Exploring Pinheiros, a neighborhood known for cozy restaurants and cafes, you will notice a youthful energy. Several cultural centers and institutes surround the area and even its main church, Calvário, hosts a traditional Brazilian “Festa Junina” - a celebration with traditional music, dance, and food during the months of June and July. On the weekends, residents gather at Benedito Calixto Square, a loud and crowded area where people enjoy live music drinks alongside the antiquities fair.

Sé, which derives its name from Sé Square, is a central neighborhood in historic São Paulo. Close by, the Law School, the Museum of the Court of Justice and the Metropolitan Cathedral offer inspiring architecture. If you are looking for cultural activities, head to Caixa Cultural and check the schedule. In the area there is a popular pedestrian street called “Rua Direita”, one of the first streets in the region, which today marks the crowded perimeter. Sé is a great area to explore during daytime, but use caution if visiting alone at night.

Located just below important Paulista Avenue, Jardins is the junction of four smaller neighborhoods: Jardim Paulista, Jardim América, Jardim Europa and Jardim Paulistano. It is an upper-class area, offering a variety of things to do, including shopping, museums and parks. The neighborhood is well known for “Oscar Freire”– the most luxurious street in the city, packed with high-end boutiques. In Jardins you will also find a trendy museum, São Paulo Museum of Image and Sound (MIS), which people often line up for hours to visit. If green space is what you're after, take time to relax at Trianon Park, a refuge in the heart of Paulista Avenue.

Consolação lies between the old historical center of the city and busy Paulista Avenue. It’s surrounded by the fancy Higienópolis neighborhood, which makes it a very diverse place. The nightlife along Augusta Street offers visitors a variety of options to dine, dance and be entertained. Roosevelt Square, Consolação's main meeting point, is surrounded by fringe theaters and has become a popular skateboarding area. Right across the street from the square is the elevated highway known as “Minhocão.” Though it is busy with car traffic all week, it shuts down every weekend and becomes a leisure spot right in the middle of the city.

Part of the historical center of São Paulo, República was once a fancy residential area. República Square holds a craft and food fair every weekend, right by the subway entrance. Nearby, one of the neighborhood’s main attractions is the Italian Building, where you can see the city from the 42nd floor. The Copan Building also deserves a close look, with 1,160 apartments and a huge floor area that inspired filmmakers and other artists. To get the feeling of São Paulo in the beginning of the 1900s, visit the Municipal Theatre – you will be amazed by its architecture. The area also features several galleries. República is a great area to explore during daytime, but use caution if visiting alone at night.

To truly know São Paulo, you have to start at the old center, full of history and landmarks with stories to tell. Get a taste of local food at the Municipal Market, and if you are brave enough, head to the crowded shopping street “25 de março” for cheap deals on a wide assortment of items. Beautiful buildings in this area include the Post Office Building, Luz Station, Pagé Gallery, Pateo do Colegio and the iconic “Viaduto do Chá”. If you find yourself amazed by the local language, the Museum of Portuguese Language is the place to go. Cultural centers, like Banco do Brasil’s, also offer a variety of entertainment options. Finally, if you fancy watching a Gregorian mass with organ music, stop by São Bento Monastery on a Sunday morning.

The Santana neighborhood in Sao Paulo stands as a testament to the city's historical past and thriving contemporary culture. With its beautiful architecture and a wide range of dining options, Santana is a foodie's paradise, with eateries offering everything from Brazilian classics to international cuisine. The neighborhood’s iconic landmark, the Church of Santana, is a must-see for its stunning art and architecture. Voluntários da Pátria Street, brimming with shops and local businesses, gives a true taste of the local lifestyle. For those keen on exploring, Tietê Bus Terminal, the second largest bus terminal in the world, provides access to various parts of the city and beyond.

Mooca, a traditionally Italian neighborhood in Sao Paulo, is an intriguing mix of old-world charm and modern conveniences. Known for its rich industrial history, the area features iconic landmarks such as the Mooca Train Station and the Immigrants Museum - both telling tales of the neighborhood's past. A culinary haven, Mooca boasts an array of eateries from traditional Italian pizzerias and bakeries to contemporary fusion cuisine restaurants. With a network of buses and trains, accessibility is a major perk, making it easy for travelers to navigate the city. The charm of Mooca lies in the blend of its historical roots with a growing cosmopolitan vibe, making it an enticing destination for those seeking a unique cultural experience.

Located in south São Paulo, Vila Mariana is a nice residential area with plenty of businesses, recreation centers, hospitals and restaurants. Joaquim Távora is an up-and-coming nightlife spot, with trendy restaurants and bars. The cultural center SESC Vila Mariana offers interesting architecture and a variety of activities for the public. You can rent a bicycle from one of the local bike share stations and ride along the neighborhood's streets to get a sense of this pleasant area during the day. The area around ESPM, a school for publicity and marketing, offers a collegiate ambiance with busy cafes and pubs.