Photo credit: www.cntraveler.com
A Journey into São Paulo: Discovering Culture and Comfort
In 2007, I embarked on an unforgettable month-long trip through South America, exploring countries such as Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. However, Brazil—vast and culturally rich—remained unexplored. I vowed to return for a dedicated visit, and 18 years later, that promise became a reality. The imminent reintroduction of visa requirements for U.S. travelers on April 10, 2025, spurred my journey. While Rio de Janeiro was a must-see, São Paulo particularly captivated me, thanks to my affinity for megacities. The energy of urban life in places like New York, Tokyo, and Mexico City always ignites my sense of adventure.
For my stay in São Paulo, finding a comfortable place that offered a local experience was essential. A friend recommended the upscale district of Jardins, located southwest of the city center. After searching for one-bedroom options on Airbnb, I discovered Atelier 11, an artist’s apartment that promised a serene ambiance amidst the city’s hustle. The pictures showcased a vibrant, well-designed space, perfect for recharging between explorations.
Arrival and First Impressions
After flying into Congonhas–Deputado Freitas Nobre Airport, which is conveniently closer to Jardins than the larger Guarulhos Airport, I quickly reached the apartment via a 30-minute car ride. Nestled on the second floor of a modernist building with a peaceful atmosphere, the location was a few blocks from Avenida Paulista, the subway, and the São Paulo Museum of Art.
Access was secured with a doorman and a coded entry system, eliminating the need for traditional keys. Upon entering, I was struck by how the space exceeded my expectations from the online photos.
Living Spaces: Art and Comfort
Upon entering, a spacious main room unfolded, featuring a dining area, seating, and a workspace. A minimalist desk facing floor-to-ceiling windows provided a perfect spot for journaling or catching up on tasks while observing the vibrant street life. A cozy nook, complete with a sofa and an exquisite Brazilian lounge chair, contributed to the apartment’s inviting atmosphere. The scattered plants effortlessly connected the indoors to a sense of nature.
A significant highlight was the artwork that adorned nearly every wall—oversized canvases and smaller collections combined with thoughtful sculptures created a gallery-like ambiance. One painting resting upon an easel suggested the creative presence of the artist, as if they had just stepped out.
More Than Just a Place to Stay
The comfortable bedroom, positioned strategically within the apartment, offered tranquility and restful sleep. Adjacent, a well-equipped kitchen awaited me with all the necessary gadgets, though I planned to indulge in the city’s renowned culinary scene rather than cooking.
Jardins is home to delightful bakeries and cafés. I started my mornings at Casaria SP, a charming all-day café with a lovely garden ambiance. Not far from there, Vivant Padaria Artesanal famously serves the scrumptious Romeu e Julieta—a Danish pastry with guava and sweet cheese. Another temptation was Zestzing, where I savored a unique pistachio-cream kouign-amann. For dinner, I delighted in a remarkable meal at Clandestina in nearby Via Madalena, and for a post-dinner cocktail, I ventured to Tan Tan in Pinheiros, where the Old Passioned cocktail became a favorite, particularly enriched by the flavors of passion fruit.
This journey into São Paulo not only fulfilled a long-held dream but also deepened my appreciation for the city’s artistic flair and gastronomic delights. Each experience added depth to my understanding of this vibrant metropolis, proving that some promises, even when realized years later, can become profound adventures.
Source
www.cntraveler.com