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

Should you visit Tenerife or Sao Paulo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife 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.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a adventure-filled, beautiful, and volcanic island. With stunning beauty, Tenerife attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Tenerife travel costs.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a dynamic, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Tenerife and Sao Paulo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Sao Paulo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sao Paulo than Tenerife, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sao Paulo is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Tenerife is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Tenerife is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Sao Paulo is well known for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. Also, Sao Paulo is famous for Ibirapuera Park.

How is Tenerife different from Sao Paulo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sao Paulo is very popular for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

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

Sao Paulo is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Sao Paulo Better for Nightlife?

The amazing nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tenerife and Sao Paulo.

Tenerife is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

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.

Is Tenerife or Sao Paulo Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Sao Paulo is not a resort destination.

Tenerife is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Sao Paulo is not a resort destination.

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

Tenerife is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Tenerife to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Sao Paulo Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is a great island for the beach. However, Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tenerife. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Is Tenerife or Sao Paulo Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Tenerife draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo is very popular for shopping. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Tenerife is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

Is Tenerife or Sao Paulo More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Tenerife attracts visitors from all around. The island's volcanic scenery makes for a dramatic and beautiful setting.

Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tenerife or Sao Paulo Better for Families?

Tenerife 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.

Tenerife is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

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 Tenerife or Sao Paulo Better for Couples?

Tenerife is a great island for couples. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Tenerife is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

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 Tenerife or Sao Paulo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife and Sao Paulo are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Tenerife. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Sao Paulo is a good island 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 Tenerife or Sao Paulo Better for Students?

Sao Paulo is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Tenerife is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Sao Paulo. 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.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

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

Sao Paulo is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Sao Paulo has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere 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.

You'll find some public transit in Tenerife, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

Is Tenerife or Sao Paulo a more walkable city?

Sao Paulo is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in Sao Paulo or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Sao Paulo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sao Paulo than Tenerife 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 Sao Paulo.

One day in Tenerife or Sao Paulo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Tenerife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Sao Paulo is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Tenerife or Sao Paulo?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Tenerife. 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 island 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 Tenerife or Sao Paulo?

You'll find nightlife and food around the vibrant island of Tenerife. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island 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 Tenerife or Sao Paulo?

Tenerife is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tenerife, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, 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 Tenerife and Sao Paulo, we can see that Tenerife is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tenerife is in Europe 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 Tenerife would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tenerife 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 Tenerife Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Tenerife 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 Tenerife has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Tenerife or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Sao Paulo. The summer months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, 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.

In July, Tenerife is generally around the same temperature as Sao Pauloin January. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 23°C (73°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Should I visit Tenerife or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Sao Paulo. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Tenerife is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.

Should I visit Tenerife or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

Both Sao Paulo and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Tenerife is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tenerife in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F)in July.

In January, Tenerife usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.

Should I visit Tenerife or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

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

In April, Tenerife is generally cooler than Sao Pauloin October. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 18°C (64°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Tenerife