Sao Paulo Travel Guide

Travel guide to Sao Paulo, Brazil with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major Sao Paulo sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.

Sao Paulo Overview

Sao Paulo in southeastern Brazil has a population of approximately 11 million people, making it the largest city in South America and the fourth largest city in the world.

As befits a city of such size it is Brazils economic driving force, with the countries stock exchange based here as well as all of the main industrial and commercial organisations. This has created some amazing modern architecture, with towering modern buildings standing proudly as a symbol of wealth and success. However this is held in stark relief against the many shanty towns of Sao Paulo, where there is literally no money and a sub culture exists that is frightening to many.

Extremely multicultural, with influences from all continents, the cuisine in the city is renowned for its variety and sophistication. The night life is also varied, with literally thousands of bars and clubs providing every possible experience and are often open 24 hours a day.

Top Sao Paulo Attractions

In such an enormous city where the hustle and bustle is constant the chance to step out of that and in to a more relaxed environment is precious. Take some time at the Parque da Luz where the tree lined walkways, statues and open spaces offer a peaceful alternative. More tropical is the Parque Tenente Siqueira Campos, known also as Trainon Park, which is more of a rain forest experience.

Shopping in Sao Paulo

Shopping in Sao Paulo is organised into different areas, each specialising in different aspects. Rua Santa Ifigenia for electrical goods, Rua Oscar Freire for designer fashions and Rua Teodoro Sampaio for furniture to name but a few. Part of this organisation stems from the city's history, and is a reminder of how things used to be in most places many years ago - with specialist districts for different needs.

Sao Paulo Sporting Events

As a key city in South America it is not surprising that money rich F1 motor racing has a race here at the Interlagos circuit each season that draws lots of attention and sponsorship to the area. The main passion here though is football. Seen by some to offer a route out of poverty it is the biggest sport in Brazil and has a fanatical following. As a country of course Brazil has what has long been regarded as the best national side in the world, being the current World Champions and also the team to win it more than any other. With such sparkling exponents of the game as Pele, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldhino they are held up, deservedly so, as the finest, purest footballers ever seen.