The best shopping malls in São Paulo city

The capital offers plenty of options to satisfy your hunger to shop!

Let’s face it: we, Brazilians, are shopping addicts. We love to shop and to buy lots of things, needed or not. When you travel around, you see people with tons of shopping bags, seeking for bargains, sales or outlets…well, there is a huge possibility that among them there is one of us. So, it is expected that we master this art in our own country. Consequently, you may already imagine the numerous choices for shopping that we have. From street markets, popular commerce until sophisticated stores, there are shopping options for all tastes. I will offer you a tour of the ultimate “paulistano” shopping preference: the mall. By the way, paulistano- means the ones born in São Paulo.

The first mall in the city; what to buy and where to eat

"Iguatemi" was the first mall built in São Paulo, and possibly the first in Brazil. It has sophisticated stores, international brands, and several Brazilian fashion designers, in addition to a vast assortment of local brands. It is an excellent place to shop and to eat. To buy, I highly recommend searching for local fashion brands. If you are looking for high-end fashion, check some names as "Andrea Bogosian," "Cris Barros" and "Gloria Coelho." If you want something very casual, then go to "Farm" or "Rosa Chá." Shoes are also something to be crazy for...many local producers offer really fantastic designs. I particularly like the fancy, hand-crafted "Zeferino" and the stylish "Capodarte." Sometimes I go to Iguatemi to meet friends and eat. This mall has so many options to eat. For instance, you can find a unit of one of my favorite restaurants, "Ráscal." This restaurant has the best salad buffet in town. They also serve pasta, complimentary to the fresh and delicious self-service menu. Another great option to eat at Iguatemi is at "Manioca" restaurant. This place is the "café version" of one of the best restaurants in Brazil, "Mani." The world-known chef, Helena Rizzo is holding its one-star Michelin since 2015. You will be able to try typical Brazilian ingredients and dishes in a gourmet style. Iguatemi is definitely an excellent option to shop or to eat. Besides, to keep its exclusive standards, the mall displays a beautiful flower décor all over its galleries, especially in the central area. Iguatemi is also famous for its Christmas decoration. It is worth a visit!

Shopping in style at "JK Iguatemi"

A lot younger and with a minimalist style, JK Iguatemi belongs to the same group of Iguatemi. Its contemporary project emphasizes natural light and provides a fantastic view of the city. This mall concentrates several world-famous international brands. Indeed, it is one of the most international places to shop in Brazil. However, if you are looking for Brazilian designers, you won’t be disappointed. It will be challenging to decide which Brazilian brand brings more creativity and personal style. From informal to more formal style, it is the place to find a unique piece of clothes or shoes. I like the dresses from "Fit," the colors and patterns are unique.  "Animale" and "Le Lis Blanc" will show you how Brazilian women like to be in fashion.  Do not miss the opportunity to buy a Brazilian bikini. All local brands are very colorful, with exclusive patterns and beautiful designs. I particularly like "Salinas," a brand created in "Rio de Janeiro," which reflects its relaxed beach atmosphere. Despite being a great place to shop, what I am really passionate about is the cinema. “Cinépolis,” the brand that operates in JK Iguatemi, has cutting-edge technology and quite a good variety of movies. One of the movies’ room has a gigantic screen, and the sound quality is incredible. It is the perfect combination of exciting things to do, such as to shop, watch a movie, or choose one of the of great restaurants it offers. Moreover, it is beside my favorite park in the city, “Parque do Povo.”

"Morumbi" Mall: busy, big with lots of stores, restaurants and entertainment

In the middle of a bustling business area, you can find Morumbi Mall. During weekdays, you will bump to lots of executives from the companies nearby at lunch hour. Morumbi Mall is not the biggest in São Paulo city; it is second to North Area Mall. Indeed, it is big enough, and you will probably find everything you are looking for. There are three big floors with an extensive option of brands and a large variety of products. Many local designers will surprise you. For example, H.Stern is a Brazilian jewelry brand which is becoming internationally known and has extraordinary designs. Another product that is becoming very international is the "Havaianas" flip-flops. Check their store at Morumbi to see the most extensive variety of colors and patterns you find in Brazil.  Due to the big size of this mall, you are going to find more options and more price variety. You can spend a whole day choosing, trying, comparing, and finally, buying, a lot. But don’t worry if you get tired or hungry. Just take a break from your shopping entertainment and eat something. The only problem will be to decide where to eat. Morumbi offers several fast (but good) food restaurants (in case you want to save time for the shopping experience). But if you are not in a hurry, there is plenty of restaurants to enjoy your meal and relax from the exhaustive but pleasant, buying activity.

Become "paulistano" for a day, pick your mall and enjoy shopping !