South Central Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for South Central in São Paulo, Brazil, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to South Central

South Central is a region located in São Paulo, in Grande São Paulo, in São Paulo State, in Southeastern Brazil. The region consists of several cities, including Osasco, Osasco, Carapicuíba, and Barueri. South Central is known for its cultural attractions, natural beauty, and vibrant food scene. This travel guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of South Central, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.

List of Places to Visit in South Central

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

South Central is home to numerous museums and historical places that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. Some of the must-visit attractions in this category include:

  • Museu da Pessoa - the largest oral history museum in Latin America, where you can listen to stories and interviews from people all over Brazil.
  • Museu da Bíblia - a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Bible.
  • Pinacoteca Municipal de Osasco - a public art museum with contemporary Brazilian art exhibitions.

Natural Attractions of South Central: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

South Central is blessed with natural beauty and provides several opportunities for outdoor adventures and scenic views. Some of the top attractions in this category include:

  • Parque Municipal Chico Mendes - a huge park in Carapicuíba with waterfalls and a lake for boating and fishing.
  • Parque Shopping Barueri - a modern shopping complex with a beautiful outdoor recreation area.
  • Parque Ecológico do Tietê - an ecological park with hiking and biking trails and several species of wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Central

South Central provides several hiking and biking routes, and some of them are perfect for a day outing. Some of the beautiful routes are:

  • Hiking Route of Pedra Grande - a 9 km hike that offers a panoramic view of the city.
  • Ciclovia - a dedicated bike trail that connects the cities of Osasco and Barueri.
  • Circuito das Águas - a 45 km bike trail that passes through several parks and recreational areas.

Best Things to Do in South Central: Activities and Tours

South Central offers several activities and tours that can make your visit unforgettable. Some of the activities and tours that you should not miss include:

  • Shopping - South Central is home to several shopping complexes that offer a great shopping experience. Some of the shopping malls include Shopping União Osasco, Alphaville Shopping Center, and Iguatemi Alphaville.
  • Nightlife - South Central has a vibrant nightlife with several bars and restaurants that stay open all night.
  • Carapicuíba Rodeio Show - a four-day event showcasing Brazilian rodeo culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for South Central

If you’re planning a week-long visit to South Central, you can include the following in your itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Parque Municipal Chico Mendes and Pinacoteca Municipal de Osasco
Day 2 Go on a bike ride along the Ciclovia
Day 3 Explore the Museu da Bíblia and Parque Shopping Barueri
Day 4 Hike the Pedra Grande and enjoy the scenic view of the city
Day 5 Visit the Museu da Pessoa and spend the evening at a bar or restaurant
Day 6 Take a day trip to the city of São Paulo
Day 7 Attend the Carapicuíba Rodeio Show

Food and Drink Scene of South Central

South Central’s food and drink scene is vibrant and diverse, offering a mix of traditional Brazilian, international, and fusion cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes and local beverages include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Feijoada - a popular stew of beans, beef, and pork.
  • Churrasco - Brazilian-style barbecue with different cuts of meat.
  • Coxinha - a Brazilian snack made of mashed potatoes and shredded chicken.

Local Beverages

  • Caipirinha - Brazil’s national cocktail made of cachaça (sugarcane liquor), sugar, and lime.
  • Chimarrão - a traditional South American tea made of yerba mate.

Where to Stay in South Central: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

South Central offers several options for accommodation, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Some of the best places to stay in the region include:

  • Radisson Alphaville - a luxurious hotel located in Barueri.
  • Quality Suites Alphaville - a premium hotel in a prime location.
  • Ibis Budget Osasco - a budget-friendly hotel chain located in Osasco.

What to Buy in South Central: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

South Central offers several souvenirs and local products that you can bring home to remember your visit. Some of the things to buy include:

  • Cachaça - the famous sugarcane liquor produced in Brazil.
  • Artisanal Cheese - São Paulo is famous for the “pão de queijo,” a traditional cheese bread that melts in your mouth.
  • Handmade Crafts - Osasco and Barueri have several local artisan shops where you can buy handmade crafts.

