This month, São Paulo residents will have two extra days off. They are Proclamation of the Republic on the 15th, and Black Consciousness Day, on the 20th. So let’s take advantage of the free day and find out what to do in SP during the holiday.
After all, this is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the variety of leisure and entertainment options the city has to offer. So, if you’re looking for ideas on how to make the most of your day off in São Paulo, here are some unmissable suggestions.
What to do on a holiday in São Paulo? Options for all tastes and budgets
Eulália’s birthday
The Eulália samba house is celebrating its 2-year anniversary on the Black Consciousness holiday. With a special program and celebration of Brazilian culture, the public will be able to enjoy seven hours of partying, including samba circles with the groups “3+2 da Samba e Felipe Paixão,” “Babi Hellen,” and “Samba 011 e Mirim.” In addition, the house offers its famous feijoada and a welcome drink to celebrate the date.
📅 20/11, from 1pm to 8pm
🎟️ From R$10
📍 Rua Cavazzola, 64 – Vila Olímpia
Exhibition ‘A Defect of Color’
Based on the book ‘Um Defeito de Cor’, by Ana Maria Gonçalves, this exhibition tells the story of the protagonist Kehinde, an African woman enslaved in Brazil, and her struggle to be free. On a date as significant as November 20th, this exhibition becomes even more memorable.
📅 Until 01/12
🎟️ Free
📍 Sesc Pinheiros
Have some family fun in the Park
On November 15 and 20, and on weekends, Parque Villa-Lobos offers the Family in the Park event , with outdoor attractions for all ages. There, visitors can have fun on giant inflatables, such as the largest toboggan run in Latin America, as well as zip-lining and soap soccer. There is also an exclusive area for small children. Admission is free, with paid rides starting at R$10.
📍 Avenida Professor Fonseca Rodrigues, 2001 – Alto de Pinheiros
Play in an immersive arcade
Next up is Arcade Haus, an immersive arcade in São Paulo. Aimed at children aged 8 and over and adults, the space offers interactive games that combine movement and strategy, with advanced technology and five levels of difficulty. During the holidays, the venue will be open extended hours, from 10am to 10pm.
📍 Rua Doutor Rubens Gomes Bueno, 288 – Chácara Santo Antônio
Jurassic World by Brickman
This incredible exhibition features life-size dinosaurs made from over 6 million LEGO® pieces. Signed by the world’s greatest LEGO® artist, ‘Jurassic World by Brickman’ offers an immersion into the Jurassic World universe with impressive replicas and iconic sets from the movie. Perfect for the whole family!
🎟️ From R$ 49 available here
📍 Eldorado Shopping Center
Visit the zoos and aquariums in São Paulo and the surrounding region
Whether inside São Paulo or for those who enjoy a day trip, there are many options for zoos and aquariums in São Paulo. These sanctuaries offer visitors the chance to marvel at animals from all over the world. What’s more, most of these places are responsible for rescuing animals and collaborating with the recovery of species. So get ready for a fascinating journey through the animal world and to learn about the importance of environmental conservation while you marvel at these wonders of nature.
Visit the city’s main tourist attractions like a true tourist
We’ve selected the top 10 options rated by tourists on TripAdvisor, and the best part is that most of them are free. So, if you’re looking for what to do on a holiday in SP, how about exploring São Paulo’s best attractions without spending too much? From the iconic Ibirapuera Park to the vibrant Avenida Paulista, including the historic Pinacoteca de São Paulo and the charming Bairro da Liberdade, there’s plenty to discover in the city. Don’t forget to visit MASP, the Municipal Market and other cultural and architectural gems that make São Paulo so unique.
Traveling aboard locomotives that have stood the test of time in São Paulo
Looking for something to do on a holiday in São Paulo? How about embarking on a unique journey aboard traditional trains? This is an opportunity to travel back in time and explore stunning landscapes while immersing yourself in the rich history of the state of São Paulo. Although it may seem like a practice of the past, train rides are still a reality, from historic journeys in old maria fumeças to adventures surrounded by São Paulo’s nature.
Take part in the Nestlé Chocotour
If you’re in the mood for a day trip, how about taking some time off to visit a chocolate factory? In the town of Caçapava, just 1 hour from São Paulo, you’ll find the Nestlé Brasil factory, where you can take part in the Nestlé Chocotour. There, you can fully immerse yourself in the “chocolatey” world, discovering everything from the origins of cocoa to the production of the bars. The tour is available from Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm. More information here.
Lunch at the world’s first SpongeBob restaurant
SpongeBob – Burger & Restaurant’ is a truly unique experience, after all, it’s the franchise’s first official establishment in the entire world! That’s why it’s a great idea to include on your list of things to do on a holiday in SP. After all, where else can you transport yourself to Fenda do Biquíni while savoring Siri Cascudo’s classic crab burger?
Close the night listening to good jazz in the best venues in SP
In São Paulo, the jazz scene is more alive than ever. After all, there are many bars and restaurants that have special programs for the genre. So if you’re passionate about jazz, you can’t miss out on the many venues that guarantee memorable evenings to the sound of this engaging musical style. After all, there’s nothing better than an intimate atmosphere, good drinks and the smooth sounds of the saxophone and trumpet.
