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Wondering where to stay in Sao Paulo? Look no further as I’ve got you covered!
São Paulo is the world’s 4th largest city and is home to 22 million people. Since the city is so large, it can be intimidating to plan a trip there, especially as a first-time visitor. I clearly remember my first time visiting Sao Paulo and not having a clue which Sao Paulo areas were the best.
During both of my visits to Sao Paulo, both as a solo female traveler and with my family, I felt safe in the neighborhoods that I visited. This post will cover the top seven safest areas in São Paulo and the best hotels to book in the city. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to stay in São Paulo.
From the best neighborhoods for first-time visitors to the safest areas of São Paulo, this comprehensive guide will show you exactly where to stay in São Paulo based on your budget, interests and travel preferences.
7 Best Areas to Stay in São Paulo
There are so many choices of where to stay in São Paulo (and where to stay in Rio de Janeiro), it’s easy to get overwhelmed when planning a trip. To help you plan the perfect trip, below is a list of the seven best areas to stay in São Paulo and the top hotels in those areas for every budget.
Paulista Avenue: Best for First-Time Visitors
Paulista Avenue is a street rather than a neighborhood, but it is an ideal place to stay in Sao Paulo, especially if it’s your first time visiting this massive city. Paulista Avenue is a 1.25 mile long street that acts as the borderline to the neighborhoods of Bela Vista, Paraíso, Jardim Paulista, Consolação, and Cerqueira César.
Why Stay Near Paulista Avenue?
Paulista Avenue is one of the most important streets in all of São Paulo and is considered the central hub for many of the city’s cultural and financial institutions. Staying on Paulista Avenue puts you in the center of the action, with nearby restaurants, shopping, bars, and cultural sites. There is something for everyone near Paulista Avenue, which also makes it the ideal location for first-time visitors.
On Sundays, Paulista Avenue is shut down to car traffic, making it a pedestrian-only street that is perfect for walking around and exploring the shops and restaurants. While the cars are absent, there are street performers, food vendors, and artists along the street, making it a fun and lively place to spend the day.
Things to Do Near Paulista Avenue
- Shopping at Cidade São Paulo – a large shopping center with boutique shops and higher-end brand shops, a food court, and a cinema.
- Museum of Art of São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand – a museum known for its unique modern architecture in Brazil. It is home to one of Latin America’s most important collections of renowned art.
- Nightlife: There are many different options, from incredible rooftop bars to underground techno clubs.
- Sunday pedestrian-only event on Paulista Avenue which turns the street into a lively market and walking area.
- Miscellaneous festivals and celebrations – such as the New Year’s Eve Festival.
Where to Stay in São Paulo on Paulista Avenue
Budget-Friendly: Soul Hostel Avenue Paulista
Soul Hostel Avenue Paulista is the perfect budget-friendly place to stay in the city center. This hostel offers a variety of rooms – from double-bed private rooms to dormitory style. This is a great option for budget-travelers who want to stay at a highly-rated hotel in the center of everything.
Mid-Range: Qoya São Paulo Paulista, Curio Collection by Hilton
This brand new, 4-star hotel is located just off Avenue Paulista (no Brazilian Uber required.) The amenities at Qoya São Paulo Paulista include a rooftop pool and terrace, garden, fitness area, and more. The air-conditioned rooms are modern and come with a flat-screen TV, mini bar, and coffee maker. This is an excellent choice for anyone looking to stay in a newer hotel with modern amenities.
Luxury: Tivoli Mofarrej São Paulo
Located one block from the popular Paulista Avenue, the Tivoli Mofarrej has a perfect location and is within walking distance to the Jardins district and Museu de Arte de São Paulo. Hotel amenities include an award-winning Thailand-themed spa, two gastronomic restaurants, and a classy bar. Rooms are decorated in a contemporary style and many offer panoramic views of the city.
Jardins: Safest Area to Stay in São Paulo
The Jardins is known as one of the most luxurious parts of São Paulo, and it is also well-known for being one of the safest areas in the city for tourists. The Jardins is located just south of the famous Avenue Paulista, placing it near several major sites and attractions.
Why Stay in the Jardins?
Many travelers, especially first-time visitors to Brazil, are concerned about safety. The Jardins is known as one of the safest neighborhoods in São Paulo, which makes it ideal for those looking to stay in one of the nicest and most secure locations in the city.
The Jardins is also known for the beautiful street Rua Oscar Freire. This famous street has several luxury designer shops, as well as upscale eateries like sushi bars and French bistros.
Things to do in the Jardins District
- High-end luxury shopping – especially on Rua Oscar Freire.
- Visit Paróquia Nossa Senhora do Brasil – a beautiful Catholic church.
- Check out MIS (Museu da Imagem e do Som) – a museum on films, music, videos, and photos.
