São Paulo. Free entrance, however you might encounter quite the line depending on the time/day, but totally worth the wait.

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See 6 more reviews by karinanina for Sao Paulo
NYC
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 22, 2012

You do have to show some ID to get in, but the visit to the rooftop is free of charge. There is a queue to get in, and sometimes it takes more than 45 minutes, but once you are up there you will get the best view of the City.

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See 8 more reviews by isabelavv for Sao Paulo

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