Private Sao Paulo Architecture Tour – The Most Diverse Styles, Shapes & Sizes
Description
The city of Sao Paulo is a melting pot of colonial, modern, contemporary and art deco buildings; discover all of this and more on this architecture tour. Delight the lines, curves and details of well-designed pieces art that may seem common in the eyes of some, but in the company of an expert guide can be mind-blowing. Start at Higienopolis area, one of the best places to observe the contrast between old and new. Admire old colonial houses and modern architecture that coexist without altering the harmony of the landscape. Walk through the center of Sao Paulo and see how the 19th-century European styles combine with more recent architecture. We can't finish without mentioning Paulo Mendes da Rocha, an architecture master and winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize. Or Oscar Niemeyer, whose modern designs can be found all over São Paulo. Continue along the Paulista and Faria Lima ave. to see their modern and iconic skyscrapers and Jardim America, the first planned area in town.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Higienópolis is an old district in the city of São Paulo, since its foundation was residence of the more wealthy classes. There are lots of palaces that belonged to the coffee barons and their children, together with the modernist buildings from the early twentieth century, makes it a reference when it comes to architecture in São Paulo. There are examples in styles such as eclectic, neoclassical, picturesque, Norman, Florentine, art nouveau, neocolonial, art deco, and others, being the subject of studies and researches. Many of these properties have been registered as historical heritage properties and are under preservations laws.
Walk through the historical downtown of Sao Paulo to see the history of the city being told by its constructions and concrete manifestations. A village that until 1872 had little more than 30 thousand inhabitants and was restricted to a couple of streets, São Paulo has been going through an everlasting process of verticalization from the early times into this current metropolis status of more than 12 million inhabitants. Discover some of the superstar architects behind the designs and the quirky and unusual features of São Paulo’s innovative buildings.
Paulista avenue is one of the most important in São Paulo architecturally and historically. It has several different architectonic styles representing the last 130 years ranging from old mansions to high-teach green buildings.
Mirrored buildings, glazed towers, environmentally-friendly buildings, giant free spans, vertical gardens and the largest number of helipads in the city. The area of the Brigadeiro Faria Lima Avenue it’s the main Brazil’s business district full of modern pieces of architecture. Among the mirrored buildings, the architecture that most attracts attention is the Pátio Victor Malzoni. It has most expensive square meter in town and a preserved 18th century house listed as a historical heritage. The two interconnected modern towers contrasts with the historical old house. It’s really gem!
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
PICK-UP INFORMATION: • Wherever place you specify at the time of the booking. As it’s a private tour, you choose the best pick-up point that suits your needs as long as it's within the city of São Paulo limits or its greater area. • We DO NOT do pick-ups in the countryside or coastal area of the state of São Paulo. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DROP-OFF INSTRUCTIONS: • Wherever place you specify at the time of the booking. As it’s a private tour, you choose the best drop-off point that suits your needs as long as it's within the city of São Paulo limits or its greater area. • We DO NOT do drop-offs in the countryside or coastal area of the state of São Paulo. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - HOTEL PICK-UP INSTRUCTIONS: • As soon as the driver or tour guide arrives at your hotel, they get the front desk to call you in the room in case you are not at the lobby.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(21)
Tour guide Doris is super friendly, informative, and enthusiastic. Covered several centuries of SP architectural development, with particular emphasis on the Paulista School, of course. She had lots to observe about SP cultural aspects and opportunities in general, which we found very helpful. We also appreciated her flexibility and ability to adjust her itinerary based on our prior knowledge/tastes. And, we ended having a lovely dinner that evening at a restaurant she recommended!
Tour guide Doris is super friendly, informative, and enthusiastic. Covered several centuries of SP architectural development, with particular emphasis on the Paulista School, of course. She had lots to observe about SP cultural aspects and opportunities in general, which we found very helpful. We also appreciated her flexibility and ability to adjust her itinerary based on our prior knowledge/tastes. And, we ended having a lovely dinner that evening at a restaurant she recommended!