Local Culture and Customs of South Central

South Central has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its history and traditions. Some of the local customs and traditions that you should be aware of include:

  • Carnaval - a five-day festival that takes place before Lent.
  • Festa Junina - a month-long celebration of Saint John the Baptist’s birthday in June.
  • Family Values - Brazilian culture places a strong emphasis on family values, and it is common for families to spend time together.

Best Time to Visit South Central

The best time to visit South Central is during the winter months (June to August), when the temperatures are mild, and there is less rainfall. The region is known for its tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity during the summer months (December to February).

Do’s and Don’ts of South Central

Do:

  • Try Local Cuisine - South Central has a vibrant food scene, and you should try some of the local dishes and beverages.
  • Respect Local Customs - Brazilian culture places a strong emphasis on family values, and you should respect their customs and traditions.
  • Learn Basic Portuguese - Although English is understood in some parts of South Central, it is helpful to know some basic Portuguese.

Don’t:

  • Leave Your Belongings Unattended - Like any tourist destination, South Central has its share of petty crimes. Make sure to keep your belongings safe.
  • Speak Loudly in Public - Brazilian culture values politeness and respect, and it is impolite to speak loudly in public.
  • Assume Everyone Speaks English - Although some people speak English, it is not a common language in South Central.

Safety and Health

Safety in South Central

South Central is generally a safe and welcoming region, but it is essential to take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime. Some safety tips for tourists include:

  • Avoid Wearing Expensive Jewelry or Accessories.
  • Use Licensed Taxi Services.
  • Avoid Walking Alone at Night in Unknown Neighborhoods.

Health in South Central

Brazil has a comprehensive public health system, but it is always advisable to have travel insurance before visiting any foreign country. Some health tips for tourists include:

  • Use Sunscreen and Bug Spray.
  • Stay Hydrated.
  • Avoid Drinking Tap Water.

Getting to South Central: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near South Central

South Central is served by two major airports in São Paulo:

  • São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport - located 34 km away from South Central.
  • Congonhas Airport - located 25 km away from South Central.

From both airports, you can take a taxi or a bus to South Central.

Bus Stations Near South Central

South Central has several bus stations that connect with other parts of São Paulo:

  • Terminal Barra Funda
  • Terminal Tietê
  • Terminal Pinheiros

Other Options

  • Taxi or Uber - Taxi and Uber services are readily available in São Paulo.
  • Metro - São Paulo’s metro system connects to major parts of the city.

How to Get Around in South Central

South Central is a relatively small region, and it is easy to get around by walking or taking the bus or taxi.

Where to Go Next from South Central: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re in South Central, you can take several day trips to nearby destinations and cities. Some of the top excursions and destinations include:

  • São Paulo - Brazil’s largest city with a vibrant culture, cuisine, and nightlife.
  • Barueri - a city located in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region known for its rich history and culture.
  • Osasco - a city located in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region known for its great food and nightlife.

Conclusion

South Central is a must-visit if you’re planning a trip to São Paulo, Brazil. It offers a fascinating mix of culture, nature, and cuisine that will make your visit unforgettable. With this comprehensive travel guide, you are sure to make the most of your visit to South Central.

Catedral Metropolitana Ortodoxa, Vila Mariana. Catedral Metropolitana Ortodoxa, Vila Mariana. Pavilhão Japonês, Parque do Ibirapuera. The South Central region contains a large and active Japanese community. Pavilhão Japonês, Parque do Ibirapuera. The South Central region contains a large and active Japanese community. Parque do Ibirapuera during sunset Parque do Ibirapuera during sunset The Oca, Parque do Ibirapuera The Oca, Parque do Ibirapuera Credicard Hall, Santo Amaro Credicard Hall, Santo Amaro Morumbi Shopping and Shopping Market Place (behind) form a huge commercial center with 647 shops. Morumbi Shopping and Shopping Market Place (behind) form a huge commercial center with 647 shops.