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

Should you visit Sydney or Sao Paulo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Sao Paulo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sydney

Sydney is a glamorous , diverse, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Sydney travel costs.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a vibrant, colorful, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Sydney and Sao Paulo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Sao Paulo?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Sydney than Sao Paulo. While Sao Paulo is larger than Sydney, Sydney has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sydney is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also well known for the Sydney Opera House. Sao Paulo is famous for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene.

How is Sydney different from Sao Paulo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Sydney or Sao Paulo.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Sydney on the map. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Travelers visit Sao Paulo from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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 Sydney or Sao Paulo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Sydney and Sao Paulo can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Sydney is an experience not to be missed. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sao Paulo. 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 Sydney or Sao Paulo Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Sydney and Sao Paulo.

The nightlife in Sydney is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Sao Paulo is a world class party destination. 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.

Is Sydney or Sao Paulo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sydney has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Sao Paulo Better for Beaches?

Sydney is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Sydney are among the best in the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Sao Paulo Better for Hiking?

Sydney is a great city for hiking. However, Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Sao Paulo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sao Paulo and Sydney.

Sydney is a world class destination for shoppers. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Sao Paulo. 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 Sydney or Sao Paulo More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sydney or Sao Paulo Better for Families?

Sydney is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Sydney is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney or Sao Paulo Better for Couples?

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

Sydney has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney or Sao Paulo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Sydney, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Sao Paulo is a good 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 Sydney or Sao Paulo Better for Students?

Sydney is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Sydney and Sao Paulo.

Visitors in Sydney can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

Sao Paulo has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. 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.

Is Sydney or Sao Paulo a more walkable city?

Sydney and Sao Paulo both are superb when exploring on foot.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

Sao Paulo is very walkable. 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 Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Sao Paulo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sao Paulo or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Sao Paulo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sydney and Sao Paulo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than in Sao Paulo. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sao Paulo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Sao Paulo?

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Sao Paulo. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sydney or Sao Paulo?

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Sao Paulo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Sao Paulo?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sao Paulo. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Sao Paulo?

Sydney is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sydney, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Sao Paulo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, 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 Sydney and Sao Paulo, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Sydney. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Sao Paulo?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Sydney or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

Both Sao Paulo and Sydney during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.

Sydney is cooler than Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually gets less rain in January than Sao Paulo. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Should I visit Sydney or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Sao Paulo. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Sydney is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sydney in April average around 19°C (65°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sydney usually receives more rain than Sao Paulo. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.

Should I visit Sydney or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Sao Paulo. Many travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Sydney is generally much colder than Sao Paulo. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 12°C (53°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Sydney usually gets more rain in July than Sao Paulo. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.

Should I visit Sydney or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

Both Sao Paulo and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city during these months.

Sydney is cooler than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In October, Sydney usually receives less rain than Sao Paulo. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Sydney