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A Design Lover’s Guide to São Paulo and Rio
American design icon Kelly Wearstler shares her favorite places to stay, eat, and explore in these two culturally rich Brazilian cities.
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October 17, 2025
This article was originally written by Kelly Wearstler for Departures and published on May 8, 2023. Departures was a publication owned by American Express, in circulation through 2023, when its publication ceased.
Link copied!
October 17, 2025
Link copied!
This article was originally written by Kelly Wearstler for Departures and published on May 8, 2023. Departures was a publication owned by American Express, in circulation through 2023, when its publication ceased.
Known for its remarkable museums and galleries, multicultural food scene, and buzzing nightlife, São Paulo is Brazil’s cultural capital, while its coastal counterpart, Rio, is known for its stunning beaches, outdoor excursions, raucous festivals, and musical heritage. Here, the internationally-renowned designer Kelly Wearstler shares her favorite spots in both captivating cities. Expect gorgeous hotels and museums, atmospheric restaurants, design-minded shopping, and many more must-have experiences.
Casa de Vidro Lina Bo Bardi
A creative couple’s historic home and collection.
On São Paulo’s outskirts, you’ll find Casa de Vidro Lina Bo Bardi, which was owned by two of the most prominent figures in the Brazilian cultural scene: the collectors and curators Lina Bo Bardi and Pietro Maria Bardi. It’s now an amazing non-profit intended to preserve the Bardis’ artistic legacy by providing public access to their special collection of art and objects. The house offers a window into the lives of pioneering creatives.
Museu de Arte de São Paulo
A multidisciplinary expression of the arts.
Museu de Arte de São Paulo is Brazil’s first modern museum offering a wide-ranging program of art exhibitions, music, dance, and theater performances.
Pinacoteca de São Paulo
A museum for nineteenth-century Brazilian works.
Housed in the historic Arts and Crafts School building, Pinacoteca currently holds roughly 9,000 artworks, with an emphasis on Brazilian art from the nineteenth century to the present day. I highly recommend the exhibition on the ground floor, which displays the most incredible collection of Victor Brecheret’s terracotta sculptures known as “Via Crucis.”
Galeria Teo
A gallery focusing on midcentury curation.
Galeria Teo is an ideal mix of one-of-a-kind midcentury antiques. Teo is a master curator with an impeccable eye.
Campana
A gallery for limited-edition works.
Deeply rooted in Brazilian culture and traditions, Campana was co-founded by brothers Fernando and Humberto Campana and sources unique designs and limited-edition works.
Mendes Wood DM
An oasis of regionally diverse work.
Nestled in a tropical garden, the Mendes Wood DM is a captivating look at artistic regional differences that features an amalgam of designs by both international and Brazilian artists.
Galería Luisa Strina
The longest-running contemporary art gallery in Brazil.
Celebrating emerging and renowned artists around the world, Galleria Luisa Strina features an impeccably diverse collection. The gallery was created by Luisa Strina, who is known for introducing American pop artists to Brazil.
R. Padre João Manuel, 755 - Cerqueira César, São Paulo, Brazil
Galatea
Works by Indigenous Brazilian artists.
Focusing on modern and contemporary Brazilian art, Galatea celebrates the wide-ranging works of both emerging and historical Indigenous Brazilian artists.
R. Oscar Freire, 379 - Lj.01 - Jardim Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
Maní
Bold fusion cuisine.
Mixing Brazilian, Asian, and European ingredients in bold flavor combinations, chef Helena Rizzo conceives a laudable menu at Maní.
R. Joaquim Antunes, 210 - Jardim Paulistano, São Paulo, Brazil
Restaurante Fasano
Classic Italian in an inviting space.
With its reverence for Italian heritage, Restaurante Fasano offers a thoughtfully curated menu of dishes inspired by various Italian regions in an elegant space with a warm ambiance. The seafood risotto is a must.
Gero
Contemporary Italian.
Regarded as one of the best Italian restaurants in São Paulo, Gero serves a delicious menu of contemporary Italian cuisine in an informal, but sophisticated atmosphere.
Rodeio Iguatemi
Brazilian meats.
Attuned to Brazil’s incredible culinary traditions, Rodeio is not to be missed for its satiating meat dishes.
