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Sao Paulo Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Sao Paulo is the largest city in South America and the 3rd largest in the world. With over 10 million inhabitants, it is also the the world's 5th most populous metropolitan area. Sao Paulo is known for being Brazil’s cosmopolitan city. There are various cultures that call Sao Paulo home and many well-designed skyscrapers lend to the city’s vibrancy.

HISTORY

The village of Sao Paulo dos Campos de Piratininga was founded by the Jesuit missionaries Manuel da Nóbrega and José de Anchieta in 1554. Sao Paulo officially became a city in 1711. During the 19th century, Sao Paulo experienced a flourishing economic prosperity, mainly due to the city’s successful coffee export. During that time Sao Paulo attracted an increasing number of European immigrants, primarily from Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Germany, who came to work at the huge coffee plantations. In the late 20th century many local and international banking offices, law firms, multinational companies, and consumer services were founded. Since then Sao Paulo has established itself as the business hub of Latin America. Its huge market is a magnet for multinational corporations. Today Sao Paulo is a significant cultural center as well, hosting many groundbreaking music concerts.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Because Sao Paulon is one of the world's biggest cities, it is necessary to have a car to get around. Plan to take cabs or rent a vehicle.

Climate: The weather in Sao Paulo is very unpredictable. It could be hot and sunny one day and windy and rainy the next. The temperatures don't hit extremes, however, and stay mostly between the 60's and 80's.

ATTRACTIONS

Be sure to visit the Jardins district, which is said to be the center of the dining scene, and thus the center of the Sao Paulo social scene. Sao Paulo has 2 of the world’s finest zoos and a few hours away the coastline is filled with beautiful beaches. The Ipiranga Museum and Villa Lobos park are also worth visiting. The nightlife is booming in Sao Paulo so check with your concierge to find out where the best clubs for you and your party are--most are located in the Itaim neighborhood.

Museo de Arte de São Paulo: This museum has thousands of exhibits.

Parque Ibirapuera: Known as Sao Paulo’s "Central Park", it has beautiful landscaping, museums, a planetarium, the Legislative Assembly, and a monument to the Bandeirantes.