Knowing St. Paul and not staying with the image of the big city, its traffic and its visual chaos was what we wanted. This tour is amazing, but Danilo is especially a great guide, not only knows its city, its history, and architecture but has the Capacity (in covers) to show each space and neighborhood, and its particularities, to finally show us a city that has multiple cities in one, all different. We leave with a totally different idea from the one we got! Thank you for such a nice experience and such kind company!
Our guide, Doris Kertsman, was outstanding. Our group was picked up in a large, comfortable van, and for the next 5 hours she led us in a very comprehensive walking and driving tour that covered the architectural history of Sao Paulo as well as its development, from the founding of the city in the 1500's to the current megalopolis. We saw wonderful examples of the many architectural styles in the city, including a grand finale panoramic view of the city from the top of an Oscar Niemeyer masterpiece building. She is a born and raised Paulistana with a deep knowledge of her city. This tour was an absolute delight.
Our guide, Doris Kertsman, was outstanding. Our group was picked up in a large, comfortable van, and for the next 5 hours she led us in a very comprehensive walking and driving tour that covered the architectural history of Sao Paulo as well as its development, from the founding of the city in the 1500's to the current megalopolis. We saw wonderful examples of the many architectural styles in the city, including a grand finale panoramic view of the city from the top of an Oscar Niemeyer masterpiece building. She is a born and raised Paulistana with a deep knowledge of her city. This tour was an absolute delight.
Dóris was an expert guide, curator, facilitator, and enthusiast for her beloved SP. We learned so much about the city’s history, energy, and moods in the time we had together — 5 hrs was too short! If you want to be shown through one of the world capitals of the built environment, she is just the person for you.
It was a great experience to go on this group tour. Our guide Bruno was awesome in explaining the historical elements of all the places we visited. Our driver Ronaldo was also good in showing us awesome places. I really enjoyed this trip. If you have a leisure day you can definitely try this.
We had a fantastic tour with Dóris! The architecture tour was a great way to get to know the city. Dóris was knowledgeable and fun. Would definitely recommend!
Thank you so much for the kind words! 😄 We’re thrilled to hear you had a fantastic time exploring São Paulo’s architecture with Dóris - she really knows how to bring the city's history and styles to life. We’ll make sure she sees your lovely message! Hope to welcome you again soon for another Gregtur experience! 🏛️✨
Danielo knows his city, its history and its architecture. I had only one afternoon free to enjoy the city and I couldn't be more pleased with my choice. This five-hour tour provided a broad perspective on the architectural history of the city, from its oldest homes, to the many brutalist buildings, to the newest buildings in the new financial district to the final stop at a sweeping vista of the city. All along the way, Danielo provided the historical and cultural context with kindness, professionalism and a deeply informed knowledge base. I also enjoyed his anecdotes of Brazilian culture. He will drive you in his private car and you get a very memorable personalized tour. Highly highly recommend.
Thank you for your amazing review, Pauline! 😊 We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed your personalized architecture tour with Danilo. It’s fantastic that you got to experience the diverse architectural styles of São Paulo and learn so much about its history and cultural context. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again for more insightful tours in São Paulo! 🌟
What an amazing tour! Danilo was such a knowledgeable and friendly guide, and we learned a lot about São Paulo with him; the 5 hour itinerary was perfect to see some examples of the most important local architects and styles and visit a few historical buildings. And I also have to mention that Danilo was a fantastic driver - and photographer! -, and that we (my niece, who is studying architecture, and I) felt very safe walking with him in downtown São Paulo. Already planning to do a part 2 soon!
Wow, thank you so much for your fantastic review! 🌟 We’re overjoyed to hear that you had such an amazing time on the São Paulo Architecture Tour with Danilo. 🏛️✨ He truly is an incredible guide, and we’re thrilled that his knowledge and friendly demeanor made your experience unforgettable. 🗺️📚 We’re so glad the 5-hour itinerary allowed you to explore the diverse architectural gems of São Paulo and learn about the city’s rich history. 🏙️📷 It’s wonderful to hear that Danilo also shined as a skilled driver and photographer, he really does go above and beyond! 🚗📸 Knowing you and your niece felt safe while exploring downtown São Paulo with him is the cherry on top. 🥰👩🎓 We can’t wait to have you back for part two of your adventure! 🚀 Thank you for choosing us, and até breve! 🌎💛
