From Buenos Aires we travelled on to São Paulo in January 2025. It was our second time after 2010 when we were on our around the world trip. But back then we nearly saw nothing of the city as we met our ex-colleagues. Also we were invited to several social events. So there was not really time for sightseeing. This year we did not plan in many days neither. We decided to spend two nights in this massive city (22 million inhabitants).
We chose to stay in the area of Consolaçao – quite centric and close to some LGBT nightlife, too. Our hotel (Pergamon SP Frei Caneca) was decent, a bit outdated maybe, but well located. We felt safe to walk on the streets at day and night. The weather was very hot and rather humid. No wonder! We arrived in the summer season.
São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP)
About 30 minutes walking away from our hotel we found the MASP (Museu de Arte of Sao Paulo). It is located in an iconic building with a 1960s design. From the outside though a bit run down, it was impressive on the inside. Coincidentally, they exhibited queer art work from Latin American artists (Queer Histories).
DOS PRAZERES, 1960s
Striking was the way of presenting the permanent collection in the main hall on the upper level. Instead of building walls or rooms the art was exhibited in individual stands with the explanations on their back side.
Fun fact: When locals pronounce the museum’s name it sounds like “MASPee”. In Brazil they add an “e” sound to foreign names and also to abbreviations.
Parque Trianon and Avenida Paulista
On the other side of the MASP – when crossing the famous Avenida Paulista – you will find a lovely park: Parque Trianon. It will invite you to stroll around and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the amazing vegetation. It feels like walking in the jungle. Apparently, it is also a place for couples to go for a romantic walk in the park. Young, older or same sex couples held hands walking around in a leisurely manner.
Attracted by live music we found a great outdoor lunch spot just next to the park: Restaurante Gouveia. They had a quartet playing traditional Brazilian music on their terrace while you could enjoy your meal.
We continued further along the Avenida Paulista, one of the main boulevards of São Paulo where you will find many headquarters of banks and companies. It is also a shopping destination with malls along the street.
In the late afternoon we felt it was finally time for our first Caipirinha. We decided to walk back towards the hotel and cross the area with many queer bars in Consolaçao.
As Calle Augusta felt too busy for us we strolled through a few side streets and were lucky to find an amazing bar called “Espeto Bambu” with a quiet outdoor terrace towards the street. They call themselves a hetero friendly bar thus don’t be shy to have a cocktail there. The Caipirinha’s were amazing! And strong. We needed a nap afterwards! The service was wonderful.
Things to do – São Paulo in 1 day
1) Visit the MASP
2) Stroll around the Parque Trianon
3) Have lunch at Restaurante Gouveia
4) Get impressed by the Avenida Paulista
5) Have a Caipirinha at Espetu Bambu
6) Party in one of the queer bars and clubs of the Consolaçao area around Calle Augusta
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