Places to visit

Se Cathedral

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Sé Cathedral is one of São Paulo’s most important landmarks and a key reference point in the city’s historic center. Located in Praça da Sé, it is known for its neo-Gothic design, with tall towers, intricate stone details, and impressive stained-glass windows that create a calm, colorful atmosphere inside.

The cathedral was built over several decades in the 20th century, blending European architectural inspiration with local craftsmanship. Its interior feels surprisingly quiet and spacious, offering a moment of contrast to the busy streets just outside.

Today, it remains an active place of worship and a popular stop for visitors exploring downtown São Paulo. Whether for its architecture, history, or cultural significance, the cathedral is one of the city’s most memorable sights.

Map:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/n75EzcexK4f6uid99

Historic Center – Pátio do Colégio (Centro Histórico – Pátio do Colégio)

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Pátio do Colégio marks the site where São Paulo was founded in 1554, making it one of the city's most important historical landmarks. Located in the Historic Center, it includes a church, a museum, and exhibitions that present the early history of São Paulo and the work of the Jesuit missionaries who established the settlement.

The surrounding area is home to several notable buildings, public squares, and cultural institutions, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the city's historic district. Visitors can enjoy a walk through streets that reflect different periods of São Paulo's development while discovering its architectural and cultural heritage.

Map:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/7CtXcHELgg4LPvxR8

Ibirapuera Park (Parque Ibirapuera)

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Ibirapuera Park is one of São Paulo’s most important green and cultural areas, offering a combination of outdoor spaces and major cultural institutions. Opened in 1954, the park features landscaped gardens, lakes, walking and cycling paths, and open areas for leisure and recreation.

Within its grounds, visitors can also find several cultural venues, including the Museum of Contemporary Art of the University of São Paulo (MAC USP), the Museum of Modern Art of São Paulo (MAM), and the Afro Brasil Museum. The park also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year, including those held at the Bienal Pavilion and the Oca.

Located close to the city center, Ibirapuera Park is easily accessible and offers a balanced experience between nature, architecture, and culture in the heart of São Paulo

Map:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/1ZFcLP22sKF6evmx6

MASP – São Paulo Museum of Art (Museu de Arte de São Paulo)

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The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) is one of the most important cultural institutions in Latin America and a landmark of Avenida Paulista. Designed by architect Lina Bo Bardi, its distinctive suspended structure has become an icon of modern architecture in the city.

The museum is known for its diverse collection, which includes European, Brazilian, and international art, spanning different periods and artistic movements. Its innovative display system, using glass easels, offers visitors a unique way of experiencing the artworks.

Located in the heart of São Paulo’s main cultural avenue, MASP is surrounded by parks, cultural centers, shops, and restaurants, making it an accessible and essential stop for those exploring the city’s cultural scene.

Map:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VY3NjxioWHduUqkW7

Municipal Theater (Teatro Municipal)

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The Theatro Municipal de São Paulo is one of the city’s most important cultural landmarks and a reference in Brazil’s performing arts scene. Inaugurated in 1911, the building is inspired by European opera houses and reflects the architectural influence of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in São Paulo.

Over the years, the theater has hosted opera, ballet, and orchestral performances, as well as significant cultural events that have shaped the country’s artistic history. Its richly decorated interiors and historic façade make it an important example of São Paulo’s architectural heritage.

Located in the city center, near Praça Ramos de Azevedo, the Theatro Municipal remains an active cultural venue and a notable stop for visitors interested in history, architecture, and the performing arts.

Map:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/AZ8c6h7YNUE7WVcg8

Paulista Avenue (Avenida Paulista)

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Avenida Paulista is one of São Paulo’s most important and well-known avenues, serving as a major financial, cultural, and social hub of the city. It was inaugurated in 1891 and has evolved over time from a residential area for the coffee elite into one of Brazil’s main business districts.

Today, the avenue is also a key cultural destination, home to museums, cultural centers, bookstores, and public spaces. It regularly hosts exhibitions, events, and weekend activities, when parts of the avenue are closed to traffic and become more accessible to pedestrians.

With its mix of modern buildings, cultural institutions, and vibrant street life, Avenida Paulista reflects the diversity and dynamic character of São Paulo

Map:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/oVRvtczYb8BimkPM9

Butantan Institute (Instituto Butantan)

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The Butantan Institute is one of Brazil's leading biomedical research centers and an important destination for visitors interested in science, public health, and natural history. Founded in 1901, the institute is internationally recognized for its research and for producing vaccines and antivenoms.

Its campus features several museums and educational exhibits, including collections dedicated to snakes, spiders, insects, and microbiology. The grounds also offer pleasant green spaces, making it an enjoyable place to spend a few hours exploring science in an accessible and engaging way.

Map:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QjfK22su6pYnXLVc8

Mercado Municipal de São Paulo

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Mercado Municipal de São Paulo is one of the city’s most traditional and lively landmarks, known for its impressive architecture and rich food culture. Opened in 1933, the building stands out for its large stained-glass windows and neoclassical design, which give the space a historic atmosphere right in the middle of the modern city.

Inside, visitors find a wide variety of fresh produce, spices, cheeses, meats, and local specialties. It is especially famous for its food stalls and sandwiches, which have become a popular stop for both locals and tourists exploring downtown São Paulo.

Beyond being a market, it also reflects the city’s cultural diversity, bringing together flavors and traditions from different regions of Brazil and the world. For many visitors, it is one of the most authentic ways to experience São Paulo’s everyday life and culinary identity.

Map:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DhsooWCPqURrepJA9

Batman Alley (Beco do Batman)

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Located in the vibrant Vila Madalena neighborhood, Batman Alley (Beco do Batman) is one of São Paulo's best-known street art destinations. Since the 1980s, its walls have been transformed into an open-air gallery featuring colorful murals created by local and international artists.

The artwork is regularly updated, so no two visits are exactly the same. The area is popular with photographers, art enthusiasts, and visitors looking to experience São Paulo's creative and contemporary cultural scene.

Batman Alley is surrounded by cafés, restaurants, galleries, and independent shops, making it an excellent place to spend a few hours exploring one of the city's most lively neighborhoods.

Map:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VeCzXHqKjurBchUu8

Places to visit

Travel in Brazil (pre-conference and post-conference):