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The São Paulo Scene

We are building a map of notable spots nestled within the wee-bit-overwhelming streets of Brazil's largest city. Help us add to it by nominating your favorite architectural landmarks, restaurants, parks and more in the comments.

School of Architecture and Planning, São Paulo University

Completed in 1968 by architect Joao Batista Vilanova Artigas, the School of Architecture and Planning building at the University is a massive reinforced concrete structure that holds a plethora of design studios, labs, workshops, and classrooms.

Rua do Lago 876
São Paulo, Brazil
Ibirapuera Park

This 400-acre refuge from the hustle and the bustle is the brainchild of Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Mark. Among the many museums, sculptures and bike trails, there are fields and playgrounds aplenty.

Avenida Pedro Álvares Cabral
São Paulo, Brazil
The São Paulo Museum of Art

Constructed in 1968 by architect Lina Bo Bardi, the concrete-and-glass building is considered a major example of Brazilian modern architecture. The 10,000-square-foot structure is defined by the support system provided by four massive bright-red columns.

Avenida Paulista
1.578 - Cerqueira César
São Paulo, Brazil
Sao Cristovao

A classic Brazilian boteco (or bar with pub food). Get there early to sample the feijoada, the traditional stew eaten nationwide. The walls, plastered floor to ceiling with framed photos and mementos of Brazil’s glorious soccer scene, provide biographies of the country’s greatest athletes.

Rua Aspicuelta 533
Vila Madalena
Sao Paulo, Brazil
La Casserole

This 50-year-old French bistro on the Largo do Arouche plaza in downtown São Paulo is a favorite of locals.

Largo do Arouche 346
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Pacaembu Stadium

Check out the daily fruit and vegetable market in the sprawling parking lot in front of the old municipal stadium, an aging example of Art Deco design.

Etd. Paulo Machado de Carvalho - Consolação
Sao Paulo, Brazil
25 de Marco

Are stuffed animals shaped like alligators what you fancy? Look no further. Everything from cameras to linens can be found, tax-free, in this Persian bazaar. Great contraband from Paraguay, Taiwan, and Korea.

Rua 25 de Marco
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Copan

Often billed as the largest apartment block in Latin America, the structure, finished in 1966 by Oscar Niemeyer, contains undulating, sweeping lines that belie its heavy concrete construction. More than 5,000 people live in the building, which has its own zip code.

Avenida Ipiranga 200
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Hotel Fasano/Baretto

Slide into the plush leather chairs of this hotel and bar that looks like a movie set from a 1930s gangster film. Isay Weinfeld helped design the place, and the bar occa-sionally hosts big-name Brazilian musicians in a space that only holds about 50 people.

Rua Vittorio Fasano 88
Sao Paulo, Brazil
OCA Museum / Ibirapuera Park

This flying saucer, designed in the 1950s by Oscar Niemeyer, is impressive from the outside, but go inside to experience the maze of spiraling staircases and vaulted spaces.

Avenida Pedro Alvares Cabral
Portoes 2 and 3
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Banespa Tower

Ride the elevator up to the public park at the very top of the building. The views make New York look small, as apartment towers and office buildings create a spiderweb of skylines blanketing the city.

Rua Joao Bricola 24
2nd Floor
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Praça Benedito Calixto

At this weekly flea market, located in the neighborhood of Pinheiros every Saturday, you'll find antiques, clothing, live music, food, and great people watching. —submitted by Dwell.com reader Michelle

São Paulo, Brazil
Edifício Guaimbê

Created in 1962 by architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha, this 13-story residential structure is only 23 feet wide. The facade is shaded by brise-soleils and is characterized by reinforced concrete. —submitted by Dwell.com reader Michelle.

Rua Hadock Lobo
Sao Paulo, Brazil