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One of the largest
metropolises in the world, São Paulo
overwhelms then attracts visitors. São Paulo is not about natural
beauty like Rio. It is polluted, crowded and noisy, but one shouldn’t ignore
São Paulo’s
appeal.
Made of skyscrapers and concrete, this
impressive city has much more to offer than what meets the eye. It’s
composed of vibrant energy that comes from its traffic, business, art,
money and, most of all, from the exotic mixture of people that have molded
this modern cosmopolitan center.
Walking on the streets of
Sampa (São Paulo’s nickname) and looking at people’s faces is an
intriguing exercise. You can see the bewildering mixes of races right
there, in every single person that passes by: Portuguese, Italian,
Japanese, Arab, Lebanese, Spanish and African to name just a few. They are
all there, right in the face of the people. That’s why
São Paulo has an unequalled selection of restaurants with
cuisines around the world.
A Sophisticated Cultural Center
This cosmopolitan city
has a considerable array of museums. There is the MASP (Modern Art Museum
of São Paulo) which holds permanent exhibits of Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet
and Cézanne.
The MAM (Modern
Art Museum) was designed by Oscar Niemayer who also designed
Brasilia, the capital of
Brazil, and another exquisite cultural center in São Paulo, Memorial da
America Latina (Latin America Memorial).
The impressive Estação da Luz (Luz
Station) has a Victorian design. Mercado Municipal (City Market), besides
being a delight to the eyes, is a must-go-and-eat-a-bite place. It has
been completely refurbished, displays some absolutely beautiful stained
glass windows and it is a traditional gourmet point in São Paulo.
If you have time, also visit the Museu do
Ipiranga - which holds an art collection of the Portuguese Empire in
Brazil, and the Pinacoteca do Estado that frequently carries international
art exhibits like Rodin, Miró, Picasso and Camile Claudel.
The Brazilian Broadway
In 2001, the Teatro Abril was inaugurated.
After an ambitious renovation project that cost 6 millions dollars, this
cultural space became “the place” for musicals.
There is no other theatre
in Latin America built especially for musicals. And with this, São Paulo
became the destination to shows like Les Miserable, Beauty and the Beast
and the Phantom of the Opera, in Portuguese versions.
Cosmopolitan Soul
São Paulo nightlife is unparalleled. It
can be placed among the best night entertainment cities in the world. You
can find almost any kind of dance club, from country to hard rock; any
kind of bar from the very simple to the highly sophisticated; any kind of
restaurant, from traditional Brazilian and sophisticated French cuisine to
exotic Thai or Indian.
All of these
features, place
São Paulo as a top choice in a Brazil
travel itinerary.
Getting Around
The traffic in São Paulo is chaotic. As
a rule of thumb, avoid rush hours at all costs. The subway is the fastest
and best way to get around, so choose it
whenever you can.
We highly recommend the subway system,
it is spotless and very well run, with a large and visible police
presence.
You can also
take buses, mini-buses and small vans that are part of the public
transportion system. At night, go by taxi, it is safer, faster and inexpensive.
Of course, you can rent a car, but we recommend against it.
With inexpensive taxis and a very clean
and safe public transportation system there is no reason to try and
navigate around such a huge city. Of course "safe" is a relative term, you
will have to be on your guard just as you would when traveling anywhere.
Whether you are coming to São
Paulo on business or pleasure, there is certainly something for you here.
So, have fun!
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