Copan Building
Copan Building
4
Top ways to experience Copan Building
The area
Address
Neighbourhood:
Sé, which derives its name from Sé Square, is a central neighbourhood in historic São Paulo. Close by, the Law School, the Museum of the Court of Justice and the Metropolitan Cathedral offer inspiring architecture. If you are looking for cultural activities, head to Caixa Cultural and check the schedule. In the area there is a popular pedestrian street called “Rua Direita”, one of the first streets in the region, which today marks the crowded perimeter. Sé is a great area to explore during daytime, but use caution if visiting alone at night.
How to get there
  • República • 4 min walk
  • Anhangabaú • 8 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles453 reviews
Excellent
184
Very good
194
Average
58
Poor
10
Terrible
7

tarabahlmann
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023
We stayed for a week at the Copan, renting several studio units on the 32nd floor. The units were basic, one without a kitchen and the other with a tight squeeze bathroom. Neither had A/C and none was needed at this time of the year as both had their original sliding windows which were fantastically terrifying when opened (at least for those of us who easily experience vertigo). As with all single pane windows, there was little sound proofing from the city below and, when the windows were open, we might as well have been on the street below doing the Samba. When the music started Saturday evening (there was a full bore concert out there somewhere) the sound reverberated throughout the City (or at least at the Copan). Remember, São Paulo is almost all concrete with few trees or grass to absorb sound. We loved it! Although we were on holiday, I had work to attend to and when the concert speakers were turned down at 5:00am (the concert did not end), I realized I had worked through the evening. A wonderful accompaniment.

For those who do not like the sound, the windows, curtains and shutters can be closed (ours were kept wide open) and, perhaps, Lallapalooza will not happen on your weekend. We rented small units in their original basic configuration. Units are available in substantially larger sizes which have been fully modernized and better sound proofed.

The Copan is feeling its age. The front of the building has been netted for almost a decade to protect the pedestrians below from falling tiles. However, the Copan remains an architectural gem and a wonderful world in which to experience São Paulo life and its denizens. The Copan is the largest residential building in South America - a mini self-contained city. Notwithstanding its age, the Copan exudes energy, it is a curvaceous glory. To understand Niemeyer's design, pick up a book or two on his architecture, body shapes are predominant. We like to view ourselves as straight laced, however, an evening at the Copan loosens buttons.

Built on a sloping hill, the lower retail floor is not level. The floor follows and weaves along the original sloping ground. If skateboarders were allowed, the retail floor would be a fantastic skateboard park. Most of retail space is occupied and many items can be obtained - clothing, supplies, souvenirs, coffee, alcohol, haircuts, laundry and aerobic exercise. There is an Airbnb office. The Copan staff, all 100 or so of them, assure your protection and provide helpful service. The cleaning crew rapidly washed the concrete and stone hallways while we were there. The Otis elevators are clean and fast.

Places to visit at the Copan - Livraria Megafauna (the new books bookstore) with the associated Cuia Cafe e Restaurante. We visited these everyday. The books purchased went to our Brazilian family. Lovely service. Cafe Floresta - enjoyed the coffee (they do not take international credit cards - a common issue in São Paulo). Just outside but still in the Copan, Santa Efigenia Bread & Co. Santa has a broad selection of food choices, all the pastries you desire.

While we did not walk much near the Copan (our events were held elsewhere), we visited a local pharmacy, the Livraria Call Antiquaria (a fantastic rare book store on a ninth floor where we picked up several works on Niemeyer) and Sebo Clepsidra (a used book store where we picked up an early 20th century work on São Paulo architecture), These stores are minutes away. The streets where alive and active (not crowded) and the police and military ever present. The comment above regarding trees is slightly overstated. While venturing to these bookstores (we also hit an "antique" store and local market), we wandered by several parks. Huge trees can be found - the city is tropical.

