São Paulo: Life beyond a concrete jungle
The city where everything happens
By Giselle Norões
Photo 1 – Aerial view of São Paulo.
São Paulo is a great economic, cultural and gastronomic centre. It is the land of great food, phenomenal events, museums, music, arts and fashion. A city where everything happens with attractions and activities for all tastes anytime day or night. It is one of the most visited cities in the entire country. Citizens from more than 70 countries have chosen to live in the city, which is where almost 70% of all international flights arrive. São Paulo is a typical Brazilian city with its music, food, art, its own way of being, however is influenced by its global metropolis.
São Paulo is surrounded by large buildings and lots of pavement which earned it the title of being recognized as a “Concrete Jungle”. It is a city where business takes place and where the largest Brazilian companies are located. But São Paulo is also the land of adventure and fun.
The city that does not sleep
Foto 2 – The São Paulo Museum of Modern Art (Masp).
Known as the city that does not sleep, São Paulo operates 24/7. São Paulo has more than 20 thousand bars and 15 thousand restaurants – 11 of them already in the Michelin Guide, the world’s main gastronomic publication. In addition, the city has more than 100 museums and 50 Cultural Centers, some with free admission, such as the Museum of Modern Art (Masp), the Pinacoteca, the Soccer Museum, the Immigration Museum and the Museum of Image and Sound. The Museum of Contemporary Art which has just recently opened the Vista restaurant on its rooftop. It has an astonishing view of Ibirapuera Park!
Cultural Events & Parks
A romantic sunset in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Photo 3– Ibirapuera Park. By iStock.
São Paulo holds the largest cultural events in Latin America as it hosts amazing events such as: the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix, Virada Cultural (a 24-hour event with concerts and presentations given by various artists in different districts of the city), the LGBT+ Parade, the International Film Festival, São Paulo Fashion Week, “Salão do Automóvel” ( International Motor Show), the Art Biennal, the International Book Biennal, Lollapalooza, Monsters of Rock, Carnival and New Year’s Eve Celebrations.
Public transportation in São Paulo is pretty good. It is possible to reach the main attractions by subway. The Avenida Paulista region, for example, is easy to get around, offering great gastronomic options. On Sundays, the avenue is closed to cars and becomes a large open-air market with presentations, art exhibitions and other attractions.
Where to stay
In this area, you will find the Maksoud Plaza which is a more luxurious option and has the award-winning Frank Bar in the lobby honouring Frank Sinatra. The bar serves cocktails in a sophisticated setting with live jazz.
Among budget hotel options in São Paulo, it is worth mentioning the Ibis budget Paulista, which is close to the Paulista subway, on Consolação Street. They offer breakfast, private parking and 24 hour front desk service.
For those who want to have the best of both worlds in terms of cost and benefit, we recommend the Soul Hostel (located in the region of Avenida Paulista, across from the Maksoud Plaza). Whether you want to get closer to the city’s nightlife, the modern Ô de Casa Hostel in Vila Madalena is close to several bars and restaurants and offers a 24-hour front desk, colourful rooms and a bar for guests. In Pinheiros, there is the Garoa Hostel, which has a bar, a barbecue and a patio with small tables.
How to get there
Flights: Google Flights – https://www.googleflights.ca
Flights start at CAD $1,176
