Being in São Paulo in the summer months can be wonderful and terrible. After all, it’s hot (very hot) and you can run out of ideas about what to do in the summer in São Paulo. But the truth is that the city that never stops offers a plethora of options to enjoy even in high temperatures.
So, if you’ve forgotten all the possibilities this city has for you, we’ve put together the best things to do in the summer in São Paulo.
Outdoors
Day Use at the Pullman Hotel
There’s nothing better than a little pool to cool off in the summer. The Pullman Day Pass at the Pullman Guarulhos Hotel is an option for you to have fun with the family and relax in your free time. It runs daily and you can make use of all the leisure facilities such as: swimming pool, courts,
playground, petpark, gym and changing room. In addition, the ticket includes a delicious buffet breakfast or lunch from Base Restaurant.
Explore lesser-known parks
Did you know that São Paulo has a total of 113 parks in its territory? With so many options, only those who want to do it again can. In fact, we’ve listed seven green areas that are not so well known to the general public.
Waterfalls in São Paulo
We’re always looking for shade and fresh water – and why not waterfalls in São Paulo? Yes, they exist and, to prove it, we’ve selected five of them that you can visit without leaving the city.
Public swimming pools to cool off in the heat
Summer has just started and São Paulo residents can’t stand the high temperatures any longer. The heat waves are coming in full force in the capital, and in this hot climate, there’s nothing better than a dip to cool off, right?
Agita + Férias
The Municipal Sports and Leisure Department of São Paulo City Hall is promoting ‘Agita + Férias’ from December 20. The program offers sports and leisure options for children and teenagers to enjoy and exercise.
The activities are offered from Friday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm, at ten Sports Centers in the North, East, West, South and Central Zones. Among the attractions are inflatable toys, a gourmet kids’ area, recreational street play activities, a baby play area and various workshops: face painting, handicrafts, sports and dance, and much more.
Visit the São Paulo Zoo and Botanical Garden
Those staying in São Paulo will have the option of learning more about endangered species of animals and plants by visiting the country’s largest zoo and the almost century-old Botanical Garden. The two tourist attractions offer ticket combos with discounts on the official website, just go there and secure yours.
Family in the Park
The traditional ‘Family in the Park’ weekend program returns with Hippo, the highest inflatable toboggan in Latin America. At 15 meters high and 55 meters long, the toy still has water on the way down, on hot days. The ride now takes place at a fixed address: Parque Villa-Lobos.
Sport & well-being
Exercise outdoors
You may not have the patience to work out in gyms, or you may, but prefer to do it outdoors. Or you’re just looking for places to enjoy the summer while you get in shape. Whatever your choice, our list is made for you.
Cycling along São Paulo’s bike paths
Handlebars, saddles and gauntlets make cyclists happy. That’s why we’ve selected five bike paths in São Paulo for you to cycle along. After all, São Paulo is becoming a very bike-friendly city and it’s worth adapting to the bike.
Paintball in São Paulo
Paintball may seem like a simple shooting war with paintballs, but it’s a real team test. After all, despite being a combat sport, the aim of paintball is to steal the opposing team’s flag.
Art & culture
If you want to get away from the heat, there’s nothing better than taking refuge in an air-conditioned museum and enjoying an artistic, air-conditioned tour.
Extasia
With photographs full of playfulness, artist Flávia Junqueira explores a universe marked by fantasy and ecstasy. Her dreamlike creations are inspired by themes such as childhood and emotional memories.
🗓️ Until 26/01/25
📌 Fiesp Cultural Center
🎫 Free
Castelo Rá-Tim-Bum – 30 years
A classic exhibition in São Paulo is back. This time, the iconic television castle returns as the subject of an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the set of the children’s program that conquered generations.
🗓️ Until 31/01/25
📌 Solar Fábio Prado
🎫 From R$20
African languages that make Brazil
Did you know that words like “moleque”, “cachimbo” and “quitanda” come from the Quimbundo language? Discover these and other traces of African heritage in Brazilian culture at an unprecedented exhibition in São Paulo.
🗓️ Until 30/01/25
📌 Museum of the Portuguese Language
🎫 From R$12
Pre-Columbian America: body and territory
The latest exhibition at Casa Ema Klabin brings together more than 90 archaeological pieces from territories where ancient civilizations flourished, such as Peru, Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil and others. The items, dating from between 1800 BC and 1750 AD, reveal fascinating aspects of these cultures.