- Relax at the nearby Parque Ibirapuera – one of São Paulo’s most picturesque parks.
Where to Stay in São Paulo’s Jardins Neighborhood
Budget-Friendly: Transamerica Executive Jardins
The Jardins is typically a more expensive area of São Paulo, but this 3-star hotel is a great budget-friendly option for this ideal location. The hotel has great amenities – including a sauna, gym, and restaurant – as well as a rooftop swimming pool. Another benefit is that the rooms are suite-style and include an American-style kitchen.
Mid-Range: Hotel WZ Jardins
This hotel is located nearby the famous street, Rua Oscar Freire. The location is a huge selling point for the hotel, as it is close to a variety of high-end shops, restaurants, and bars. Hotel WZ Jardins offers beautiful, modern rooms that are sound-proofed and air-conditioned. Amenities include a restaurant and bar, a fitness center, and meeting facilities.
Luxury: Hotel Fasano São Paulo Jardins
This 5-star hotel is the ultimate luxury stay in the Jardins. Enjoy a massage or a drink on the beautiful hotel terrace before heading out to Rua Oscar Freire. Hotel Fasano São Paulo Jardins offers tastefully decorated rooms that are spacious and bright, with high-quality wood and leather furniture. Amenities include a spa, an Italian restaurant, a bar, and an indoor pool. It’s the perfect place for a luxury stay in the city.
Itaim Bibi: Best for a Luxury Stay
Located next to the Jardins, Itaim Bibi is one of the best neighborhoods for a luxurious vacation in São Paulo. This glamorous area is known for its high-end shopping, upscale eateries, high-rise corporate headquarters, and glitzy nightlife.
Why Stay in Itaim Bibi?
Itaim Bibi is perfect for those looking for a more glamorous area to stay in São Paulo. This neighborhood is known for its high-end nightclubs, classy bars, and a variety of restaurants from burger joints to upscale Italian eateries. Many corporate headquarters occupy high-rise buildings, which makes it a good location for business travelers as well. Lastly, it is close to one of São Paulo’s nicest parks, Parque Ibirapuera.
Things to do in Itaim Bibi
- Visit Parque Ibirapuera – one of the most scenic parks in São Paulo.
- Enjoy a taste of Italy at Eataly – a 3-story food court with several Italian markets and restaurants.
- Experience the local nightlife – from glitzy clubs to classy bars.
- Check out one of the area’s many art galleries, like Galeria Oscar Cruz.
Where to Stay in São Paulo’s Itaim Bibi Neighborhood
Budget-Friendly: Clarion Faria Lima
Itaim Bibi is an expensive area to stay in São Paulo, so prices tend to be a bit higher. However, the Clarion Faria Lima Hotel offers a great stay for a budget-friendly price. The hotel is located in the financial area of Itaim Bibi, only two blocks from the popular Brigadeiro Faria Lima Avenue (with tons of shops, bars, and restaurants.) The hotel is modern-style with air-conditioning and all the rooms include a small balcony.
Mid-Range: Grand Mercure SP Itaim Bibi
Grand Mercure SP Itaim Bibi is a stunning, 4-star hotel that offers panoramic views over the scenic park, Parque Ibirapuera. The hotel has fabulous amenities such as a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, sun terrace, and fitness center. Rooms are modern and air-conditioned, and they feature quality wood furniture and balconies.
Luxury: Meliá Jardim Europa
For a 5-star hotel in the Itaim Bibi neighborhood, look no further than Meliá Jardim Europa. This hotel is located in one of the safest neighborhoods of São Paulo and is close to shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Hotel amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, and a tropical-themed outdoor space with a bar. The rooms feature designer furniture with modern finishes.
Pinheiros: Best Artsy Neighborhood
Pinheiros and the nearby Vila Madalena neighborhood are known for being the artsy, hipster districts in São Paulo. The area is full of unique vintage and boutique shops, cafes, and bars with live music. It’s the perfect neighborhood for tourists looking for a bohemian/hipster vibe.
Why Stay in Pinheiros?
This bohemian-vibe neighborhood is the perfect place to stay to experience Brazilian art and culture. It is a laid-back neighborhood that is full of boutique art galleries, shops, low-key restaurants, and lots of bars with live music. A highlight of this area is Beco do Batman (Batman’s Alley), an alley that’s become an open-air art gallery featuring vibrant and colorful graffiti-style murals.
Things to do in Pinheiros
- Grab a drink and listen to music at one of the local bars.
- Explore Beco do Batman (Batman Alley) – a street that is full of cool graffiti-style murals.
- Check out some of the vintage shops.
- Visit one of the eclectic cafes.
- Wander the lively Rebouças and Brigadeiro Faria Lima avenues.
