Overview

Look beyond São Paulo’s daunting reputation to discover a booming centre of culture, cuisine and cosmopolitanism that makes this manic megalopolis an ultimate urban experience. The city doesn’t possess Rio’s samba beat or beaches but this inland skyscraper metropolis of 20 million inhabitants is Brazil’s economic and business powerhouse. The poverty-stricken favelas (shanty towns) and gridlocked traffic are pressing concerns. Yet São Paulo’s central neighbourhoods represent a wealthy and vibrantly functioning amalgamation of migrant communities from Japanese and Italian to Lebanese and Nordestino Brazilians. Visitors can safely explore a different and unique neighbourhood every day via an impressive subway system. Ever-changing art exhibitions and myriad museums cement the city’s reputation as the cultural capital of Latin America. While thousands of restaurants cater to every whim and taste: from sushi to pizza to homegrown Virado Paulista. Above all, Paulistanos know how to have fun. Nightclubs and stadium venues attract world-class acts while abundant bars ensure the city’s 24/7 cacophony continues all night long.