Julia Gonzales Travels in São Paulo: 10 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for São Paulo

Must-try foods in São Paulo

• Esfiha Aberta
  Esfiha AbertaA staple of São Paulo's massive Arab-influenced food scene, these are open-faced flatbreads topped with seasoned halal ground beef, za'atar, or cheese. Trending in 2026 are artisanal versions from spots like Adega Habibi, which focus on ultra-thin, crispy dough and high-quality spices.
• Kibe Cru
  Kibe CruA traditional Levantine dish that is immensely popular in SP, consisting of finely minced halal raw beef mixed with bulgur wheat, mint, and onions. It is often served with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh pita bread, especially at iconic spots like Al Tanur in Brás.
• Halal Picanha (Churrasco)
  Halal Picanha (Churrasco)While most Brazilian steakhouses (churrascarias) are not halal, 2026 has seen a rise in specialized boutiques like Ono Boutique de Carnes and restaurants like Rancho do Cupim that offer certified halal cuts of Picanha (sirloin cap), grilled over charcoal to smoky perfection.
• Coxinha de Frango (Halal)
  Coxinha de Frango (Halal)The quintessential Brazilian snack—a teardrop-shaped dough filled with shredded chicken and catupiry cheese. In the Brás and Pari neighborhoods, Muslim-owned bakeries prepare these using strictly halal-certified chicken to cater to the local community.
• Acarajé
  AcarajéA deep-fried ball of black-eyed pea dough filled with vatapá, caruru, and salad. Naturally halal-friendly as it is typically seafood and vegetable-based, iconic spots like Tabuleiro do Acarajé remain a 2026 must-visit for this spicy Afro-Brazilian street food.
• Shawarma de Carne
  Shawarma de CarneA trending street food in São Paulo's central districts like República and Pari. This version features halal beef or chicken slow-roasted on a vertical rotisserie, wrapped in Lebanese bread with tahini, garlic sauce, and pickles, with Khaled's Shawarma being a top-rated 2026 spot.

Trip guide

• About São Paulo
  About São PauloSão Paulo was founded in 1554 as a Jesuit mission named Pátio do Colégio. The settlement remained a regional center until the late 19th century, when the expansion of coffee production and the subsequent industrialization period led to rapid demographic and territorial growth. The city's architectural landscape contains a sequence of styles.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit São Paulo is during the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to November, when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. The subtropical climate brings hot, humid, and rainy summers (December to March), while winters (June to August) are generally dry and pleasant with cooler nights. Peak travel occurs during the summer holidays and major events like Carnival or the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
• Getting around
  Getting around São Paulo

  • International and Domestic Flights Most international travelers arrive at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), while domestic flights often use Congonhas Airport (CGH). From GRU, you can reach the city center via the Airport Bus Service.
  • Metrô and CPTM Rail System São Paulo boasts a clean and efficient rail network consisting of six metro lines and seven commuter train lines. It is the fastest way to avoid the city's notorious traffic.
  • Rideshare and Taxis Uber and the local app 99 are widely available, affordable, and often safer for late-night travel than walking. While convenient for door-to-door service.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Use ride-sharing apps like Uber or 99 instead of walking long distances at night to ensure safer transit between neighborhoods.
  • Avoid using your smartphone openly on the street, as phone snatching is the most common opportunistic crime in the city.
  • Expect a 10% to 13% service charge to be automatically included in your restaurant bill, so additional tipping is generally unnecessary.
• What’s new
  What’s new in São Paulo

  • Completion of the Rodoanel Norte (North Ring Road) infrastructure project.
  • BTS World Tour: Return to live performance at MorumBis Stadium.
• Prefeitura Municipal de Pinheiros↗
  Prefeitura Municipal de PinheirosThe official tourism portal for the municipality of Pinheiros, Espírito Santo, providing information on local attractions, nature, and cultural heritage.