São Paulo is not a tourist city. At all. 

But it’s the economic capital of the country, and millions of people live here, which for itself brings a lot of “indirect tourists” who come here for shows and different kinds of events. We also have a little bit more infraestrutura, so… it’s easy to plan and execute things in São Paulo. And it’s easy for international tourists to get here - we have the most important international airport in Brazil.

When my mom goes to Bahia, she usually brings souvenirs like tshirts that says “estive na Bahia - lembrei de você” (I went Bahia and remembered of you), or key chains with a common animal in the state and the name of the city she visited.

It’s a fact that São Paulo is not a tourist city, and I’m ok with that, but we do receive a lot of tourists  (seriously), and yet we don’t have souvenirs like the ones my mom brings every time she travels. I know (to be fair) only one shop with presents that have a “travel atmosphere” (you can find it at the shopping center Center 3 - Avenida Paulista, 2064).

Sometimes you can find little things like “polaroid photos”, fridge magnets or one or two kinds of key chains in our downtown or on Avenida Paulista with tourist spots of São Paulo. And maybe (maybe!) in the museum's gift shops you’ll find something to remember your trip, but don’t keep your hopes too high.

Anne Rios

amodafala@gmail.com