São Paulo Gained Spotlight in International Ranking by Surpassing Famous Destinations, Driven by Intense Urban Life, Expanding Mobility, and a Cultural and Culinary Scene That Continues to Grow
São Paulo ranked 18th in the World’s Best Cities ranking – best city in the world – 2026 and is noted in the survey as a reference in urban transformation.
The report highlights that the capital is advancing in mobility, consumption, and gastronomy, factors that reinforce its presence among destinations evaluated as the best city in the world.
The research involved one hundred metropolitan areas with over 1 million inhabitants and considered urban indicators and the perceptions of 21,000 people.
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Rubens Ometto transformed sugarcane into ethanol, became a billionaire, took Cosan from Shell gas stations to iron ore by buying a port in Maranhão for R$ 720 million, and built a vertical farm that few associated with the Brazilian energy and logistics empire.
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What happened to NET, the brand that put TV, internet, and telephone on the same cable, dominated millions of Brazilian homes before streaming, and then disappeared from the country’s routine
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In China, a bar inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2 recreated the Old West with aged wood, wanted posters, saloon lighting, and such an absurd level of detail that the place looks like a life-sized playable map from the game.
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The United States removed 13.5 kg of enriched uranium from Venezuela.
Best City in the World and Nightlife
The city leads the world in nightlife. Areas such as Vila Madalena and Baixo Augusta maintain continuous movement, driven by the variety of bars, music venues, and cultural spaces.
This scenario is linked to the return of crowds to the streets and urban reorganization in different neighborhoods.
Urban Experience on the Rise
The capital climbed to 8th place globally in the urban experience pillar. Mobility between neighborhoods, the expansion of transportation, and the offering of cultural activities influenced the performance.
The revitalization of Anhembi and the changes along the Rio Pinheiros axis, with parks and bike lanes, reinforce the perception that São Paulo is consolidating characteristics associated with the idea of the best city in the world.
Gastronomy and Consumption
The gastronomy remains among the top five in the world. The return of the Michelin Guide to Brazil has once again placed D.O.M., Maní, and Evvai among the most relevant restaurants.
For 2025, the opening of new ventures in Pinheiros and Jardins promises to increase gastronomic variety and strengthen the city’s presence on the global scene.
The luxury consumption remains strong, placing São Paulo in the top 3 worldwide for shopping. Commercial streets and shopping malls focused on international brands sustain performance and influence the international perception of the best city in the world.
At the conclusion of the report, São Paulo is presented as a metropolis in cultural, urban, and economic renewal, consolidating its global influence and strengthening criteria associated with the idea of the best city in the world.

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