Sao Paulo Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Sao Paulo
When Jesuit priest José de Anchieta founded the mission in 1554, he reportedly said that the site, though modest, would “become a great village.” Sao Paulo never stops. From this small plateau mission to one of the world’s largest cities, the metropolis has always been shaped by energy, ambition, and growth.
The city was established by Jesuit missionaries Manuel da Nobrega and Jose de Anchieta under the name that literrally means the "School of Saint Paul of Piratininga." Their goal was to convert the local Tupiniquim and Guarani peoples to Christianity. The founding date, January 25, 1554, coincides with the Catholic feast day of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle, giving the city its name. “Sao Paulo” literally means Saint Paul in Portuguese.
In its early years, São Paulo remained an isolated settlement due to its inland location and limited coastal access. This remoteness made it an ideal base for the bandeirantes—Portuguese explorers who ventured deep into South America in the 17th century seeking gold, precious stones, and Indigenous slaves. Their expeditions pushed Portuguese territory far beyond the boundaries set by the Treaty of Tordesillas.
By the 18th century, São Paulo’s economy grew through agriculture and trade with the mining regions of Minas Gerais. In the 19th century, the rise of coffee cultivation transformed the city into a major commercial hub, attracting European immigrants—Italians, Portuguese, and Germans—who provided labor and helped shape its cosmopolitan character.
The early 20th century saw Sao Paulo develop into Brazil’s economic powerhouse. Coffee fortunes financed industry, banking, and construction, while the Industrial Revolution fueled massive urban growth. Waves of Japanese, Arab, and northeastern Brazilian immigrants added to the city’s cultural diversity, creating a dynamic mix of traditions and communities.
Today, São Paulo has become the center of Brazil’s industry, finance, and innovation. It is the country’s financial and cultural capital, home to multinational companies, universities, museums, and architectural landmarks.
Walking through downtown Sao Paulo, visitors encounter a mix of history and modernity. The area features landmarks like Sao Paulo Cathedral, the Patio do Colegio—the city’s birthplace—and the Municipal Theatre, a masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture.
Strolling along Sao Joao Avenue and the Anhangabau Valley district, travelers see bustling streets, historic buildings, and vibrant street art. Cafés, markets, and lively crowds reflect São Paulo’s multicultural spirit, offering a vivid glimpse into Brazil’s largest and most dynamic metropolis.
From its humble beginnings on a quiet plateau to the vibrant metropolis it is today, Sao Paulo truly embodies Anchieta’s vision: a transformation from a modest mission into the largest “village” in Brazil—a place that never stops growing, evolving, and surprising everyone who visits.
The city was established by Jesuit missionaries Manuel da Nobrega and Jose de Anchieta under the name that literrally means the "School of Saint Paul of Piratininga." Their goal was to convert the local Tupiniquim and Guarani peoples to Christianity. The founding date, January 25, 1554, coincides with the Catholic feast day of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle, giving the city its name. “Sao Paulo” literally means Saint Paul in Portuguese.
In its early years, São Paulo remained an isolated settlement due to its inland location and limited coastal access. This remoteness made it an ideal base for the bandeirantes—Portuguese explorers who ventured deep into South America in the 17th century seeking gold, precious stones, and Indigenous slaves. Their expeditions pushed Portuguese territory far beyond the boundaries set by the Treaty of Tordesillas.
By the 18th century, São Paulo’s economy grew through agriculture and trade with the mining regions of Minas Gerais. In the 19th century, the rise of coffee cultivation transformed the city into a major commercial hub, attracting European immigrants—Italians, Portuguese, and Germans—who provided labor and helped shape its cosmopolitan character.
The early 20th century saw Sao Paulo develop into Brazil’s economic powerhouse. Coffee fortunes financed industry, banking, and construction, while the Industrial Revolution fueled massive urban growth. Waves of Japanese, Arab, and northeastern Brazilian immigrants added to the city’s cultural diversity, creating a dynamic mix of traditions and communities.
