Have you ever been to São Mateus? The neighborhood that looks more like a city has a bit of everything: commerce, industry and services of everything you can imagine. It’s hard to imagine that, 80 years ago, this area – one of the most famous in the East Zone – was just scrubland!
Like many other neighborhoods in the city, São Mateus grew out of a huge farm. Until, in the mid-1940s, the owner decided to subdivide the site and sell the pieces of land to interested parties, bringing more residents to the area.
The population grew and today São Mateus is home to around 121,000 inhabitants. That’s more than many cities in the interior of São Paulo! That’s why there’s so much to see there. So check out our tips and explore this little piece of São Paulo’s ZL.
What to do in São Mateus: a guide to this neighborhood in SP
Guabirobeira Park
For those who want to “take refuge” from the urban chaos, how about a stroll through the park? With green areas and benches to sit on, Guabirobeira is an unmissable destination for families, who can also enjoy a playground and picnic tables. It is also home to three springs that flow into the Guabirobeira stream. An unmissable nature program!
📍 New Jacu Pêssego Avenue, s/n
Wine Square
Praça do Vinho is one of the local leisure spots, perfect for those who want to enjoy it close to home. The square has benches, a skate park, a court, a playground and tables for playing checkers. In addition, you’ll find some snack bars and pubs in the surrounding area, making it a great option for evenings out.
Nebulosas Park
Nebulosas was created to preserve the springs of the Caguaçu stream and is yet another breath of green space in São Mateus. As well as impressive fauna and flora, the park has courts, a playground, games area and gym equipment, making it a great leisure option for those who live nearby.
📍 Rua Nebulosas | Rua Libra | Rua Gêmeos | Rua João Mendonça
Athenas Bar and Choperia
For those who like to spend the night on the dance floor, Athenas is a nightclub in São Mateus that promises parties until dawn. The house hosts DJs and guest artists who play everything from pop and funk to techno and other styles of electronica, with exclusive drinks to accompany them.
📍 Avenida Mateo Bei, 1904
Favela Gallery
Finally, Favela Galeria is one of the largest open-air art galleries in the world. There are more than 270 artistic interventions that add color to 3 kilometers of walls in the region! The initiative came from local artists, who transformed the gates and walls of São Mateus into works of art.
If you’re curious to see it, then fill in this form with your preferred date and the Gallery’s organizers will contact you to arrange a tour.
📍 587 Archângelo Archiná Street