Jan e Kaíssa

Welcome do Brasil!

Dear Guests,

We are so excited to welcome you to São Paulo for our wedding! We've created this guide to help you navigate the city and make the most of your trip. São Paulo is a vibrant, bustling metropolis with a lot to offer, and we hope you fall in love with it as much as we have.

Arriving in São Paulo

Airport: The closest and largest airport for international arrivals is São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). It's about 38 km from the city center and handles the vast majority of international flights. Pro tip: try to sit near the window; you'll be impressed by the size of the city and the sheer number of buildings as the plane comes in for a landing.

São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) is a very large and busy hub, so it's essential to be aware of your surroundings. The safest and most convenient ways to reach your hotel are by using services like Uber or by taking a licensed taxi.

• Uber: The Uber app works seamlessly in São Paulo. Simply open the app upon arrival and follow the instructions to locate the designated pickup area for your terminal. The app will provide a photo of your driver and their license plate number, which you should always verify before getting into the car.
• Official Taxis: For those who prefer a traditional taxi, licensed taxis are available at designated stands outside the arrivals area of each terminal. We highly recommend only using these official taxis and avoiding any individuals who approach you inside the airport offering a ride. While these unauthorized drivers may seem helpful, they are not regulated and can be unsafe.

As with any major international airport, it's wise to stay vigilant. Keep your belongings secure, and avoid leaving your luggage unattended.

Hotel Recommendations

We recommend staying in the neighborhoods of Vila Madalena or Pinheiros for your visit. These areas are known for their lively atmosphere, great restaurants, bars, and shops, and are well-connected to the rest of the city. We also suggest looking into hotels in the neighborhoods of Avenida Paulista and Jardins. These areas are central, upscale, and offer a great mix of culture, shopping, and dining.

A Guide to What to Do in São Paulo

São Paulo is a city of immense culture, food, and urban landscapes. Here are some highlights to explore:

Museums and Art:

• MASP (Museum of Art of São Paulo): Located on Avenida Paulista, this is one of the most important art museums in Latin America.
• Pinacoteca: Housed in a stunning building, this museum focuses on Brazilian art from the 19th century to the present. (we recommend getting here by Uber or taxi and to no walk in this neighborhood)
• Museu do Futebol: A museum dedicated to Brazil's national obsession, football, located in the Pacaembu Stadium.
• Museu da Imagem e do Som (MIS): This museum specializes in visual arts, cinema, and photography, often hosting exciting temporary exhibitions.
• Casa das Rosas: A beautiful historic mansion on Avenida Paulista that hosts poetry events, exhibitions, and literary workshops in a peaceful garden setting.
• Japan House São Paulo: On Avenida Paulista, this cultural center showcases modern Japanese art, technology, and culture through free exhibitions and workshops.

Parks and Urban Life:

• Avenida Paulista: São Paulo's main artery. On Sundays, it's closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian paradise with street performers, food stalls, and a vibrant energy.
• Parque Ibirapuera: Often called "São Paulo's Central Park," this is a massive green space with walking and biking trails, museums, and beautiful architecture.
• Horto Florestal & Jardim Botânico: A great escape from the city, these two areas are close to each other and offer beautiful, well-preserved natural landscapes for quiet walks and enjoying local flora.
• Vila Madalena: Explore the famous Beco do Batman (Batman Alley), a street completely covered in ever-changing graffiti and street art. The neighborhood is also full of cool bars, galleries, and shops.
• Liberdade: The largest Japanese community outside of Japan. It's a fantastic place to experience Japanese-Brazilian culture, with a large street market on weekends, and a huge variety of Asian restaurants.

Landmarks and Attractions:

• Farol Santander: An iconic building in the city center that offers incredible 360-degree views of São Paulo from its rooftop observation deck. It also has a museum and cultural spaces.
• Ipiranga: Visit the recently renovated Ipiranga Museum, which is a centerpiece of Brazilian history, located next to the Independence Park and the beautiful Independence Monument.
• Autódromo de Interlagos: For racing fans, the Interlagos circuit is home to the Brazilian Grand Prix and a major landmark in global motorsport.
• Allianz Parque & Arena Corinthians (Itaquerão): Football fans can visit the modern stadiums of two of São Paulo's biggest teams. It's an opportunity to see a game if one is happening, or to take a stadium tour.
• Centro de Tradições Nordestinas (CTN): This cultural center celebrates the food, music, and traditions of Brazil's Northeast. On weekends, it's a great place to dance to "forró" music and try authentic dishes.

