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For other places with the same name, see São Paulo (disambiguation).

São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, with a city population of about 11 million[1] and almost 20 million[2] in its metropolitan region[3]. It is the capital of the Southeastern state of São Paulo, and also a beehive of activity that offers a jovial nightlife and an intense cultural experience. São Paulo is one of the richest cities in the southern hemisphere, though the typical inequality between the classes typically observed in Brazil is blatant. Historically attractive to immigrants as well as (somewhat later) Brazilians from other states, it's one of the most diverse cities in the world.

São Paulo, or Sampa as it is also often called, is also probably one of the most underrated cities tourism-wise, often shaded by other places in the Brazilian sun & beach circuit such as Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. It is in fact a great city to explore, with its own idiosyncrasies, the exquisite way of living of its inhabitants, not to mention the world-class restaurants and diverse regional and international cuisine available to all tastes. If there is a major attraction to this city, it is the excellent quality of its restaurants and the variety of cultural activities on display.

[edit] Understand

A large sprawling city can present numerous challenges to sensibilities. São Paulo is no exception. Although the first impression might be that of a grey concrete jungle, soon it becomes apparent that the city has a great number of pockets of beauty. The population and environment of São Paulo is diverse, and districts within it range from extremely luxurious areas to hovels housing the poor and destitute, located usually in suburbia far from the so-called "expanded center".

São Paulo, together with Rio de Janeiro, is the spot where most visitors from abroad land in Brazil. While a complete experience of the city would take a few weeks (since the lifestyle of paulistanos and every-day routine in the city are huge attractions in themselves), it's possible to visit all major sites within three days. Spending a weekend in town is highly recommended, since that enables one to enjoy both the day attractions and São Paulo's amazing nightlife.

[edit] History

José de Anchieta and Manoel da Nóbrega founded the village of São Paulo de Piratininga on January 25, 1554. Along with their entourage, they established a mission named Colégio de São Paulo de Piratininga aimed at converting the Tupi-Guarani Native Brazilians to the Catholic religion. Located just beyond the Serra do Mar cliffs, overlooking the port city of Santos, and close to River Tietê, the new settlement became the natural entrance from the South East coast to the vast and fertile plateau to the West that would eventually become the State of São Paulo.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, groups of explorers who called themselves the Bandeirantes traversed forests and new territories within the Latin American continent searching for gold, diamonds and other riches. The Bandeirantes are regarded as being responsible for a great deal of the Brazilian territorial expansion beyond the Tordesilhas Line and for the discovery of many mines of precious metals and stones. There are several monuments in honor of their contribution to the city, including the Monumento às Bandeiras, one of the landmarks of São Paulo.

São Paulo officially became a city in 1711. In the 19th century, it experienced a flourishing economic prosperity, brought about chiefly through coffee exports, which were shipped abroad from the port of neighbouring city Santos. After 1881, waves of immigrants from Italy, Japan and many other countries emigrated to São Paulo in order to work at the enormous coffee plantations established in the State. At the beginning of the 20th century, the coffee cycle had already plummeted due to, among other factors, a sharp decline in international coffee prices. The local entrepreneurs then started investing in the industrial development of São Paulo, attracting new contingents of overseas immigrants to the city.

However, due to competition with many other Brazilian cities, which sometimes offer tax advantages for companies to build manufacturing plants in situ, Sao Paulo's main economic activities have gradually left its industrial profile in favour of the services industry over the late 20th century. The city is home to a large number of local and international banking offices, law firms, multinational companies and consumer services.

[edit] People

Don't be surprised at the diversity of paulistanos (from the city/municipality of São Paulo, as opposed to paulistas from the rest of the state of São Paulo). For example, São Paulo is home to the largest Japanese population outside of Japan. The city's Italian influence is also very strong, and there's a large Arab population as well. It may frequently be the case that locals speak to you in Portuguese, in the belief that you're also a local, since foreigners blend in very easily among the city's inhabitants. The notable exceptions are tourists dressing like going to jungle, who are quickly spotted as "gringos" (slang for foreigner).

The citizens of São Paulo have a reputation as hard-working and industrious, or alternately, shallow money-grubbers. Common word is that the people in São Paulo work while the rest of Brazil can relax; even though many say this is plainly wrong, it's a fact that São Paulo (the city alone) actually contributes with 15 percent of the country's gross national product (45 percent if the entire São Paulo state is take into account).

São Paulo is probably one of the easiest places in Brazil to find someone who can speak English well. A large number of youngsters in town will be able and willing to start a basic conversation with travellers in English. Besides that, since Portuguese speakers also are quite able to understand Spanish, getting around town is not difficult at all to those who can speak that language.

It's also not unusual to hear people speaking Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Korean around town.

[edit] Media

• The biggest daily newspapers are O Estado De São Paulo, Folha de São Paulo, Agora São Paulo and Diario de São Paulo. The newspapers' websites - in Portuguese only - are good sources of information about the city's current events.
• The main newsweekly magazines are Veja, which has a good supplement guide on restaurants, theatre plays and main events,Época and Isto é.

[edit] Orientation

São Paulo's basic spot for orientation should be Avenida Paulista. From there, it's pretty easy to reach every single spot in town, be it by bus or underground transport. It is located between the neighborhoods of Bela Vista and Jardim Paulista. Av. Paulista is also within walking distance to Centro and Ibirapuera Park, which makes it the perfect place to start a walking tour.

However, keep in mind that central Sao Paulo actually comprises a very large area, and travelling from one spot to another may require that you take a cab or public transport. Most of the main attractions are located in the city's "expanded center", the area limited by the Tietê river on the North, the Pinheiros river on the West, Avenida dos Bandeirantes on the South and Avenida Salim Farah Maluf on the East.

[edit] Language

Portuguese as in all Brazil is the official language. If adressed in Spanish or Italian locals may be able to understand. English is widely spoken at main hotels and those in contact with tourists, though in most bars and restaurants may be difficult to find a menu in english. There is a portuguese language school, Fast Forward [4] located in the Jardins district.

[edit] Districts

Following São Paulo's extraordinary growth during the 20th century, most of the old city buildings have given way to contemporary architecture. This means that most tourists sights are concentrated around the center, where 17th-century churches stand in the shadows of skyscrapers. The traditional ethnic neighborhoods are also fairly close to the center. Shopping and dining, though, are spread throughout the city.

[edit] Centro

The most cosmopolitan city in Brazil could only have a central area that is equally cosmopolitan. An universe of diverse people moves through the center of São Paulo; there are businesspeople rushing to get to the stock market or groups of punks in search of the latest record. Tourists from the four corners of the world mix with locals from all backgrounds. Centro, [5]. has become a relatively safe area in the last decade, even at night, due to the increased number of policemen watching the streets, and a number of university students hovering around the region attending night classes. Put on comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and discover hidden secrets that many Paulistanos may not even know about..  edit

• Bixiga

Besides being one of the biggest meccas of Italian culture outside of Italy itself, Bixiga became home to the city's most important theater venues and also has a vibrant nightlife, dotted with bars where bands, be them new or veteran, show off all their skills when it comes to rocking the place. The real name of the neighbourhood is Bela Vista, but traditionally known as Bixiga.

• Liberdade

This neighbourhood is São Paulo's response to Los Angeles's Little Tokyo district, a tourist is bound to find there everything Japanese and oriental-related. Originally the settling place of Japanese immigrants, Chinese and Koreans have also joined in the past decades to make the place one of the most vibrant, typical and colourful neighborhoods in town. The name Liberdade means "freedom" in Portuguese.

