Introduction
São Paulo‘s capital is on the podium of the most sought-after destinations by Brazilian tourists in 2023, according to a survey by Travel and Leisure, a specialized tourism magazine.
The city’s popularity stems from its cultural diversity. In São Paulo, you can enjoy rich gastronomy, museums, historical centers, shows, festivals, and a plethora of free tours.
That’s right! Besides its diversity, this city is also highly accessible. If you’re seeking affordable things to do in this city, check out these 10 tips for free tours.
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"description": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">São Paulo is renowned for its cultural diversity, exemplified by the</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Liberdade Neighborhood</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which transports you to Japan.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here, you will find the largest Japanese community outside of Japan. Liberdade is not only “Instagrammable” but also offers strolls through the Oriental Garden and unique shops.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For an elevated experience, visit during the weekend to enjoy the famous Liberdade Street Fair, held on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don’t miss the Japanese Immigration Museum, established in 1978, showcasing a collection of over 97,000 items.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to explore the </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liberdade Neighborhood</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?</span></p>\n",
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}Explore São Paulo's Liberdade Neighborhood
São Paulo is renowned for its cultural diversity, exemplified by the Liberdade Neighborhood, which transports you to Japan.
Here, you will find the largest Japanese community outside of Japan. Liberdade is not only “Instagrammable” but also offers strolls through the Oriental Garden and unique shops.
For an elevated experience, visit during the weekend to enjoy the famous Liberdade Street Fair, held on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm.
Don’t miss the Japanese Immigration Museum, established in 1978, showcasing a collection of over 97,000 items.
Ready to explore the Liberdade Neighborhood?
Liberdade São Paulo / Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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"description": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Centro Cultural do Banco do Brasil (CCBB) is a vibrant space offering diverse entertainment programs.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inside, enjoy both paid and free performances at the cinema and theater, along with free exhibitions.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banco do Brasil Cultural Center </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is open daily, except Tuesday, from 9 am to 8 pm.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excited to visit?</span></p>\n",
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}Visit the Centro Cultural do Banco do Brasil (CCBB)
The Centro Cultural do Banco do Brasil (CCBB) is a vibrant space offering diverse entertainment programs.
Inside, enjoy both paid and free performances at the cinema and theater, along with free exhibitions.
The Banco do Brasil Cultural Center is open daily, except Tuesday, from 9 am to 8 pm.
Excited to visit?
MARCO AURÉLIO ESPARZ…, CC BY-SA 3.0
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"description": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The São Paulo Municipal Market is worthwhile for travelers who enjoy combining shopping with a culinary tour.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Established in 1933, this historic building hosts 200 stalls offering a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, meats, poultry, seafood, pasta, sweets, spices, and top-quality imported products like wines.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To experience the essence of this market, no entry fee is required! The São Paulo Municipal Market is open Monday to Saturday, from 6 am to 5 pm.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring your appetite and explore!</span></p>\n",
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}Shop and Dine at the São Paulo Municipal Market
The São Paulo Municipal Market is worthwhile for travelers who enjoy combining shopping with a culinary tour.
Established in 1933, this historic building hosts 200 stalls offering a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, meats, poultry, seafood, pasta, sweets, spices, and top-quality imported products like wines.
To experience the essence of this market, no entry fee is required! The São Paulo Municipal Market is open Monday to Saturday, from 6 am to 5 pm.
Bring your appetite and explore!
Renato Santiago Rodrigues, CC BY-SA 4.0
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"description": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">São Paulo Museum of Art</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (MASP) is not only splendid but also one of Latin America’s most important museums.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its collection features over 10,000 works by renowned artists like Tarsila do Amaral, Portinari, and Van Gogh.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The five-floor building includes permanent and temporary exhibitions, a shop, a café, a </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pinacoteca</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and an auditorium. Free admission is available on Tuesdays from 10 am to 8 pm.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experience the art at MASP!</span></p>\n",
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}Admire Art at the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP)
The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) is not only splendid but also one of Latin America’s most important museums.
Its collection features over 10,000 works by renowned artists like Tarsila do Amaral, Portinari, and Van Gogh.
The five-floor building includes permanent and temporary exhibitions, a shop, a café, a Pinacoteca, and an auditorium. Free admission is available on Tuesdays from 10 am to 8 pm.
