Things To Do
in São Bernardo

Brazil’s classic black-bean and pork stew — traditionally served on Wednesdays and Saturdays in many restaurants and feijoada-focused eateries.

Must-Try!

Brazilian-style barbecue served in churrascarias and at family-run places; try cuts like picanha and accompaniments such as farofa and vinagrete.

Popular savory snacks sold at street stalls, padarias and markets — coxinha (shredded chicken croquette) and pastel (fried pastry with varied fillings).

A ubiquitous chocolate truffle dessert found in bakeries and as a dessert at restaurants and parties.

Weekly street markets (feiras livres) and the local municipal market offer fresh produce, juices, pastéis and regional snacks — great for casual tasting and photography.

Neighborhood botecos and street vendors serve quick plates, cold beer and petiscos (small dishes) in the evenings — ideal for sampling local flavors.

A warm handshake or two light kisses on the cheek among acquaintances (more common in social settings) are typical. Use formal 'senhor/senhora' with elders or in formal contexts until invited to be informal.

Brazilians are generally expressive and comfortable with close personal distance; conversations about family and food are common icebreakers, while politics and religion can be sensitive.

Social events often have flexible start times; business meetings generally expect punctuality.

Casual, neat clothing is fine for most outings; dress slightly more formally for nice restaurants or business meetings.

Restaurants often add a 10% service charge; leaving extra small change or rounding up is appreciated but not mandatory. For taxi drivers, rounding up or a small tip is common; give porters and hotel staff a few reais for assistance.

Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; small vendors and markets prefer cash (reais). Contactless payments and PIX (instant bank transfer) are growing rapidly and accepted at many businesses.

November to March: hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; light clothing, sun protection and rain gear are recommended. Expect lush vegetation on nearby trails but occasional trail closures after heavy rain.

April to May: temperatures begin to cool and humidity drops; pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor walks with fewer rain interruptions.

June to August: milder days and cooler nights, sometimes chilly during early mornings especially near the Serra do Mar; occasional cold fronts can bring abrupt temperature drops.

September to October: warming temperatures, more flowers and the start of the rainy season; ideal for photographing green landscapes but check weather forecasts for hikes.

Historically the backbone of São Bernardo — many residents are employed in manufacturing and automotive sectors.

Significant populations from Brazil's Northeast and other regions who moved for industrial jobs, contributing to cultural diversity.

Residents who commute to São Paulo for work, attend local universities and participate in the suburban cultural scene.

Smaller communities of European, Middle Eastern and Asian descent integrated into the broader Paulista cultural mix.

Vegetarian options are increasingly available in cafés and some restaurants; ask for 'pratos sem carne' and choose salads, rice and bean-based dishes. Larger supermarkets and markets sell fresh produce and plant-based alternatives.

Pure vegan places are less common but found in the greater São Paulo area; communicate 'sou vegano/vegana' and you can usually get grilled vegetables, rice, beans and salads.

Gluten-free choices require caution — many snacks and pastéis use wheat. Look for restaurants that explicitly state gluten-free options or choose naturally gluten-free dishes like grilled meats, rice and beans.

Halal and kosher-certified eateries are rare locally; travelers requiring strict observance should consult specialized options in São Paulo city or opt for vegetarian meals.