Sao Paulo travel guide Vila Madalena
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June 23, 2023
June 28, 2023

São Paulo Travel Guide: 11 Things to Do in Brazil's Largest City

You think about Brazil, you might immediately think of Rio and the Copa Cabana. But in such a vast country, there's so much more to discover! So we flew together with KLM To the country's largest city: São Paulo. I still find it special to step off a twelve-hour flight on the other side of the world. With over 21 million people, 200 different nationalities, and so many diverse neighborhoods, there's plenty to do, see, experience, and taste in vibrant São Paulo. So if you're traveling through Brazil, this city is a perfect starting or ending point. During this trip, we had only one goal: to get to know Brazil and its local culture better. And what better way to do that than to eat our way through the city? Together with Brazilian chef Rodrigo Oliveira, who created the new business class menu especially for KLM, we discovered and tasted São Paulo and its local food culture. In this new São Paulo Travel Guide, I'll share all the places we visited and give you tips on other fun things to do. As with any major city in South America, in São Paulo you really need to know where you want to be. So enjoy the tips in this guide!

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𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆? @eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember. Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤 Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here! 📍 Eetcafé de Reiger Jordaan, Amsterdam City Center Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam. And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A grandma's cookbook. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home. The Sühring brothers don't cook based on trends; they cook based on memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations. @relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care. This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception. Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly? 🍴 Labskaus with caviar 🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar 🍴 Game pâté 🍴 Dry-aged Duck TIP: When you go to Sühring, reserve seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work! Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux In this reels, I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the best free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself at various locations in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can make it, we’ll go again. 📍In this video, I show you where you can fill your bucket. Comment *oester* for the comprehensive guide with all the details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules. Important to know: – Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket) – For personal use only – Do not scoop or scrape the seabed – Go at low tide Handy things to bring: Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes, and garbage bags (for the oysters *and* dirty clothes). And of course: bring an oyster knife, lemon, and champagne too 🍋🥂 Because you’ll want to taste something right away, won’t you! The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing. In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them, without much effort. Comment oyster and I'll send it to you right away! Who do you want to go oyster gathering with soon? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up. 📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it) 📍 Rijksmuseum 📍 Fruit Garden of West 📍 Westerpark 📍 Jozef Israëlskade 📍 WG site 📍 Nelson Mandelapark 📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen 📍Amstelpark By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment. I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck _______________________________________________ 🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸
3 x home that has the ultimate green space. Not too big, everything within walking distance, but plenty of nice hotspots!! These services (and what clothing) are in the Netherlands 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗱𝗲𝘇𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲! I have massive spring fever, so it's time for a mini-escape: everything is within walking distance, there are lovely coffee shops, boutiques for shopping, and enough gems to discover in 48 hours ✨ Which city is at the top of your list for a spring getaway? Let me know in the comments & save for your next girls' trip. 🖤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your sign to plan your next weekend brunch with friends in Amsterdam 👀 @ottolenghi_amsterdam is officially open and the new go-to hotspot for flavors of the Levant. Open from breakfast to dinner and I can't wait to go back for a lazy weekend brunch with a table full of dishes and good conversations. Save this one to your Amsterdam Little Black Book 📓! 🖊️ @anne_de_buck ____________________________ Ottolenghi Amsterdam is a new all-day restaurant near Museum Square by chef and entrepreneur @ottolenghi in @mo_hotels @conservatoriumhotel.
Sao Paulo travel guide

© Your Little Black Book –

São Paulo Travel Guide: Everything you want to know and more

This is where you stay: Hotel Unique

The name says it all: this five-star hotel in the heart of the Jardins is truly unique. Its unique shape makes it resemble a giant inverted arch. These unique shapes are reflected throughout the hotel, including the large round windows in the rooms and hallway, which offer stunning views of Ibirapuera Park. This is easily one of the best hotels in São Paulo is a place you'll definitely want to stay. There's a rooftop restaurant, SKYE restaurant, and also a wonderful spa with a gym and indoor pool. And did I mention that you have a view of the entire city from the rooftop pool?
 Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio – Jardim Paulista, São Paulo – hotelunique.com

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Sao Paulo travel guide Hotel Unique

© Hotel Unique

5 X RESTAURANTS IN São Paulo FOR DELICIOUS EATING AND DRINKING

Mocotó restaurant

The well-known restaurant Mocotó is located in the Vila Medeiros district in the North of São Paulo and was founded in 1973 by José de Almeida (father of Rodrigo Oliveira). What started as a small bar with ten tables has grown into one of the most famous restaurants in São Paulo Under the leadership of Chef Rodrigo. The restaurant has even received a Michelin star, but Chef Rodrigo wanted the restaurant to be a community-focused restaurant. A star wasn't part of that. At Mocotó, traditional Brazilian dishes are served with a unique twist, giving them a modern and refined touch. Comfort food at its finest. With its strong community connection and focus on local produce, Chef Rodrigo's restaurant Mocotó sets itself apart.

