Built in a neo-romantic style with neo-gothic details, it resembles medieval churches in northern Europe. It was temporarily the cathedral of São Paulo between 1930 and 1954. Contains paintings of Henri Bernard, Benedito Calixto and Carlos Oswald.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Palácio dos Correios
The first home to the state's mail service, constructed in 1922. It hosts many exhibitions, mainly focused on the company's history.
Largo São Bento
The square holds São Bento's church and monastery, a 17th century monastery, where mass is still held against a backdrop of Gregorian chants. The monks' bakery is a temptation. Give in, it’s no sin.
Vale do Anhangabaú
The valley is a giant boulevard with gardens, sculptures and a view of the main downtown office buildings. The Altino Arantes building and the Correios Palace are here.
The historical part of downtown is known for being unsafe at night, so to compensate for that, local NGOs organize a nocturnal walking tour every Thursday. It is an opportunity to have a different look at some of downtown's most famous sights. Unfortunately, the tour is only given in Portuguese.
Theatro Municipal
One of the two traditional addresses for classical music fans. This is where the historic Modern Art Week took place in 1922. The building, designed by Ramos de Azevedo in 1911, is reason enough to justify a visit. It now houses the São Paulo City Symphony Orchestra, the city's lead group in the field. Guided visits need to be booked in advance.