• Vale do Anhangabaú

In the very beginning of its history, São Paulo comprehended solely the triangle formed by the Monastery of São Bento, the Monastery of São Francisco, and the Pátio do Colégio. That area was where all the town's activities used to take place, and neighbourhoods such as Jabaquara took an entire day of horse riding to be reached. Within this minute hub was the River Anhangabaú, which meant "bad spirits" in the native Tupi-Guarani language. In the 18th century, the river was canalised and buried into the ground, but the Anhangabaú valley still remained in its place. Revitalisation works in the 1980s have shaped the beautifully arranged square in the Vale do Anhangabaú (the "Anhangabaú Valley"), where nowadays one can find skateboarders and office workers hanging about.

[edit] South Side

The south side of the city is so full of delicious yet simple attractions you might forget you’re in one of the largest metropolises in the world. Here, you can ride a bicycle in the park, go shopping at the mall, or at several, eat whatever you want—and still enjoy a wide range of the highest quality services.

• Itaim Bibi

One of São Paulo's most proeminent chic neighbourhoods, great for a walk, eating, partying, shopping and visiting upscale art galleries. Some of the city's best restaurants are located in this neighbourhood, so a visit to São Paulo isn't complete without a nice dinner in this region.

• Vila Mariana and Ibirapuera

Calm and laid-back, this spot is a mainly residential area that's beginning to sprout a strong bar and nightlife scene. Ibirapuera park, one of the city's main features and the perfect place to spend a sunny sunday in São Paulo, is also located here.

[edit] North Side

In the northern area of São Paulo you can find neighbourhoods with a small-town feel, such as Freguesia do Ó. Places of importance are Expo Center Norte, one of South America's biggest venues for fairs and exhibitions, Serra da Cantareira State Park and Anhembi Park. This region also hosts the Sambodromo and concentrates the bulk of samba schools of the city, as "Gaviões da Fiel", Unidos do Peruche, Rosas de Ouro and Imperio da Casa Verde.

[edit] East Side

The east side was the former industrial region of São Paulo and also the home to thousands of immigrants who settled in São Paulo during the early 20th century. It's the region with the largest population in the city. Some neighbourhoods of interest are Vila Zelina, with its strong Lithuanian influence, and Mooca, the place that many italians chose as home. Tatuapé/Anália Franco is also worth noting for its "newly-rich" vibe.

[edit] West Side

The West Side is the wealthiest region in São Paulo, with high and middle class residential neighbourhoods, many cultural establishments, including the city's most important universities (such as the University of São Paulo, the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, the Mackenzie Presbiterian University, and others) and buildings that still conserve the historic heritage of the city.

• Lapa, Pompéia and Barra Funda

Formerly an industrial zone, these two districts have some perfect places for the culture-hungry, such as Sesc Pompéia. The Memorial da América Latina and the Latin American Parliament, which carry exhibitions and the occasional political/cultural debate and exhibitions, are two of the main attractions.

• Vila Madalena and Pinheiros

These neighborhoods have become a hot spot for artists, writers, journalists, movie directors, intellectuals in general and, of course, wannabes in every one of these categories. It's not uncommon to run into someone famous – or nearly so – when casually drinking in a bar, leaving the supermarket or having an espresso. Keep your eyes peeled.

• Paulista and Jardins

The backbone of the city is 2.8 kilometers long and was named in honor of the city through which it runs: Avenida Paulista. Located on the top of a ridge, Paulista Avenue is flat, wide and full of life. It connects the neighborhoods of Paraíso and Consolação, while separating the upscale Jardins neighborhood from the more relaxed Bela Vista. Its city blocks bring together the wealth of FIESP (the São Paulo Industries Federation), the art of MASP, orthodox religious faith and the hustle and bustle of those who are late for the movies.

[edit] Outskirts

The places here are part of Greater Sao Paulo, although each is an independent munbicipality:

• Paranapiacaba
• Santo André

[edit] Get in

• No vaccination is required for São Paulo, unless you are planning to travel to central-western (Mato Grosso) or northern (Amazon) regions of Brazil afterwards, for which you should take a shot against yellow fever, and carry anti-malaria medication (quinine). If you're arriving from Peru, Colombia or Bolivia, the vaccination of yellow fever is required (i.e. you cannot leave these countries without your vaccination card if you're heading to Brazil). Some countries, such as Australia and South Africa, will require evidence of yellow fever vaccination before allowing you to enter their countries if you have been in any part of Brazil within the previous week. Check the requirements of any country you will travel to from Brazil.

• Please check the official Brazil tourism website for general information regarding visas and customs, and the Cidade de São Paulo homepage for updated events and art exhibitions around town.

[edit] By plane

Brazil Air Pass If you intend to visit various cities within Brazil, you should consider getting a Brazil Air Pass, offered by Brazilian airline TAM. It is available to anyone who lives outside Brazil holding an international air ticket to Brazil. You can travel to 4 different cities from USD479, and each additional city in the pass will cost you USD 120. The Air Pass is valid for 21 days, starting on the day of the first flight, and can be used for flights to up to 9 cities throughout Brazil. Other air passes are also available (Mercosul, South America, All America). Ask your travel agent for further advice.

São Paulo has three major airports you can fly into: Guarulhos International (GRU) and Viracopos for international arrivals, and Congonhas for national arrivals flying to and from cities withing a 1000km radius. Campo de Marte, the town's fourth airport in importance, is used solely for executive jets, helicopter, air taxis and such, not carrying any commercial lines.

[edit] Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)

If flying into São Paulo from abroad, you'll mostly likely land at Guarulhos International Airport, also known as Cumbica. Located 40 km from the city centre, the airport has two terminals that are served by Brazilian airlines Varig, TAM, Gol and by international United, Delta, American, Continental, Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, TAP, Iberia, Alitalia, KLM, JAL, South African and many others.

There is one baggage storage area with lockers between the main entrances of Terminals 1 and 2, outside the airport. R$ 7 for 24 hours. Larger volumes stored apart at higher costs. The upper floor of terminal 1 has a calling center with internet access, and a post office[6]. (Perhaps the best in Brazil for receiving mail Poste Restante[7])

Non-airline shuttle buses are available from Guarulhos to Congonhas Airport, Praça da República (Downtown), Paulista/Jardins region, Barra Funda bus station and Tietê bus station(fastest access to the subway). All lines except Congonhas connect to the Metrô. Fares are R$ 28 one-way. There is also a regular urban bus every 20-30 minutes (timetables), which costs only R$3,40 and goes to and from Tatuapé Metro station (30-45 minutes, via Ayrton Senna, the other is slower) (line 3, red). Less comfy than the shuttles, but can prove faster way to Paulista (and elsewhere) on days with dense traffic, as it goes for the closest Metro station. Be aware that you might be denied access with luggage that won´t fit on your lap.

A taxi co-operative, Guarucoop (tel: +55 11 6445-7070), has a monopoly on cabs leaving Guarulhos. They are plentiful and the queue is outside the arrival terminal. Credit-card users can pay for their journey in advance at the booth. Expect to pay about R$75 for the 25km journey into the city. Passengers can ask to see the tabela, which shows the fares for each neighbourhood. A taxi ride into the city can take an hour and a half during peak times; 40 minutes late at night or early in the morning.

[edit] Congonhas Airport (CGH)

The Congonhas Airport is located in a very central region, 15km (9 miles) from downtown. This airport handles most of the domestic flights and the popular São Paulo - Rio (Santos Dumont) shuttle and its architecture is worth seeing.

