Sao Paulo vs. Rio: Which Is Better for Vacation?

Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are the two largest cities in Brazil. Both of these large and diverse cities offer a unique cultural atmosphere with several attractions and things to do, which makes both secure among the most popular cities to vacation when in South America. Based on this variety, which of the two cities is the better choice when it comes to experiencing the best South American vacation?

Rio is a major tourist attraction in the country of Brazil and will appeal more to tourists who are seeking both culturally-rich daytime sightseeing and popular nightlife destinations. Sao Paulo lacks a strong coastal atmosphere but will appeal to vacationers looking for a less-hectic vacation. 

Category	Sao Paulo	Rio
Cost Range for 1 Week	$500	$602
Main Attractions	Ibirapuera Park, Museu de Arte, Teatro Municipal, Ipiranga District, Se Cathedral, Avenida Paulista	Christ the Redeemer Monument, Copacabana, Sugarloaf Rock Peak, Carnival Season, Maracana Stadium
Food	Brazilian cuisine is an eclectic mixture of European, Asian, and Latin characteristics	Brazilian cuisine is an eclectic mixture of European, Asian, and Latin characteristics; Rio cuisine incorporates a lot of seafood in their overall regional cuisine
Weather	Humid, warm subtropical conditions throughout the year	Humid, warm subtropical conditions throughout the year
Safety	Sao Paulo Features a high crime rate	Rio features a high crime rate with alarming statistics for violent crime
Transportation	Numerous buses and subway lines run throughout the city; taxis and various pay services are also available	Numerous buses and subway lines run throughout the city; taxis and various pay services are also available
Customs	A passport and a 6-month visa is required upon entry into Sao Paulo	A passport and a 6-month visa is required upon entry into Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is the busiest city in Brazil; therefore, massive crowds of people should be expected no matter what time of year you visit. Sao Paulo is also large but features a less-kinetic pace and atmosphere when compared to Rio. Both cities are drastically different but also similar; therefore, this article will explore both destinations through a range of categories to find out which of the two South American giants offers a better vacation experience. 

Cost of Stay

There are some destinations in the world that always strive to make their locations vacation and visitor-friendly. Both Sao Paulo and Rio are affordable and offer a range of accommodations no matter what type of lodging you are looking for. Getting around each city is not at all expensive. 

Therefore, the biggest considerations for your budget will come down to where you choose to stay, your daily meals, and expenses related to attractions and souvenirs.  

There are many ways to save money in either of these Brazilian cities, yet there are also ways to spend your money well if costs are not a point of concern. Sao Paulo or Rio are two destinations that cater to either vacation style.

A one week vacation in Sao Paulo will typically run about $500. This cost is strictly representative of 7 days in a moderately-priced Sao Paulo hotel and roughly what you can expect to pay for 3 standard mid-range meals in various restaurants throughout the city. The overall costs can go up substantially if you wish to stay at a nicer hotel or resort and choose to dine in fine dining establishments. 

This is over half of what you could expect to pay for a vacation to Walt Disney World or a sojourn in Las Vegas; Brazil is truly an excellent option to spend a vacation due to the lower cost-of-living that characterizes the entire nation.

For easier accessibility, lower costs, and planning, there are also numerous tour packages you can consider when in Sao Paulo, most of which are even sponsored and guided by a Sao Paulo resident. 

Rio de Janeiro is perhaps the most well-known city in all of South America. The host city of the 2016 Summer Olympics and one of the continent’s premier vacation-friendly cities, Rio checks all the hallmarks of a tropical escape combined with a thriving cultural and business center that always ensures that an electric and exciting vibe is in the atmosphere.

Best of all, Rio is also a perfect destination if you want an exciting trip without breaking the bank. 

A one week vacation in Rio de Janeiro will typically cost about $602. This is only slightly higher than a Sao Paulo vacation, which has a lot to do with Rio being by far the busiest city in Brazil. If you decide to vacation in Rio during the time of the annual Carnival season in February, the costs could go up quite a bit, since this event sees visitors from all over the world crowd into the city; think New Orleans Mardi Gras but even bigger.   

Affordable Hotel Options

Before we take a look at some of Sao Paulo and Rio’s most affordable hotel options, it should be said that even if you opt to stay in a premier, luxury hotel in either city, the overall costs may not be as expensive as you think; both cities like to appeal to budget travelers. With that said, there are some amazing options in either city if you want to try and save as much money as you can. 

