Although less remembered on the cultural circuit, the North Zone offers countless opportunities for those seeking leisure in São Paulo. So much so that many residents defend and promote the local scene, showing that you don’t have to be in the center to enjoy the city! For those looking for variety, it’s worth checking out the range of things to do in the North Zone: from parks with trails to great restaurants and cultural events.
What to do in São Paulo’s North Zone?
Youth Park
Located where one of Brazil’s most famous penitentiaries Parque da Juventude is one of the most popular destinations in São Paulo’s North Zone. As well as a large outdoor space, it also has a library and the Circus World, a free attraction for all ages.
📍 Avenida Cruzeiro do Sul, 2630 – Carandiru
Anhanguera Park
Did you know that one of São Paulo’s largest municipal parks is in the far north of the capital? With almost 2 million square meters, Anhanguera Park offers a preserved area of Atlantic Forest, walking trails, sports courts, a playground and a 2200-meter bike path.
📍 Avenida Fortunata Tadiello Natucci, 1000 – Perus
Cantareira State Park – Pedra Grande Nucleus
Anyone who calls São Paulo a “stone jungle” needs to visit the Cantareira Park. With around 8,000 hectares of preserved Atlantic Forest, it boasts the title of the largest urban forest in the world, guaranteeing fresh air and ecotourism for São Paulo residents. One attraction is the Pedra Grande trail, which at the end rewards adventurers with an unmissable view of the city.
📍 Rua do Horto, 1799 – Horto Florestal
Horto Florestal
Another natural attraction in São Paulo’s North Zone is the Alberto Löfgren State Park, better known as Horto Florestal. It’s the perfect place for light hiking, enjoying beautiful lakes and connecting with the fauna and flora, as well as offering a delicious colonial café.
📍 Rua do Horto, 931 – Horto Florestal
Jaraguá Peak
At an altitude of 1135 meters, Pico do Jaraguá is the highest point in São Paulo. It is located between the west and north zones, but at the top there is a lookout point that offers an incredible view of the whole city. You can visit the site from the Pai Zé Trail a 3.5-kilometer path through closed forest, or by car along the Tourist Road.
📅 Tuesday to Sunday, from 07:00 to 16:30
🎫 Free of charge
📍 Rua Antônio Cardoso Nogueira, 539 – Vila Chica Luiza
Trot Park
São Paulo’s old hippodrome has been transformed into a large park full of attractions, such as a walking track, fitness equipment and even barbecue pits.
📍 Avenida Nadir Dias de Figueiredo, s/n – Vila Guilherme
Sesc Santana
Of course, a Sesc unit couldn’t be missing in the North Zone! Like the others, it offers free or paid courses, swimming pools for members and cultural activities.
📍 Avenida Luiz Dumont Villares, 579 – Santana
Youth Cultural Center
This is the largest public center of its kind in São Paulo, offering concerts, lectures, exhibitions and workshops for young people in the North Zone.
📍 Avenida Deputado Emílio Carlos, 3641 – Vila dos Andrades
Public Transport Museum
Did you know that there were once double-decker buses in São Paulo? This and other curiosities can be discovered at the Public Transport Museum, which chronicles the evolution of urban transportation since the 19th century.
📍 Avenida Cruzeiro do Sul, 780 – Canindé
Largo da Matriz and Freguesia do Ó Church
When talking about Freguesia do Ó, the first place that comes to mind is Largo da Matriz, where the Nossa Senhora do Ó Parish is located.
📍 Largo da Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Ó, s/n – Freguesia do Ó
Open Museum of Urban Art
Avenida Cruzeiro do Sul, in the north of the city, is home to the MAAU (Open Museum of Urban Art) and has graffiti all over the avenue’s 33 columns.
📍 Cruzeiro do Sul Avenue
Center for Northeastern Traditions (CTN)
The Centro de Tradições Nordestinas(CTN) is a cultural space dedicated to the appreciation and preservation of Northeastern culture in São Paulo. It’s quite an attraction, especially during the São João season!
📍 Rua Jacofer, 615 – Limão
Luiz Fernandes Bar
The bar located between Santana and Mandaqui has been on the same street since 1970. For those who enjoy a root beer float, there’s no better option.
📍 Rua Augusto Tolle, 610 – Mandaqui
Mocotó
Opened in 1973, the restaurant has become popular in the city and has attracted people from all over the city.
📍 Avenida Nossa Senhora do Loreto, 1100 – Vila Medeiros
FrangÓ
If you want to eat one of the best coxinhas in SP, this is the address.
📍 Largo da Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Ó, 168 – Freguesia do Ó