The menu features dishes from the Sertaneja cuisine, family recipes like Mocotó, and extensive use of local produce in cocktails and mocktails. While waiting for your table, order a freshly made cocktail at the bar with a portion of freshly fried Torresmo (crispy bacon) or Queijo de coalho com melado (cheese tapioca bites).
Av. Nossa Sra. do Loreto, 1100 – Vila Medeiros, São Paulo – mocoto.com.br

Sao Paulo travel guide Mocoto

© Your Little Black Book – Mocotó

Skye restaurant & rooftop

On the roof of Hotel Unique, you can dine at the rooftop restaurant SKYE. With panoramic views of the city, you can savor the gastronomic dishes of chef Emmanuel Bassolei. The restaurant has an indoor and outdoor area, each offering a different experience. Inside, you can watch the chefs in the open kitchen, and dine al fresco under the stars—how romantic!
Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio – Jardim Paulista, São Paulo – hotelunique.com

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Sao Paulo travel guide Hotel Unique SKYE

© SKYE Restaurant

Hocca bar

Make sure you don't overeat before heading to Hocca Bar. Hocca Bar is famous for its giant sandwiches with mortadella, provolone, and mustard. You can find Hocca above the Mercado Municipal, where you can sit at one of the long brown tables. Besides the super sandwiches, they also serve Brazilian bolinho and pastéis filled with gently cooked beef, cod, or cheese.
R. da Cantareira, São Paulo - Instagram page 

Sao Paulo travel guide Hocca

© Your Little Black Book – Hocca bar

The House of the Pig

This pork restaurant has been a top contender on Latin America's 50 Best and the World's 50 Best list for years, so it's definitely worth a visit! At this unique restaurant, you'll enjoy a tasting menu where the chef prepares a different cut of pork for each course. Reservations are essential, as the restaurant fills up quickly every evening. For the ultimate experience, we recommend booking a table inside so you can watch the chef work her magic in the open kitchen.
R. Araújo, 124 – República, São Paulo – Instagram page

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Sao Paulo travel guide Casa do Porco

© Your Little Black Book – Casa do Porco

balaio

Besides the Mocotó restaurants, Chef Rodrigo has another restaurant in São Paulo. Balaio is located on bustling Paulista Avenue and is housed in the IMS museum. The menu features modern fusion dishes that blend the country's diverse culinary cultures, making it completely different from Mocotó. Experienced mixologists behind the bar shake up the most delicious cocktails. They also serve Brazilian wines perfectly paired with the dishes, and incorporate native Brazilian fruits into the dishes.
Av. Paulista, 2424 – Bela Vista, São Paulo – balaioims.com

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Sao Paulo travel guide Balaio

© Your Little Black Book – Balaio

5 Fun Things to Do and See in São Paulo

Visit to Mercado Municipal de São Paulo

Do you always visit a local market when you're abroad? Then you can't miss this Mercadão! From tropical fruits to freshly baked nuts, Brazilian herbs, and many other local delicacies, you'll find it all here. And the best part? You can taste everything!
R. da Cantareira, 306 – Centro Histórico de São Paulo – mercadomunicipalsp.com

Sao Paulo travel guide Mercado Municipal

© Your Little Black Book – Mercado Municipal

Spotting street art in Vila Madalena

When driving through São Paulo, one thing stands out. The entire city is filled with beautiful street art by local Brazilian artists. A neighborhood known for this is Vila Madalena, and especially Beco do Batman Street. We definitely recommend taking a stroll through this neighborhood. Besides the abundance of street art, the streets are lined with stalls where you can pick up great souvenirs, artists play live music, and you can enjoy a cold beer at various bars.

Sao Paulo travel guide Vila Madalena

© Your Little Black Book – Vila Madalena

Walking around Paulista Avenue

For a cultural afternoon, Paulista Avenue is the place to be. Paulista Avenue, also known as the city's business and cultural district, is a long street lined with tall office buildings. Along this street, you'll find various cultural institutions, such as Japan House Sao Paulo, Brazil, Museum of Art of São Paulo and the IMS museum.

Sao Paulo travel guide

© Your Little Black Book – Japan House São Paulo

Shop for local delicacies at the local supermarket

When I'm abroad, I always enjoy visiting a supermarket. You can find the tastiest products there at a local price. In the Jardim Paulista neighborhood, you can find the most delicious home-cooked goods at Casa Santa Luzia. From Brazilian cheeses to coffee, local cookies, and delicious hams.
Alameda Lorena, 1471 – Jardim Paulista, São Paulo – santaluzia.com

Sao Paulo travel guide Casa Santa Luzia

© Your Little Black Book – Casa Santa Luzia

Drinking fresh coconut in Ibirapuera Park

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a moment? Then you can enjoy the peace and quiet in Ibirapuera Park. It reminds me of Central Park, but with a Brazilian twist. In the park, you'll find, among other things, the Afro Brazil Museum, where you will learn all about the importance of African people in the formation of Brazilian culture, heritage and identity as we know it today, but also Ibirapuera Planetarium and a large lake where locals gather for picnics and relaxation. Small stalls in the park sell snacks and fresh coconuts – deliciously refreshing!

Sao Paulo travel guide ibirapuera park

© Your Little Black Book – ibirapuera park

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