São Paulo for Soccer Fans
So you are planning to attend the World Cup in Brazil, are you? Finally, the World Cup has returned to the país do futebol, or "Football Country” as we like to call ourselves here in Brazil. And what better place to start the trip than the biggest football city in the country?
São Paulo is the biggest city in size in Brazil, there are 4 local teams (not counting teams around the state, including Neymar's club prior to joining Barcelona, Santos), 3 of which hold some sort of legacy in Brazilian soccer. Palmeiras has won the most national competitions, with 11 under their belts. Corinthians has close to 15% of the country's football fan base, and São Paulo has won 3 World Club Championships, to name a few of the city's teams' achievements.
It is no wonder then, that the city, despite its apparent concrete jungle look, has scores of places to go to celebrate the sport!
Here are Brazil Vibes' official tips on what a soccer fan is to do in São Paulo:
Things to do in São Paulo
Visit the Football Museum - This is a no-brainer. The museum is inside the city's municipal stadium and is chock full of Brazilian and world football history and a shootout challenge at the end of the tour! Praça Charles Miller, s/nº, Pacaembu
Local Tip: There's a farmer's market right in front of the stadium on Friday's which has all sorts of local produce as well as local street foods for you to snack on before or after your museum visit!
São Cristovão Bar - This traditional bar, located in São Paulo's most bohemian neighborhood, is a local favorite and completely football themed! The bar's walls are covered in photos of Brazilian and international stars and teams. You can also buy your own club team's vintage jersey at the bar! We recommend ordering the bar's Portuguese alheira sausage with a beautifully poured pilsen draft beer and a small shot of artisanal cachaça. R. Aspicuelta, 533, Vila Madalena
Local Tip: Double Drafts + Caipirinhas on Sunday nights!
Corinthians' Founding Obelisk - This monument in the middle of one of the cities' busiest commercial centres is a tribute to the city's team with the biggest fan base and is built on the exact spot the club was founded, in 1910. Corner of Rua José Paulino and Rua Cônego Martins, Bom Retiro
Local Tip: Get there early so you're not lost in the crowds, or go for lunch and take advantage of the great and cheap restaurants nearby!
Morumbi Stadium - Before building the official World Cup stadium, this was the city's largest stadium, and belongs to São Paulo Futebol Clube, the country's team to hold the most World Club championships. You can schedule a tour to visit this stadium that seats over 67 thousand and see everything from the press room to the locker room, and of course: The trophy case. Praça Roberto Gomes Pedrosa, 1 - Morumbi
Local Tip: Make sure you don't visit when there's a concert going on. The space is also widely used as a concert venue!
Pelé Arena Café + Futebol - Yes, Pelé has an entire restaurant chain which pays homage to the greatest football star of al time (not arguable when speaking with a Brazilian). In São Paulo there are two, but the most traditional is right downtown. The restaurant specializes in its coffees, which is an art in itself in this city, but also has delicious sandwiches and dishes with typical Brazilian ingredients. The coffees and sandwiches are named after World Cup match years and locations, and the waiters wear uniforms that pay homage to the great players of "Pele's Day.” Can't get more football in a meal than this! Rua XV de Novembro, 194, Centro.
Local Tip: Chocolate lovers, try the 1958 Chocolate Coffee! For foodies, we love Alemanha 1974.
Charles Miller Memorial - The man who brought football to Brazil in the late 19th century, is honoured in this memorial center filled with over 80 trophies, jerseys, photographs and letters that all illustrate the beginnings of the sport in the country. Visits are only private guided tours and need to be booked in advance. Rua Visconde de Ouro Preto, 119 - Higienópolis
Local Tip: The memorial is near the city's Presbyterian University, which is where the first university soccer team was founded. They have a small memorial inside the University as well if you want to pop by!
Elídio Bar - Yet another football themed bar on the east side of the city, Elidio, the former owner who passed away in 2012, was obsessed with soccer. The walls are plastered in over 40 autographed jerseys (most by Pelé), as well as framed photos of different stars and clubs. The antipasti and draft beer also draw a big crowd to this bar, that has been open since 1959!
Local Tip: The creamy Batida Caju Amigo drink with cachaça and cashew juice is to die for (and may make you a bit dizzy when you get up from the table!).
Vale do Anhangabaú - Particularly for the World Cup, the city's square in downtown São Paulo will be hosting the 2014 games' Fan Fest which expects over 40 thousand guests per game!
Local Tip: One of the reasons this location was chosen was for the easy access via public transport. Take advantage so you don't miss the beginning of the match because you're stuck in traffic, and get there early!
There you have it, the top football attractions in the city - besides, of course, the Itaquerão Stadium, where the World Cup 2014 opens with Brazil v Croatia!
If you plan on coming to São Paulo, let us know how you'd like to set up your itinerary for the World Cup in Brazil.
Brazil Vibes is an incoming DMC in Brazil based in São Paulo and Barcelona, which aims to be one of the world's leading organizers and providers of events and activities for leisure and/or business in Brazil. With our brands focused on various special events, we are able to distinguish ourselves and specialize in particular services and markets. In everything we do, we strive to be as creative, inventive and effective as possible and create the most beneficial experiences for our clients. Our dynamic and innovative team progresses constantly by using a personal and interactive approach that ultimately leads to the creation and development of strong relationships with our clients.
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