"Best Hidden Gems in São Paulo" Created by: Cityseeker 25 Locations Bookmarked Toriba Spa Urbano "Refreshed You" Leave your worries at the door, as you walk into Toriba Spa Urbano. The decor of this spa is simplistic, but the place is tastefully embellished in pastel hues, that is sure to calm your senses. Give in to the expertise of the masseurs and let their relaxing massages de-stress your tensed nerves and muscles. A range of beauty services are also offered at Toriba by nnoeki Spa Urbano. Nestled in Sao Paulo's Campo Belo region, this spa is close to the Congonhas Airport, making it an ideal stopover while entering the city or before flying out. +1 11 5049 2902 Rua João Álavres Soares 1223, Campo Belo, São Paulo Feira da Liberdade "Massive Market" The Japanese diaspora inhabiting Sao Paulo's Liberdade neighborhood organizes the Feira da Liberdade. This vibrant market is a must on weekend itineraries to the city. Held every Saturday and Sunday on Avenida da Liberdade, it bustles with an array of shopfronts selling Japanese-themed items. Browse through home decor, kitchenware, by RitaE trinkets and kitsch that make for unique gifts and souvenirs. Traditional spices on sale are a best-selling product. In addition, make a pit stop at various Asian food stalls to sample Japanese, Chinese and Korean flavors. +55 11 4339 1578 www.feiraliberdade.com.br/ Avenida da Liberdade 365, Praça da Liberdade, São Paulo Mercado Municipal de São Paulo "Bustling Market" A popular feature on most tourist itineraries, Mercado Municipal or Municipal Market, is a symbol of São Paulo. Beneath the majestic dome of the 20th-century architectural marvel and surrounded by stained glass panels, lies the bustle of daily barter. On sale are fresh produce, organic fruits and vegetables, seafood, meat, local delicacies, sweets and spices by Felix Tansil from across the globe that make for great gifts and takeaways. Browse through the varieties of authentic gourmet specialties while soaking in the colors, textures and flavors that truly exemplify the country's signature cultural diversity. +55 11 3313 3365 www.mercadomunicipalsp.com/ 306 Rua da Cantareira, Centro Histórico de São Paulo, São Paulo by Alexas_Fotos Praça da Luz "Green Space" The area surrounding the beautiful Jardim da Luz, Praça da Luz is a popular tourist spot. Situated just a short walk away from the historic Luz Station, the square is perfect for spending a few quiet hours, maybe reading a book. This tree-lined area is also surrounded by numerous shops, so there's always something to do. Not entirely safe after dark, Praça da Luz is best visited in the daytime. +55 11 3736 0600 (Tourist Information) Praça da Luz, São Paulo Museu de Arte Sacra de São Paulo "Artifacts Related to Religious Art" Housed inside the left wing of Mosteiro da Luz, the Museu de Arte Sacra de São Paulo is a prime institution dedicated to preservation and exhibition of objects related to the scared art. The Mosteiro da Luz, an 18th Century colonial building, can be observed for its well-preserved elements and structure and also with respect to the fact that it has been by CarlottaSilvestrini listed as architectural monument of national interest. Since the installation of the museum in 1970, it has been host to more than 4000 collection of images, sculptures, silverware, oratories and paintings that were collected from the interior of the churches that were demolished in Sao Paulo. The Museu dos Presépios inside the museum is a section which showcases 120 specimens of paintings depicting Presépio Napolitano. Besides, you can also find important and rare volumes of books from the colonial period that can be researched upon anytime of the day. Call or visit their website for more information. +55 11 3326 3336 www.museuartesacra.org. [email protected]. 676 Avenida Tiradentes, São br/ br Paulo Elaine Monteiro "Creative Confections" Located in the heart of Jardim Paulista, Elaine Monteiro opened her eponymous bakery in 2007. With her degree in design and passions for baking, Monteiro’s confections are art inspired and delicious. On offer at this flagship store are an array of handmade pastries, cupcakes and sweet treats. Complement your selections with their range of coffee and by Pexels beverages. +55 11 3895 5873 www.elainemonteiro.com. [email protected] Alameda Itu 1136, São Paulo br m.br Parque da Aclimação "Popular with the Locals" One of the main attractions of upscale Aclimação, this park is frequented mostly by locals. Encompassing 115,000 square meters (1237849.68 square feet), Parque da Aclimação is a popular recreational spot where you will almost always catch a game of football going on. Bird-watchers also flock here to observe the green parakeets that call Parque da by Deividi Correa Aclimação home. The park also has a lake where one can spot ducks, swans and herons. +55 11 3208 4042 Rua Pedra Azul, Aclimação, São Paulo Arte Tribal "Artisan Crafts and Souvenirs" Take home something exclusively Brazilian from Arte Tribal’s remarkable collection of gifts and souvenirs. From clichéd keychains, hats and bottle openers, to more unique tapestries, ceramics and handicrafts, this store has something for everyone. A browse through these traditional products and regional artisan work offers a glimpse into the nation’s vibrant culture by Deividi Correa and heritage. +55 11 3081 8170 www.artetribal.com.br/ Rua Augusta 2795, São Paulo Museu Afro Brasil "African History Museum" Museu Afro Brasil tells the story of Africans in Brazil throughout history. Located within the Parque Ibirapuera, the museum occupies a stunning Oscar Niemeyer designed building. Museum exhibits focus on various topics ranging from the history of slavery to the development of Brazil's African populace. The huge collection includes everything from historic documents to artwork and artifacts. Besides this, the museum also by Antonio Carlos Castejón showcases fascinating artifacts depicting the daily life of Brazil's African population. +55 11 3320 8900 www.museuafrobrasil.org. faleconosco@museuafrobr Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, br/ asil.org.br Parque Ibirapuera, Portão 10, São Paulo Galeria Jaqueline Martins "Contemporary Brazilian Art" Set up by a team of artists who have been in the Brazilian artistic scene for a decade now, the Galeria Jaqueline Martins is their home ground to promote art. This gallery aims at creating a space for contemporary artists of the city and brings in a new era for art. Their main aim is to bring forth drawings, sculptures and other formats in their raw and subversive format. by Hans They are also one of the biggest research facilities aimed at researching lost Brazilian art forms. +55 11 2628 1943 galeriajaquelinemartins.co contato@galeriajaquelinem 74 Rua Dr. Virgílio de m.br/ artins.com.br Carvalho Pinto, São Paulo Skye "Skye's The Limit" Atop Hotel Unique, the exquisite Skye resto-bar promises an exhilarating time like no other. Indulge in a drink or two from the extensive list of wine and spirits to go with the complementing contemporary menu - an eclectic blend of European and Asian cuisines. The rooftop pool, tasteful decor, mood-enhancing lighting and beats, coupled with breathtaking views of by SocialButterflyMMG São Paulo, ooze a luxurious and sophisticated aura. +55 11 3055 4702 www.hotelunique.com/en/restauran 4700 Avenida Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, t-bar/skye/ Hotel Unique, São Paulo by ReinhardThrainer A Queijaria "Cheese From Across Brazil" A Queijaria is a testament to Minas Gerais' cheese making tradition. This store features over 70 fine varieties of cheese that are hand-selected by owner Fernando Oliveira on his travels across Brazil. Some of the specialties include the queijo from the Canastra region. Pick up a regional cheese to pair with your wine, or as a unique souvenir to take back home. +55 11 3812 6449 [email protected]. Rua Aspicuelta, 35, São Paulo br Beco do Batman "Urban Expression Without Repression" Beco do Batman (Batman's Alley) lies on a through-way of Sao Paulo's bohemian Vila Madalena neighborhood, calling out to spray paint- wielding locals to continue to reshape the artwork. While a graffiti alley may seem unsavory, it's simply an extension of the vibrant personality of the neighborhood, and is surrounded by tall upscale houses and luxury by Deividi Correa boutiques. Of course, Beco do Batman rarely looks the same on repeat trips as most if not all of the murals, tags and scribbles are covered up with layers upon layers of fresh paint. A haven for growing talents who seek some civil space to work with their canvas, Beco do Batman is an impressive sight that shows how graffiti can get along with urban design. Rua Gonçalo Afonso, São Paulo Madeleine "Best Jazz Bar" Madeleine is nestled in the vibrant Vila Madalena neighborhood of São Paulo. Candles, exposed bricks and vines contribute to an intimate setting. This space includes a stage, an underground cellar, mezzanine- level dining and veranda seating overlooking the street. A nightly schedule showcases live performances of jazz, soul, samba and pop by Simoneph genres that are a big draw among music lovers. International beers and wine go great with the handcrafted bistro-pizzas that are chef Ana Soares' signature creation. Vintage coasters quoting famous jazz legends are a quirky addition to the decor. +55 11 2936 0616 www.madeleine.com.br/ [email protected] Rua Aspicuelta 201, São Paulo The Spa "Feel Good" Take some time from your holidaying to spend it pampering yourself with therapeutic sessions at The Spa. Walk in through the doors of The Spa and you will be cocooned in an oasis of tranquility. Their plethora of services, ranging across massages, manicures, pedicures, facials and body scrubs are sure to leave you with rejuvenated glowing skin.