Solo Female Travel in São Paulo

Solo travel experience

I traveled last year for vacation. I went alone for seven days. I got around using the metro and buses - to and from the airport, as well as for long-distance trips to Rio de Janeiro. I love this city, there is a lot to see and many beautiful places.

Solo travel experience

I spent a few days alone in São Paulo. The biggest struggle for me was Portuguese. I cycled around the city, which was really great, and I also discovered three beaches on a walking tour. I was there during the carnival and I would recommend everyone to experience the carnival at least once in their life. I spent the whole day walking around various Blocos de Rua (street carnivals) and always felt very safe.

As it is a big city you have to be careful when walking around, before following directions from google maps look at pictures of where you need to go through or ask locals about the place to know if it is safe to walk there. Try not to walk with your phone out on the street!!

São Paulo is a very large city where you need to know where you are going. There are many safe neighborhoods where you can walk in the morning and afternoon without danger. Avoid going out alone at night and walking in unfamiliar areas, unless it's a very busy place.

São Paulo is a Wildcard at daylight and a Gotham City at night. I lived in this City for 20years and I’ve been everywhere! You really need to know where are you going and know that things might happen in your way while going to your destination. It’s far from a safe and place, you need to know your surroundings and know exactly which areas you belong or not. I was born in a Favela so I knew a a lot of “town” and “countryside” world, because, believe me, São Paulo is a concrete jungle mixed with billionaires and last fortunate people living side to side everyday. This city can really ate you up. The nightlife is not wild as it seems, but the way home it is hahaha! The countryside of São Paulo is beautiful and calm, and don’t forget the North of SP has amazing beaches and waterfalls!

I recommend staying in areas such as Bela Vista, Aclimação, and Vergueiro. They are close to the metro station and are safe areas where you can find affordable accommodation. If you are going to the city center, I recommend doing it during the day. If you carry a backpack in the metro, it's better to wear it on the front. On Avenida Paulista, avoid using your phone in any situation, and Uber is very safe. São Paulo is a beautiful city, although it has many homeless people.