We list the best hotels in São Paulo as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews, and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in São Paulo: Itamarati Hotel
Best boutique hotel in São Paulo: Hotel Fasano
“To experience old-fashioned hospitality, book yourself a deluxe room at the Fasano, one of São Paulo’s premier boutique hotels. The 20-story brick building is located just off Rua Oscar Freire, in the heart of Jardins. The guest rooms ooze an old world atmosphere that evokes the work of Hemingway, with soft brown leather chairs, Persian rugs, hardwood floors, and white marble bathrooms.”
“The aptly named Hotel Unique is a truly striking choice for travelers looking for something a little different. Designed by well-known contemporary Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake, the hotel is composed of a hull-shaped main building that’s held up by tall pillars, creating vast open spaces that flank the glass-enclosed lobby at the base of the hull.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in São Paulo.
“Sleek, bright and minimalist, Emiliano is the city’s best hotel. It’s steeped in refined luxury, with local touches such as the lobby’s lush suspended orchid garden, along with impeccable service and a sun-drenched rooftop pool, all without taking itself too seriously.”
“It rises like a European palace out of the emerald-green Burle Marx park, incongruous perhaps with the sprawl of São Paulo that surrounds it, but all the more welcoming as an oasis to find peace and quiet in Latin America’s biggest city.”
“Located on the edge of Vila Mariana and only a 10-minute walk from Ibirapuera Park, this hotel offers superior services and amenities at lower rates than comparable accommodations in Jardins or Paulista. Although the Pullman Ibirapuera is part of the excellent French Accor hotel chain, it packs a lot of individual style and attitude.”
“The five-star Tivoli Mofarrej is home to Latin America’s largest presidential suite, and counts the king of Sweden and the king of pop Michael Jackson among past patrons. For those who are more subject than royalty, the 23rd-floor Arôla-Vintetres restaurant reveals regal views of Avenida Paulista.”
“Compared to the top-of-the line chain hotels on Paulista, L’Hotel PortoBay São Paulo stands out as a truly special experience. Though the famous Parisian hotel of the same name is its declared muse, the luxury here is understated rather than decadent. Rooms are done in soft blue, beige, or rose. The Mediterranean dining room and the English-style piano bar that faces it are twin gems.”
“Rosewood São Paulo, which recently opened in the heart of the city, is filled with Indigenous art, historic photos and other Brazil-centric objects.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in São Paulo.
“Pousadas, or inns, are usually found in smaller towns, but Pousada Ziláh has six rooms in a 1932 house that aches with understated charm, a mere 10-minute walk from the bustle (and subway) of Paulista Avenue. Five of the six have outdoor balconies or terraces.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in São Paulo.
“This 1930s mansion, opened in late 2015, holds 14 suites reeking of industrial-chic (exposed brick and beams, unfinished steel and concrete) offset by a sunny open patio and cutting-edge art (reprints for sale in the lobby). It’s one block from Praca Benedito Calixto in the heart of hip Pinheiros.”
Recommended by:
Frommers, New York Times, Fodors, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Frommers, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Telegraph, Frommers
Recommended by:
New York Times, CN Traveler
Recommended by:
New York Times, Fodors
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
The best areas to stay in São Paulo are: Centro, Paulista Avenue, Downtown Augusta, Liberdade or Republica. Please read our extensive guide about where to stay in São Paulo. It offers a great overview about each area, including the museums, attractions and other things, as well as the best place to stay in each area.
For 3-star hotels the average rate is around $70 per night. If you're looking for a 4-star hotel then the rates are around $120 per night. The average rate for a 5-star hotel in São Paulo is around $250 per night.
If you’re looking for an affordable hotel, then book Itamarati Hotel. It’s an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It’s in a good location, it’s been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. You should also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in São Paulo.
You like some luxury but don’t like the famous chain hotels. If you’re looking for the best boutique hotel in São Paulo, you should check out Hotel Fasano. It’s a very cool hotel that travelers and experts have highly recommended. For more cool hotels, check out our list of the best boutique hotels in São Paulo.
If money isn’t a problem and you’re looking for a luxury hotel in São Paulo, then go for Hotel Emiliano. The hotel offers excellent service, it’s in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. For more 5-star hotels, check out our list of the best luxury hotels in São Paulo.