Today, São Paulo has become the center of Brazil’s industry, finance, and innovation. It is the country’s financial and cultural capital, home to multinational companies, universities, museums, and architectural landmarks.
Walking through downtown Sao Paulo, visitors encounter a mix of history and modernity. The area features landmarks like Sao Paulo Cathedral, the Patio do Colegio—the city’s birthplace—and the Municipal Theatre, a masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture.
Strolling along Sao Joao Avenue and the Anhangabau Valley district, travelers see bustling streets, historic buildings, and vibrant street art. Cafés, markets, and lively crowds reflect São Paulo’s multicultural spirit, offering a vivid glimpse into Brazil’s largest and most dynamic metropolis.
From its humble beginnings on a quiet plateau to the vibrant metropolis it is today, Sao Paulo truly embodies Anchieta’s vision: a transformation from a modest mission into the largest “village” in Brazil—a place that never stops growing, evolving, and surprising everyone who visits.
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Sao Paulo Introduction Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Sao Paulo Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: Brazil » Sao Paulo (See other walking tours in Sao Paulo)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Author: vickyc
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Brazil » Sao Paulo (See other walking tours in Sao Paulo)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Author: vickyc
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Mercado Municipal (Municipal Market)
- Mosteiro de SĂŁo Bento (Sao Bento Monastery)
- Avenida SĂŁo JoĂŁo (Sao Joao Avenue)
- Farol Santander
- Patio do Colegio (The School Yard)
- Sao Paulo Cathedral
- Liberdade District
1) Mercado Municipal (Municipal Market) (must see)
This enormous eclectic-style market first opened in 1933. Since then, it has remained committed to serving as a central public market offering fruits, vegetables, meats, cereals, and spices.
The Municipal Market was inspired by the Berlin Central Market, featuring a covered building with side turrets. Its exterior combines neoclassical and Gothic influences, with grand columns and arches. Glazed windows flood the interior with natural light.
Inside, visitors can admire the market’s fabulous stained-glass windows, arranged in 32 panels. These were designed by Brazilian stained-glass master Conrado Sorgenicht Filho, who also created works for more than 300 churches across Brazil. Instead of religious themes, the panels here depict scenes of food production, perfectly suited to the market’s spirit.
On the first floor, visitors will find a wide range of food retailers. You can buy just about any ingredient imaginable — from Brazilian nuts, coffee, and fresh fish to oysters, meats, fruits, and vegetables.
The second floor is home to several restaurants where you can enjoy local specialties. To give you an idea of the market’s impressive scale, it employs over 1,500 workers, and more than 350 tons of food are traded here each day.
Tip:
Try the famous mortadella sandwich. The market is bustling at lunchtime, so if you love a hectic, immersive experience, try lunchtime. For a quieter pace, go before or after lunch.
The Municipal Market was inspired by the Berlin Central Market, featuring a covered building with side turrets. Its exterior combines neoclassical and Gothic influences, with grand columns and arches. Glazed windows flood the interior with natural light.
Inside, visitors can admire the market’s fabulous stained-glass windows, arranged in 32 panels. These were designed by Brazilian stained-glass master Conrado Sorgenicht Filho, who also created works for more than 300 churches across Brazil. Instead of religious themes, the panels here depict scenes of food production, perfectly suited to the market’s spirit.
On the first floor, visitors will find a wide range of food retailers. You can buy just about any ingredient imaginable — from Brazilian nuts, coffee, and fresh fish to oysters, meats, fruits, and vegetables.
The second floor is home to several restaurants where you can enjoy local specialties. To give you an idea of the market’s impressive scale, it employs over 1,500 workers, and more than 350 tons of food are traded here each day.
Tip:
Try the famous mortadella sandwich. The market is bustling at lunchtime, so if you love a hectic, immersive experience, try lunchtime. For a quieter pace, go before or after lunch.
2) Mosteiro de SĂŁo Bento (Sao Bento Monastery) (must see)
The soaring interior nave with its ornate details makes this the most beautiful and vivid church in Sao Paulo. The monastery was originally established in 1598.
