Private São Paulo Architecture Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore São Paulo's diverse architectural styles
- Visit iconic landmarks like the São Paulo Cathedral
- Discover modernist masterpieces in the city
- Learn about the city's rich architectural history
- Enjoy personalized insights from a local expert
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Expert local guide
- Transportation during tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Higienópolis is an old district in the city of São Paulo, since its foundation was residence of the more wealthy classes. There are lots of palaces that belonged to the coffee barons and their children, together with the modernist buildings from the early twentieth century, makes it a reference when it comes to architecture in São Paulo. There are examples in styles such as eclectic, neoclassical, picturesque, Norman, Florentine, art nouveau, neocolonial, art deco, and others, being the subject of studies and researches. Many of these properties have been registered as historical heritage properties and are under preservations laws.
Walk through the historical downtown of Sao Paulo to see the history of the city being told by its constructions and concrete manifestations. A village that until 1872 had little more than 30 thousand inhabitants and was restricted to a couple of streets, São Paulo has been going through an everlasting process of verticalization from the early times into this current metropolis status of more than 12 million inhabitants. Discover some of the superstar architects behind the designs and the quirky and unusual features of São Paulo’s innovative buildings.
Paulista avenue is one of the most important in São Paulo architecturally and historically. It has several different architectonic styles representing the last 130 years ranging from old mansions to high-teach green buildings.
Mirrored buildings, glazed towers, environmentally-friendly buildings, giant free spans, vertical gardens and the largest number of helipads in the city. The area of the Brigadeiro Faria Lima Avenue it’s the main Brazil’s business district full of modern pieces of architecture. Among the mirrored buildings, the architecture that most attracts attention is the Pátio Victor Malzoni. It has most expensive square meter in town and a preserved 18th century house listed as a historical heritage. The two interconnected modern towers contrasts with the historical old house. It’s really gem!
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language
- Confirm your hotel pickup details upon booking
- Be aware that some sites may have entry fees not included in the tour price
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour
- Bring a camera to capture the architectural highlights
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infant Seats Available
Traveler reviews
Informative and enthusiastic
Tour guide Doris is super friendly, informative, and enthusiastic. Covered several centuries of SP architectural development, with particular emphasis on the Paulista School, of course. She had lots to observe about SP cultural aspects and opportunities in general, which we found very helpful. We also appreciated her flexibility and ability to adjust her itinerary based on our prior knowledge/tastes. And, we ended having a lovely dinner that evening at a restaurant she recommended!
Informative and enthusiastic
Tour guide Doris is super friendly, informative, and enthusiastic. Covered several centuries of SP architectural development, with particular emphasis on the Paulista School, of course. She had lots to observe about SP cultural aspects and opportunities in general, which we found very helpful. We also appreciated her flexibility and ability to adjust her itinerary based on our prior knowledge/tastes. And, we ended having a lovely dinner that evening at a restaurant she recommended!
St. Paul, many cities in one big city.
Knowing St. Paul and not staying with the image of the big city, its traffic and its visual chaos was what we wanted. This tour is amazing, but Danilo is especially a great guide, not only knows its city, its history, and architecture but has the Capacity (in covers) to show each space and neighborhood, and its particularities, to finally show us a city that has multiple cities in one, all different. We leave with a totally different idea from the one we got! Thank you for such a nice experience and such kind company!
Outstanding São Paulo architecture tour.
Our guide, Doris Kertsman, was outstanding. Our group was picked up in a large, comfortable van, and for the next 5 hours she led us in a very comprehensive walking and driving tour that covered the architectural history of Sao Paulo as well as its development, from the founding of the city in the 1500's to the current megalopolis. We saw wonderful examples of the many architectural styles in the city, including a grand finale panoramic view of the city from the top of an Oscar Niemeyer masterpiece building. She is a born and raised Paulistana with a deep knowledge of her city. This tour was an absolute delight.
Outstanding Sao Paulo architecture tour
Our guide, Doris Kertsman, was outstanding. Our group was picked up in a large, comfortable van, and for the next 5 hours she led us in a very comprehensive walking and driving tour that covered the architectural history of Sao Paulo as well as its development, from the founding of the city in the 1500's to the current megalopolis. We saw wonderful examples of the many architectural styles in the city, including a grand finale panoramic view of the city from the top of an Oscar Niemeyer masterpiece building. She is a born and raised Paulistana with a deep knowledge of her city. This tour was an absolute delight.