São Paulo Offers Great Places to Eat, Sleep and Visit

When first traveling to São Paulo, it can be a little overwhelming narrowing down the list of places to see, stay, and have a great meal. Here are just a few you-ought-to-know restaurants, hotels and museums that will make your visit more enjoyable, maybe even more productive. If the place you had in mind is closed or booked-up, just walk a little further. You’re bound to find something worth checking out.

Restaurant: D.O.M.

According to the San Pellegrino List of 2011, D.O.M. is the 7th best restaurant in the world, and among the world’s top 50 according to this other list. The use of Brazilian ingredients and traditional dishes, adapted with the newest technologies in the industry, makes D.O.M. a one-of-a-kind experience. A tasting menu of four or eight courses is recommended to enjoy the progression Chef Alex Atala will take you through. Chef Atala has developed (in partnership with local companies) new ways and methods, as well as re-introducing ingredients such as black rice, priprioca (root vegetable), and pupunha heart of palm. By all accounts, dining at D.O.M. is an experience not to be missed when in São Paulo. Closed on Sundays.

Restaurant: A Figueroa Rubaiyat

São Paulo has some great modern architecture, but nothing beats the majestic 130-year-old fig tree in the courtyard of A Figueroa Rubaiyat. With its romantic and intimate atmosphere, this restaurant is known for serving the best beef in town and catering to the needs of the financial elite. The place is owned by the same restaurateur as Las Lilas in Buenos Aires, and the beef comes from the owner’s cattle ranch. Its wine list, with over 800 bottles to choose from, is one of the best (if not the best) in the city. This restaurant also boasts an excellent buffet (specific days) as well as dessert tables.

Hotel: Augusta Park Suite

A great choice for the value offered, the Augusta Park Suites can serve as a change of pace. This is not your usual hotel, but a serviced apartment complex. There’s a kitchenette, living room, bathroom, and bedroom in each suite. Rates vary depending on the season. Close to Paulista Avenue, Banespa Building, Catedral da Sé, the Municipal Theatre of São Paulo, and the Museu do Ipiranga.

Hotel: Blue Tree Towers Faria Lima

Located in Vila Olímpia, home of many technology companies, Blue Tree Towers makes a convenient location for the visiting IT buyer and other business travelers. Some guest rooms have foldaway beds so you can change your bedroom into an office. Hotel facilities include: swimming pool, gym, business center, laundry services, and more. Rates start at $150.00 USD a night and can go up to as much as $390.00 USD, depending on the season. Right on the corner of Juscelino and Faria Lima, it’s a great location for close by meetings.

Museum: Fundação Ema Gordon Klabin

Benefactor Ema Gordon was a Brazilian businesswoman and art collector. Thanks to her more than 40 years of collecting, this museum houses around 1,500 pieces, with highlights such as important indigenous artists: Lasar Segall, Di Cavalcanti, Tarsila do Amaral, and Victor Brecheret. It’s a great afternoon tour, and if you’re lucky, you will be there on one of the museum’s musical afternoons (check dates).

Museum: Fundação Maria Luisa e Oscar Americano

To better understand Brazil, you need to view the national art, and here you’ll see everything from paintings to porcelain, furniture and metalwork. An extensive collection, with a tearoom on the bottom floor for those needing a little energy boost after all the viewing.

This article originally appeared on our sister publication Sourcing Brazil