In 1640, when the Duke of Bragança was crowned King of Portugal, a group in São Paulo rejected the new monarch and offered the title King of Sao Paulo to Amador Bueno. Bueno declined the offer and hid in the Sao Bento Monastery until the political unrest subsided and D. Joao was recognized as King.
The current neo-Gothic façade was completed in 1914. German architect Richard Berndl designed the new structure, while Belgian sculptor Adrien Henri Vital van Emelen created the impressive sculptures of the twelve apostles.
The interior craftsmanship is exquisite, and the stained glass windows are stunning. A friar crafted clay figures for the high altar in the 1600s, which is made of marble imported from Italy. The clock, installed in 1920, was considered the most accurate timepiece in SĂŁo Paulo at the time. The impressive organ, with more than 6,000 pipes, can be heard during mass. Forty-five monks live in the monastery, devoting their lives to prayer and work.
Don’t miss experiencing the church in action and listening to its hauntingly beautiful acoustics. Attend a mass to hear the Gregorian chants—held on weekdays at 6 a.m. and weekends at 10 a.m.
There’s also an on-site bakery offering delicious treats made by the monks using secret recipes. You’ll find freshly baked bread, cakes, biscuits, jams, chocolates, and even craft beer.
In 1640, when the Duke of Bragança was crowned King of Portugal, a group in São Paulo rejected the new monarch and offered the title King of Sao Paulo to Amador Bueno. Bueno declined the offer and hid in the Sao Bento Monastery until the political unrest subsided and D. Joao was recognized as King.
The current neo-Gothic façade was completed in 1914. German architect Richard Berndl designed the new structure, while Belgian sculptor Adrien Henri Vital van Emelen created the impressive sculptures of the twelve apostles.
The interior craftsmanship is exquisite, and the stained glass windows are stunning. A friar crafted clay figures for the high altar in the 1600s, which is made of marble imported from Italy. The clock, installed in 1920, was considered the most accurate timepiece in SĂŁo Paulo at the time. The impressive organ, with more than 6,000 pipes, can be heard during mass. Forty-five monks live in the monastery, devoting their lives to prayer and work.
Don’t miss experiencing the church in action and listening to its hauntingly beautiful acoustics. Attend a mass to hear the Gregorian chants—held on weekdays at 6 a.m. and weekends at 10 a.m.
There’s also an on-site bakery offering delicious treats made by the monks using secret recipes. You’ll find freshly baked bread, cakes, biscuits, jams, chocolates, and even craft beer.
3) Avenida SĂŁo JoĂŁo (Sao Joao Avenue)
Sao Joao Avenue is one of the most historic and vibrant streets in downtown SĂŁo Paulo, stretching through the heart of the city and serving as a showcase of its cultural and architectural evolution. Originally developed in the early 20th century, the avenue quickly became a hub for commerce, entertainment, and social life.
Walking along its wide sidewalks, visitors can admire a mix of early modernist buildings, art deco façades, and contemporary structures that reflect the city’s rapid growth over the decades.
The avenue has long been a center for cultural life. Theaters, cinemas, and music halls once lined São João, hosting performances that drew crowds from across the city. Today, while many old cinemas have been replaced by shops and offices, traces of its theatrical past remain, giving the street a sense of history and nostalgia. Street art, sculptures, and murals also punctuate the avenue, offering colorful glimpses into São Paulo’s dynamic artistic scene.
Sao Joao Avenue is not only a visual feast but also a bustling commercial artery. It is lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants where visitors can sample local foods, enjoy a coffee, or simply watch the flow of city life.
Walking along its wide sidewalks, visitors can admire a mix of early modernist buildings, art deco façades, and contemporary structures that reflect the city’s rapid growth over the decades.
The avenue has long been a center for cultural life. Theaters, cinemas, and music halls once lined São João, hosting performances that drew crowds from across the city. Today, while many old cinemas have been replaced by shops and offices, traces of its theatrical past remain, giving the street a sense of history and nostalgia. Street art, sculptures, and murals also punctuate the avenue, offering colorful glimpses into São Paulo’s dynamic artistic scene.
