As Brazil’s largest city and the world’s seventh-largest Sao Paulo finds itself in another level, capable of donating the widest range of experiences, being a business and pleasure destination for many travelers. That’s the reason why it deserves a guide to describe its design corners and finest features for any design aficionado that intends to spend some precious time among Paulistanos; if twenty million people wouldn’t live anywhere else, surely there would be a valid motivation. With the major concentration of street art in the world, follow the colorful original path created by thousands of murals (maybe catching some famous names among them!) or immerse yourself into one of the many green oasis that appear all around the city to donate some stress-free atmosphere with entire avenue shadowed by trees in the Central and West area of the city; you will find how Sao Paulo offers opposite experiences: from the vivacity of a vital city – center of a spasmodic lifestyle – to totally nature-immersed retreat where to live life to the fullest. Aren’t you curious to know more about its characteristic places? Here you have the Sao Paulo Design Guide. Let’s begin!

SAO PAULO DESIGN GUIDE

WHERE TO STAY

HOTEL UNIQUE

Elected by Condé Nast Traveler as “The Best Hotel in South America” in 2016, Hotel Unique will make your stay in Sao Paulo a truly exceptional one. Designed by Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake, the building has been thought as a boat with semi-circular shapes and round porthole-style windows that can be found in the rooms.

As a venue particularly chosen for events and weddings, don’t miss the colored “Dream experiences” in which luxurious amenities will be within your grasp 24/7; the restaurant&bar “Skye” instead, located on the rooftop, features a crimson red pool with an underwater sound system and a lounge area loved for its spectacular view of Sao Paulo skyline. Finish your day with Chef Emmanuel Bassoleil’s gourmet creations, you will not be disappointed!

UNIQUE GARDEN

If a weekend getaway is what you are looking for, don’t worry! Hotel Unique’s sister – Unique Garden – is the perfect solution far from probing eyes: with 300 thousand square meters – surrounding the Cantereira State Park and the last Atlantic Rainforest – it’s a sanctuary of beauty and conservation, cottages and therapies where the true queen will be your privacy.

27 cabins, equipped with every comfort and technology, will offer luscious spa treatment, while the restaurant will restore your appetite with locally-grown food.

FASANO

Fasano Hotel is a family-owned hotel created by restaurateur Rogério Fasano and designed by Isay Weinfeld and Marcio Kogan: its sleek ambiance retains the right kind of modernist style that donates an eternal stillness to the rooms, giving away its century-old tradition.

Baretto, the Fasano’s bar, offers the most amazing performances by world-renowned artists while drinking in a comfortable dark-colored setting. The restaurant exudes elegance while the menu offers a Brazillian-Italian cuisine with the collaboration of chef Luca Gozzani.

WHERE TO EAT

D.O.M.

Ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world, D.O.M. is a must for any visitors. Born as a project of chef Alex Atala to export and crystalize in memory Brazilian cuisine when it wasn’t still so well-known, now it’s one of the best food spots in the city. His Amazonic roots will let you step out of your comfort zone with peculiar choices typical of the region.

KAA RESTAURANTE

Specially made by Studio Arthur Casas, Kaa Restaurante is a true oasis from the bursting city where your palate will be delighted by Italian chef Mássimo Barletti and his creations. With entire vertical gardens adorning the place, it will seem like to be in a totally different place.

WHAT TO DO

STREET ART

Beco do Batman is the perfect location to explore Sao Paulo’s famous murals (and maybe even some artists intent on creating works in front of your eyes!). Vila Madalena, to a stranger’s glance, appears luxuriant with colorful drawings depicting ketches, landscapes, flowers, animals, and abstract shapes. Go and reserve a tour!

MASP – MUSEU DE ARTE DE SAO PAULO

Having been founded in 1947, MASP‘s original installation spaces have been thought by Lina Bo Bardi: differing from the traditional approach of European museums in which visitors have to follow a pre-established path to discover the works, here she decided to create a suspended and transparent exhibition – putting paintings on crystal easels – that connects with visitors on a deeper and more personal level.