The mid-year break is over and you’ve decided it’s time to save some money? Don’t worry, we’re going to help you. It may seem hard to believe, but there are still plenty of cheap things to do in São Paulo. We’ve even shown you several free options available in the city.
So read on to discover our suggestions for enjoying a day out in the capital on the cheap.
Cheap things to do in São Paulo
Cinemateca Brasileira
How about starting with a movie without spending anything? Then start at the Cinemateca, which has kept its mission the same since it opened: to preserve and disseminate Brazilian audiovisual production.
Tickets are free and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Screenings take place from Wednesday to Sunday at various times.
📍 Largo Senador Raul Cardoso, 207 – Vila Clementino
Ipiranga Museum
Among the many cheap things to do in São Paulo, you can also visit the city’s oldest museum. The Ipiranga Museum was inaugurated in 1895, and since then it has housed a large collection on the history of Brazil.
There are more than 400,000 works that tell the story from colonization to the 20th century, some of which are well known in the imagination of Brazilians. After all, who hasn’t seen Pedro Américo’s “Independence or Death” (photo) in history books?
The good news is that admission is free for everyone on Wednesdays and the first Sundays of the month. But on paid days, tickets start at R$15.
SPCINE Olido
Next, another tip for cheap things to do in São Paulo, especially for movie buffs. With tickets starting at R$2, this is São Paulo’s most affordable pay-per-view movie theater, offering a range of films at a bargain price.
SPCINE Olido is located in Galeria Olido, which also hosts dance and theater workshops and other cultural activities.
📍 Avenida São João, 473 – Historic Center
Pateo do Collegio
Learn about the history of São Paulo at Pateo do Collegio! After all, it was this emblematic place that hosted the city’s official founding ceremony.
Today, you can visit the Anchieta Museum and learn more about the city’s origins. Visits take place from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and tickets start at R$5 . Children under 7 and people with disabilities are free.
📍 Pateo do Collegio Square, 2 – Historic Center of São Paulo
Andy Warhol: Pop Art!
The largest exhibition of the “Prince of Pop Art” is now showing in São Paulo at affordable prices. Tickets start at R$25 and entitle you to see more than 600 of the artist’s original works, many of which are new to Brazil. See Andy Warhol’s masterpieces on canvas, giant installations and exclusive photographs!
📍 MAB FAAP – Museum of Brazilian Art: Rua Alagoas, 903 – Higienópolis
Butantan Institute Science Park
Located in a 725,000 m² green area, the Science Park is part of the Butantan Institute.
This cultural complex is made up of 22 attractions for all ages, all of which promote scientific dissemination. Among them are museums, such as the Biological Museum; nurseries, such as the Serpentarium; historic buildings, such as the Vital Brazil Building; and the Oswaldo Cruz Garden.
Admission is free, but to visit the museums it is necessary to secure a ticket starting at R$5. Children under 7 and people with disabilities do not pay.
📍 Avenida Vital Brasil, 1500 – Butantã
Pedra Grande
One of the most popular hiking trails in São Paulo is Pedra Grande, which offers a panoramic view of the city. So, among the many cheap attractions in São Paulo, why not enjoy a walk that offers contact with nature?
The viewpoint can be reached from the Pedra Grande Nucleus, part of the Cantareira State Park. The walk can be done from Wednesday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm, with the trail only allowed until 3pm. The visitation fee starts at R$ 30.
📍 Rua do Horto, 1799 – Horto Florestal
Visualfarm Gymnasium: Leonardo da Vinci
Immerse yourself in the universe of one of humanity’s greatest geniuses in this exclusive, sensory exhibition. “Visualfarm Gymnasium: Leonardo da Vinci” opens Latin America’s first immersive arts laboratory, using virtual reality, lasers, holograms and other technologies to recreate the artist’s works. All this starts at R$30, and children under 6 don’t pay.
📍 Visualfarm Gymnasium: Praça Olavo Bilac, 38 – Campos Elíseos
Pop Vegan
If you’re feeling peckish, it’s time to stop by Pop Vegan and get your vegan all-you-can-eat buffet for just R$20 (Monday to Friday). After all, the restaurant was born out of a common dream of three friends: to offer delicious and affordable vegan food.
The house, located a few blocks from Rua da Consolação, has pizzas as its flagship. However, at lunchtime you can try the buffet or order a lunchbox.
📍 Rua Fernando de Albuquerque, 144 – Consolação
Candlelight
Did you know that Candlelight concerts start at R$35? In other words, for a very affordable price, you can enjoy concerts that combine the best of classical music with an intimate atmosphere illuminated by a sea of candles.
In addition, the musical series that has won over São Paulo residents also offers plans that feature popular songs in instrumental versions, with tributes to great artists and other versions. So choose your favorite show and guarantee your ticket.
