Parque Burle Marx

Parque Burle Marx in the Vila Andrade district is one of the last remaining pockets of São Paulo's Atlantic Forest and opened to the public in 1995. The park owes its existence to a project that never came to be: landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx designed elaborate gardens for a mansion commissioned by millionaire Baby Pignatari, but the house was never finished and was eventually demolished. The gardens survived and became the backbone of the park, which is now protected as a municipal cultural heritage site by Conpresp. Visitors walk through dense native tropical vegetation that feels remarkably wild for a major metropolis — shaded trails and a contemplative atmosphere distinguish it from typical urban green spaces. Entry is free, open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.