Green areas in São Paulo: the 5 best parks

Did you know that living near agreen area can improve your quality of life , benefit your overall health and even improve your relationships? That's right!

Studies from the University of Exeter indicate that living near green areas can have a more lasting positive effect on a person's life than certain financial benefits such as an increase in salary, for example.

This is because certain achievements – mainly material ones – in someone’s life do not always maintain such high levels of well-being. However, visiting green spaces or living near them can guarantee these benefits in the long term, according to the study.

And how can this be beneficial to help maintain a harmonious marriage? Simple. Researchers have observed that couples who live near green areas tend to be less stressed. This helps to keep people more balanced, avoiding impulsive and aggressive decision-making, for example . Cool, right?

Another study, from the Geography department of the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), found that people who live near parks are more likely to engage in physical activities.

Positive aspects of parks with green areas

According to the research, there are several positive aspects related to these spaces. Since parks reduce environmental pollution and acoustics in general, they end up being extremely pleasant environments to visit.

With the constant presence of other people doing activities, the chances of you wanting to do them too are much higher. Furthermore, the research found that people prefer to do physical exercise in wooded environments, which generate more interest in people, than simple empty spaces for practicing activities.

Furthermore, of course, there are several benefits that preserving green areas guarantees for the environment , such as maintaining native flora, preserving and guaranteeing the natural habitat of animals, improving the soil structure in the region and controlling temperature, ensuring thermal comfort in regions of preserved forest.

Large parks with green areas are the solution in large cities

However, living in big cities sometimes prevents people from living close to nature. In São Paulo, the largest city in Latin America, the urbanization of spaces is impressive.

To give you an idea, according to Emporis Buildings, a German company that carries out various studies on buildings around the world, São Paulo is among the five cities in the world with the largest number of buildings constructed: almost 10 thousand .

However, the city offers incredible spaces with lots of green space available in different areas of the city that offer spaces for leisure, exercise and even cultural activities for all ages.

Based on the evaluations of visitors, the size of the space, and the attractions offered, we have compiled a list below of the five best parks with green areas in the city of São Paulo. For information on opening hours, visit the city hall website .

1. Ibirapuera Park

This park is certainly the most famous in São Paulo and has an area of ​​over 1.5 million square meters, making it one of the most visited in all of Latin America, receiving up to 150 thousand people per weekend.

It has bike paths, playgrounds, a jogging track, multi-sports courts... And leisure and cultural activities are not restricted to the fitness areas. There are restaurants, cafes and cultural spaces such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Afro Brazil Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Prof. Aristóteles Orsini Planetarium, as well as regular events.

In addition, it has areas dedicated to teaching, biodiversity protection and all of this designed by the incredible architect Oscar Niemeyer.

Ibirapuera Park is located in the southern part of São Paulo, just a few kilometers from the city center and Congonhas airport.

2. Villa Lobos Park

It is worth highlighting here how it is possible to renovate spaces for the well-being of the population. Until the 1980s, it was a garbage dump, rubble and dumping area.

Located on Avenida Prof. Fonseca Rodrigues, in Alto de Pinheiros, the space was restored and today has around 700 thousand square meters with space for children, multi-sports courts, a running track, playgrounds, woods, an orchid garden, drinking fountains spread across several points and even a library.

There are bike paths throughout most of the park, ensuring plenty of options for those who enjoy cycling . The park also has a pet area with some toys for dogs. Due to its calm and safe environment, the park is popular with all generations, from the youngest to the oldest.

3. White Water Park

This park is located in Barra Funda and has a space that for many is like a little piece of the countryside within the city.

It was created in 1929 and initially hosted exhibitions and zootechnical tests, where there was an Animal Production industry. In 1980 it was acquired by the state and in 1996 it was listed as a cultural, historical, architectural, tourist, technological and landscape asset.

In almost 140 thousand square meters, the space offers many activities, especially for children. It has playgrounds, lakes, horse riding, a carousel and a bouncy castle.

An excellent space for social integration, with areas for socializing, sports, dancing and group activities. Some of the main attractions are the Instituto de Pesca Aquarium, the Casa do Caboclo, the Geological Museum, a reading area and a playroom.

Furthermore, a great curiosity is that there are several animals living freely throughout the park, such as peacocks and other birds. Children love them!

4. Tietê Ecological Park

It is a huge place, with 14 million square meters, so a good tip is to rent a bike to make the most of all this space. It was opened in 1982 with the aim of preserving the fauna and flora of the Tietê River floodplain. Today, it offers a series of cultural, educational, recreational, sports and leisure activities.

It receives over 330 thousand monthly visits and, in addition, some of the main attractions are the Environmental Education Center, Cultural Center, Tietê Museum, library and Wild Animal Reception Center, which houses 2 thousand seized or donated animals.

It passes through several neighborhoods in the city and has ecotourism activities, such as tree climbing, zip-lining and others.

5. Independence Park

This is for those who love history and nature, because it is a national historical landmark. It was there, next to the Ipiranga Stream, that D. Pedro I declared Brazil's independence in 1822.

It has over 160 square meters with a square for events, parking, a jogging track, gym equipment, a playground, space for skateboarding and other extreme sports, a seating area, restrooms, a fountain and a waterfall. It houses the Casa do Grito (SMC), the Independence Monument and Imperial Crypt, the Museu Paulista (popularly known as the Museu do Ipiranga, administered by USP) and, on the edge of the park, the Museu de Zoologia (USP).

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