Where to Stay in São Paulo’s Pinheiros Neighborhood
Budget-Friendly: Ô de Casa Hostel
Ô de Casa Hostel is perfect for those on a budget looking to stay in a hip, bohemian area of the city. This vibrant hostel is close to many bars and cafes in the area. The rooms are modern and have lockers. There is also a lively reception area with acoustic guitars and a bar area.
Mid-Range: Golden Tower Pinheiros by Fênix Hotéis
The Golden Tower Pinheiros is the perfect place to stay in the artsy district. It is located within walking distance of Beco do Batman, which is home to the famous graffiti murals in São Paulo. The hotel features modern rooms and also has a great rooftop terrace and outdoor pool.
Luxury: George V Alto De Pinheiros
George V Alto De Pinheiros is a 4-star hotel is the perfect accommodation for travelers who are seeking the luxurious, but still want to be within the hipster neighborhoods of São Paulo. The suite-style rooms have a full kitchen and seating area as well as air-conditioning. Hotel amenities include a sauna, fitness center, and a pool with a terrace.
Downtown Augusta: Best Nightlife Area
Baxio Augusta, known as downtown Augusta, is centered around the street Rua Augusta. It’s located in the central part of the city, not far from Avenue Paulista. This is where you can find vibrant nightlife in São Paulo – from dive bars to glitzy nightclubs.
Why Stay in Downtown Augusta?
This is the perfect location to stay for those that are looking to experience the nightlife scene in São Paulo. Rua Augusta is full of a variety of botecas – lively music venues, bars, and energetic nightclubs that are open all night long. This area is also very central in São Paulo, making it close to popular daytime tourist attractions.
Things to do in Downtown Augusta
- Check out a boteca – a neighborhood bar.
- Listen to live music.
- Enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Where to Stay in Stay in São Paulo’s Downtown Augusta Area
Budget-friendly: Hotel Heritage
Hotel Heritage is located just one block away from Rua Augusta and is also close to Avenue Paulista, giving it a central location in São Paulo. Rooms are cozy and air-conditioned, and amenities include a gym, indoor pool, and a jacuzzi.
Mid-range: Intercity São Paulo Paulista
Intercity is a 4-star hotel is located nearby Rua Augusta, making it the perfect place to enjoy some of São Paulo’s best nightlife. The rooms are modern and air-conditioned and they also offer suite options with terraces. Amenities include an indoor pool and an included buffet breakfast.
Luxury: Renaissance São Paulo Hotel
For a luxury stay in the heart of the city, the 5-star Renaissance São Paulo Hotel is the perfect choice. The location is one block away from Rua Augusta (nearby the best nightlife) and is also nearby the popular Avenue Paulista. The hotel offers several 5-star amenities including a ZenZone floor dedicated to wellness, a fitness center, a sauna, an outdoor pool, and more. The rooms are beautifully decorated, spacious, and air-conditioned.
Vila Mariana: Best Area on a Budget
Located south of the center of São Paulo, Vila Mariana is known as a “college town” and is home to some of the city’s best universities. It’s a budget-friendly area that’s located nearby many of São Paulo’s main tourist attractions.
Why stay in Vila Mariana?
Vila Mariana is the perfect neighborhood for budget-travelers and is home to several universities. This area is full of great coffee shops, student bars, and eclectic restaurants. It is also the home to the Museum of Contemporary Art and Sesc Vila Mariana – a performing art cultural center.
Things to do in Vila Mariana
- Enjoy a coffee or try some traditional Brazilian food at one of the many restaurants on Joaquim Távora Street.
- Visit the beautiful Ibirapuera Park.
- Check out Sesc Vila Mariana – a cultural center with a performing arts center.
- Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Where to Stay in São Paulo’s Vila Mariana Area
Budget-Friendly: Brazilodge All Suites Hostel
Brazilodge Hostel is the perfect budget-friendly option for accommodation in São Paulo and is located in Vila Mariana, which is known for its student bars and cultural centers. It is also less than 1 mile from Ibirapuera Park. Rooms are air-conditioned and amenities include a communal kitchen, a daily breakfast buffet, a game room, and free wifi.
Mid-Range: Comfort Nova Paulista
The Comfort Nova Paulista is located near a variety of coffee shops and restaurants, making it a great budget-friendly option nearby the popular Joaquim Távora Street. It is also located near the Unifesp and ESPM universities. Rooms are air-conditioned and amenities include free breakfast, wifi, and an outdoor pool.
Luxury: Pullman Sao Paulo Ibirapuera
As a 5-star hotel, Pullman Sao Paulo is a great hotel value option in the Vila Mariana neighborhood and is located nearby the famous Ibirapuera Park. Amenities include a fitness center, spa, swimming pool, sun terrace, sauna facility, and a deli bar called Tea Deli. The rooms are modern and air-conditioned and have amenities such as a flat screen TV, mini bar, work desk, and coffee makers.