If you want to get to Rio de Janeiro this is your best connection. Flights offered by several airlines such as TAM and Gol leave at least hourly or more often from and to Rio.

The easiest (and cheapest) way to get to Congonhas is by taking any of the "Aeroporto" regular line buses that run in Paulista Avenue. After some 40 - 60 minutes in modest traffic you'll be dropped right in front of the airport and the fare is the regular R$ 2,30 (Bilhete Único accepted). It is mostly faster to take the metro to the São Judas station, and then the bus from there (10 minutes.)

[edit] Viracopos International (VCP)

Located in the city of Campinas, around 99 kilometers from downtown São Paulo, Viracopos International is the second biggest airport in Brazil but is mainly used for air cargo transport; however, domestic and international flights also arrive there. Airlines that operate in VCP are BRA, Gol, Varig, TAM, Total and Trip.

[edit] By bus

There are three main bus terminals in São Paulo, all of them served by the Metrô network.

• Terminal Rodoviário do Tietê, Av. Cruzeiro do Sul 1.800, Santana (Tietê metro station, Blue line), ☎ +55 11 3235-0322, reachable from 6h to 23h30, [8].

Tietê bus terminal is the second largest terminal in the world, hence an enormous building, but there is an information desk in the middle of the main lobby. Buses leave Sao Paulo for destinations throughout Brazil and for international destinations including Asunción in Paraguay (20hr), Buenos Aires in Argentina (36hr), Montevideo in Uruguay (30hr) and Santiago in Chile (56hr). A taxi ride from Paulista/Jardins costs around R$ 40 (US$ 18,50).  edit

• Terminal Rodoviário da Barra Funda, R. Maria de Andrade 664, Barra Funda district, West Side, ☎ +55 11 3392-1878, [9].

Located in São Paulo's West Side, carries departures and arrivals to and from western cities in the São Paulo state, to Mato Grosso, Foz do Iguaçu and west Paraná cities. About thirty minutes from Paulista Avenue by Metrô (station Barra Funda, Red line). You can also reach it by boarding the Orca shuttle service from Vila Madalena station (Green line) or by boarding the "Barra Funda" (875P) bus in Paulista Avenue. Guarulhos International Airport shuttles also depart and arrive from this terminal. edit

• Terminal Rodoviário de Jabaquara, R. dos Jequitibás s/n, Jabaquara district, South Side, ☎ +55 11 3235-0322, [10].

The Jabaquara Terminal serves cities in São Paulo state's south coast such as Guarujá, Santos and Bertioga. Located thirty minutes away by Metrô (Jabaquara station, Blue line) from downtown. edit

There is a baggage storae (Guarda Volumas) in the Jabaquara Metro, R$6 for 24 hours.

[edit] Get around

Transport in São Paulo can be anything from complicated to hellish. Peak hours are normally roughly 06:00-09:00 and 16:00-20:00, but since city roads are constantly on the edge of their capacity, any little incident can cause major queues and delays. The solution for tourist is to use subway (metrô), train (CPTM) and trolleybuses (EMTU) as far as possible. Even these means of transport can be uncomfortably crowded during peaks, and only a very limited carry-on is recommended.

[edit] Bilhete Único

The Bilhete Único is a contactless smart card that can be used for paying the fares in buses, subways and trains. In essence, a single billing of the card grants a person up to four trips in São Paulo's public transportation system (but not four trips on trains; see below for details). You can get the card at no cost at many underground stations; charge them with the minimum amount required in newspaper stands, state-owned betting shops (known as "lotéricas"), supermarkets and other establishments - look for the red, round "Bilhete Único" logo. You can use the card to pay for your trips in the public transportation system as follows:

• On buses: upon boarding a bus, you'll be charged R$ 2,30 and can board up to three other buses in a two-hour period without being charged a second time.

• On the Metro or CPTM trains: for a single trip in the underground train system, you'll be charged R$ 2,40.

• First Metro/CPTM train then bus: you'll be charged R$ 2,40 when passing by a Metro or CPTM station's turnstile. Once you board a bus, you'll be charged an extra R$ 1,25 and will be able to board two other buses in a two-hour period - starting from the first validation at the train station - without any further payment.

• First bus then Metro/CPTM train: once you board a bus, R$ 2,30 is charged from your card. Upon entering the Metro or CPTM systems, you'll be charged a further R$ 1,35. It's possible, after leaving the Metro or CPTM system, to board up to two other buses without any further payment in the two-hour period that starts from the first validation, depending on whether you boarded one or two buses before entering a train.

[edit] By subway and train

[edit] Metrô (Underground Rail System)

São Paulo's underground train system, known as the Metrô, is the form of transportation a tourist is likely to use the most while visiting São Paulo. It is modern, safe, clean and efficient. It has four lines (the newest one, the Yellow line, is still under construction thus being unavailable at the moment) and links to the light rail network, the CPTM. (Downloadable map (PDF)).

• Line 1 (Blue): The first Metrô line built connects the North and the South Side of São Paulo. Connections are available for the Green, Red and Yellow lines and also for CPTM trains. Tietê and Jabaquara bus terminals are also reachable through the use of this line.

• Line 2 (Green): The Green line transverses the Avenida Paulista ridge, connecting Alto do Ipiranga to Vila Madalena, and also the Blue and Yellow lines.

• Line 3 (Red): One of São Paulo's busiest lines, it connects the East Side to the West Side. Connections to the Blue and Yellow lines are possible, as are with CPTM trains. The Barra Funda bus terminal is located on this line.

• Line 4 (Yellow, under construction): Scheduled to have the first stations operating in 2008 and fully operating in 2012, the Yellow line will connect the central Luz station to the West side in a route constructed immediately below the Consolação and Rebouças avenues. Connections will be available to the Blue, Green and Red lines and to CPTM trains.

• Line 5 (Purple): Built for users who need to reach specific places in São Paulo's South Side. Only a short sector of the line is already available, connecting to CPTM trains at Santo Amaro station; the scheduled expansion will make connections to the Blue and Green lines in 2010.

Pricing and working hours

If you don't have a Bilhete Único smart card (see above), the Metrô uses a simple fixed-price ticketing scheme - you can get only one-trip tickets, which cost R$ 2,40. The single tickets can be bought at the counters or automatic machines, found in every station. Buying multiple ticket will not save you money but will save time locating a vending machine or waiting time which can both be bothersome.

Metrô tickets are valid for inter-line changes on the Metrô system. Special tickets are also available if you need a connection with buses and cost R$ 4,00 (US$ 1,90); you will be able to board only a single bus after using the Metrô/CPTM network with such a ticket.

The Metrô's working hours are from 4:30 am 'til around 12:00 am, depending on the station, up to 12:40am. Inter-line changes on the Metrô is guaranteed only for boardings before 12:00am, regardless of the station.

[edit] CPTM (Light Rail Network)

There are 600 commuter train lines to suburban areas, with free transfer to Metro at Brás, Luz, Barra Funda and Santo Amaro stations. The single ticket costs R$ 2,40. "Bilhete Único" is accepted. Info toll-free 0800-055-0121.

[edit] By bus

Buses are the most popular way to get around the city. Even though the drivers really step on it through the bumpy streets of São Paulo, buses are not the fastest way to get around. And they can get really crowdy. But, unlike the Metro lines, they do reach every neighborhood.

