São Paulo

It was a mission station set up in 1554 by Jesuit priests on the banks of the Rio Tiete. Today, the city of São Paulo is a fascinating megalopolis; the industrial and commercial powerhouse of Brazil. More than 16 million proud ’Paulistanos’ live in the chaotic and cosmopolitan city centre and its sprawling surrounds.

Why?

It is a fast-paced urban jungle, which dwarfs New York City in size several times over. Therefore, a holiday in São Paulo is not for those who are coming to South America for laid-back beaches and sunshine. It is a paradise for shopping, eating, nightlife, and living it up among Brazil’s wealthiest residents.

When?

No matter what time of the year you travel to São Paulo, the weather will be warm. It is best, however, to avoid São Paulo in summer, when it is wet and sweltering hot. Event-wise, the best time to go is between April and December, when the city is alive with music, art, fashion and cultural festivities.

Who for?

A holiday in São Paulo is for those who enjoy life in the fast lane, fantastic designer shopping and top-rated restaurants. It’s also ideal for culture vultures, who wish to make the most of the city’s vibrant arts and entertainment calendar.

Touch down

Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) is located 16 miles (30km) northeast of the city. The airport has two terminals, which are within easy walking distance of each other. Visitors are advised to take the prepaid taxis; they are usually a little more expensive but give peace of mind.

Attractions

Museu de Arte, a large concrete building supported on delicate pillars in the Avenida Paulista, houses an important collection of Western art. This museum features the work of the great European artists from the last 500 years, and hosts visiting exhibitions. Address: Av. Paulista 1578

Opening time: Friday to Wednesday, 11am to 6pm. Thursday 11am to 8pm.

The imposing neo-Gothic style hall, Mercado Municipal, dating from 1933, is the venue for a huge market, which sells local fruit, vegetables, cheese and other produce. The hall is noted for its gigantic stained-glass windows that depict scenes from the coffee plantations and other agricultural pursuits.

Address: Rua da Cantareira 306

Fashionable dining & lounging

Hotspot, Spot is kept buzzing by its evening crowd when musicians, designers, models, and other trendy people crowd in to this glass-enclosed downtown cocoon. This is the place where the young and beautiful flock to see the young and beautiful.

Address: Rua Min. Rocha Azevedo 72, Sao Paulo, Telephone: +55 (0)11 3283 0946

Website: www.restaurantespot.com.br

Famous for its great variety of cuisines, atmosphere, and DJ playing good lounge music, Alucci Alucci is a place to go. This versatile bar and restaurant works just as well for a romantic dinner as it does for drinks with friends. On a hot summer’s night, sample a cocktail on the terrace or stop by the romantic Crystal room. You can nibble away at tapas or sit down for diner. The black tuna with banana purée is definitely worth a try.

Address: Rua Vitório Fasano 35, 01414-020 São Paulo

Telephone: +55(0)11 3086 1252

www.alucci.com.br

Skye. See and be seen at the most exclusive spot in town. Hotel Unique’s signature poolside bar attracts models, up-and-coming TV stars and businessmen. The glow of the setting and the gorgeous city views are enticing. Sip a Mojito and lounge on one of the outside deck chairs under mood-enhancing lighting.

Address: Rua Brigadeiro Luis Antônio, 4700

Telephone: +55 (0)11 3055 4702

www.skye.com.br

Nightlife

With neo-baroque-style mirrored doors, moldings and brass, Lions Nightclub is São Paulo’s latest place to be. Vogue Brazil’s style editor Fabrizio Rollo designed the décor, which is theatrical and beautiful. In theory, it’s a members only club, but this can be resolved by showing up well-dressed and in good company.

Address: Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antonio, 277, 1st floor, São Paulo

Telephone: +55 (0) 11 3104 7157

www.lionsnightclub.com.br

Trendy shopping

The Iguatemi Shopping Centre which opened in November 1966 is the oldest and most sophisticated Brazilian mall with all the latest in fashion. The Gero Café, built in the middle of the main hall, has a fine menu.

Address: Av. Brig. Faria Lima, 2232 Jardim Paulistano, São Paulo

Shopping Cidade Jardim is a 12-tower shopping mall for which highly fashionable Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Moss were chosen for its advertising campaign. Its exclusive mall features many designer brands. Be sure to check out Chocolat du Jour, the best chocolate store in town.

Address: Avenida Magalhães de Castro, 12000 São Paulo

www.shoppingcidadejardimjhsf.com.br

Osklen – Alluring city folk flock here for beachwear threads viable for urban life. Osklen is a Brazilian brand renowned for its smart eco-friendly stance. The style cohesively presented in every collection comes directly from Creative Director Oskar Metsavaht’s passions – sport and travel.

Address: 645 Rua Oscar Freire, São Paulo

Website: www.osklen.com

Flip Flops Shopping

Located on one of the more upmarket shopping streets in Brazil’s commercial capital, the quintessentially Brazilian Havanaias shop is also a jewel of architecture. Head here to find brightly coloured and patterned flip flops in this beautiful building created by Brazil’s architectural guru Isay Weinfeld.

Address: Rua Oscar Freire, 1116 Jardins, São Paulo

www.havaianas.com

Look out for

The Brazilian F1 Grand Prix from 5-7 November 2010. The bumpy Interlagos Circuit is not a favourite of drivers, but for spectators it is one of the most thrilling and vibrant circuits. The track is 10 miles (16km) away from the city centre.

Address: Autódromo José Calos Pace (Interlagos)

www.formula1.com

Business

Multi-national companies have similar business etiquette to Europe and the US. Meanwhile, local businesses require a few more considerations, particularly in preferring face-to-face meetings above phone calls or written communication. Brazilians place a high value on personal relationships within the business environment and will generally only conduct business through personal connections or those with whom they have already established a personal relationship.

Economic Overview

Brazil is part of the illustrious BRICs group – an acronym coined by a Goldman Sachs stockbroker a few years ago to refer to the emerging markets economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. According to the World Economic Forum, Brazil was the top country for growth in competitiveness in 2009, rising eight positions and overtaking Russia for the first time. Brazil has also started to close the competitiveness gap with BRIC-rivals India and China.

The biggest financial centre in Brazil and one of the biggest financial centres in the world, São Paulo’s economy is going through a deep transformation. Once a city with a strong industrial character, São Paulo’s economy has become increasingly based on the tertiary sector, focusing on services and businesses serving the domestic economy.

São Paulo is the world’s 10th richest city and is expected to be the 6th richest by 2025.

Content in part provided by wordtravels.