Ibirapuera Park is one of the largest parks in São Paulo. The so-called “Central Park of São Paulo” is filled with wide lawns and tree-covered groves and lies on the shores of a large lake. It features open green spaces and some of the city’s main cultural attractions. Visit a museum, catch an outdoor concert or hire a bike to ride along several kilometres of trails.
Locals converge on Ibirapuera Park year-round to walk, play and enjoy the surrounds of the lake. Visit one of several stands scattered around the park to rent a bike for the day and explore the park thoroughly.
When the weather is hot outside, you can cool off in the air-conditioned galleries of the Museum of Modern Art. The work of some of Brazil’s most famous artists can be found here, including paintings by Aldo Bonadei and Anita Malfatti. Browse the nearby Afro-Brazil Museum to see the significant influence of African Brazilians on the culture and history of the country. Borrow a book from the Bosque de Leitura outdoor library. Read up on some of the history and art you can see at the park’s museums and then return your loan at the end of the day.
The park offers several opportunities to see musical performances. On Sunday mornings, find free open-air concerts at Praça de Paz, Ibirapuera Park’s main lawn. More outdoor concerts are featured at the Ibirapuera Auditorium.This bold modern theatre designed by the famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer opens up during the spring and summer, so concertgoers can watch from the neighbouring lawn. If you are in São Paulo during the rainy season, catch a concert inside the auditorium.
Reach Ibirapuera Park by bus or metro from the city centre, about 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) to the northeast of the park. There is metered car parking nearby. Ibirapuera Park is open daily and entry is free.