Sao Joao Avenue is not only a visual feast but also a bustling commercial artery. It is lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants where visitors can sample local foods, enjoy a coffee, or simply watch the flow of city life.
4) Farol Santander
This iconic building has been called the Empire State Building of São Paulo. Its previous names include Altino Arantes Building and Banespa Tower. Regardless of its name, it remains one of the city’s most notable landmarks, dominating the skyline.
Santander Lighthouse opened in 1947 as the headquarters of the State Bank of SĂŁo Paulo. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest building in the city and the tallest reinforced concrete building in the world.
Travel to the 33rd floor to reach the observation deck and enjoy panoramic views of the city. On the 21st floor, visitors will find a skate park. The building also features a remarkable exhibition by Vik Muniz, who created a panorama of São Paulo’s skyline using upcycled materials. A short three-minute historical film provides additional context.
The Banespa Museum, located inside Santander Lighthouse , offers visitors a fascinating journey through São Paulo’s financial and cultural history. The museum showcases over 900 objects, including historic documents, photographs, and vintage carpets, giving insight into the building’s original role as the headquarters of the State Bank of São Paulo.
Several cafés and restaurants are located throughout the building, including a rooftop restaurant where visitors can enjoy lunch while taking in stunning city views.
Santander Lighthouse opened in 1947 as the headquarters of the State Bank of SĂŁo Paulo. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest building in the city and the tallest reinforced concrete building in the world.
Travel to the 33rd floor to reach the observation deck and enjoy panoramic views of the city. On the 21st floor, visitors will find a skate park. The building also features a remarkable exhibition by Vik Muniz, who created a panorama of São Paulo’s skyline using upcycled materials. A short three-minute historical film provides additional context.
The Banespa Museum, located inside Santander Lighthouse , offers visitors a fascinating journey through São Paulo’s financial and cultural history. The museum showcases over 900 objects, including historic documents, photographs, and vintage carpets, giving insight into the building’s original role as the headquarters of the State Bank of São Paulo.
Several cafés and restaurants are located throughout the building, including a rooftop restaurant where visitors can enjoy lunch while taking in stunning city views.
5) Patio do Colegio (The School Yard)
The School Yard refers to the yard in front of this historic Jesuit church and marks the site where SĂŁo Paulo was founded in 1554. At that time, the Jesuit school was a simple hut covered with palm leaves, where priests celebrated the inaugural mass.
The associated buildings have been rebuilt and reconstructed many times over the history of the Jesuit mission. In 1953, the church was rebuilt to reflect colonial architecture and the Mannerist style of the 17th century.
The Anchieta Museum, located within the historic School Yard offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the city’s Jesuit origins. The museum houses over 600 artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and altarpieces, which tell the story of the Jesuit mission and its role in early Brazilian history. A highlight is the detailed scale model of the School Yard, showing how the site looked in 1554 when São Paulo was founded.
There is also a café on-site with a pleasant attached garden, providing a lovely place to rest and reflect. In the yard, visitors will notice the impressive Immortal Glory to the Founders of São Paulo monument, commemorating the city’s origins.
The associated buildings have been rebuilt and reconstructed many times over the history of the Jesuit mission. In 1953, the church was rebuilt to reflect colonial architecture and the Mannerist style of the 17th century.
The Anchieta Museum, located within the historic School Yard offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the city’s Jesuit origins. The museum houses over 600 artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and altarpieces, which tell the story of the Jesuit mission and its role in early Brazilian history. A highlight is the detailed scale model of the School Yard, showing how the site looked in 1554 when São Paulo was founded.
There is also a café on-site with a pleasant attached garden, providing a lovely place to rest and reflect. In the yard, visitors will notice the impressive Immortal Glory to the Founders of São Paulo monument, commemorating the city’s origins.