Experience the art at MASP!
MASP museum/ Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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"description": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inaugurated in 1905, the </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pinacoteca </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is a must-see for art enthusiasts, showcasing over 11,000 works of art across its three locations: Pina Luz, Pina Estação, and Pina Contemporânea. Pina Luz, the most famous unit, houses one of Brazil’s top restoration and conservation laboratories and often features rotating exhibits alongside its permanent collection. </span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of Brazilian art, including iconic pieces by Tarsila do Amaral’s “Abaporu,” Almeida Júnior’s “Caipira Picando Fumo” (Countryman Chopping Tobacco), and Cândido Portinari’s “Lavradores de Café” (Coffee Farmers). Don’t miss the chance to explore this artistic journey through Brazilian history on Saturdays with free admission.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, visitors can enjoy the nearby Jardim da Luz Park, adjacent to the Pinacoteca.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inaugurated in 1825, Jardim da Luz Park is the city’s oldest park, featuring reading areas, a jogging track, a playground, water mirrors, a lake, and scattered sculptures.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enjoy a relaxing experience at the park!</span></p>\n",
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}Discover History at Pinacoteca & Relax in Jardim da Luz Park
Inaugurated in 1905, the Pinacoteca is a must-see for art enthusiasts, showcasing over 11,000 works of art across its three locations: Pina Luz, Pina Estação, and Pina Contemporânea. Pina Luz, the most famous unit, houses one of Brazil’s top restoration and conservation laboratories and often features rotating exhibits alongside its permanent collection.
Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of Brazilian art, including iconic pieces by Tarsila do Amaral’s “Abaporu,” Almeida Júnior’s “Caipira Picando Fumo” (Countryman Chopping Tobacco), and Cândido Portinari’s “Lavradores de Café” (Coffee Farmers). Don’t miss the chance to explore this artistic journey through Brazilian history on Saturdays with free admission.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy the nearby Jardim da Luz Park, adjacent to the Pinacoteca.
Inaugurated in 1825, Jardim da Luz Park is the city’s oldest park, featuring reading areas, a jogging track, a playground, water mirrors, a lake, and scattered sculptures.
Enjoy a relaxing experience at the park!
Fernando nunes, CC BY-SA 4.0
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"description": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the country of football, the </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Football Museum</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is something remarkable in </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">São Paulo</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">! Inaugurated in 2008, it is Brazil’s most visited museum.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accessible to people with disabilities, the museum features around fifteen thematic rooms, temporary exhibition spaces, and the first public library dedicated to football.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free admission to the </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Football Museum</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is available on Tuesdays, with tickets to be reserved in advance via the museum’s website.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sharpen your football knowledge!</span></p>\n",
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}Celebrate Football at the São Paulo Football Museum
In the country of football, the Football Museum is something remarkable in São Paulo! Inaugurated in 2008, it is Brazil’s most visited museum.
Accessible to people with disabilities, the museum features around fifteen thematic rooms, temporary exhibition spaces, and the first public library dedicated to football.
Free admission to the Football Museum is available on Tuesdays, with tickets to be reserved in advance via the museum’s website.
Sharpen your football knowledge!
Football Museum at São Paulo, Brazil / Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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"description": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jaraguá Peak, located within Jaraguá State Park, requires prior scheduling for entry. It offers the city’s highest viewpoint at 1,135 meters above sea level.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first lookout is near the entrance, followed by a second near the patio with restrooms and a snack bar. The most popular viewpoint is near the transmission antennas, 250 steps above the patio. Don’t miss the Pai Zé Trail, one of SP’s best trails.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don’t forget your camera!</span></p>\n",
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}Reach New Heights at Jaraguá Peak
Jaraguá Peak, located within Jaraguá State Park, requires prior scheduling for entry. It offers the city’s highest viewpoint at 1,135 meters above sea level.
The first lookout is near the entrance, followed by a second near the patio with restrooms and a snack bar. The most popular viewpoint is near the transmission antennas, 250 steps above the patio. Don’t miss the Pai Zé Trail, one of SP’s best trails.
Don’t forget your camera!
