Opened in 1954, during Sao Paulo's 400th anniversary, the Ibirapuera Park has a 1.6 million m² area and sports courts, bicycle racks and restaurants.
The project was led by Oscar Niemeyer, the architect who created most of the buildings in Brasilia. It also involved several professionals, such as architects Ulhoa Cavalcanti and Zenon Lotufo, besides landscapers Burle Marx and Augusto Teixeira Mendes.
The Ibirapuera has been elected "one of the 10 best urban parks in the world" by The Guardian, and it gathers athletes in the running lanes, soccer courts and open gym equipment. It also charms people looking for culture. The Museu de Arte Contemporânea (Contemporary Art Museum), the Museu de Arte Moderna (Modern Art Museum), the Museu Afro Brasil (Afro Brazil Museum), the Auditorio Ibirapuera (Ibirapuera Auditorium), the Pavilhão Japonês (Japanese Pavilion) and the Oca are all in the park. Take the time to also visit the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (Masp), which is only 6 km away.
The Park has almost 500 different vegetation species, including courbaril, Brazilian oaks and even endangered plant species.
Pay attention to the opening hours, which go from 5am to midnight.
Free
Address
Av Pedro Alvares Cabral, s/n - Vila Mariana - Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo State
The closest subway stations to the park are Brigadeiro (green line) and
Ana Rosa (blue line), both about 2 km away from the Park. From the
stations, you can walk to the park or take a bus. Check the subway map.
You can rent bikes in several places in the city using the app Bike
Sampa, available in Portuguese, English and Spanish for iPhone, Android
and Windows Phone. There is a place to get/return the bikes on Avenue IV
Centenario, and another one at Gate 6 of the Park.
Many bus lines reach the Park. Check the Park or SPTrans websites for further information.