Until 23/02/25
🎟 Free of charge
📍Ema Klabin House Museum
The Cinema of Billy Wilder
Spread over three floors of the MIS, this exhibition pays homage to the legendary Billy Wilder, one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th century. The show presents his work through original costumes, recreations of sets, unseen scenes and stage objects.
🗓️ Until 26/01/25
📌 MIS Jardim Europa
🎫 From R$10
A Defect of Color
Themes such as ancestry, slavery, resistance and the African diaspora are highlighted in this exhibition inspired by the work of Ana Maria Gonçalves. Bringing together works by more than 130 artists, “Um Defeito de Cor” dialogues deeply with the issues addressed in the book.
Until 26/02/25
🎟 Free
📍Sesc Pinheiros
Myself, Carnival
Mário de Andrade, a Carnival enthusiast, not only participated as a reveler, but also researched this rich popular manifestation. The exhibition brings together original costumes, photos of the poet and various materials that celebrate his connection with the festival.
Until 02/05/25
🎟 Free of charge
📍Mário de Andrade House
Rino Levi, history and utopia – destruction, permanence, renewal
The new exhibition celebrates the legacy of Brazilian architect Rino Levi, featuring photos, drawings and models of his modern projects. In addition, the “Acts and Facts” module highlights key moments in his life and professional career.
Until 29/06/25
Free of charge
📍Chácara Lane: Rua da Consolação, 1024 – Consolação
We – Art and Science by Women
The exhibition highlights the legacy of women in the arts and science, celebrating the scientific, intellectual and artistic production of women throughout history. Names such as Marie Curie, Bertha Lutz and Sueli Carneiro are some of those honored, addressing the oppression and lack of visibility faced by these figures over the centuries.
Until 30/03/25
🎟 Free
📍Sesc Interlagos
Eat & drink
Refreshing and unusual options to enjoy the summer in São Paulo with the best of gastronomy.
Drag Brunch Brasil
Do you love brunch? Well, now imagine eating well while watching a drag show… Amazing, right? If you haven’t had this experience yet, then it’s time to call your friends and take part in Drag Brunch Brasil. The next sessions have already been scheduled and you can guarantee your ticket from R$90!
Neon Brush
If you’re looking for a tour that alternates between painting and tasting drinks, then Neon Brush is the perfect event for you. The December and January sessions are already on sale. So don’t waste time and book your place.
Dining in the Dark: Blind Dining
By removing one of your senses, Dining in the Dark heightens the other four to demonstrate how tasty food really can be. Some say that when we cover our eyes, our other senses work overtime. Sweet flavors become sweeter and strong aromas become even stronger. Customers in São Paulo will put this theory to the test by embarking on a gastronomic adventure with their eyes completely blindfolded.
Bars with beats
Some people prefer beer others opt for drink and there are those who prefer a good, cold fruit shake. If you fall into the latter group, here are five bars with fruit shakes to cool off in SP, perfect for the summer that is already knocking on our doors.
Restaurants to eat tartare
Tartare (also known as “tartar” or “steak tartar”) came from Europe, especially France, and is winning the hearts of Brazilians. The dish consists of raw meat cut into tiny pieces, seasoned with lots of salt, olive oil, egg, onion and other ingredients. If you enjoy the dish, or would like to get to know it, check out some restaurants to eat tartare in São Paulo and enjoy!
Getaways
Take a balloon ride in Boituva
Known as the “National Capital of Ballooning”, Boituva has become one of the most popular destinations for adventurers and is located about 1h15 from São Paulo. So, how about taking advantage of the summer to live an unforgettable experience?
Beaches near São Paulo so you don’t waste time on the road
São Paulo has (almost) everything. But it lacks beaches, doesn’t it? Maybe that’s why, whenever possible, people from São Paulo travel to the coast. With this in mind, we’ve selected some beaches near São Paulo that you can go to whenever you want.
Water parks near São Paulo
When the weather warms up and temperatures soar, all we want to do is find a good place to cool off, right? How about setting aside a weekend to visit (and enjoy) a water park in São Paulo, close to the capital?
