Travel to Sao Paulo
The huge metropolis of Sao Paulo is Brazils second city and home to almost 18 million people. It's a city of immigrants and diverse ethnic neighbourhoods, with interesting old buildings, good museums, lush parks and a lively nightlife.
Transportation to Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo International Airport handles direct flights from many worldwide cities and there is a large choice of carriers, with many different routes available. There are regular shuttle buses to the city and the other main airport, Congonhas, as well as normal buses and prepaid taxis.
Sao Paulo has a reasonable metro system, comprising three lines, linking the citys bus stations and main hotels. The bus network is vast and covers every neighbourhood, but it can be slow and very crowded. Services also run to major towns and cities in Brazil and several international destinations. Driving is not recommended, as the traffic is very heavy and parking next to impossible.
What to See
Sao Paulo's diverse culture has given rise to some interesting architecture and attractions. One of the most popular sites is the Ptio de Colgio, which marks the place where the city was originally founded. There are numerous art galleries around the city including the Pinacoteca do Estado, which showcases mainly Brazilian collections, and the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo, which has works by Monet, Renoir, Picasso and Van Gogh. The Immigrant Memorial Museum traces the history of slaves and immigrants, while the the Museu da Casa Brasileira has some Italian and Portuguese artefacts.
Wandering around the streets of the old downtown neighbourhood of Centro will give you a good feelof the city, or try shopping in the pleasant area of Jardin. The intersection of rua Augusta and Oscar Freire has some of the most exclusive shopping anywhere in Brazil. Sao Paulo also has many parks and gardens including the huge Ibirapuera Park and attractive Japanese gardens.
Daytrips
It's well worth escaping the chaos of the city and exploring some of the surrounding areas. Take a trip to the beaches of Ubatuba, Cananeia, Ilhabela and Iguape for some sunbathing or water sports. Alternatively, Campos do Jordao is a peaceful mountain resort set in the hills to the northeast of Sao Paulo, and it is the perfect retreat for those looking for some relaxation.
Activities and Leisure
Sao Paulo is known as the culinary capital of Brazil, and there is a large choice of stylish cafs and top quality restaurants. Cultural entertainment thrives in the city and there are several good venues for theatre and the arts. The Teatro Municipal is the focal point for Sao Paulo's vibrant opera and classical music. The nightlife is always buzzing and there are countless bars and clubs catering for all tastes.
