Long in the shadow of Rio de Janeiro in certain circles of international tourism, São Paulo is ready for its moment. The city is artsy and vibrant, with shopping and dining that rivals any Latin American capital — not to mention with the uniquely Brazilian bravado of late nights and hot, dance-fueled parties. Positioning yourself well is key when visiting this vast and geographically widespread city of nearly 13 million. These 10 São Paulo Airbnbs put you close to the action happening around the city.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend in São Paulo! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
1. For trendy travelers: Designer apartment in Vila Madalena
Photo: Airbnb
Hip and bohemian, the neighborhood of Vila Madalena offers vibrant nightlife, independent designer shops, hip cafes, and colorful street graffiti. This is where people come to drink specialty coffee at Coffeelab, enjoy beer at one of the neighborhood’s many botecos (local bars serving alcohol, cheap snacks, and appetizers), and sip on handcrafted cocktails. From Vila Madalena, it’s a short stroll to Beco do Batman — an alley covered with street art of various styles. This one-bedroom Airbnb apartment is close to the buzzing nightlife. It hosts up to two guests and features a dedicated workspace and a spacious and modern kitchen.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $185 per night
2. For a spot right downtown: Bright and colorful downtown apartment
Photo: Airbnb
Downtown São Paulo is a cool mix of simple clothing and textile shops, good cafes, and stunning architecture. Some of the city’s grandest buildings, like the art museum Pinacoteca and Estaçao da Luz train station, are architectural standouts in the neighborhood. This bright and colorful two-bedroom apartment sleeps up to six guests, and is just a few blocks from the Tiradentes metro station, making this an ideal place to base yourself when exploring other parts of the city.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $46 per night
3. For a peaceful stay: Stylish and artsy house with garden and pool in Jardim Europa
Photo: Airbnb
A mix of tranquil green space and busy metropolitan streets, many of the attractions of Jardim Europa are concentrated around Avenida Brigadeiro Faira Lima. The boulevard runs right through the neighborhood and is one of the most pleasant parts of São Paulo. The surroundings of this artsy Sao Paulo Airbnb are peaceful and leafy, with art adorning the streets and buildings. Here, you’ll find Shopping Iguatemi, a major shopping center popular with visitors and locals alike, and sleek Michelin-starred restaurants specializing in everything from Japanese to Italian cuisine. Be sure to visit Museu da Casa Brasileira, especially if you’re here over the holidays — the museum hosts an epic Christmas fair featuring Brazilian handicrafts throughout December. The house can sleep up to nine guests and is beautifully decorated with stunning artwork. There’s also a serene garden and a pool. A doorman is on site and the host speaks English, German, and French.
Nine guests, five bedrooms
Price: $223 per night
4. For couples traveling to São Paulo: Beautiful modern one bedroom flat in Vila Olimpia
Photo: Airbnb
Exclusive Vila Olimpia is home to the city’s shiniest skyscrapers. This is where you can mingle with São Paulo’s socialites over happy hour in the neighborhood’s lavish wine bars and fancy pubs. This tastefully decorated Airbnb flat is perfect for couples and is located close to the upscale shopping mall JK Iguatemi. The rental has everything you need, including a fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a washing machine and dryer, making it ideal for longer stays.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $45 per night
5. For a local experience: Artistic Vila Pompeia house with private yard
Photo: Airbnb
Most international tourists are unaware of the Vila Pompeia neighborhood, which is one of the most local-centric parts of the city. This charming Airbnb puts you right in the middle of one it. The home has a beautifully decorated communal area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cozy private yard. One of the city’s best bakeries, Santiago Padaria Artesanal, is also close by, as is the cultural center SESC Pompeia, which hosts various theater and dance shows.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $119 per night
6. For a quick São Paulo trip: A cozy room in eclectic apartment
Photo: Airbnb
Just west of the city center, the Pinheiros neighborhood has one of São Paulo’s best markets, Mercado do Pinheiros, as well as some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. This cozy Airbnb room for one person or a couple is in an eclectically decorated flat. This simple rental is ideal for those who are in the city for a few days. And if you are in need of a haircut, the host runs his own barbershop next door.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $14 per night
7. For big groups traveling to São Paulo: Stunning penthouse in Bela Vista
Photo: Airbnb
Atop of Avenida Paulista, the city’s commercial hub, Bela Vista is home to São Paulo’s most famous museum: Museum of Art of São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand (or simply MASP). This penthouse Airbnb is situated right in the middle of Bixiga, the megalopolis’s Little Italy. Bela Vista is a fairly low-key area considering its central location, but it’s within walking distance to a lot of student-centric bars as well as plenty of shops, restaurants, and cinemas on Avenida Paulista. This industrial Airbnb Plus loft houses up to 10 people across a big open space with fold-up beds, futons, and a projector where you can Netflix and chill.
Ten guests, studio
Price: $256 per night
8. For a big group of culture lovers: Creative space in Jardim Paulista
Photo: Airbnb
The residential area of Jardim Paulista is centrally located and has a huge range of fine dining and shopping options. The neighborhood is busy during the week with residents, professionals, and tourists alike, but it is surprisingly quiet on Sundays. Located just a few minutes walk from Ibirapuera Park where you can visit museums, go for a morning run, or take a leisurely bike ride, this spacious Airbnb has room for up to 10 people. It’s furnished with a mix of old-world Japanese touches and colorful paintings.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $267 per night
9. For a São Paulo stay near the nightclubs and museums: Comfortable and stylish Itaim Bibi apartment with rooftop pool
Photo: Airbnb
Itaim Bibi is the area known for buzzing nightclubs along with São Paulo’s most exclusive shops and upscale bars, cafes, and restaurants. It’s also adjacent to the beautiful Ibirapuera Park and the Museum Afro Brasil and modern art museums. Itaim Bibi is home to some of the city’s wealthiest inhabitants and amenities to boot, putting you a short walk from nightlife to dining. This one-bedroom Airbnb flat, housing up to four people (although better for two), doesn’t disappoint with some of its unusual extra treats — the building has a sauna, swimming pool, and gym on the rooftop.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $50 per night
10. For remote workers in São Paulo: Modern studio next to metro station Oscar Freire
Photo: Airbnb
This studio is a perfect rental for solo travelers. The space is modern and compact, but the rental also comes with access to the building’s rooftop pool with skyline views and a gym with floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s also a co-working space with proper office chairs — a major win for remote workers and digital nomads in São Paulo who don’t want to be stuck in the flat or at a cafe. Situated right on Rua Oscar Freire, just off Avenue Rebouças and close to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, cinemas, cafes, and shops, the location is not too shabby either. The iconic Havaianas flagship store is just a couple of blocks away, as is Bacio di Latte, which is famous for its gelato. A short 10-minute walk away is Av. Rebouças and R. Dr. Melo Alves where there is a mural of Brazilian national hero and formula one driver Ayrton Senna. 
Three guests, studio
Price: $35 per night