São Paulo. Morumbí Stadium. The first game in the America Football Cup championship. We are talking about the opening between Brazil and Bolivia. Two nations holding a historical football legacy that has fans excited and expectant.
Will you sit in the stadium and sheer your football team?
If you are going, why not take advantage of the trip and experience the most cosmopolitan city on the planet?
Just think: arriving at the airport with your own private plane or a rented jet. You are there, for the America Cup, and It would be a real sin not to take the opportunity and live São Paulo: ultra-modern, snobbish, uninhibited, and refined. The city qualifies as the sixth largest mega-metropolis in the world and the most important financial canter in all Latin America. Football and the America Cup Championship are just some of the activities to be carried out in the city.
To give you an idea, we give you 8 suggestions to do in São Paulo before or after a football match.
Visit the Paulista Avenue – Museum of Art of São Paulo (MASP)
Address: Paulist Avenue, São Paulo.
How to get there by metro: line 2 (stations of Paraíso, Brigadeiro, Trianon-Masp, consolação,
We already established that São Paulo is the leading financial center in Latin America and, therefore, one of the first in the world. This power shows itself in the renowned Avenida Paulista. Skyscrapers and grand palaces mix thought the urban line of the avenue. Some of the buildings recommended to visit is the Trianon Park, the building of the Cásper Libero Foundation (with the highest antenna in the area) and the old house known as Casa das Rosas, with a historical legacy, today serves as a public library.
São Paulo´s Museum of Art (MASP)
However, here we will concentrate on one of the most referential building; visually, is the most stand-up building on Avenida Paulista. We refer to the MASP museum.
The São Paulo´s Museum of Art of (MASP), is a design building that gives character to the city. Rectangular structure made of concrete is held in the air by two red and giant columns that frame the construction. The modern design, with a clean finished style and the red columns, make the structure a contemporary architectural landmark. The museum is the best representation of São Paulo as the most influential mega-metropolises in the world.
However, the importance of MASP is not only in its architectural line. Lovers who take pleasure in aesthetics and are passionate about art will find in the museum more than 10,000 works of art, among which we can mention: paintings, sculptures, historical objects, photographs and costumes that cover almost all continents.
Once you get the museum, go up to the second floor. You will find the controversial glass easels created by Lina Bo Bardi. Those are structures made of square concrete bases that hold a resistant piece of glass. Although the design is industrial and unconventional, the easels hung famous paintings as Rembrandt, Cézanne Renoir, Manet, Matisse, Volpi or Portinari. MASP also includes a collection of contemporary art that can put into shame many of the best European museums.
Parque do Ibirapuera
Address: Parque do Ibirapuera, S / N, São Paulo.
How to get there by metro: line 2 (Brigadeiro station).
Hours: Monday to Sunday from 05: 00-00: 00 (open 24 hours on Saturdays).
Price: Free admission.
There is a magnificent space of amazon´s nature and tropical gardens that stands in the middle of the city, a privilege that you shouldn´t miss when visiting São Paulo. That place is the Ibirapuera Park: where Paulist promenade and unwind their everyday life.
Under the hectic pace of the city, Ibirapuera Park becomes a true oasis, surrounded by skyscrapers and congested streets. There is not a surprise that the people of São Paulo deviate from their route to seek sanctuary in nature. In the park, you will find two museums: The Japanese Pavilion and the Afro Brazil Museum, a place to connect with history and culture. In addition, the park has two lakes: a restaurant in the center of the park, and includes rides for children. Going on Sundays means to find a bustle of people jogging, skating, bicycles, or simply, people enjoying walking their pets in a certain area called “Cachorrodromo”.
Ibirapuera Park is a symbol of pride, and it always scores a 3rd place on the list for the top 10 best parks in the world. No doubt is one of the most emblematic places in São Paulo; and I apologize in advance if the comparison is odious but, to miss going to Ibirapuera Park is like going to New York and not visiting Central Park.
The architect that design the landscape, in 1954, was Oscar Niemeyer. He was world recognized because of his work, including the buildings inside the park, such as the Planetarium and the Ibirapuera Auditorium. So, the park of Ibirapuera is an unmissable visit.
The best restaurants in Latin America are in São Paulo
The prestigious British list: World’s Best 50 Restaurants (1), in a ceremony held in Colombia, delivered the list of the Latin American 50 best restaurants 2018. Five of those restaurants are located in São Paulo. The fact is that there are no surprising results because is well known that the city serves as the home for one of the largest communities of millionaires on the planet. Which makes sense knowing that Paulist demanding customers with highly educated tastes.
