Rooftops in São Paulo: a sea of skyscrapers seen from above
The largest city in South America
The economic capital of Brazil and capital of the state of the same name, São Paulo has nearly 12 million inhabitants, and more than 20 million in its metropolitan area: it is the largest city in Brazil and in South America. Founded on 25 January 1554 by Portuguese Jesuits on the Piratininga plateau, at around 760 metres above sea level, it prospered thanks to coffee, then to industry and immigration, Italian above all.
Its inhabitants, the Paulistanos, nickname it “Sampa”. The historic centre, around the Sé, the Vale do Anhangabaú and Praça da República, still has the city's first skyscrapers, such as the Martinelli. Business then moved to Avenida Paulista, and later to Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, in Itaim Bibi and Vila Olímpia.
A highland subtropical climate
Thanks to its altitude, São Paulo has a humid subtropical climate. Summer, from December to March, is hot and rainy; winter, from June to August, is mild and much drier, with cooler nights. Most high-rise bars, covered or glass-enclosed, are open all year round.
Where to get a view from above in São Paulo
In the centre, around Praça da República
A symbol of the centre, the Edifício Itália houses the Terraço Itália at its top, an Italian restaurant on the 41st floor with a bar on the floor above. Right next door, Esther Rooftop serves French-inspired cuisine on the top floor of the Edifício Esther, facing Praça da República.
Around Avenida Paulista
On Alameda Santos, parallel to Paulista, on the 23rd floor of the Tivoli Mofarrej hotel, Seen brings together a restaurant, a sushi bar and a circular bar facing the skyline, with DJs in the evening. A little further on, The View Bar occupies the 30th floor of a tower, with a terrace looking out towards the antennas of Paulista.
In the Jardins and Ibirapuera
On the roof of the Hotel Unique, Skye sets out its bar and restaurant around a long red swimming pool, facing Ibirapuera Park. On the edge of the park, on the top floor of the Museu de Arte Contemporânea, Vista Ibirapuera combines Brazilian dining and a terrace bar, with a 360° view.
On Faria Lima and in Itaim Bibi
Baleia Rooftop crowns the B32 complex, the one with the giant metal whale, and 300 Sky Bar livens up the 18th floor of a building on the avenue. On the 21st floor of the Fasano Itaim hotel, the Bar da Piscina opens to the public in the evening, from Tuesday to Saturday, by reservation.
In the north zone
Away from the usual circuits, in Santana, Lassù is an Italian restaurant on the 28th floor of a tower: its floor turns slowly, revealing a 270° view over the city.
Cocktails, food and atmosphere
Caipirinhas, cachaça and signature cocktails
The menus give pride of place to Brazilian products, from cachaça to tropical fruit and tiquira, a cassava spirit, alongside the great classics and gin and tonics. On the food side, Italian cuisine sits alongside sushi, sharing plates and contemporary Brazilian cooking. Prices are shown in reais: in the venues featured here, a cocktail usually costs between R$50 and R$70.
A rooftop for every occasion
As a couple, with friends or after work
For a dinner for two, think of the Terraço Itália, Lassù or Vista Ibirapuera. With friends, Seen or 300 Sky Bar keep the night going to the sound of DJs. After work, The View Bar, Baleia Rooftop and Esther Rooftop are close to the business districts and the centre.
Getting around easily
The Metrô serves some of these venues: República (lines 3-Vermelha and 4-Amarela) for the Terraço Itália and Esther Rooftop, Trianon-Masp (line 2-Verde) for Seen and The View Bar, Santana (line 1-Azul) for Lassù and AACD-Servidor (line 5-Lilás) for Vista Ibirapuera. Vila Olímpia station (line 9-Esmeralda of the CPTM) is just over a kilometre from Baleia Rooftop. Elsewhere, and for getting home late, a taxi or rideshare is the simplest option.
Tips for enjoying the rooftops of São Paulo
Booking, access and dress code
Book when you can, especially at weekends. Some hotel roofs admit outside visitors on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation only at certain times: come early for the sunset. The smartest venues expect smart dress, with no flip-flops or tank tops. In summer, a downpour can close an open-air terrace: the glass-enclosed rooms then take over.
Photo : Rodrigo.Argenton / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0