Performing Arts:

• Sala São Paulo: A magnificent concert hall housed in a former train station, known for its incredible acoustics and performances by the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra.
• Theatro Municipal: A stunning opera house and one of the city's most important historic buildings. You can visit for a tour or to catch a performance.
• Sesc Paulista: This cultural center on Avenida Paulista offers a wide range of activities and events, including art exhibitions, performances, and a rooftop with stunning city views.

Food and Drink:

• Mercado Municipal (Central Market): A must-visit to try the famous "mortadella sandwich" and "pastel de bacalhau." Known as the "Mercadão" by locals, this central market is a feast for the senses, with stands piled high with exotic fruits, spices, and other Brazilian delicacies. (we recommend getting here by Uber or taxi and to not walk in this neighborhood)
• Explore the many acclaimed restaurants, from high-end options to traditional pizzerias and casual bars with this amazing google maps list prepared by the bride: Access the list here.

Shopping in São Paulo

If you're looking for last-minute essentials or want to bring home a piece of Brazil, São Paulo is a shopper's paradise.

• For Everyday Needs & Souvenirs:
  • Havaianas: You can't leave Brazil without a pair of these iconic flip-flops. There are stores all over the city with a huge variety of colors and designs not available elsewhere.
  • Rua Oscar Freire (Jardins): Known as São Paulo's most famous shopping street, it's a great place to browse for high-end international and Brazilian brands.
  • Feira da Praça Benedito Calixto (Pinheiros): On Saturdays, this square hosts a lively fair with antiques, handicrafts, and local design. It's a fantastic spot to find unique souvenirs and gifts.

• Wholesale and Bargain Shopping:
  • Rua 25 de Março: This is one of the most famous shopping streets in São Paulo and a great place to find almost anything at a bargain price, from electronics to costumes and home goods. Just be aware of the crowds and keep an eye on your belongings to avoid pickpockets.
  • José Paulino (Bom Retiro): A vibrant street specializing in wholesale and retail women's fashion. It’s a great place to find trendy Brazilian clothes at excellent prices.
  • Brás: Another major textile and fashion hub, known for its huge variety of clothing, especially for men and children. The bride's mom is a well-known regular in the Brás and José Paulino regions and would be delighted to act as a personal shopping guide if you're interested in exploring these areas!

• Shopping Malls:
  • Shopping Pátio Higienópolis: Conveniently located near the wedding venue, this mall has a wide range of stores, from clothing and electronics to pharmacies and supermarkets.
  • Shopping Iguatemi São Paulo: One of the city's most classic and upscale malls, with a great selection of international and local designer brands.

• Brazilian Design & Fashion:
  • Vila Madalena and Pinheiros: These neighborhoods are perfect for discovering local designers and unique, artisanal shops. Stroll down the streets and you'll find independent boutiques with clothing, jewelry, and home goods that reflect the city's creative spirit.
  • Stores like UMA, TONUS, and Fernanda Yamamoto in Vila Madalena are great for a taste of contemporary Brazilian fashion.
  • For unique footwear, check out local designers like Juliana Bicudo and Luiza Perea.

Safety Guide and Neighborhoods to Avoid

While São Paulo is a big, dynamic city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings.

• General Safety Tips:
  • Leave valuables at home: Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, watches, or flashy items.
  • Keep your phone tucked away: Do not walk around with your phone in your hand, especially on the street. If you need to use it for directions or to call an Uber, step into a store or café.
  • Be aware of your surroundings: As in any big city, stay alert and confident. Avoid walking alone at night, and use Uber or taxis for nighttime travel.
  • Secure your belongings: Use a cross-body bag and keep your wallet and other valuables zipped up and close to you.

• Neighborhoods to avoid (especially at night):
  • Sé and Centro (downtown): While there are many historic and interesting sites here, this area can be very unsafe, especially at night. There are a lot of homeless people, and an area known as Cracolândia (Crackland) should be avoided entirely.
  • Some outer suburbs and peripheral areas are also known to be more dangerous. It's best to stick to the main tourist areas and the neighborhoods recommended in this guide.

Mobility Around the City

• Uber/99: This is the most convenient and safest way to get around, especially for tourists. It's affordable and widely available.
• Public Transportation: São Paulo has an extensive and generally safe public transportation system, including a metro and bus network. The metro is a great way to avoid traffic, particularly during rush hour.
  • You can buy a Bilhete Único (Single Ticket) card to use on both the metro and buses.
  • The metro is considered modern and clean, but can be very crowded during peak hours. Be mindful of your belongings.