A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Sao Paulo for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Shanghai or Sao Paulo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Sao Paulo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a modern, cosmopolitan, and professional port city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Shanghai attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Shanghai travel costs.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a cultural, dynamic, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Shanghai and Sao Paulo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Sao Paulo?

Both Sao Paulo and Shanghai have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Shanghai is more popular for its food and impressive beauty, while Sao Paulo is known for its nightlife. Shanghai is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Sao Paulo is popular for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene.

How is Shanghai different from Sao Paulo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sao Paulo and Shanghai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shanghai or Sao Paulo?

Plenty of people visit the world-class sights and museums in both Shanghai and Sao Paulo.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sao Paulo has many famous sights for visitors. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

Is the Food Better in Shanghai or Sao Paulo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Shanghai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sao Paulo makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

Is Shanghai or Sao Paulo Better for Nightlife?

Sao Paulo is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Sao Paulo just to party. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Sao Paulo?

Both Shanghai and Sao Paulo are world-class shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Many people travel to Sao Paulo specifically to go shopping. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

Is Shanghai or Sao Paulo More Beautiful?

Shanghai is a great port city for its scenery and beauty. However, Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Shanghai attracts visitors from all around. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Shanghai or Sao Paulo Better for Families?

Shanghai is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Shanghai. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Sao Paulo is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

Is Shanghai or Sao Paulo Better for Couples?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Shanghai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Sao Paulo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

Is Shanghai or Sao Paulo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is a great port city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Sao Paulo is a good port city to visit for backpackers. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is Shanghai or Sao Paulo Better for Students?

Shanghai is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit as a student. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Sao Paulo is a good port city to visit for students. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

Is Shanghai or Sao Paulo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sao Paulo is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Sao Paulo can get you around easily. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

The public transit in Shanghai can get you to most places easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Is Shanghai or Sao Paulo a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Sao Paulo both are great when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

Sao Paulo is a very walkable destination. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

For even more information, also check out Is Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Sao Paulo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sao Paulo or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Sao Paulo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shanghai and Sao Paulo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than in Sao Paulo. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sao Paulo.

Families should spend more time in Shanghai than Sao Paulo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Shanghai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Shanghai than Sao Paulo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Shanghai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shanghai than Sao Paulo if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Shanghai.

One day in Shanghai or Sao Paulo?

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of Sao Paulo offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Sao Paulo?

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Sao Paulo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sao Paulo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Sao Paulo?

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

Sao Paulo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Sao Paulo?

Shanghai is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Sao Paulo is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Sao Paulo, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shanghai is in Asia and Sao Paulo is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai than you might in Sao Paulo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Sao Paulo?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Sao Paulo. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Sao Paulo, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Shanghai or Sao Paulo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Shanghai has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Shanghai or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Sao Paulo. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Shanghai is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets less rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.

Should I visit Shanghai or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

Both Sao Paulo and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Shanghai is generally cooler than Sao Pauloin April. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In October, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.

Should I visit Shanghai or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

Both Sao Paulo and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.

The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. Shanghai is much colder than Sao Paulo in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in July.

Shanghai usually gets more rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.

Should I visit Shanghai or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Sao Paulo. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Shanghai is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Shanghai