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Guide to Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Sao Paulo
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Sao PauloA sprawling city with enough populace to be dubbed the third-largest city in the world, Sao Paulo is more than a metropolis; it is a megalopolis. It is a city of 16 million dwellers, and it all started as a residential district for rich coffee plantation owners. Many people consider it to be a hideous pollution bearer, but others find beauty in the masses of high-rises and concrete skyscrapers. Youll find people from all walks of life here, and the cuisines are unmatched. You can hide in the wine country outside Sao Paulo, or you can gather your wits and make your way about the thousands of streets with every imaginable attraction, be it museums or the bizarre. Visit Sao Paulo and see why it has become one of the most popular cities among travelers in the world.
When to go:
The city of Sao Paulo sits atop a plateau along with a few other cities, which offers it to experience a mild climate, but also allows it to receive some of the tropical atmosphere of the region, most noticeable in the suburbs. It is known to rain a lot in the city, as it is throughout the country, but gray days allow you to museum-hop all you wish. Daily temperatures average 70F, with a bit of humidity making the air feel a bit warmer, albeit thicker. Views on lousy-weather days are not worth the effort, but if you happen to catch bright, sunny say in Sao Paulo, be sure to get them while you can!
Getting there and around:
Sao Paulos flight center is Guarulhos International Airport, and most flights to the city, be they from domestic or international locations. The airport is well equipped for all travelers needs, and youll even notice the duplication of a few service centers there to accommodate any influx of traffic the terminal may experience. For transportation, there are car rental companies offering great deals, but renting a car in Sao Paulo would be a disaster. Its better to leave the driving up to veterans of the roads here, and even then things go slowly. Buses and taxis are available outside, and both offer reasonable fares. If youre in a rush to get to your hotel, get in the back of a metered taxi. Otherwise, board a shuttle bus en route to all of Sao Paulos major hotels.
Getting around in the city is not difficult at all if you take our simple advice: use the metro. The subway system is the best transportation service available in Sao Paulo, hands down. The trains are fast, efficient, and accommodate a larger number of commuters than any other mode.
Attractions:
The Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo is quite different than your usual museum. Most highly recognized city museums take on a massive presence, but the Museu de Arte is unique. Standing on two large concrete pillars at either end, the museum is a low-rise home to the most splendid array of artistry in the city. It may even be possible that the architects of the buildings attempted at downplaying the faade of the exterior in order to emphasize the displays inside. Though contemporary art may seem to reign as king of the museum, the pieces here range from todays work of genius to beautiful findings of 500 years past. There are numerous visiting exhibitions shown here throughout the year, and if youre lucky, you may even catch one that you find particular interest in!
A wonderful hall to visit in Sao Paulo is the Mercado Municipal; thats right, the citys main market. The Mercado is housed in a beautiful neo-Gothic structure more than 70 years old, and inside you can find all the ingredients for your own masterpiece of a meal, as well as some vendors offering small treats for an on-the-go snack. But we dare you to try to focus on the produce while youre surrounded by some of the most spectacular and grand stained-glass windows youve ever seen!
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