Let’s take a look at affordable hotel options in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro: 

Sao Paulo Options

• We Hostel. Hostels are not for everybody, but if you do not mind sharing lodging quarters with other travelers, then you are sure to appreciate the modern style and comfortable hospitality at this hostel located near Ibirapuera Park. This hostel’s atmosphere is elegant and sleek, which is also made better due to the hostel’s location; there are many bars and eateries on the same street. 
• Hotel Calstar. Staying in the center of a popular city always offers a great way to experience the busiest and thriving section of the city’s cultural atmosphere, which is exactly what you will get when you stay at this affordable hotel. The rooms range in price, yet the one trait all the options share is a great price. No frills here; the location is the main prize, but a free breakfast buffet is included, which equals more savings. 
• Lobo Urban Stay. A bed and breakfast in a foreign city is a great way to experience the vibe and local hospitality of the region, and those offerings are on full display at the Lobo Urban Stay guesthouse. Situated in one of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods, the nightly rate at this guesthouse offers an ideal way to avoid the added fees of a hotel, and the amenities offer all of the modern conveniences common with most hotels. 
• Hotel San Gabriel. Much like Hotel Calstar, this hotel is located in the center of the city, which gives you direct and easy access to some of Sao Paulo’s best attractions and restaurants. The Hotel San Gabriel offers more room options, which makes it slightly more expensive, yet the amenities and customer service are impeccable. A free breakfast buffet is a great way to start the day and save time. 

Rio Options

• Mama Ruisa. Hidden behind a thicket of dense palm trees sits Mama Ruisa, a boutique, yet affordable nineteenth-century hotel that looks like a mansion and features rooms decorated in old Hollowood decor. The staff of this hotel is truly the standout attraction with customer service that goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. A large outdoor pool is also available as are stunning views of Rio’s lush landscapes. 
• Hotel Arpoador. Rio is a coastal city, which means you will want to at least visit the city’s stunning beaches at least once. A stay at this hotel puts you front and center between both Ipanema and Copacabana, with a poolside view of the expansive coastline. This hotel is moderately-priced for such a prime location and features a range of amenities and an on-site restaurant featuring some of the city’s most popular seafood. 
• Casa Amarelo. This hotel is designed with French elegance firmly in mind and features a suite of guesthouses that are both affordable and comfortable if you are seeking a bed and breakfast experience when in Rio. Stunning antiques make up the bulk of the decor throughout the guesthouse, while the familiar comforts of a complimentary breakfast and even an on-location pool round out the rest of the amenities. 
• Villa 25. Villa 25 is a hostel, yet this is not what you would normally expect a hostel to look like. The building is modern and elegant in what is otherwise, a city that prides itself on its rich history. The dorms are spacious and clean or, you can also book a private suite if you want more privacy away from the dorms. A stay here is not complete without an afternoon lounging in a pool chair in front of the pool. 

Main Attractions

There is no vacation without a large offering of things to do on your trip, and both Sao Paulo and Rio offer many attractions to make your trip memorable. Sao Paulo is a bit more nightlife-oriented; therefore, there are fewer attractions than what you will find in Rio.

With this in mind, Sao Paulo is more worldly and a true mixture of global cultures, whereas Rio has a distinct and easily identifiable culture all its own. 

Even though each city is different, there are numerous attractions to see. Let’s take an in-depth look at offerings in both cities. 

Sao Paulo Attractions

• Ibirapuera Park. This park is one of the largest in all of Latin America and offers the most pristine and tranquil outdoor experiences in all of Sao Paulo. Lush landscapes stretch for as far as the eye can see, and you are likely to spend an entire day just soaking up the cultural atmosphere of Sao Paulo in this stunning park. Be sure to visit the park during Sao Paulo Fashion Week if you can.  

