Top 5 Streets to see in Sao Paulo

Photo by Timon Klauser on Unsplash

Top 5 Streets to see in Sao Paulo

Streets have been spaces that create dynamism, mobility and culture.

Walking down a street, this may not be obvious but such factors have always been behind their construction.

In Sao Paulo, Brazil, the narrow streets are lined with skyscrapers that cast shadows on them. This, however, does not hide the beauty of the streets.

Some of the streets have trees that provide shade while others are filled with graffiti. They are always full of people and life bringing out the artistic nature of the city.

Culture and history drive this city’s streets. The streets host events, concerts and other cultural events.

On Sundays, one of the main streets in this city is shut. This allows artists and other vendors to make good use of the space by displaying their art.

Here are the top 5 streets to see while in Sao Paulo.

1. Avenida Paulista

By Vn.reis – Wikimedia

Paulista Avenue is one of the most significant avenues in São Paulo, Brazil. It stretches for 2.8 kilometres from the northwest to the southeast areas of the city.

It also acts as the headquarter of several financial and cultural organizations. This avenue is the symbol of the economic and political power of Sao Paulo city.

Several political rallies and protests have been held on this avenue since 1929.

There are many shopping places and some of the best fine art museums in South America.

The street is on one of the highest points in São Paulo. Its skyline is defined with radio and TV stations antennae, the most notable one being Rede Gazeta.

Paulista Avenue is also a major centre of the subway and bus lines in the city.

The avenue gets closed on Sundays to vehicular traffic. This lets artists fill the sidewalks with art and it turns into an antique market.

Murals, handcrafted items and other artistic features colour this street on Sundays. There are also open-air performances by artists.

No time of day or night will see this street empty or quiet, it is crowded with people of all ages and social class.

There are also several shop galleries, restaurants, food courts, pubs, cafe’s, cinemas, theatres and cultural centres.

2. Rua Galvão Bueno

By Alexandre Possi – Wikimedia

This is one street that describes the Asian sensation of Liberdade.

It is lined with the typical red lantern-like street lights on its main avenue that leads into the Japanese neighbourhood.

Tourists and residents fill the streets on the weekends shopping for Japanese products and eat delicious Japanese food.

The sidewalks on this street have extensions that reduce car traffic in the area.

This has improved pedestrian movement in one of the busiest shopping streets in the Liberdade neighbourhood.

Car parking spaces were removed to increase the size of the sidewalk.

So-Go Plaza Shopping mall is popular in this area and is home to the headquarters of Forca Sindical.

3. Vila Madalena

One of the best-known streets in Sao Paulo is Vila Madalena. It is known for Beco to do Batman; This is a narrow alleyway lined with artworks.

Just beside this street is the suburb of Pinheiros, that boasts of numerous artworks.

Benedito Calixto Square hosts pop-up markets for handmade crafts and antiques on a Saturday, so head over there for some souvenirs.

This street has popular entertainment hubs, cultural precursors and street artists. You will also find live music bars, shops, boutiques and art galleries.

If you are a night owl, art fanatic, head over to this street. The street is popular with the younger population.

You may catch an indie film, a book launch or famous authors on weeknights.

Houses and buildings on this street are decorated with murals, paintings and graffiti.

4. Vale do Anhangabau

By Dornicke – Wikimedia

This street is located in the old centre of São Paulo.

It is a pedestrian walkway as well as one of the most beautiful streets in the city. There are thousands of busy workers who hurry across it every day.

A beautiful contrast is tourists that stroll along this walkway that sits between two bridges, the Viaduto do Cha and the Viaduto Santa Efigenia.

This walkway has been used to stage several political and social demonstrations, as well as celebrations.

The street is defined by a large park, that hosts events such as public demonstrations, political rallies, presentations and popular concerts.

There are gardens, art, and three fountains on this street in Sao Paulo. The garden acts as a stage for Virada Cultural.

This is a traditional event in São Paulo that promotes shows and cultural activities throughout the city.

5. Rua Avanhandava

By FrancisW – Wikimedia

Walking through this street you will notice crystal clear water sources that are refreshing day and night. There is also special lighting that creates a special ambience.

Walking down this street is safe for everyone because there is plenty of security. You may be lucky to catch one of the street theatres that host free shows.

Enjoy some live jazz music as well as eat delicious Italian cuisine. There are charming stores where you can get gifts and souvenirs for keepsake.

The street is well paved and most of the old houses and buildings have been restored. The planning was inspired by European cities.

There is limited space for cars and they are driven at a slow speed. This ensures pedestrian safety and accessibility for people with disabilities.