Looking for a good and affordable private room or cozy dorm in São Paulo? Check out Hobi Hotel. The hostel has been highly rated by backpackers. Also, check out our shortlist of the best hostels in São Paulo; it’s based on thousands of reviews from backpackers.
Try Hotel Emiliano if you’re looking for a delicious breakfast at a hotel in São Paulo. It has excellent guest review ratings for its breakfast.
There are many things to do in São Paulo and the surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in São Paulo:
São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main Sights in 7 Hours
Travelers with a lot of curiosity but not much time will appreciate the chance to maximize sightseeing with more than 20 São Paulo sights in one efficient full-day city tour. Before the day is done, you'll see and learn about popular destinations and insider favorites including landmark architecture, bustling neighborhoods, top shopping, emblematic food and drink, museums, street art, churches, and much more. Price: $69. More info.
From São Paulo: Santos, São Vicente & Guarujá Day Trip
Located 70 kilometers (about 43 miles) from São Paulo, the cities of Santos, São Vicente and Guarujá invite you for this amazing tour. Experience the history in Santos Downtown and enjoy some really nice landscapes along all the beaches. Price: $95. More info.
Skydive Tandem São Paulo
Experience skydiving in Brazil with this urban skydiving experience. With instructors certified by the Brazilian Parachuting Confederation and complete instructions included, you'll be in safe hands when jumping from a height of 3658 meters (12,000 feet). Price: $189. More info.
More things to do in São Paulo
As Brazil’s vibrant and bustling capital, São Paulo is the largest city in the country and the most populous in South America. In fact, São Paulo’s population is larger than some entire European countries! Located in the southeastern region of Brazil, this city is known for its high-rise skyline, modern infrastructure, and fascinating culture.
Jesuit priests founded São Paulo in 1554, establishing the city as a mission called Colégio de São Paulo de Piratininga, hoping to convert the local population to Catholicism. Since then, the city has grown in size and population, and today, it is home to over 12 million people.
São Paulo is a major economic center, housing some of Brazil’s largest companies, including the multinationals Itaú Unibanco, Bradesco, Banco do Brasil, Embraer, and Ambev. These companies drive economic growth in this city, attracting a wide range of skilled professionals and investments from around the world. São Paulo is a major hub for several industries, including finance, technology, manufacturing, and energy.
São Paulo is also home to several prestigious universities. The University of São Paulo is one of the best in Brazil and one of the top universities in Latin America.
Due to its lively nightlife and bustling creative scene, São Paulo attracts travelers worldwide. São Paulo boasts some of Brazil’s best museums, showcasing a wide range of works from local and international artists. Popular art museums include the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art and the São Paulo Art Museum. Catavento Cultural is an ideal museum for families, providing a space for children to learn more about science and social issues.
This city is well known for its impressive theaters, hosting opera performances, ballets, and plays from both Brazilian and international companies. Music lovers will find plenty to enjoy in São Paulo, with an array of music venues offering everything from traditional Samba to modern indie rock.
With some of the country’s best restaurants, there are plenty of opportunities to sample the local cuisine in São Paulo. Foodies from around the world travel to this city to sample regional cuisine ranging from pao na chapa (bread and butter), to bauru (a Brazilian sandwich). São Paulo’s most famous drink is Caipirinha, a cocktail made from cachaca, lime, sugar, and ice – it’s a must-try while you’re here!
The state of São Paulo has over 400 miles of coastline, making this a fantastic destination for beach lovers. Visit Boneto Beach, located on an island off the coast, for majestic waterfalls and crystal-clear water. If you’d rather stroll through local flora and fauna, check out São Paulo’s botanical gardens – home to the state’s botanical institute. This European-style garden holds an extensive collection of orchids and plant life from Brazilian rainforests. One of the most famous parks in this city is Ibirapuera Park, which feels like an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city.
Between visiting the city’s many parks and gardens to exploring its historic neighborhoods and museums, there is no shortage of things to do in São Paulo. This colorful city keeps travelers of every kind coming back again and again!
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or revisiting, we hope this guide helps you get the most out of your visit to São Paulo. Get to know the city even better by reading our guide about where to stay in São Paulo.
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