Sao Paulo is a vibrant city in Brazil that boasts a rich cultural scene and diverse food options. Visitors can explore the São Paulo Museum of Art, which features an impressive collection of Brazilian and international works, or take a stroll through the beautiful Ibirapuera Park. Foodies can indulge in traditional Brazilian cuisine, like feijoada and pão de queijo, or try international options at the Mercado Municipal de São Paulo. São Paulo is also known for its lively nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs throughout the city.
Sao Paulo is not often on the radar for visitors to Brazil. But it is one of the largest, most innovative, dynamic and diverse cities in the world and if you love the urban environment you shouldn’t ignore it.
Founded in the 16th century, this capital of commerce has mushroomed relentlessly and now has a population of over 12 million. But it is not a homogenous metropolis: a city fashioned by immigrants, it is composed of a jigsaw of contrasting neighbourhoods, each with a distinctive cultural or economic identity. Liberdade is the largest Japanese community outside their home country. Bela Vista is a jumble of small lanes lined by homes founded by Italians. Jardins is the posh district, with leafy residential streets, chic restaurants, designer boutiques and upmarket hotels.
The compact historic centre – as recently as the 19th century a rustic core – is dwarfed by modern skyscrapers but defined by the extensive Praça de Sé with its grand, bulky cathedral. The city’s foremost artery, the Avenida Paulista, once beloved of coffee barons with the finest promenade, hosts excellent museums as does the Luz district further away from the centre.
This is the cultural heart of Brazil, overwhelming, yes; but pick out the areas you are interested in and Sao Paolo is well worth a visit. Concert halls, art galleries, and open spaces – there is a multitude of parks – proliferate. Sport has a high profile too – there’s a Formula One Grand Prix circuit and world-class football teams. Paulistas are known for their work ethic and always seem to be on the move: you’ll find them friendly and helpful.