We felt safe while walking - although never ignorant that if a valuable was held in hand it could easily be taken. (We were warned several times - actually scolded - not to hold a phone in hand.) Paulistas are lovely, however, there is an element that is everywhere and best not attracted. When the phone came out, it was for only for a moment. In retrospect, perhaps our attention should have been directed to personnel safety rather than to property - nothing was threatened but we were perhaps too casual with our surroundings. Note the reference below to armored cars being provided to guests of the Rosewood Hotel.

Uber if you are traveling. Reservations are easily made and cars come within minutes. Due to safety concerns, order Uber while downstairs in the Copan retail area - 20 yards from the street. Wait in the retail area until the car arrives and then walk out to the car. Standing on a street corner awaiting a taxi, at a minimum, brings to you unwanted guests. This advice is relevant to most of São Paulo - it is just the way of living in the big City. We lived in NYC in the late 1980s before the Mayor Giuliani crackdown. São Paulo is NYC before the crackdown.

We have friends who stayed at the Rosewood (5-star all around with assigned butler and bulletproof electric Jaguar). This provides a completely different São Paulo experience than the Copan. How can the Rosewood not be enjoyed? However, we would not trade the Copan for another experience.
Written 2 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Paul Legate
United Kingdom20 389 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Friends
Edifício Copan is a 38 storey residential building in the centre of São Paulo, it was designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. The building is distinctive with its curved concrete design, construction began in 1952 and was completed in 1966. It is certainly an impressive building but at the time of our visit it was under-wraps while being restored. There are some very unique landmarks in São Paulo and Edifício Copan is definately one of them.
Written 13 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joe L
Manchester, UK12 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
We tried to view the rooftop but it’s closed indefinitely. The building itself is architecturally very impressive but seems to have works underway.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

db7477
Carlsbad, CA2 502 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019 • Solo
The COPAN building is a true work of art. It’s shaped like an “S” and rises almost 460 FT into the sky. It’s one of Oscar Niemeyer’s masterpieces. Construction began in 1952 and finished in 1966. The building has over 2000 residents, 20 elevators and is home to over 70 businesses and restaurants on the ground level. The facade is due a refresh but it remains an iconic São Paulo landmark
Written 11 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

御前带瓜侍卫
Hong Kong, China18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2019 • Business
Go to the reception at 10:30 or 15:00 to get to the top of the building for free. It is a great place to see the whole city of Sao Paulo, especially on sunny days
Written 24 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tatyana Z
Brazil85 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2019 • Solo
One of the most iconic buildings of São Paulo. Also, you can go on top of it, and enjoy one of the best spots to view the city. Go to block F at 10am or 3pm to have free access to the roof (it opens at 10:30pm and 3:30pm, but better to come early). The view is amazing, nearly 360, and you can see the Italia Building, Avenida Paulista, Se Cathedral, Altino Arantes Building, among others. Great spot for pics, do not miss.
Written 20 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

travel#befree
West Midlands, UK117 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2018
Go to block F at 10am or 3pm to queue for the free entry to the top of the building (opens at 10:30am and 3:30pm). We got about 20mins at the rooftop to see and take photos of the city of Sao Paulo.
Written 10 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CarloBrunoMontalvao
Sao Paulo, SP34 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2018
São Paulo is one of the biggest cities in the world and number one in South America. With a lot of buildings around your infinite veins (streets), but have one of them that can deserve a golden place: Copan building. Try to catch this beautiful building and your construction in S format.
Written 18 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Peter
Antwerp, Belgium8 203 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2018 • Solo
Probably the most iconic building in Sao Paulo and yes, another Oscar Niemeyer design. Wrapped up for restoration but the typical S-wave is still visible. Not open for visits during weekends.
Written 18 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kathryn C
Sao Paulo, SP230 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2016
This is an iconic mark in Sao Paulo. The arquitecture and place is so Sao Paulo. Go for a nice walk around the area and site down for a caipirinha and coxinhas at Bar Dona Onça.
Written 4 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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COPAN BUILDING: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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