Jaraguá Peak São Paulo Brazil / Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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"description": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Museum of Image and Sound (MIS) houses over 200,000 items, including photographs, films, videos, posters, graphic pieces, image and sound equipment, sound recordings, books, catalogs, periodicals, CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MIS also offers workshops, courses, presentations, and performances. Most exhibitions are free.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engage in this unique learning experience!</span></p>\n",
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}Engage with Media at the Museum of Image and Sound (MIS)
The Museum of Image and Sound (MIS) houses over 200,000 items, including photographs, films, videos, posters, graphic pieces, image and sound equipment, sound recordings, books, catalogs, periodicals, CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes.
MIS also offers workshops, courses, presentations, and performances. Most exhibitions are free.
Engage in this unique learning experience!
MIS SP / Foto: Arte Fora do Museu
{
"description": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Known for its “Instagrammable” street art, </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beco do Batman street art</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Batman’s Alley) embodies São Paulo’s creative essence. Strolling through Vila Madalena, you’ll encounter vibrant graffiti artworks.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vila Madalena is perfect for admirers of colorful street art, featuring works by artists like Eduardo Kobra. It’s also great for shopping at antique shops and thrift stores.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who doesn’t love art and Batman?</span></p>\n",
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"title": "Experience Street Art at Beco do Batman",
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}Experience Street Art at Beco do Batman
Known for its “Instagrammable” street art, Beco do Batman street art (Batman’s Alley) embodies São Paulo’s creative essence. Strolling through Vila Madalena, you’ll encounter vibrant graffiti artworks.
Vila Madalena is perfect for admirers of colorful street art, featuring works by artists like Eduardo Kobra. It’s also great for shopping at antique shops and thrift stores.
Who doesn’t love art and Batman?
Street Art at Beco do Batman / Photo: Wikimedia Commons
{
"description": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Catavento Museum</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers an interactive experience that delights children and adults alike, with a full day of scientific adventures and games.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can explore the museum independently or join guided tours and exclusive experiments. Tickets are required for sessions throughout the day.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Admission costs USD 3.00 (full) or USD 2.00 (half), but it’s free on Tuesdays.</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready for an enchanting visit?</span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exploring São Paulo doesn’t have to break the bank. With these incredible free tours, you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural tapestry, historic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods without spending a dime. </span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a tourist eager to experience São Paulo’s diverse offerings, these activities provide a perfect blend of education, relaxation, and fun. </span></p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare for an unforgettable adventure exploring the free wonders of the capital of South America. Have a great time exploring!</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more cool tips like this, it’s worth checking out our </span><a href=\"https://letsgogurus.com/en/post/discover-the-5-best-restaurants-in-sao-paulo-the-biggest-gastronomic-center-in-brazil/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TOP 5 restaurants in SP</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is also one of the largest gastronomic centers in Brazil.</span></p>\n",
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"title": " Interactive Fun at the Catavento Museum",
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}Interactive Fun at the Catavento Museum
The Catavento Museum offers an interactive experience that delights children and adults alike, with a full day of scientific adventures and games.
You can explore the museum independently or join guided tours and exclusive experiments. Tickets are required for sessions throughout the day.
Admission costs USD 3.00 (full) or USD 2.00 (half), but it’s free on Tuesdays.
Ready for an enchanting visit?
Exploring São Paulo doesn’t have to break the bank. With these incredible free tours, you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural tapestry, historic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods without spending a dime.
Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a tourist eager to experience São Paulo’s diverse offerings, these activities provide a perfect blend of education, relaxation, and fun.
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure exploring the free wonders of the capital of South America. Have a great time exploring!
For more cool tips like this, it’s worth checking out our TOP 5 restaurants in SP, which is also one of the largest gastronomic centers in Brazil.
Ana Paula Hirama, CC BY-SA 2.0
The Guru
Greetings, traveler! I am the Guru, your trusted guide in the vast world of travel. With wisdom accumulated over time and a touch of enchantment, I share valuable tips, fascinating stories, and authentic experiences to turn every journey into an unforgettable adventure. Embark with me through inspiring content and uncover charming destinations, incredible cities, extraordinary places, and live authentic experiences. Pack your bags, your adventurous spirit, and let's explore together! Let's Go!