Av. Brg. Faria Lima, 2232 - Jardim Paulistano, São Paulo, Brazil
Kosushi
Artful Japanese.
São Paulo offers excellent Japanese cuisine, but my go-to spot is Kosushi. The food is delicious and arrives in the most creative presentation.
D.O.M.
A tasting menu of Brazilian flavors.
Known for its innovative use of authentic Brazilian flavors, D.O.M. offers a truly localized experience. I recommend ordering the tasting menu to try a little of everything.
Dalva e Dito
Brazilian cuisine with an artisanal shop.
Brazil’s native flavors set the tone for the delicious menu at Dalva e Dito. There is a little shop next door where you can grab baked goods and other take-away items.
R. Padre João Manuel, 1115 - Cerqueira César, São Paulo, Brazil
A Casa do Porco
On the World's 50 Best Restaurants list.
Located in the heart of downtown São Paulo, A Casa do Porco, meaning “House of the Pig” is famous for its inventive pork dishes. There’s a tasting menu and à la carte options that use every single part of the pig.
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Photography courtesy of Etel
Etel
Sustainable furniture.
This gallery is at the forefront of contemporary furniture design. With an emphasis on sustainability, it reimagines traditional Brazilian designs through a sustainable lens with innovative use of raw materials, lending each piece an artisanal feel.
Alameda Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 1834 - Jardim America, São Paulo, Brazil
Photography courtesy of Apartamento 61
Apartamento 61
Artful furniture in a modernist home.
Situated in one of São Paulo’s first modernist houses built by Brazilian sculptor Victor Brecheret, Apartamento 61 is an experimental gallery and purveyor of modern Brazilian furniture design with a refined collection that pays homage to midcentury Brazilian manufacturers. This place is a collector’s paradise.
Pinga Store
Indigenous design.
If I lived in Brazil, Pinga Store would be my go-to shopping spot with its diverse selection of Indigenous Brazilian designers. Note that it has locations in both São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Rosewood São Paulo
A green refuge in an iconic building.
Housed in an old maternity ward with interiors informed by the building’s historical architecture, Rosewood São Paulo is one of the most recognizable hotels in Brazil, with an incredible garden designed by architect Jean Nouvel. The hotel’s interiors are filled with art by Brazilian artists and makers.
Parque Lage
Breakfast in a historical park.
I love having breakfast on Sunday morning at Parque Lage and getting lost in the historical architecture and landscape.
R. Jardim Botânico, 414 - Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Aprazível
Lunch with a view.
This multilevel indoor-outdoor restaurant in the hills overlooks the harbor and offers astonishing views of the neighborhood. I always come here for lunch.
Satyricon Ipanema
Fresh seafood and homemade pasta.
If you love seafood, Satyricon is a must for your Brazil itinerary. It’s an elegant Italian seafood restaurant with an extensive menu ranging from market-fresh fish to homemade pasta.
Restaurant photo courtesy of Rubaiyat Rio de Janeiro
Rubaiyat Rio de Janeiro
Argentine food and races.
For delicious Argentine cuisine and entertainment, head to the Rubaiyat Rio. Overlooking the horse race track at Jockey Club, you can enjoy the races over a tasty meal.
R. Jardim Botânico, 971 - Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tennis at Jockey Club Brasileiro
An epic game.
Jockey Club has the most incredible outdoor stadium with nine clay tennis courts and a 6,200-seat capacity. The atmosphere is electric — it feels like you’re playing in a huge tournament.
Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro
An opulent 1930s escape.
Set in the historic Jardins district, Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro is a modern take on midcentury European design with grand travertine fireplaces, French leather club chairs, and materials indigenous to Brazil. For instance, the reception desk is made from an enormous piquiá tree stump.
Our Contributors
Kelly Wearstler - Writer
Kelly Wearstler, founder and principal of Kelly Wearstler design studio, is an American designer creating multi-faceted, experiential residential, hospitality, commercial and retail environments as well as expansive collections of lifestyle product designs and brand collaborations. Wearstler is internationally recognized with distinctive design awards – including Architectural Digest’s AD 100; Elle Décor’s The A-List; Wallpaper Magazine’s Top 20 Designers; and Time Magazine’s The Design 100. She is the author of five design books.