• Teatro Municipal. Sao Paulo’s Municipal Theatre is a landmark attraction in downtown Sao Paulo that is distinctive for both its Art Nouveau architectural design and its hosting of popular art exhibits and performances. This attraction provides a great way to experience some of the city’s most prized historical sites and to engage in the best of Brazilian art and culture. 
• Avenida Paulista. Nestled in the northwest corner of the city is the iconic Paulista Avenue. This nearly 2-mile long stretch of the city can be recognized for its vibrant lights and nightlife, in addition to being the city’s bustling business, cultural, and political center. No trip to Sao Paulo is complete without a tour of this bustling section of the city. 
• Museu de Arte. The Sao Paulo Museum of Art is the best and most popular art museum in the city with a collection that highlights standout artistic works from famous European artists, as well as many works of Brazilian art, both classical and contemporary. The museum itself is a marvel of Postmodern architecture, with the famous concrete and glass archway that hangs above all entering patrons. 
• Ipiranga District. Sao Paulo is a city that is renowned for its many cultural and business-oriented districts, and the Ipiranga District goes one step beyond and establishes itself as one of the most vibrant historic districts in South America. The name Ipiranga translates to ‘red river,’ which is highlighted by stunning views of the Ipiranga River that flows through the ornate architecture of the district. 
• Se Cathedral. The Sao Paulo Cathedral is the official seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sao Paulo. This historic cathedral is an active place of worship, yet a tour of the cathedral is memorable thanks in part to its stunning, neo-gothic architecture that makes up both the interior and exterior. A tour of this landmark offers a great way to see some of the spiritual and historical attributes of Sao Paulo up close. 

Take a look at this video to see some of Sao Paulo’s most popular attractions:

Rio Attractions

• Carnival Season. Carnival season is another name for the celebrations we commonly know in America as Mardi Gras. The Carnival Season in Rio de Janeiro is truly an epic-scale affair, complete with nearly 2 million revelers per year (the largest in the world) and floats, costumes, choreographed dance routines, and an energetic and spirited display of Brazilian culture. Be sure to plan in advance for this event. 

• Christ the Redeemer Monument. Every major city in the world has one monument or structure that defines its iconography, and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio is certainly this city’s symbol. Standing nearly the size of a skyscraper on the cliffs of the Corcovado mountains, this highly-popular attraction is a marvel of 20th-century Latin architecture that stands above the bustling city to signal the identity of Rio de Janeiro. 

• Copacabana. Copacabana is likely familiar to many people due to a certain pop song, yet there is quite a lot to admire about this luxurious and tranquil destination. Located in the southern district of the city, this seaside resort is one of the most popular and well-known in the world. It is not a question of if you should visit when in Rio; it is more a question of how long you will spend at Copacabana during your vacation. 
• Sugar Loaf Rock Peak. Nature is a big part of any vacation, and there is plenty of the natural world to see and take in in Rio. Sugarloaf Mountain is a small mountain range that sits in the middle of Guanabara Bay at the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean. More of a small island than anything else, a hike to the top of the Sugar Loaf Peak offers a great way to get a stunning view of the city and to commune with the coastal nature of Rio. 
• Maracana Stadium. You may be familiar with this stadium if you watched the 2016 Summer Olympics since Maracana was the site of the opening and closing ceremonies. This massive, circular sporting arena has hosted many Brazilian and world sporting events and offers a great way to spend a day seeing one of the city’s best-known landmarks.  

Food

The cuisine of Brazil is truly unique; European, Old World American, African, and Asian ingredients are fused together regularly. With so many distinctive and unique regional flavors comprising the majority of Brazilian dishes, the food is fairly the same no matter which region of the country you travel in.

Sao Paulo food is more rustic, whereas Rio de Janeiro follows the same general flavors, yet also incorporates more seafood into its offerings. 

Although both cities share much of the same ingredients and cooking styles, there are many diverse restaurants to try in both cities. Let’s take a look at places you should try in each city.

Sao Paulo Restaurants

• Mani. The menu at Mani, located in a former house inside of one of Sao Paulo’s ritzier neighborhoods, has the makings of being a hidden gem, yet is truly a world-renowned restaurant. European and Latin ingredients are fused together with a creative and unique blend of flavors that combine the best of European elegance with the culturally-distinct tropical influences of the surrounding region. Ala carte options are available.  
• Restaurant Fasano. Since 1982, this restaurant has been offering elegant Italian dishes with a flavorful Brazilian twist. Located inside of the luxury resort Fasano Sao Paulo, elegance, luxury, and cultural distinction are all on display amongst a menu that offers such dishes as scallop and beef tongue carpaccio, as well as a strong prioritization of yogurt and rice to balance out the bold and rustic flavors. 
• Mocoto. Mocoto is perhaps the most popular restaurant in Sao Paulo and one of the most popular in all of Brazil, with a reputation that spans the entire globe. The menu here offers one delicacy after another with such dishes as braised pork leg with corn couscous and roasted pumpkin and pirarucu fish. If you want to taste both combinations of Brazilian cuisine and the regional flavors of Sao Paulo, this eatery is a must. 