Sure, we understand that you are in São Paulo for the football game and The America Cup Championship but, why not take the opportunity to experience a different cuisine? The offer out there is innovative flavors prepared with exotic Amazon delicacies. Furthermore, some dishes are a real challenge.
Here below is the list of the 5 best restaurants in Latin America, located in São Paulo.
Position No. 5 – Restaurant D.O.M
Restaurant number 5 on the list and number 1 in São Paulo is D.O.M. restaurant. Described more than once as a laboratory that experiments with the exotic ingredients brought from the Amazon. His executive chef is Alex Atala and has produce dishes that certainly are the stars of the show. His unusual use of unconventional ingredients elevates the experience of his courses to another level. For example, the use of Jambú, an herb that produces a tickling sensation on the tongue; or the use of ants, known as Atala ants, accompanied with pineapple. Other recommendations are fettuccine with butter, sage and powdered popcorn and milk pudding with a priprioca flavor, an aromatized root.
Address: Rua Barão de Capanema, 549, Jardins, São Paulo
Phone: +55 11 3088 0761
Website: http://domrestaurante.com.b
Position No. 7 – Restaurant A CASA DO PORCO
Definitely, this is a place not suitable for weak of hearts, those who like to keep a diet or the gentle Vegans. The House of Pork, the translated name, is a place for meat-eaters, especially for those who like pork. the chef is Jefferson Rueda. According to the story, Jefferson is a Paulist who started as a butcher; with time, he began his studies in international cuisine. No wonder, then, that this restaurant for meat-eaters without shame or prejudices, is so appreciated by many.
Important note: Saiko Izawa, the pastry chef of the restaurant, won as the best chef in last year’s pastry category.
Address: R. Araújo, 124 – República, São Paulo
Phone: +55 11 3258-2578
Website: https://www.facebook.com/acasadoporcobar/
Position No. 12 – Restaurante MANI
The 12th place was won by the MANI restaurant, run by a culinary celebrity and also a woman. Chef Helena Rizzo is no stranger to the world of televised competitions, being herself the winner as best female chef worldwide, in 2014. Her style is defined as a fusion of Brazilian and European gastronomy.
Address: Rua Joaquim Antunes 210, Jardim Paulistano, São Paulo
Phone number: +55 11 3085 4148
Website: http://www.manimanioca.com.br
Position No. 45 – Restaurant MOCOTÓ
The restaurant MOCOTÓ is number 45 on the list. A very worthy place for a bar-restaurant that, in 1974, was located near the airport; and, since then, began to make a name for the quality of the food. His son, Antonio Passos, took his father’s legacy and elevated the concept. The style of its gastronomy is Brazilian from the northeast.
As a special note: MOCOTÓ has a fast food truck and a local place where CAFÉ MOCOTÓ is located.
Restaurant Address: Nossa Senhora do Loreto Av., 1100, Vila Medeiros, São Paulo
Phone: +55 11 2951 3056
Website: http://www.mocoto.com.br
Address of the Café: Mercado Municipal Eng. João Pedro de Carvalho Neto, R. Pedro Cristi, 89 – Pinheiros, São Paulo,
Teléfono: +55 11 3031-7932
Position No. 50 – Restaurant TUJU
The TUJU restaurant is located in one of the most exclusive areas of the city, Vila Madalena. This place has an open kitchen format, theatre type, where diners witness the dizzying dynamics of the kitchen. The style is experimental cuisine. Executive chef, Ivan Ralston, is known for transforming traditional dishes, using his own technique and perspective.
Address of the Café: Fradique Coutinho 1248, São Paulo
Phone: + 55-11-2691-5548
Website: http://tuju.com.br
Vila Madalena and Beco do Batman
It is considered one of the most hipster and fashionable neighborhoods in the city. Bustling with activities without being overwhelming. There exists an eclectic architectonical style that shows in the shops and entertainment venues. Vila Madalena is full of Workshops, bars, avant-garde restaurants and art galleries to visit and be amazed. Do not forget that the Tuju restaurant, which we talked about earlier, is located in this area.
Beco do Batman
Address: R. Gonçalo Afonso – Vila Madalena, São Paulo – SP, 05435-000, Brasil
When visiting Vila Madalena, it is a must to go to a very particular alley: a one-way street filled with graffiti-painted walls. The narrow alley is better known as Beco do Batman or Batman’s alley.
The name is attributed to one original Batman graffiti, painted back in the 80s. Since then, the alley began to be popular and to be used as a canvas for local artists and art students. In 2014, during the Football World Cup, became one of the favorite places for curious tourists, thirsty for culture and novelty.
