Liberdade District, Sao Paulo

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Liberdade District, Sao Paulo

Liberdade District, Sao Paulo (must see)

The name Liberdade (literary meaning Freedom) comes from the 1888 abolition of slavery in Brazil. Before abolition, slaves and convicts were executed in the public square now known as Liberty Square.

In the early 1900s, the area became popular with Japanese immigrants. Today, over one million Japanese and Brazilian-Japanese people call this neighborhood home, making Liberdade the largest Japanese community outside Japan. In 1974, a nine-meter-tall traditional Japanese gate was erected, marking the entrance to Liberdade with stunning detail.

Liberdade is a vibrant spot for tourists and locals to immerse themselves in Asian culture. You’ll find Japanese comics (known as manga), cosplay enthusiasts dressed as their favorite anime characters, Japanese candy and gifts, and restaurants serving sushi and sashimi. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a karaoke bar for a fun cultural experience.

Galvao Bueno Street is one of the main thoroughfares in Liberdade, lined with antique shops, bookstores, grocers, and an anime and manga mall. The street features a pedestrian bridge over the Glicerio Viaduct, a perfect spot for photos of Sao Paulo.

The Museum of Japanese Immigration offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of Japanese immigrants in Brazil. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the journeys, traditions, and daily lives of Japanese settlers, as well as their contributions to Brazilian society.

On weekends, the Liberdade street market offers traditional Japanese food, household items, and souvenirs, making it a lively destination for visitors.

Tip:
Visit on the weekend to take part in the street market. Check out the food stalls and try Japanese favorites such as ramen noodles, yakisoba (fried noodles), and gyoza (dumplings).

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Sao Paulo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Liberdade District on Map

Sight Name: Liberdade District
Sight Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil (See walking tours in Sao Paulo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Sao Paulo, Brazil

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