SÃO PAULO

Experience the thrilling energy of São Paulo, South America’s biggest metropolis, home to 20 million residents. Visitors to São Paulo (or Sampa, as locals like to call it) will discover an endless amount of activities to enjoy in the shadows of the city’s soaring skyscrapers. During the day, explore the 17th-century churches, stroll through one of its peaceful urban parks, check out a futebol (soccer) game, grab a pastry from a padoca (bakery) and shop at its international boutiques and local craft markets. Then wind down with a Caipirinha cocktail and revel in the city’s bustling nightlife.

GETTING THERE

Guarulhos Airport (GRU), also known as Cumbica Airport, is located approximately 20 miles from downtown São Paulo. Taxi service or bus transportation are available to the city center. Prepaid taxi fares start around $50, and regular fare cabs are also available. Departing every 30 minutes (hourly at night), the Airport Bus Service operates seven routes from the airport with stops at major hotels. A ticket for the 50-minute ride (if traffic isn’t bad) downtown costs about $14.

GETTING AROUND

Running more than 45 miles of rail through 64 stations, the São Paulo Metrô is the easiest way to navigate this sprawling city. Its four lines offer direct access to most of São Paulo’s main attractions. One-way tickets cost $1.50. The smaller neighborhoods are compact enough to be explored by foot.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Mercado Municipal
Housed in a beautiful building with ornate stained-glass windows along the Tamanduateí River, the Mercado Municipal, affectionately known as the Mercadão, offers a wide variety of culinary delights. Wander through its several aisles lined with stalls featuring colorful fresh produce, cured meats, spices, seafood, wines, beer, cheese and jewelry.

Parque de Ibirapuera
São Paulo’s Central Park, Parque de Ibirapuera offers visitors a respite from the urban madness with 545 acres of lush landscape featuring running trails, bike paths and museums. Rent a bike for about $3 an hour.

São Paulo Museum of Art
The São Paulo Museum of Art (Museu de Arte de São Paulo, or MASP) offers one of the largest collections of Brazilian and other Latin American artists, as well as pieces by Goya, Monet and other classic European names. A box suspended from four red columns, the building itself is a piece of art. Tickets cost $7.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

São Paulo Biennial
Immerse yourself in the arts at the São Paulo Art Biennial. Held every two years (next in 2014) between October and December, the festival showcases contemporary works from Brazilian and international artists in Parque de Ibirapuera.

São Paulo Carnival
Dance and party into the early hours during the São Paulo Carnival, which takes place Friday to Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Not as well-known as Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival, São Paulo’s is a great (and cheaper) alternative with many blocos (parades), samba dancers and colorful costumes.

São Paulo International Film Festival
Visit the city in October and check out a film at the São Paulo International Film Festival. Known internationally as Mostra, the annual film festival screens more than 300 movies from countries all over the globe.

RESOURCES

For more information, visit cidadedesaopaulo.com