6) Sao Paulo Cathedral (must see)
Construction of Sao Paulo Cathedral began in 1913 and was finally completed in 1954, but this sacred site has hosted churches and cathedrals since 1589. Its impressive Neo-Gothic facade and soaring Renaissance-style dome make it one of the city’s most striking landmarks.
The twin towers, reaching 92 meters, were finished in 1967, and inside, the cathedral can hold up to 8,000 visitors. The capitals are decorated with carved Brazilian crops like coffee branches and pineapples, a charming nod to the country’s heritage.
The crypt holds fascinating history as well. Among the tombs of Sao Paulo’s archbishops and bishops, you’ll find the remains of Tibirica, a Guaianas chief who welcomed the first Jesuits in the 1500s and helped make the founding of Sao Paulo possible. Marble sculptures tell stories of Job and Saint Jerome, making the crypt both impressive and reflective.
Music lovers will be thrilled by the cathedral’s enormous 1954 organ, one of the largest in Latin America, boasting 12,000 pipes and intricate Gothic-style carvings. And don’t miss the carillon—the heaviest and largest in Central and South America—with its 61 bells filling the air with resounding tones.
Tip:
Tourists should be aware that the plaza around the cathedral can attract drug addicts, beggars, and grifters. It is safest to visit during the day and maintain a low profile. The contrast between the sacred interior and the bustling, sometimes chaotic exterior offers a striking portrait of São Paulo’s unique and complex character.
The twin towers, reaching 92 meters, were finished in 1967, and inside, the cathedral can hold up to 8,000 visitors. The capitals are decorated with carved Brazilian crops like coffee branches and pineapples, a charming nod to the country’s heritage.
The crypt holds fascinating history as well. Among the tombs of Sao Paulo’s archbishops and bishops, you’ll find the remains of Tibirica, a Guaianas chief who welcomed the first Jesuits in the 1500s and helped make the founding of Sao Paulo possible. Marble sculptures tell stories of Job and Saint Jerome, making the crypt both impressive and reflective.
Music lovers will be thrilled by the cathedral’s enormous 1954 organ, one of the largest in Latin America, boasting 12,000 pipes and intricate Gothic-style carvings. And don’t miss the carillon—the heaviest and largest in Central and South America—with its 61 bells filling the air with resounding tones.
Tip:
Tourists should be aware that the plaza around the cathedral can attract drug addicts, beggars, and grifters. It is safest to visit during the day and maintain a low profile. The contrast between the sacred interior and the bustling, sometimes chaotic exterior offers a striking portrait of São Paulo’s unique and complex character.
7) Liberdade District (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).
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).
Walking Tours in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Create Your Own Walk in Sao Paulo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Sao Paulo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Japantown Walking Tour
Home to the world's largest ethnic Japanese community outside Japan, the Sao Paulo district of Liberdade entices tourists with its Asian-inspired influences present everywhere: restaurants, shops, decor, markets, etc.
Up until the late 19th century, the area was known as Campo da Forca (Field of the Gallows) as the one reserved for the execution of slaves and convicts – for whom the only... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Up until the late 19th century, the area was known as Campo da Forca (Field of the Gallows) as the one reserved for the execution of slaves and convicts – for whom the only... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Paulista Avenue Walking Tour
One of the main arteries of Sao Paulo, Paulista Avenue is a famous location and a symbol of the city's economic and political power. On both sides the avenue is lined with impressive high-rising architecture, extensive shopping areas, and cultural institutions.
The history of skyscrapers in Sao Paulo started in the late 1930s with the first multi-story edifice constructed at the corner of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The history of skyscrapers in Sao Paulo started in the late 1930s with the first multi-story edifice constructed at the corner of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Ibirapuera Park Walking Tour
Located in the very heart of Sao Paulo, Ibirapuera Park is the city's most famous attraction. The park was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer together with landscapist Roberto Burle Marx. It opened to the public on the 21st August, 1954. With a total space of 2 million square meters, the park features a beautiful landscape, filled with lakes, fountains, monuments, theaters, playgrounds,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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