Rio Restaurants

• Lasai. Located in front of a full view of the Christ the Redeemer Statue, Lasai has garnered a reputation for being one of the most unique and flavorful restaurants in Latin America. This restaurant prioritizes a farm to table approach, with two lush gardens on the property which provide the bulk of the eatery’s ingredients. Dishes like scallops with marrow and herbs and braised oxtail bring regional Rio cuisine to life. 
• Oro. Oro is one of the premier fine dining restaurants in Rio, and it’s’ easy to see why with a contemporary and fresh interior decor. The dishes here are mostly cooked over an open flame to lock in flavor. This restaurant offers a unique menu that allows you to choose to form a creativity tasting menu with local favorites or the more traditional two-course menu that showcases award-winning house specialties. 
• Eleven Rio. Rio de Janeiro has a strong Portuguese presence, which is exactly the kind of offerings you can experience by dining at Eleven Rio. Both Portugal and Rio are seaside destinations, and this is reflected with great effect on the menu. Dishes like oxtail with foie gras and smoked eel and citrus-flavored rock lobster bring out the taste of the nearby Atlantic Ocean.  

Weather

Sao Paulo and Rio share a similar type of climate with only small differences (if any at all) between the two. Both cities are located in the Southern Hemisphere, which means that there are reversals if you are traveling from the Northern Hemisphere. The hot and humid summer months occur from January-May. Humidity and high temperatures are to be expected at this time of year with the cooler months occurring during the summer months in America. 

You can expect rainfall at any time throughout the year, and there are generally no severe natural disasters that you need to be aware of. 

Safety

So, the important thing to remember about both Sao Paulo and Rio is that there is quite a bit of crime in each city, most of the crime being violent. Thankfully, if you steer clear of problem areas and never venture out alone at night, you will be perfectly fine in either of these cities. It is wise to avoid any of the neighborhoods located on the outer edges of each city. Just stick to the popular areas that vacationers frequent. 

The high crime rate of Rio de Janeiro is alarming, but that does not mean that you will be attacked or harmed. Just be cautious and do not venture outside of any of the destinations that are popular with foreign visitors. 

Transportation

Sao Paulo and Rio are large, urban cities with many outskirts and connecting cities nearby. When it comes to transportation, you have many different options to choose from. Sao Paulo has a large and comprehensive public bus service in addition to a large subway system that can get you anywhere in the city in a small amount of time. Taxis are also available if you choose to avoid public transportation. 

Rio also features all of the above options that you can find in Sao Paulo, but it does bear mentioning that taking public transportation in Rio can be dangerous at night and even during the day, depending on your destination. Avoid the buses unless absolutely necessary, and take the subway system or taxis in areas that you cannot walk. 

There are plenty of options to get around in these cities, yet it is a risk since the bus systems, in particular, go through dangerous neighborhoods and parts of town. Taxi fare is not too expensive in either city; therefore, this is maybe a vacation where you will want to utilize paid driving. 

Customs

To travel and vacation in Brazil will require a valid passport as well as a 6-month visa that needs to be signed and approved before you enter the country. You can stay in either Sao Paulo or Rio for up to 6 months if you meet these requirements. Since both cities are popular vacation destinations, you do not have to worry about any restrictions. 

Be sure to avoid engaging in criminal activity and be prepared to show proof of return out of the country.

Conclusion

Which of these two destinations is better for a vacation? Comparing Sao Paulo and Rio is not easy since both cities share so many of the same cultural pursuits and types of attractions. Rio is probably more well-known and visited than Sao Paulo, but Sao Paulo is also a better choice if you want to experience a city that incorporates more worldly cultures and pursuits; it is also a bit cheaper than a vacation to Rio. 

If you want to experience an authentic Brazilian experience, go with Rio de Janeiro by far. Either city will offer a unique South American experience.