Tickets are R$2.30 a piece. You can pay for the ride inside the bus, or use a Bilhete Unico card topped up with credits before boarding. If paying for the ticket on the bus, simply hand over the money to the staff member sitting onto the bus by the turnstile, and he or she will let you pass through. Note that children under 5 years old are allowed by law to slip under the gate for free! If you have the Bilhete Unico magnetic card, then a single fare payment allows you to take other buses for free for the next 2 hours after touching in the card. Simply scan the card in front of the card reader, and the turnstile will be released.

If you are carrying large suitcases, try to avoid rush-hour traffic as buses can become incredibly packed. It is not always wise to take the bus late at night, especially if you find yourself all alone waiting at the bus stop - consider calling a cab instead, or asking someone you know for a lift.

[edit] By taxi

Taxi ranks in Sao Paulo are white, with a distinctive luminous green "TAXI" sign on the roof top. Check out for the white color of the taxi rank (unless it's a radio taxi), the official license sticker with the driver's name and photo on the passenger side of the control panel, and the red license plate.

There are two kinds of cabs: cheaper street-hail and radio taxi. White taxis often found at stands near city squares and big venues. Radio taxis can be ordered by telephone; ask reception at your hotel for help to call a radiocab, or just call a company:

• Radio Taxi Vermelho e Branco. Tel. (11) 3146-4000
• Aero Táxi. T: 6461 40 90
• Central Rádio Táxi Comum. T: 5063 04 04
• Coopertáxi. T: 6941 25 55
• Líder Rádio Táxi Comum. T: 6258 80 00

Regular taxis will cost about US$15 (R$31) for a 20 min (10 km) ride, which will get you pretty much anywhere you´ll want to go. Meter is always on and drivers are fairly reliable and know their way around well. Note that some rides are negotiable - remarkably, when comuting to the airport or for a couple of hours tour around the city -, so the taxi driver will shut off the meter and accept a flat fee.

Fares go up after 9pm on weekdays and on Sundays and holidays (all metered). Taking a taxi to outside of the Sao Paulo boundaries (e.g. Embu des Artes) will cost you an extra 50% of the fare. Taxi drivers will charge you a small extra fare for using the trunk or carrying suitcases. You will always be able to get a nice and safe cab outside of clubs, bars and restaurants, no matter how late; and they won't charge you extra for that.

You can tip the cab driver at your discretion, but it is not mandatory. If you use the trunk, or if the driver helps you with the luggage, you should definitely tip.

[edit] By car

Cars are an important tool in the life of every paulistano. By commuting to and from work, one can spend several hours a day inside a car, stuck in the traffic. Some places can only be reached by car, and if you have to travel long distances in town, it is usually the most convenient means of transport. It is also part of the Sao Paulo's own urban culture, as the presence of many car manufacturing plants in the neighbouring cities has made automobiles a relatively cheap commodity - one brand-new cheap model can be bought for as little as USD 12,500. Some years ago, it used to be common for some middle- and upper-class young people to receive a car from their families if they passed the entrance exams for university.

However, as it is the case in many big cities, getting around by car is borderline crazy. Traffic is hell, parking is a nightmare, and the definition of a lane tends to be "wherever I can fit a car." So be warned that visitors to Sao Paulo don't need a car.

If you don't mind these minor objections, feel free to explore the city from behind a steering-wheel. Companies such as Avis and Hertz provide all the information you need to hire a car in their website. There is some information about driving in town that you should know beforehand:

Rotating transit policy In order to reduce the congestion and the air pollution in Sao Paulo, the city council has adopted a mandatory rotating transit policy: cars whose license plate number ends in 1 and 2 cannot circulate on Mondays; if it ends on 3 or 4, Tuesday is off; 5 or 6, stay home or take a cab on Wednesdays; 7 or 8, Thursday is the unlucky day; 9 or 0, on Fridays you can walk. The prohibition is valid only for peak hours: 7am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm. During the remaining hours, cars are allowed to circulate freely.

Provisory driving licence: Being able to drive around the city is a great advantage for visitors staying in town for a longer period of time. You'll need a Brazilian provisory driving licence, valid for 6 months and renewable, that can be obtained at Detran (State Transit Department), on Avenida Pedro Alvares Cabral, 1301, 04094-901, near Ibirapuera Park. If you have a International Driving Licence, you'll still have to go to Detran and register it. Submit the following documents to “Setor de Atendimento ao Estrangeiro” (4th floor of the main building, also called prédio principal):

• your original valid driving licence from your home country and a photocopy of your licence
• an original ID document and a photocopy of a valid leave to remain in Brazil (passport with a valid visa or stamp)
• Translation of the driving licence by an official translator or your country's Consulate in Brazil
• A document (such as a utility bill, a bank statement or a letter from your landlord) proving your local residential address.

Parking fees: The city council charges a parking fee of R$2 for one-hour parking in some of the main streets in the central area, so be careful not to be fined for not paying the charge. Check for signs in the sidewalk and yellow lines on the pavement. There are plenty of authorised shops and transit guards selling tickets (Zona Azul) in the streets, which have to be filled in with the car plaque number, the date and the hour of the parking and placed inside the car, on the frontal window pane. These tickets are valid for one hour only, but they can be renewed if you plan to stay longer. Only two one-hour tickets can be placed at one time, which means that you'll have to check on you car every two hours to renew them. The fee is charged Mondays to Saturdays, from 7am to 7pm.

Driving at night: Buses stop at 1 a.m and the metro around midnight, so it can be tricky to get to many of the famous bars and night clubs unless you take a taxi, or... drive. If you go out at night by car, expect to pay a small fee to unofficial "car keepers" in order to park your car along the streets. This is a common use in many busy outing hubs around town, which may seem unfair given that parking your car in the streets is free of charge after 7pm, but they occasionally may check your car against stereo robbers. If the neighbourhood seems a bit dodgy or deserted, try to find a parking lot around rather than parking in the streets.

Valet services: Most bars and restaurants offer non-compulsory parking and valet services to customers, for which you will be charged a small fee, but these services are often covered by insurance and the service is provided by outsourced professionals. Nevertheless, whenever using valet services, do not leave valuables such as handbags, wallets, electronics and sunglasses in the car, as these items are usually not covered by the insurance policies in parking spaces.

Fuel: At petrol filling stations, you'll notice that ethanol is as common as gas in the pumps. That is because, after the oil shocks in the 1970s, the Brazilian government has incentivised car makers to develop and improve the existent ethanol-fueled engines at that time. This policy, applied over the years, has resulted in a large number of people choosing to buy this type of car. Ethanol tends to be cheaper than gas, but the consumption in litres is around 30 percent higher. Many flex-power cars can now be fuelled with either ethanol or gas, or a mixture of both in any proportion. Staff are hired in petrol stations to fill in the tank for you, so you don't need to get off the car, unless if you're paying by credit card, in which case you can go to the cashier to swipe it.

[edit] By bicycle

According to the National Association for Public Transport (ANTP), 7,4% of all Brazilian urban journeys are done by bicycle. The chaotic transit of automobiles in big cities, however, might discourage many to get a bike and ride. Problems such as the risk of accidents and of getting your bicycle stolen are also to be evaluated. But due to the intense traffic congestions, sometimes your journey by bicycle might be faster than if you were driving a car.

It is best to ride on weekends, when the number of pedestrians and cars in the streets are much lower than on week days. Don't ride your bicycle on the sidewalk, and follow the traffic way at all times. Watch out for car doors opening without previous notice.

