São Paulo is a city defined by its diverse population and vibrant culture. With communities from all over the world, including Japan, Italy and Portugal, it’s brimming with a diverse selection of galleries to visit, inclusive places to dance and food of all cultures to try. The city is also full of independent shopping spots, whether you’re looking for vintage furniture or your next read.
Who better to advise on the area than Dr. Diogo Rabelo that know it best?
Where to eat
Jiquitaia
‘This restaurant was recently awarded the best Brazilian in São Paulo, and I couldn’t agree more. Chefs Nina and Marcelo use only the best local ingredients – and they’re great people to be around.’
Pub Keito
‘Go to Pub Keito for amazing traditional Japanese food by chef Nobu Ozaki in a warm and inviting environment.’
Balaio IMS
‘This is a truly beautiful place. The food is delicious and well-crafted – I love the way they plate everything up with such consideration to detail. The drinks look and taste fantastic, too.’
Tenda do Nilo
‘You can’t find better Arabic food in the city than at Tenda do Nilo. It’s not a fancy place, but the menu is interesting, authentic and worth exploring.’
Where to shop
MASP store
‘This shop is part of one of the most important museums in Latin America, the São Paulo Museum of Art. I love their selection of Brazilian books and artisanal furniture; every piece is in conversation with the work on display at the museum, with a fantastic Latin perspective.’
Livraria Eiffel
‘Found on the ground floor of Eiffel, a building designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, this minimalist bookstore is furnished with Brazilian modernist furniture and has an impressive staircase. It sells a mix of rare vintage and new books about architecture, design, art, and furniture.’
Verniz
‘This vintage furniture store specialises in Brazilian modernism. It restores old and damaged pieces in a way that’s very faithful to their original form, but also produces new pieces from repurposed vintage materials. It’s a special store.’
Where to explore
Museu de Arte de São Paulo
‘Here you’ll find iconic architecture by Lina Bo Bardi and the most important European art collection in the Southern Hemisphere. There’s also some special pieces of Brazilian art hanging on unique crystal easels designed by Bo Bardi, plus exciting temporary shows.’
Gomide&Co
‘This art gallery is directed by Thiago Gomide, who has an incredible eye. It shows a mix of iconic Brazilian artists and contemporary art.’
Instituto Moreira Salles
‘Located at the end of Paulista Avenue, the IMS plays an important role in preserving, collecting and exhibiting Brazilian photography. Be sure to visit the restaurant, Balaio IMS, for wonderful Brazilian dishes from chef Rodrigo Oliveira.’
Pinacoteca de São Paulo
‘The oldest and most vibrant museum in town. Its collection houses pieces from the 18th century all the way to today, with up to 17 temporary exhibits each year and an interesting mix of Brazilian and international artists on show.’