The graffiti, as expected, have a short span live on the walls. They are replaced relatively quickly, by other pictorial works. Experiencing the beauty of these fleeting pieces’ makes Beco do Batman an extraordinary place to visit.
Oscar Freire Street
Address: Oscar Freire Street, São Paulo.
How to get there: Metro: line 4 (Pinheiros station, a station will soon open on Oscar Freire street).
For those who like shopping, it is mandatory to go to Oscar Freire street. It remains among the most expensive streets in Latin America. According to the annual report of Main Streets Across The World (2), it is number 45. Located in the exclusive neighborhood of Jardin, Oscar Freire street gathers the most luxurious shops in the city. We talk about designer stores like La Perla, Schutz, Marc, Jacobs or Cartier. It also includes local Brazilian designers recognized outside the border. It highlights leisure salons such as coffee rooms, restaurants, and bars.
A place to walk and indulge in some designer brand craving
PRIVATE COLLECTIONS – Exclusive shop for vintage and collection cars
Address: Rua Prates, 863 – Bom Retiro, São Paulo – SP, 01121-000, Brazil
Phone: +55 11 3229-9029
If your passions are old luxurious cars, there is a place where your mouth will drool. The store It’s called Private Collections and it’s a shop where you can get real collector’s jewelry cars. I assure you that it will make you very happy. The prestige of the store has already crossed borders. The catalog is constantly changing and today, the name of Private Collection has become an internationally respected brand of luxury and reliability.
Morumbí Stadium – Attend the Copa América 2019
Address: Praça Roberto Gomes Pedrosa, 1 – Morumbi, São Paulo – SP, 05653-070, Brazil
Of course, the soccer match is the number one activity that anyone should do arriving in Brazil. It´s the reason why you are here, in São Paulo: FOR THE FOOTBALL GAME.
The energy dominates the arena. The game is about to begin. Painted faces and whistles, flags and songs make the skin unnerve and the body jumps. A gigantic roar shudders the air. The opponents emerge from the ground, walk slowly to the canter of the field. The ball is placed and silence rules. Destiny is cast… And you are in the middle of it. There is nothing more excited that the vibe in a match game, especially if it is in Morumbi.
Name: The Cicero Pompeu Stadium in Toledo, is better known as the Morumbi Stadium. Opened in 1960, it is one of the oldest stadiums that will house the Copa América games, and the third in importance in Brazil.
Location: located in the city of São Paulo.
Clubhouse: Morumbi is also the headquarters of the official team of the city: “Casa do São Paulo Futebol Clube”.
Capacity: With a capacity to house 67,428 people
Games: It will be the stadium where the inaugural match will be played, on June 14, at 9:30 p.m. Brazil (host country) against Bolivia, from Group A series.
Morumbí will also hold the matches between Japan and Chile, on June 17, group C; and the game Colombia vs. Qatar, on June 19, from series B.
Airports closest to Morumbí Stadium:
Finally, here is the list of airports in São Paulo, where you can land in your private jet or rented plane. Attending the América Cup Championship and touring the city are two things that should not be missed.
Congonhas Airport (IATA: CGH – ICAO: SBSP) NAC: At 21min – 10.1km / 6.28mi —- 1940 of track (asphalt) and 1435 of track (asphalt)
São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (IATA: GRU – ICAO: SBGR) NAC-INT: A 58min – 40.2km / 87.12mi —- 3000mts of track (asphalt) and 3700mts of track (asphalt)
Campo de Marte Airport (ICAO: SBMT) COMMERCIAL-MILITARY: At 43min – 18.3km / 11.37mi —- 1600mts of track (asphalt)
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There is some worth mentioned places to visit in São Paulo, and we are just mentioning for you to check them out.
*The Football Museum-
Address: Praça Charles Miler, s/n – Pacaembu, São Paulo – SP, 01234-010, Brasil
Visit hours: opens at 09:00 and close at 17:00
Telephone: +55 11 3664-3848
The history of Brazil museum and more.
*The Japanese district
District: Liberdade
The biggest Japanese community outside Japan.
Full of stores, restaurants and a display of their rich culture.
*The municipal market
Address: R. Cantareira, 306 – Centro, São Paulo – SP, 01103-200, Brasil
Schedule: close at 18:00
Telephone: +55 11 3313-3365
(1) The World’s Best 50 Restaurants,
(2) Darren Yates, Main Street Across the World, Nov. 15, 2017. Cushman & Wakefield