There are public bicycle parking lots in Guilhermina-Esperança and Pinheiros metro stations (opening hours: Monday to Sunday, from 6am to 9pm). Parking lots (mainly the ones designed for cars) may not accept your bicycle, so if you are to chain yours in a light pole, use good chaingangs with resistant lockpads.

The Metro underground system accepts to transport cyclists with bicycles on weekends and holidays.

[edit] Cycle ways

São Paulo has 23km of cycle ways built out of the planned 300 km. Many are underutilised, such as the one that connects the Largo da Batata to avenida Pedroso de Morais, in the district of Pinheiros. You can also ride your bicycle on public parks such as Ibirapuera Park and Cidade Universitaria, which are cyclist-friendly.

[edit] On foot

Although required by the national transit law, pedestrians are definitely not the priority in Sao Paulo, where cars dominate the streets and roads, and have become an extention of many a people's bodies. Take care whenever crossing the streets, watching out for cars that may come unexpectedly, even if the pedestrian lights are green. Do not try to cross large roads with a high car traffic: usually there will be a pedestrian viaduct or bridge at some point in the sidewalk. Motorbikes are especially disrespectful of the traffic laws, as many of them are courier men in a hurry to deliver a document within a short deadline, and are therefore willing to speed up and even drive on the sidewalk to achieve their goals.

[edit] Walks

Despite the aggressiveness found in the transit, one can still have peaceful walks across town. The historical Centro neighbourhood is definitely one place to explore on foot. You can follow the running order of these attractions in about 3h. Spots worth paying attention to include:

• Pateo do Colegio, Praça Pátio do Colégio, 02, Centro [Estação Sé, Metrô]. Tel: +55(11) 3105 68 99 extention 118 or 119, [11]. Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9am to 5pm. Historical Jesuit school where the city was founded in 1554.
• Sao Paulo's Sé Metropolitan Roman Catholic Cathedral or of Our Lady of the Assumption , Praça da Sé, Centro. Metrô: Sé station. Built throughout the first half of the 20th century, it is considered by some to be the fourth largest gothic cathedral in the world. Marco Zero ("Ground Zero"), a geographical sign that marks the very start of kilometer counting of all the roads in the state of Sao Paulo stands on Se' square, facing the temple's main entrance.
• Monastery of São Bento (Mosteiro de São Bento), tel. +55 11 3328-8799, [12]. Largo de São Bento. Metrô: São Bento station. Sao Bento's friars hosted pope Benedict XVI --"Bento" is Portuguese for "Benedict"-- during his visit to the city in 2007. Gregorian chant in Latin takes place at the Sunday 11am Mass and 5pm Vespers. A bakery built on the premises in 1597 to cater to the monks, has been open to the public since 1999. Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 7:30am-12pm, Sun after the 10 o'clock Mass until the last bread is sold!
• Check out also the Mercado Municipal, near Metro station São Bento (see the Markets section below).
• Edifício Itália, Avenida Ipiranga, 344 [Estação República, Metrô] (Very close to Praça da Republica), [13]. It is estimated to be 168m high. At tea time, check out the restaurant on the 45th floor with a stunning panoramic view over the city. Delicious biscuits are served with tea for a set price. Free entrance. The bar at the very top has a $R15 cover charge, Chopps are $R7.  edit

• You can also choose a more low profile place to stop by and recharge your batteries. Bar e Lanches Estadão is famous around town for its sliced pernil --spiced pork thigh-- sandwich seasoned with onions for R$6. It used to be the snack of choice of many journalists and night-crawlers, when the local newspaper "O Estado de Sao Paulo", aka "Estadão", had its offices in the area. Try one of the many fresh fruit juices, or the Submarino, hot chocolate with an actual milk chocolate bar tucked in the cup. It's located in Viaduto 9 de Julho, 193, Tel. +55(11)3257-7121.
• Edifício Copan. Av. Ipiranga 200, Centro. Landmark-ish residencial building designed by Oscar Niemeyer, architect who worked with Le Corbusier on the United Nations and created Brasília, the capital city of Brazil. The Copan was constructed in 1950, and its 1,160 apartments house about 5,600 people. Rumour has it that The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde lived in one of its flats in 2004 while touring with Moreno Veloso.

The Jardins are also great to explore by strolling around the rua Oscar Freire, rua Haddock Lobo and Alameda Santos. More on this area can be found below on the "Buy" section of this guide:

• Itaú Cultural, Avenida Paulista, 149. Estação Brigadeiro, Metrô., ☎ +55(11) 2168 1700 (instituto@itaucultural.org.br, fax: +55(11) 2168 1775), [14]. Tue-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10-7pm.  edit

Three-story interactive museum with temporary thematic exhibitions, such as the history of videogames, architecture.

• Rockets, Alameda Lorena, 2090, Jardins, ☎ +55(11) 3081-9466.  edit

This American-style burger joint is inspired by 1950s movie/musical themes. Try one of the cheeseburgers, milk-shakes and excellent onion rings.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Museums

The city has a number of great museums, the MASP being one of the most famous.

• MASP - São Paulo Museum of Art, Av. Paulista 1578, Bela Vista. Nearest Metrô station Trianon-MASP, ☎ +55(11) 251-5644 (fax: +55(11) 3284-0574), [15]. Tue-Sun 11am-6pm. R$15/R$7 (student).  edit

Displays a collection of works ranging from the Renaissance to Contemporary Modern. Visitors walk through rows of paintings that are hung from the ceiling. There is a restaurant in the lower ground floor.

• Pinacoteca do Estado, Praça da Luz, 2. Nearest Metrô station Luz, ☎ +55(11) 3229-9844 (fax: +55(11) 3229-9844), [16]. 10am-6pm. R$5/R$2 (student).  edit

Located very near to Mercado Central, the Pinacoteca has a great art collection, with more than 4,000 works.

• Oca Pavillion Ibirapuera Park, near the Bienal Pavillion. Designed by famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, the museum has several international seasonal exhibitions.
• Museu do Ipiranga, Parque da Independência, Ipiranga, 04218-970, ☎ +55(11) 6165-8000 (mp@edu.usp.br, fax: +55(11) 6165-8051), [17]. Tue-Sun 9am-5pm. R$2.  edit

The Museu do Ipiranga, also known as the Museu Paulista of the University of São Paulo, has a rich display on the city's history and cultural developments since its foundation. Check out the huge painting covering an entire wall, by Pedro Américo, portraying emperor Dom Pedro I declaring the independence of Brasil from Portugal in 1822 on the embankment of river Ipiranga. This picture has been reproduced in many history books on Brazilian history. Outside the museum there are the beautiful gardens of Parque da Independência (Independence Park) and a tall public monument.

• Centro Cultural São Paulo, Rua Vergueiro, 1000. Nearest Metrô station Vergueiro, [18]. Mon 10am-7pm, Tue-Sun 10am-8pm.. Free, although some activities may require a fee entrance.  edit

Cinemas, theatre plays, musical performances, a comics library and seasonal dance courses are part of this cultural centre near Estação Vergueiro.

• Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, R. Álvares Penteado, 112, Centro. Tel. +55(11) 3113 3651. Movies, theater, exhibitions.
• Crime Museum (Museu do Crime), Pça Reinaldo Porchat, 219, Cidade Universitária, University of São Paulo (USP). Contains a collection of artifacts used to perform crimes and a number of conserved cadavers and body parts.
• Modern Art Museum (MAM) at Ibirapuera park, located near the OCA Museum.
• Contemporary Art Museum (MAC), [19]. Rua da Reitoria, 160, Cidade Universitária, inside the campus of the University of São Paulo (USP).
• Lasar Segall Art Museum, Rua Berta, 111, nearest Metro station Vila Mariana, Tel. +55(11) 5574 7322, [20]. From Tuesday to Saturday, 2pm to 7pm, and Sundays, 2pm to 6pm. Free entrance.
• Sacred Art Museum (Museu de Arte Sacra) Av. Tiradentes, 676 - Luz, [21].
• Centro Cultural do Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, R. da Cantareira, 1351.
• Immigration Museum (Museu do Imigrante), Rua Visconde de Parnaíba, 1316 – Moóca, [22].
• Portuguese Language Museum, Praça da Luz, nearest Metrô station Luz, Tel: +55(11) 3326-0775, (museu@museudalinguaportuguesa.org.br), [23]. Established in a renovated historical railway station, it has permanent multimedia exhibitions on the history and use of the Portuguese language.
• Fundacao Maria Luisa e Oscar Americano, Av Morumbi, 4077, Tel: +55(11) 3742-0077, Fax: +55(11) 3746-6941, [24].

[edit] Buildings with observation decks

• Banespa Tower, Rua João Brícola, 24, Centro. São Bento Metrô station, ☎ +55(11) 3249-7180. Mon to Fri, 10am to 5pm. Free entrance. The observation deck is on the 34th floor, 160m above ground. For many decades, it used to be the highest building in town. There is a small museum on the top of the building.  edit

• Restaurant Skye, Hotel Unique, Avenida Brigadeiro Luiz Antônio, 4700, [25]. Free entrance. On the rooftop of posh Hotel Unique, Skye serves excellent fusion food under the supervision of chef Emmanuel Bassoleil. Good for night views of the area around Ibirapuera Park.  edit

• São Paulo Jockey Club, Av. Lineu de Paula Machado, 1263, [26]. Free entrance. There are two bars and a couple of posh restaurants with a great view of the River Pinheiros, especially around 6pm, when you can go straight from work or a busy day walking about to watch the sun set above town.  edit

[edit] Temples

Jewish/Messianic: Orthodox Lubavitch Rua Augusta Metro: Anhangabau; Conservative Rua Bela Cintra Metro: Consolacao; Reformed Congregacao Israelita Paulista (CIPA) Rua Antonio Carlos & Rua da Consolacao Metro: Consolacao; Hebrew Style Temple Rua Avanhandava & rua Augusta Metro: Anhangabau; Egyptian Jewish Avenida Angelica Metro: Marechal; Colegio Renascenca in Higienopolis Metro: Republica/Sta. Cecilia; Faculdade Renascenca Centro Metro:S. Bento; Clube Hebraica avenida Cidade Jardim; Messianic Jewish; 7th Day Adventist Jewish in Vila Mariana Metro: Vila Mariana;

Roman Catholic: Se' Sao Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral --4th largest gothic cathedral in the world-- Metro: Se' station; Sao Bento Monastery --host of Benedict XVI in 2007-- Gregorian Chant Latin Vespers at 5 pm Sunday Metro: Sao Bento station; Sao Francisco Historic Colonial Baroque church Metro: Se'/S. Bento/Anhangabau; Santo Antonio Baroque Colonial Patriarca Square Metro: S. Bento/Se'; Historic Our Lady of Consolacao -- The Ecumenical service by Cardinal Arns, Rabi Sobel & Protestant clergy for slain anti-dictatorship Jewish-Brazilian journalist Vladimir Herzog took place here; Saint Cecilia/St. Ifigenia churches Metro: Republica/St. Cecilia/S. Bento; Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica Rua Maestro Cardim Metro: Liberdade/S. joaquim; Lady Achiropita Rua 13 de Maio Bela Vista Afro-Brazilian mass.Italian festa in August in honor of patroness devotion brought by Italian immigrants Metro: Anhangabau/S. Joaquim/ Brigadeiro; San Gennaro church in Bras St. Gennaro feast July/August Metro: Bras; Immaculate Conception in Bela Vista Metro: Brigadeiro; Nossa Sra. do Brasil Colonial Style Avenida Brasil in Jardim America; Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima Metro: Sumare'; Sanctuary of St Jude Metro: Sao Judas; Historic Souls of the Enforcados (those hanged at the pillory) Liberdade Square Metro: Liberdade; Historic Black Church of Our lady of the Rosary Statue of Mae Preta(Black Mother) Largo Paisandu/Av. S. Joao Metro:S. Bento; Colegio Sao Luis Church(Jesuit)on Paulista Ave. Metro: Consolacao; Pontificia Universidade Catolica in Perdizes; Maronite rite Our Lady of Paraiso Rua do Paraiso Metro: Paraiso; Nossa Sra. Aparecida Avenida Ibirapuera; Santa Generosa Metro: Paraiso; Sacred Art Museum Monastery Avenida Tiradentes Metro: Tiradentes;

Brazilian Catholic: Menino Jesus de Praga sanctuary Belem;

Protestant/Evangelical: Igreja Evangelica Arabe Rua Vergueiro Metro: Paraiso/Ana Rosa; Free Methodist Avenida Liberdade Metro: Sao Joaquim/Liberdade; Igreja Metodista Avenida Tiradents Metro: Tiradentes/Luz; Metodista Wesleyana; Central Paulistana 7th Day Adventist (Sabbath School in English Saturday 9am) Rua Tagua', 88 Metro: Sao Joaquim; Adventista Vila Buarque Rua Baronesa de Itu Metro:Santa Cecilia; Adventista de Moema off Ibirapuera Avenue; Adventist Institute (IAE) church/Igreja da Alvorada Capao Redondo Metro: Capao Purple Line; 7th Day Adventist Arabic Vila Mariana Metro: Vl Mariana Reformed 7th Day Adventist Metro: Belem; Salvation Army Rua Sao Joaquim & Tagua' Metro: Sao Joaquim; German Baptist near Viaduto Pedroso Metro: Sao Joaquim; Fellowship Community Church (Ecumenical/Presbyterian-morning service in English) R. Carlos Sampaio Metro: Brigadeiro; Batista da Liberdade Rua Santo Amaro, Bela Vista Metro: Liberdade/S. Joaquim/Anhangabau; Batista Vila Mariana Metro: Ana Rosa; Batista Bandeirante R. Rui Barbosa, Bela Vista Metro: S. Joaquim; Igreja da Nova Alianca; Igreja Menonita; Igreja dos Nazarenos; Igreja do Primogenito; Nova Vida; Comunidade da Graca Metro: Ana Rosa/Tiete; Sara Nossa Terra ("Heal Our Land") Igreja Celular Rua Augusta Metro: Consolacao; Igreja de Deus Setimo Dia; Presbiteriana de Formosa (Chinese) Rua Siqueira Campos Metro: S. Joaquim Presbiteriana Rua Vergueiro Metro: Ana Rosa; Presbiteriana Conservadora Rua Pedroso Metro: S. Joaquim; Evangelical Cathedral of Sao Paulo (Presbyterian)Rua Nestor Pestana 152 Metro: Republica/Anhangabau; Mackenzie Presbyterian University chapel Avenida da Consolacao Metro: Republica; Calvary Baptist Church in Campo Belo (English service) Bus: Terminal Santo Amaro; St. Paul's Anglican/Episcopal Church in Alto da Boa Vista/Brooklyn area (English Mass); Igreja Episcopal SS. Trindade Olavo Bilac Square Metro: Marechal; Lutheran/Programa Hora da Cruz Brooklyn/Alto da Boa Vista; Armenian Evangelical Church Metro: Armenia;

