We had a smooth journey with no incidents of robbery or theft, and even crossed paths with a group of incredibly friendly locals.
🍽️: Two clueless travelers who hadn’t done any research began their culinary adventure with McDonald’s for their first meal. Later, they dined on local dishes at the hotel ✅, enjoyed grilled meat ✅, and visited the Big Banyan Tree Restaurant (which turned out to be a fig tree).
Unfortunately, we might not have ordered the right dishes—it wasn’t as flavorful as we’d hoped :-I, and the prices were somewhat shocking 🥷⚠️. However, the chocolate was an absolute delight! At Dengo, the staff graciously offered us samples of every flavor, and I opted for the pure black one, which was velvety smooth, not overly sweet, and completely free of bitterness!
The chocolate drinks in the store were equally impressive—rich and aromatic.
🚶♀️: We started our morning at Ibiraquera Park around 9, where joggers filled the trails under slightly overcast skies, yet the breeze remained refreshingly cool. The park was brimming with adorable cats and dogs that no one could resist ( ̀⌄ ́)!
It featured comprehensive playgrounds for both children and adults, along with rehabilitation facilities. Unfortunately, the MAM museum was closed that day. The 1000th McDonald’s branch is primarily a photo spot at the entrance; its menu didn’t seem to offer anything extraordinary, but it does boast a large mirror perfect for photos.
Across the street lies MASP, home to a famous painting that draws many admirers. While those without an artistic eye may simply imitate poses, the building also hosts an exhibition celebrating LGBTQ love and freedom—a strikingly beautiful display. ⚽️ At the National Football Museum, despite not being football enthusiasts, we were still moved by the roaring cheers from replayed match scenes.
With minimal English in the text explanations, two “illiterates” relied on a translator for a quick visit before departing. Graffiti Alley becomes bustling in the afternoon, making it nearly impossible to capture empty shots. For fewer crowds, arrive before noon. The stalls are vibrant, shopping prices are reasonable, and card payments are accepted with room for bargaining.
⛪️ São Paulo Cathedral was briefly passed by, but we took time to explore inside. We rested a while, bought a lamp with spare change, and wished for world peace 🙏.
🛍️: On Av. Paulista, the shopping center offers more local brands, with nearby alleys housing souvenir, food, and clothing stores. If you have time, wander slowly—you might stumble upon treasures like a grandmother selling handmade bookmarks, high-quality, affordable, and accepting cards!
Strolling leisurely down the street twice, we were even accompanied by a 🚓 for a bit, adding a touch of humor to our relaxed stroll.
JK Iguatemi Shopping Center exudes elegance akin to Chanel, featuring shops across various price points. You can purchase local brands, international luxury items, and gather all your souvenirs in one place—all amidst stunning design and scenery.
The weather forecast is as unreliable as ever—don’t forget your umbrella during the rainy season! While you’re out and about, keep an eye on your backpack, and pay attention to those chatty strangers or kids nearby. If you can, head out early and come back before rush hour hits—it’s a nightmare trying to navigate the traffic jams at night!
It’s also wise to do a bit of homework on where to eat; otherwise, P-people might end up blindly choosing and converting into devout McDonald’s fans. Comfortable shoes are a must—São Paulo has this quirky terrain that feels almost like Chongqing, with plenty of steep inclines. Be cautious if you’re prone to motion sickness!
Exchanging around 200 in cash should suffice for most needs.
