Tourism in São Paulo: Guide for CBSoft 2026

Take advantage of your participation in CBSoft 2026, from September 8 to 11, to explore São Paulo. The event takes place at the University City campus (USP), a strategic location that provides easy access to several cultural attractions, green areas, and food districts.

Below, we list leisure options divided by proximity and interest.

1. Attractions Near the University City campus (USP)

If you have little time between talks or want to enjoy the end of the day in the same area as the conference:

  • Butantan Institute: Adjacent to the USP campus, it has a large green area, the traditional Serpentarium, and the Biological, Historical, and Vaccine Museums.

  • Villa-Lobos Park and Roda Rico: Excellent for outdoor walks. It is home to Roda Rico, the largest Ferris wheel in Latin America, with panoramic views of the city.

USP Cultural Complex:

  • MAC USP: The Museum of Contemporary Art is located near the main gate. It has an internationally renowned collection and an observation deck at the top with a view of Ibirapuera Park.

  • University Museums: Visit the MAE (Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology), the Museum of Human Anatomy, and the Museum of Geosciences.

  • Praça do Relógio and CINUSP: Spaces for socializing and culture within the campus itself.

  • Vila Madalena and Beco do Batman: A bohemian district just a few minutes from USP, famous for its concentration of bars and cafés and its alleys covered in urban art and graffiti.

  • Tomie Ohtake Institute: Located in Pinheiros, it offers free exhibitions of contemporary art, architecture, and design in an architecturally striking building.

2. Activities for the September 7 Holiday

For participants arriving over the weekend or on the holiday Monday, these are the best options:

  • Ipiranga Museum and Independence Park: The most iconic place to visit for the occasion. The recently restored museum houses the country's main collection on the Independence of Brazil. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance.

  • Avenida Paulista - Open to Pedestrians: On Sundays and holidays, the avenue is closed to cars and filled with pedestrians, musicians, and artists. Take the opportunity to visit MASP, Japan House, Sesc Paulista (viewpoint), and the Moreira Salles Institute (IMS).

  • Ibirapuera Park: The city's most famous park, ideal for renting a bicycle or visiting the cultural spaces inside, such as MAM (Museum of Modern Art), the Afro Brazil Museum, and Oca.

3. Classic Routes by Subway (Line 4-Yellow)

The Butantã Station (near USP) provides convenient access to many of the city's main tourist attractions:

  • Historic Center: Get off at República or São Bento station (via transfer). Visit the Municipal Theater, Farol Santander (Banespão), and Pátio do Colégio.

  • Liberdade Neighborhood: Easy access via a transfer to Line 1-Blue. The center of the Asian community offers street markets, themed architecture, and dozens of gastronomic options.

  • Pinacoteca of the State and São Paulo Municipal Market: Near Luz station (via transfer). Pinacoteca is one of the most important museums in the country, and the Municipal Market is a must for classic São Paulo cuisine, such as the mortadella sandwich.

4. Guided Tours: "Vai de Roteiro" Program

The São Paulo City Government periodically offers the Vai de Roteiro program, which provides guided tours with official tour guides at various locations throughout the capital (such as Avenida Paulista, the Historic Center, and Liberdade): https://prefeitura.sp.gov.br/web/turismo/w/menu/vai-de-roteiro-melhor-forma-de-conhecer-sp

  • How to participate: Reservations for the guided tour must be made in advance through the Sympla website.

  • Costs: The guided tour is free. However, if the itinerary includes admission to paid venues, the venue's ticket must be purchased separately (often with discounts offered by the program).

  • Recommendation: Check the availability of dates and times on the Sympla website a few weeks before the conference.

5. Useful Transportation Information

  • Subway: The main access point to the event area is Butantã Station (Line 4-Yellow). From there, circular bus routes serving the campus run into the University City campus.

  • Train: Cidade Universitária Station (Line 9-Emerald of CPTM) is located along the banks of the Pinheiros River and provides access to the campus through the pedestrian entrance.