Pentecostal/Neo-Pentecostal: Metodista Renovada; Adventista da Promessa; Batista Renovada; Charismatic Catholic: meetings at Se' Cathedral Metro: Se'; Congregacao Crista no Brasil in Bras Metro: Bras; Congregacao Crista no Brasil in Jardim da Gloria Metro: Vila Mariana; Universal Reino de Deus Avenida Brigadeiro & Pedroso Metro: S. Joaquim; Internacional Graca de Deus Brigadeiro & 13 de Maio Metro:S. Joaquim/Vergueiro; Assemblies of God in Ipiranga; Assembleia de Deus Ministerio do Belem; Assembleia de Deus Nipo-Brasileira Rua S. Joaquim Metro: S. Joaquim; Igreja Pentecostal "Deus e' Amor" "largest Evangelical temple in the world" Rua Conde de Sarzedas, Glicerio Metro: S. Joaquim;

Eastern/Syrian Orthodox * Orthodox Church´[27]. Metrô: Paraíso station; Russian Orthodox in Liberdade/Aclimacao Metro: S. Joaquim; Buddhist:

• Zen Temple, R. São Joaquim, 273 - Liberdade. (11)278 4515. Metrô: S. Joaquim;

Spiritualist/Kardecist/Afro-Brazilian/Masons Lodge/Rosa Cruz/Sei-Cho-No-Ie: Federacao Espirita de S. Paulo Rua Ana Paula Metro: Se'/Anhangabau; Centro de Umbanda Metro: Santa Cecilia; Templo Massonico de Sao Paulo Rua Sao Joaquim Metro: S. Joaquim; Igreja Sei-Cho-No-Ie in Jabaquara Metro: Jabaquara; Igreja Messianica Rua Maestro Cardim/Rua Piratipingui Metro: S. Joaquim;

Mormon:

• Latter Day Saints (Mormon) church and temple - Av. Professor Francisco Morato, 2390, Caxingui. Sundays 9am to 1pm.

[edit] Public Buildings

• Mario de Andrade Library [28], Pça. Dom José Gaspar. Metrô: São Bento station.

[edit] Public Art

• Subway stations
  • República – paintings by Antônio Peticov
  • Sumaré - paintings by Alex Fleming

[edit] Biennial of São Paulo

The arts Biennial takes place every two years in the Biennial Pavillon, inside the Ibirapuera Park. It is an art show that displays the works of both renown artists and fresh talents. The next one will be organised in 2008.

• Pavilhão da Bienal, Parque do Ibirapuera (av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, s/n.º, Portão 3), ☎ +55(11) 3032-7576.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit] Go to the parks

• Ibirapuera Park, [29]. With 1.5 million square meters, this is the most frequented leisure area in São Paulo. It has paths for walking and jogging, bikeways, woods, lakes, sport courts and areas for relaxation that attract city residents of all ages. It receives up to 150 thousand visitors on weekends. There are other important attractions at Ibirapuera, such as the Modern Art Museum, the Biennial Art Exhibition building, the Oca art exhibition pavilion and the Japanese pavilion. It also has frequent free music presentations by national and international artists. Ibirapuera was inaugurated in 1954, during the celebrations for the city’s fourth centennial. Oscar Niemeyer, renowned Brazilian architect, designed several of the buildings. Watch joggers, dog-walkers and all kinds of street vendors, and sit down on a patch of grass and listen to the birds singing. One of the few places in São Paulo where you can do just that. If you feel like it you can even enjoy a Caipirinha from one of the cardbord-box bars you will find close to the entrances. Also buy the sweet and tasty coconut/nougat-sweets that are sold by many vendors in the park. Nearest Metro is "Vila Mariana" and then a short taxi ride, a bus or a 20 minutes walk down the Rua Sena Madureira. You also can walk for around 20 minutes through Brigadeiro Luiz Antonio Avenue, from "Brigadeiro" Station (Green Line), in Paulista Avenue. You also can take a bus from the station, until the park.

• Horto Florestal is a nice park in zona norte. Behind it is the Parque Estadual da Cantareira, which has some interesting trails through the native forest. It is noted its profusion of howling monkeys (Bugios), which hang around in big groups in the tree tops. You'll certainly hear them before you see them. There is also a spot with a great view of the city below called Pedra Grande, about a 10km round trip walk from the entrance. Entrance to the park costs about R$3 per adult.

• Parque da Luz, Av. Tiradentes [30] is small, but a nice little green spot if you happen to be in the neighborhood. This Victorian public garden was established in 1825, and is a refreshing green area in a bustling city, receiving between 2000 and 3000 visitors every weekend. Check out the bandstand, restored in 2006 - it was designed by Maximilan Emílio Helh (designer of the current Cathedral of Sé) and built in 1911. The easiest way to arrive in the park is getting the subway until "Luz" station (Blue Line). The park is in front of one exit of the station. You can also visit "Pinacoteca do Estado" e "Museu da Língua Portuguesa", all very close from "Luz" station.

• Parque Villa Lobos is located in the neighbourhood of Alto de Pinheiros, by the Marginal do Rio Pinheiros long motorway. It is possible to rent a biclycle there for R$2 an hour and ride around. There are also tennis courts free of charge, and Tai-Chi-Chuan classes in the mornings.

[edit] Watch the city

Whether taking a tour by bus, walking in specific neighborhoods or admiring a great view of the city on top of Edifício Itália, São Paulo has many options for sightseeing and exploring. Stroll around Vila Nova Conceiçao, one of the most expensive property areas in town. Drive along Pinheiros neighborhood which contains some of the most famous and popular night clubs in the city. The crossing from Av. Faria Lima and Av. Juscelino Kubitschek is a good place to start. Driving along the Faria Lima and surroundings, visitors will be rejoiced by a wide selection of bars and clubs.

[edit] Go to the Zoo

The Zoo is always a good option to get to know a little bit more about the varied fauna of Sao Paulo. It is also a nice entertainment option for families with children in town. From Metro Jabaquara station, there is a shuttle bus that takes you straight there. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 9am to 4:30pm.

[edit] Ride on a theme park

• Playcenter is one of the city's main amusement parks, offering dozens of rides, as well as shows, places to eat, stores, banks, parking, etc. Rua José Gomes Falcão, 20, Barra Funda Metrô Station (Red Line).

• Visit the Aquarium, Rua Huet Bacelar, 407, Ipiranga, ☎ (11) 2273-5500, [31]. Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 8pm. R$25.  edit

• Hopi Hari, Rodovia dos Bandeirantes, km 72, Vinhedo-SP, ☎ 0300-789-5566, [32]. Check Hopi Hari's website for working days. A big theme park located in the city of Vinhedo, one hour from São Paulo. It offers many rides, from those for children to the radical ones. Variated food, from snacks to a la carte. You can get there by car or shuttle buses from many places. For further information, see Hopi Hari's website. R$34,90 for previously bought tickets; R$49,00 for tickets bought in park entrance.  edit

• Wet'n Wild São Paulo, Rodovia dos Bandeirantes, km 72, Itupeva-SP, ☎ (11) 4496-8000, [33]. Check Wet'n Wild website for working days. A water park of the American Wet'n Wild chain, just beside Hopi Hari, with 12 rides and many food shops. from R$ 32,50 (bought in kiosks, for weekdays) to R$65,00 (in park entrance, for weekends).  edit

[edit] City Tours

• Sao Paulo Historical City Tour is a panoramic tour for those willing to have a brief idea about the history, culture, and the lifestyle of the biggest city in the Southern Hemisphere. The city tour takes about 3 hours, during which the visitor will pass by places in Sao Paulo Old Centre and get familiar with highlights such as the Cathedral of Se, Patio do Colegio (short stop at the square, the site where the city was founded), Monastery of Sao Bento, the Banespa Building (Sao Paulo’s “Empire State Building”), Martinelli Building (the first skyscraper in South America), Viaduto do Chá (Tea Viaduct), the Municipal Theater, Sala Sao Paulo concert hall, Estaçao da Luz train station and the Municipal Market. Some companies 1 provide this service under request.

