Looking for an itinerary of Avenida Paulista that brings you everything you can do in one of the capital’s favorite tourist spots? and on Sundays and holidays, it becomes a veritable “park” amidst the buildings. As well as being one of the city’s best-known landmarks, the city’s most famous avenue offers plenty of options for all tastes and budgets.
Masp
The Assis Chateaubriand Art Museum of São Paulo could not be left off the list. The place is a work of art in itself. The project by architect Lina Bo Bardi has become one of the city’s most important postcards, and its open space is a meeting point for fairs, events and even demonstrations. In addition, its art collection is considered one of the most important in the Southern Hemisphere.
Where: Avenida Paulista, 1578
Opening hours: Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free admission on Tuesdays and the first Thursdays of the month.
House of Roses
The mansion is one of the few remaining on the avenue as a reminder of the coffee baron era. Its official name is Espaço Haroldo de Campos de Poesia e Literatura (Haroldo de Campos Space for Poetry and Literature), but it came to be known as a tribute to its garden, which was once filled with roses. Known as the house of poetry, it has literary exhibitions, courses and workshops.
Where: Avenida Paulista, 37
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, garden from 7am to 10pm and museum from 10am to 6pm
Sesc Paulista
Inaugurated in 2018, the Sesc unit on Avenida Paulista has become a favorite among São Paulo residents. Entrance to the building is free and visitors can explore all 17 floors. As well as exhibitions, shows, courses, a library and other activities, on the top floor there is the Sesc lookout point. Enjoy the view of the avenue from up there!
Where: Avenida Paulista, 119
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Itaú Cultural
The space promotes cultural events such as audiovisual exhibitions, dance and theater shows, concerts, seminars and courses, all free of charge. In addition, two floors of the building are occupied by the permanent exhibition of the Brasiliana and Numismatic collections. There are 1,364 works, including paintings, books, maps and other materials that tell the story of more than 500 years of Brazil.
Where: Avenida Paulista, 149
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays and public holidays, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Japan House
Japan House was designed by architect Kengo Kuma and opened in 2017. The purpose of the space is to bring the culture of today’s Japan to São Paulo. There is art, technology and courses in the exhibition spaces on the three floors of the building, which is a must-see on your Avenida Paulista itinerary.
Where: Avenida Paulista, 452
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 6pm, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, from 10am to 7pm
Fiesp Cultural Center
The Fiesp Cultural Center is known for its triangular façade, where LED projections are displayed. A veritable open-air digital gallery. Inside, there are exhibitions – often immersive and technological – plays and concerts.
Where: Avenida Paulista, 1313
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Moreira Salles Institute
Next to Sesc, this is the second most recent building on the avenue. The Moreira Salles Paulista Institute opened in 2017 and soon became one of the must-sees for anyone visiting the region. There are seven floors and 1,200 meters dedicated to culture, in a space with free exhibitions, a movie theater, a library, a collection that is a reference in photography, classrooms and more. It ‘s worth a visit and a stop at the open space on the first floor and the terrace.
Where: Avenida Paulista, 2424
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday and holidays (except Monday), from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cultural Reserve
That almost secret corner under the Gazeta TV station building is Reserva Cultural. The cinema has a program focused on the best of the national and international alternative circuit. If cult movies aren’t your thing, it’s worth a visit for the bookshop and café, which are a real delight.
Where: Avenida Paulista, 900
Hours: Daily from 10am to 11pm
Trianon Park
If someone asks for the location of Tenente Siqueira Campos Park, it’s likely that hardly anyone will know it. But just change the location to Trianon Park and everyone will point out the green area that contrasts with the gray of the buildings on Avenida Paulista. The space was created in 1892 and, as well as being one of the oldest parks in the city, has trees left over from the Atlantic Forest.
Where: Avenida Paulista, at 1500
Opening hours: Daily, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Consolação Literary Walkway
The Passagem Literária da Consolação is one of those places that we pass in front of several times and in the rush of everyday life, we may not realize what it is all about. Opened in the 1970s, since 2005 the place has been run by the Via Libris Association, an organization of booksellers who used to work in Rua Augusta. Since then, the space has taken on a new look and a cultural program. So make a note of this super-secret place on your Avenida Paulista itinerary.
Where: Corner of Avenida Paulista and Consolação.
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Conjunto Nacional
A symbol of the city, Conjunto Nacional is home to stores, restaurants and a movie theater. In other words, it’s great for those who want to shop outside the traditional mall, in a space with architecture that is a pleasure to admire.
Where: Avenida Paulista, 2073
Opening hours: Depending on the program
Squares and urban interventions
Praça do Ciclista and Rua Augusta are full of graffiti, street markets and spontaneous performances. They are therefore excellent options for photos and for feeling the urban and contemporary energy of the city on this tour of Avenida Paulista.
Final tip: Paulista is perfect for exploring on foot. Start at MASP, pass through the parks, Sesc and Japan House, and finish with a coffee at Reserva Cultural or a photo at the IMS viewpoint. With this itinerary, you can enjoy a full day of art, culture and leisure without spending anything.
