Sao Paulo: Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English
Things to know
About the Activity
São Paulo proudly hosts some of the world's largest immigrant communities, including Italians, Japanese, Syrian-Lebanese, and more. During our exploration, we'll uncover the fascinating history of this city, from its first skyscraper in Latin America to the pre-existing Tupi nation and the ancient South American pathways that once crisscrossed these lands. Our journey will take us through the “new” center and the historic downtown, where we'll discover the enduring legacies of Jesuits, conquerors, churches, banks, migrants, and immigrants. Along the way, I'll illustrate how São Paulo has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past century, providing insights into what it's like to live here today. Prepare to ascend to the city's heights, where you'll be awed by its sheer vastness, only to then dive into its vibrant communities, immersing yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and hidden details. This is my daily life in this captivating, beautiful chaos!2 hours
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Travel Date
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Travelers
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guided tour
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Travel Itinerary
- Maximum 10 travellers in this tour.
Locations in the itinerary
1
Italian Building
Avenida Ipiranga 344, , Sao Paulo, Brazil, 01046-010Start at Edificio Italia — Begin your journey at the iconic Edifício Itália, once the tallest in São Paulo and still one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. This meeting point places us right at the heart of the “Centro Novo” and sets the stage for a walk through the layers of São Paulo’s complex urban history.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location2
Edificio Copan
Av. Ipiranga, 200, , Sao Paulo, Brazil, 01046-925Brutalism at Copan - Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the Copan Building is a masterpiece of Brazilian modernism and brutalist architecture. With its striking curves and massive scale, it reflects the optimism and chaos of São Paulo’s mid-century verticalization and the ambition of a city reinventing itself.15 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location3
Gallery of Rock
Avenida Sao Joao 439, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 01035-000Centro Novo Treasures - Explore galleries and underground shopping corridors filled with vinyl records, antiques, manga, and pop culture relics. This vibrant zone reveals the city’s contemporary soul, shaped by diversity, consumer culture, and resistance. A favorite spot for collectors and subcultures alike.15 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location4
Theatro Municipal De Sao Paulo
Praca Ramos de Azevedo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 01037-010Brazilian Identity - At the Municipal Theatre, we reflect on how Brazil shaped its cultural identity. Inspired by European architecture, this building hosted the 1922 Week of Modern Art — a turning point when artists broke from tradition to express something uniquely Brazilian. Here, elegance meets rebellion, and identity takes the stage.15 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location5
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil
Rua Alvares Penteado 112, Próximo ao metrô São Bento, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 01012-000Art Déco & Coffee Boom - Admire art déco buildings and grand façades from São Paulo’s coffee golden age. In the early 20th century, this area symbolized wealth, progress, and cosmopolitan ambition. We’ll dive into how coffee financed infrastructure, culture, and deep social contrasts still visible today.15 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location6
Pateo do Collegio
Largo Patio do Colegio 2, Central Zone, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 01016-040Jesuits & Foundations - This is where São Paulo was officially founded in 1554. At Pátio do Colégio, you’ll uncover how Jesuit missionaries and Tupi-Guarani peoples shaped the city’s origins. Beneath the plaza lies the tension between colonization and resistance, religion and power.15 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location7
Catedral da Se de Sao Paulo
Praca da Se s/n, , Sao Paulo, Brazil, 01001-000Neogothic Cathedral - Standing on symbolic “ground zero,” the Sé Cathedral is one of the world’s largest neo-Gothic churches. More than religious architecture, it’s a space of protest, gathering, and identity. Learn about the urban symbolism of this monumental structure.15 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location8
Praca da Liberdade
Praca da Liberdade 133, , Sao Paulo, Brazil, 01503-010End in Liberdade - Conclude your walk in Liberdade, the largest Japanese neighborhood outside Japan. With its lanterns, markets, and multicultural streets, this district reflects São Paulo’s continuous redefinition through immigration. A vibrant, living example of the city’s hybrid DNA.15 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView LocationMeeting and Pickup
Starting point
1
I'll wait for you at the entrance of the Italia BuildingView Location
End point
Pickup details
Customers must make their own way to and meet at the start point- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- it is a walk of about 3 km
Language And Guide
Tour Guide Available In
- English
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketCancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in America/Sao_Paulo time to receive 100% refund.
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No reviews found!Operated by Concrete Jungles Walking ToursCreated on 18 Jun 2019Created on 03 Jul 2025
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