[edit] Events

According to the São Paulo Convention & Visitors Bureau, São Paulo hosts 90,000 events a year, from meetings and conferences to sports and cultural events.

[edit] Carnival

If you're in São Paulo during the annual Carnival, a national bank holiday between the end of February and March, you should definitely get tickets to parade in the Sambodromo, near Armenia and Tiete Metro stations (Avenida Olavo Fontoura, 1209, Santana. Tel. +55(11) 6226-0510). This is where the typical Carnival parade takes place, with dancers dressed up in costumes and musicians play samba songs on the top of fancy cars.

If you can afford it, get tickets closest to the "pista" (standing area, close to the parade itself). This will give you a premium view of the parade, and the possibility of comfortably sitting down on benches. Waiters pass to and fro selling chocolate, chips, beer, soft drinks and booze.

The next best place is "Arquibancada B", where you stay in the middle of the pista, and have the possibility of standing next to the parade. This is the best spot for taking photos, as in the more expensive spots just below Arquibancada B high fences may get on the way. After the parade, there are huge lines of taxis looking for customers outside the stadium. Note that there is a very comfortable and relatively reasonable Holiday Inn around the Sambodromo.

Another option is to visit one of the various samba school in town, where you can see the rehearsal concerts of musicians and dancers. You can even have the opportunity to join the parade at the time of Carnival holidays by acquiring the costume from a samba school and getting in touch with the people organising the event in one of the schools:

• Rosas de Ouro, Rua Coronel Euclides Machado, 1066, Marginal do Tiete, ☎ +55(11) 3931-4555, [34]. Rehearsals every Friday, 8:30pm.  edit

• Vai-Vai, Rua São Vicente, 276, Bixiga, ☎ +55(11) 3105-8725 (vaivai@vaivai.com.br), [35]. Rehearsals every Wednesdays, 8pm.  edit

[edit] Gay Pride

Every year, during Corpus Christi holidays (usually between May and June), around 2 million people take part in one of the largest Gay Pride parade in the world. It takes place on the holiday Sunday, and Avenida Paulista is the spot to head to.

There are some spots in town that are gay- and lesbian-friendly, especially in the Rua Frei Caneca region.

• Shopping Frei Caneca, Rua Frei Caneca 569, ☎ +55 (11) 3472-2000, [36]. 10am-10pm.  edit

A ten-minute walk from Avenida Paulista, towards Centro from the Consolação metro station. It is frequently a meeting place for gay people.

• Bar and Restaurant Vermont, rua Pedroso Alvarenga, 1192, Itaim Bibi, ☎ +55(11) 3071-1320, [37]. M,Tu 11:30AM-3:30PM; W,Th 11:30AM-3:30PM; 6:30PM-2AM; F 11:30AM-3:30PM, 7PM-4AM; Sa 7PM-4AM; Su 4:30PM-12AM..  edit

• Bardagrá, Rua Adolfo Tabacow, 173, Itaim Bibi, ☎ +55(11) 3167-1218. Wed-Sun 8pm onward.  edit

Lesbian bar in Itaim Bibi, a bit far from the traditional gay and lesbian scene around Rua Frei Caneca and Jardins. In the menu, drinks are named after famous actresses, such as Cher (absinthe, curaçao blue and pineapple).

• The Week, R. Guaicurus, 324, Lapa, ☎ +55(11) 3872-9966 (lista@theweek.com.br), [38]. Fri-Sat 12am onwards. R$40.  edit

This club is currently very hyped, so expect some queuing up at the door. On Saturdays, there is the "Babylon" party, for gay and lesbian audiences.

• Nostro Mondo, rua da Consolação, 2554, Cerqueira César, ☎ +55(11) 3259-2945. F,Sa 11PM onwards, Su 6PM-12AM. R$10.  edit

This establishment, with a 38-year history, is the oldest (and arguably cheesiest) gay club in town. On the dance floor, dance and pop songs cheer the audience. It has also some elegant transvestites' shows in its repertoire.

• A Loca, rua Frei Caneca, 916, Cerqueira César, ☎ +55(11) 3159-8889, [39]. R$25.  edit

Despite its 12 year old terrible décor, its nights are popular among the alternative paulistanos. Special note for Sunday nights, with Andre Pomba and its quite predictable although fun hit list.

[edit] Theaters

São Paulo has a great number of theaters, most of which carry plays in Portuguese. Specific places, such as the British Cultural Centre, Goethe Institute (Rua Lisboa 974, Pinheiros) and Alliance Française occasionally carry plays in English, German and French, respectively.

• The main theaters are concentrated in Bixiga, a district located in the Centro area, where many Italian immigrants originally settled in town. Tickets range from R$ 15 (US$ 6,50) to R$ 40 (US$ 18). Most venues also accept international student cards for discounts.

• Broadway imports, such as The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, The Beauty and the Beast and Les Miserables, are often being played in town in their Portuguese versions. Expect to pay a tad more than the usual Bixiga play for musicals. Sometimes, tickets are sold out for the whole weekend, so buy in advance. The main musicals are performed at Teatro Abril, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, 411, Bela Vista, and tickets are sold on the Ticketmaster website (in Portuguese) or at the theatre ticket counter.

• Sala São Paulo, Praca Julio Prestes, Luz, ☎ +55(11) 3337-5414, [40]. Concert hall reopened on July 9, 1999. The building has been totally restored and renovated by the State Government as part of the revitalization of the city center. It has a capacity of 1500 seats, and is the home of the Symphonic Orchestra of the State of São Paulo (also known as Osesp). The Julio Prestes Train Station, where the concert hall is located, was built between 1926 and 1938 as the headquarters and departure point for Sorocabana Railway - a company set up by the coffee barons to transport the product to the port of Santos. The state acquired it in 1905. Christiano Stockler das Neves, the architect of the building, based his project under the influence of the Pennsylvania and New York train stations. While it was being built in the 1920s, the Grand Hall, where the concert hall is today, had a small railway in the middle of the construction work, so materials could be brought in from other cities and from Europe.

Single tickets for the Symphonic Orchestra concerts are hard to find, as many packages are sold in advance for the whole season, but you can try your luck at the ticket counter on the same day in which a concert will take place - sometimes unused tickets are returned to the theatre in the morning and re-sold.  edit

Theatre listings:

[edit] Centro

• Teatro Brasileiro de Comédia (TBC), Rua Major Diogo 315, tel. +55 11 3104-5523, [41]
• Teatro Bibi Ferreira, Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio 931, tel. +55 11 3105-3129.
• Theatro Municipal, Praca Ramos de Azevedo, tel. +55 11 3334-0001, [42].
• Ágora Centro