Attraction
MASP – Museu de Arte de São Paulo
São Paulo's best-known art museum, raised above Avenida Paulista on Lina Bo Bardi's suspended concrete structure and holding more than 8,000 works from Raphael to Portinari.
Parque Ibirapuera
São Paulo's best-loved park, opened in 1954 for the city's 400th anniversary, with 158 hectares of lawns and lakes and a complex of buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
At a glance
- Type
- Urban park
- Area
- Ibirapuera / Vila Mariana, São Paulo, Brazil
Good to know
- Free entry
- Running track
- Cycle path
- Skate track
- Playground
- Museums
Why we recommend it
Parque Ibirapuera is the green heart of São Paulo and the city's first large metropolitan park. It opened on 21 August 1954 to mark the 400th anniversary of the city, and it covers 158 hectares between Avenida República do Líbano, Avenida Pedro Álvares Cabral and Avenida IV Centenário. The landscaping follows the English garden tradition, drawing on drafts by Roberto Burle Marx, and the buildings were designed by Oscar Niemeyer with Zenon Lotufo, Hélio Uchôa Cavalcanti and others. The green areas are protected by the city and state, and in 2016 the Niemeyer complex was listed as a national landmark.
The park is said to be the most visited urban park in South America, with 14.4 million visits recorded in 2017, and it has been free to enter since it opened. Much of its appeal is simply the space: wide lawns, lakes, a running and walking track, a cycle path, multi-sport courts, a skate track and a children's playground. It is a good place to see everyday life in the city, especially at weekends.
The park is also one of São Paulo's main cultural centres, home to several museums and exhibition buildings. The Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM) sits within the park on Avenida Pedro Álvares Cabral; it is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, has a sculpture garden and a restaurant, and is free for everyone on Sundays. The park's halls also host large events such as São Paulo Fashion Week, trade fairs and congresses, and it has a music hall for concerts.
Plan at least half a day if you want to combine a walk with one of the museums, and longer if you want to see several. Mornings are usually cooler, which suits runners and photographers. With 158 hectares to cover, bring water, comfortable shoes and sun protection in summer. Opening hours published for the park differ between sources, so check before planning an early or late visit.
The park is managed by the concession company Urbia Parques, and since 2014 the non-profit Parque Ibirapuera Conservação has supported improvements and volunteering. AACD-Servidor is the nearest metro station listed for the park. It suits everyone, from families with small children to architecture fans interested in Niemeyer's mid-century buildings.
Parque Ibirapuera FAQs
Is Parque Ibirapuera free?
Yes. Entry to the park has been free since it opened in 1954.
How big is the park?
It covers 158 hectares.
When did the park open?
It opened on 21 August 1954 to mark the 400th anniversary of São Paulo.
Who designed it?
Oscar Niemeyer led the design of the buildings with Zenon Lotufo, Hélio Uchôa Cavalcanti and others, and the landscaping drew on drafts by Roberto Burle Marx.
What can you do in the park?
Walk or run on the track, cycle, skate, use the sports courts and playground, relax on the lawns or visit the museums inside.
Which museums are in the park?
The park holds several museums and exhibition buildings, including the Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM), which is free on Sundays.
Which metro station is nearest?
AACD-Servidor is the station listed for the park.
How long should I spend there?
Half a day for a walk and one museum, or a full day to see several museums.