Sao Paulo Hotels and City Guide

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It would take pages, or screens, to write everything there is to see and do in Sao Paulo. The largest city in South America, Sao Paulo also happens to be one of the largest cities in the world. Its booming coffee industry was a major drawing card for hundreds of thousands of immigrants, hoping to create a stable life in this exotic land. The result is a fantastic mix of cultures and traditions that have made their home here. Their influences can be seen in the cuisine, nightlife and museums throughout the city. And although the city is filled with skyscrapers, roads and people, you still experience the fantastic beauty that has become the new drawing card for so many visitors.

The museums in Sao Paulo are some of the finest in South America with the eclectic mix of people and their history displayed throughout. A few worth mentioning are the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo (MASP), which has an impressive collection of European and Brazilian art, and the Casa das Rosas. There are hundreds of museums located throughout the city. For a bit of a unique sightseeing experience, make your way to the Butanta Institute. This research center has one purpose, to study poisonous snakes. Workers milk venom from these deadly creatures to make serum. You definitely don’t want to have a bad day at work here. There is a lot to explore and see here, especially with thousands of snakes that call this place home.

It would be very wrong to write about Sao Paulo and not mention the nation’s favorite pastime, soccer. Pastime is an understatement. Soccer lies in the blood of its people and if you can watch a game, you’ll see what fan dedication really is… just make sure you don’t cheer for the wrong team. The players are absolutely amazing and the fans breathe soccer as if they’re breathing air. Its definitely this country’s national sport.

Brazil in general is well known for the Carnival that draws visitors from around the world each spring. So it’s pretty safe to assume that although Carnival isn’t here year round, the nightlife is still pretty fantastic. Whether you choose to enjoy a drink at a pub or dance the night away, you’ll literally have thousands of choices at your fingertips. Ask a representative from your hotel which club is the best in your area. The Bela Vista and Bixiga neighborhoods are well known for their great selection in bars and theaters.

Because of the many cultures that exist in Sao Paulo, you’ll enjoy a huge selection of dining options. One of the best areas is the Jardins district. Be prepared to eat late though. The heat tends to turn off the hunger pangs until the sun goes down. Dinnertime is typically around 9 p.m. but not to worry. The restaurants stay open late. Although there are great cuisine options from around the globe, you should really try some of the local dishes. The Brazilians love their meat and they love to BBQ it. Enjoy the Churrasco – it’ll probably be some of the best meat you’ve ever tasted. Pastels are fried pies filled with meat or cheese but can also be made into a dessert when filled with guava or condensed milk. They are out of this world.

The coastlines that surround the cosmopolitan city are breathtaking. Try to take a day or two and experience the beaches here. Most prefer the beaches at the north shore. They’re as close to paradise as one can get. Although the south shore beaches aren’t as pristine, they tend to be closer to Sao Paulo than those at the north shore… which can make a world of a difference considering the traffic around here can take forever.

Exploring Sao Paulo is a fascinating experience. From the skyscrapers to the coastlines, museums to soccer games, it won’t be difficult filling up your time. Ending a fun filled day though is just the beginning. Enjoy the nightlife, whether its eating until 3 a.m. or dancing until the sun comes up.