Hotels in Central Zone

Exploring Sao Paulo CBD

The area known as Downtown of Sao Paulo is often referred to as the birthplace of the city. It is the lungs of the city where all the best events happen and the best places to eat and entertain are located. The old heart of São Paulo, Centro, is a glorious contrast of colonial buildings and immense financial headquarters. Welcoming green squares of giant palm trees dot the urban landscape at Praça da República and Vale do Anhangabaú. Worshippers pack inside Praça da Sé’s enormous Municipal Cathedral – a triumph of monumental Gothic architecture, while culture vultures enjoy orchestral symphonies in the classical Teatro Municipal. Leading north, past the musical stores of Rua Santa Ifigenia, is the resurgent cultural hub of Luz where neoclassical museums contain art treasures.

Accommodations near Sao Paulo CBD

There is a range of options for all travelers. It can be risky to walk around alone at night, apart from the day of Virada Cultural, the annual event where over 50 stages line the streets for 24 hours of entertainment. There are plenty of guesthouses, B&Bs and a huge amount of cheap hotels in this area. To be safe, stay in Praca da Republica. The most popular hotel in Sao Paulo is the Akile Smart Santa Cecilia, which has been booked &TravellersChoiceBooked1 times from our Hotels.com verified guests. Our guests also highly recommended Gran Palazzo Hotel in Sao Paulo as it has been reserved &TravellersChoiceBooked2 times.

Sightseeing near Sao Paulo CBD

- Sala Sao Paulo Concert Hall

Completed in 1938 during the urbanization of the city, the building was designed by Chistiano Stocklel das Neves in 1925. This period in Sao Paulo was fueled by the coffee boom and the new railway, meaning the city rapidly grew. The Cultural Center is located right in the heart of the city, near the Musuem of Sacred Art and is listed as a historic site. Now, it is the home of Sao Paulo’s Symphony Orchestra where it hosts many concerts and events.

- Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo

This museum is home to Sao Paulo’s most extensive collection of western art, as well as Brazilian, African and Asian art. Designed by Lina Bo Bardi, the modernist building was completed in 1968. The huge concrete and glass building is almost incased by large red concrete red beams, making it stand out and is considered a landmark of the city. Located on Paulista Avenue, the building represents modern Brazilian architecture. The museum is also the first Brazilian museum showcasing World War II art.

Transportation near Sao Paulo CBD

The best way to get around this chaotic city is by metro, overland train, or trolleybus, thus avoiding the peak hour traffic jams, although all forms of public transport are packed during rush hours. The metro is clean, fast, and relatively safe, and in the central districts the overland trains are modern and comfortable. Lines 1 through 4 and line 9 are the most useful for sightseeing, and travel is cheap.