Higienópolis: Best for Sports Fans and Food Enthusiasts
Higienópolis is located just west of the city center. This area is known for its beautiful green spaces, cafes, and restaurants that serve a variety of foods. It’s also known for being nearby Museu do Futebol – a museum dedicated to the most popular sport in Brazil.
Why Stay in Higienópolis?
Higienópolis is a Sao Paulo affluent area that is full of green space, chic cafes, and diverse eateries. The variety of restaurants in the neighborhood makes it perfect for foodies that are looking to taste a variety of local cuisine. It is also a great location for sports fans, as it is adjacent to one of the most important sports museums in the city – Museu do Futebol. Museu do Futebol is a great family-friendly museum with interactive exhibits on the history of futebol.
Things to do in Higienópolis
- Visit Museu do Futebol to learn more about Brazil’s most popular sport.
- Relax in green spaces – such as Buenos Aires Park and Praça Vilaboim Square.
- Visit the popular art museum – Museu de Arte Brasileira.
- Try a variety of local foods at the cafes and restaurants.
Where to Stay in São Paulo’s Higienópolis Neighborhood
Budget-friendly: Hotel Monreale Lifestyle Higienópolis São Paulo
Hotel Monreale Lifestyle Higienópolis is located just on the border of the Higienópolis neighborhood. It is a great option for those on a budget and hotel amenities include an international breakfast buffet, and rooms with a TV, minibar, and desk.
Mid-Range: Transamerica Classic Higienópolis
Transamerica Classic is a great mid-range hotel option in Higienópolis. It is nearby Pátio Higienópolis Shopping Mall and has many restaurants and bars within walking distance. Rooms are large and feature a balcony and American-style kitchen. Hotel amenities also include an indoor pool and sauna.
Luxury: São Paulo Higienópolis Affiliated by Meliá
The beautiful, Sao Paulo Higienopolis, a 4-star hotel is located in a central part of Higienópolis near Buenos Aires Park. It is only a short, 15-minute walk from Praça da República and the Museu do Futebol. Rooms have a work desk, mini bar, and flat-screen TV. Amenities also include a sauna and outdoor swimming pool.
FAQ: Where to Stay in São Paulo
Still considering where to stay in São Paulo? Check out some of the commonly asked questions below.
A: Many people traveling to Brazil ask the question “Is São Paulo safe?” or “Where is the safest place to stay in São Paulo?” These are great questions and all of the seven areas mentioned above are considered safe areas within the city. To narrow it down, some of the absolute safest areas to stay in São Paulo include the Itaim Bibi, Jardins, and Jardim Paulista.
A: The best zones to stay in when visiting São Paulo are near the city center. Avenue Paulista is a great choice due to its central location. For families or those looking for a luxury stay, Jardins or Itaim Bibi are perfect, safe neighborhoods. For nightlife, Pinherios, Vila Madalena, or downtown Augusta are ideal zones. Lastly, for budget travelers, Vila Mariana is worth checking out.
A: São Paulo is worth visiting. This incredible city is the largest in Brazil and is the center of Brazilian culture. There are so many incredible things to do in São Paulo, from admiring the art at the Museum of Art of São Paulo (MASP), to checking out the graffiti murals in Batman Alley, to learning more about Brazil’s most popular sport at the Museo de Futebol.
Conclusion: Best and Safest Areas to Stay in Sao Paulo
São Paulo is a major metropolitan area and is considered the fourth largest city in the world. Since the city is so massive, it can be difficult to decide where to stay while visiting São Paulo – especially as an English speaker in Brazil.
For first-time visitors, Paulista Avenue is an ideal location as it is in the heart of São Paulo so many things to do in the area. For a more luxurious stay in some of the safest neighborhoods in the city, many travelers will choose to stay in the Jardins or Itaim Bibi.
For nightlife, you can’t beat downtown Augusta, which is full of bars, music venues, and clubs. Similarly, for cool nightlife with more of a hipster vibe, staying in Pinheiros and the nearby Vila Madalena is ideal.
For budget travelers, the Vila Mariana area is a great choice. This Sao Paulo neighborhood is surrounded by coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and is also home to some of city’s universities. Lastly, for sports fans, Higienópolis is a great option as it is near the Museu do Futebol and has lots of open green spaces.
There are so many choices when deciding where to stay in São Paulo. This city offers everything from budget-friendly hostels, to mid-range boutique hotels, to 5-star luxury hotels – so there is sure to be a Sao Paulo area for everyone.
Don’t miss out on the rest of Brazil’s top cities for tourists – like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador in the northeast of Brazil.
