The size of Sao Paulo can be daunting, but this is not surprising since it's a city with an estimated population of just over 12 million in 2016. Considered the country's most influential business and financial center on the global scene, is affectionately called “Land of drizzle” and known by its inhabitants as the city that has 4 seasons in one day. This mega city is recognized worldwide for its prominence in business tourism, overriding recreational tourism, but there are numerous and diverse cultural, gastronomic and entertainment options for travelers in the largest city in Brazil. There are more than 200 movie theaters, more than 150 theaters, countless nightclubs, 80 malls and 12,000 restaurants. For all profiles, for all pockets, for all travel times, Sao Paulo will always have the perfect itinerary for you.      
The city of Sao Paulo is about seventy kilometers from the coast. It has ten million citizens / Photo: Daytours4u
   

1. Main tourist districts of São Paulo

 

- Bela Vista

The name of this neighborhood is not by chance. Here, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of São Paulo, as it is a neighborhood located high in the city. It is also the most traditional neighborhood, with a lot of movement, especially on weekends. It houses part of the city's most famous thoroughfare, Avenida Paulista - between Peixoto Gomide and Treze de Maio streets - a must-see along with the main museum, MASP located on the avenue. In Bela Vista you will also experience Rua Augusta, a place that mixes all the diversity of styles and proposals in one street.   How to arrive: Trianon-Masp and Brigadeiro are the two subway stations Line 2 (green line) and Paradise Line 1 and 2 (green and blue) located in this region.  

- Jardins

For shopaholics and branded shopping enthusiasts, Jardins is the ideal choice offering a high-end proposition to enjoy Sao Paulo. The Jardins neighborhood is next to Bela Vista and includes the small areas: Jardim Paulista, Jardim America, Jardim Europa and Jardim Paulistano. Considered to be the most expensive area of ​​the city, inhabited by the higher income class, its shops and restaurants are also not recommended for those on a budget trip.   How to get there:  The tip here is to stay in Jardim Paulista, as it is the closest to Paulista Avenue and houses the Consolação and Trianon-Masp subway stations - facilitating your transportation.  

- Vila Mariana

Considered a cultural neighborhood, Vila Mariana is featured in the ranking of the most touristic neighborhoods, and is located in the South Zone. It houses a surprising diversity of restaurants and bars, such as the most famous Veloso Bar and the traditional pizzeria Quintal do Bráz. But here you also find the paradise of cinephiles: the Cinematheque, the interesting Sesc Vila Mariana that offers a complete cultural program and very close, you come across the iconic Ibirapuera Park.   How to get there: It has four subway stations: Ana Rosa (green and blue line), Vila Mariana (blue), Chácara Klabin (green) and Santa Cruz (blue)  

- Pinheiros

One of the oldest neighborhoods in São Paulo, Pinheiros has two subway lines and is located in the city's west zone. It is the neighborhood that maintains a residential climate while housing many bars, shops, restaurants and interesting places to explore. Visit the famous Benedito Calixto square that offers an antique fair on Saturdays, see a panoramic view of the city at Praça do Por do Sol and for a dose of art and design go to Avenida Faria de Lima to visit the Tomie Ohtake Institute and Brazilian House Museum.   How to get there: Pinheiros houses the N. Senhora de Fátima-Sumaré subway station with the green line and the yellow line encompassing the Faria Lima, Fradique Coutinho and Pinheiros stations.  

- Vila Madalena

A favorite of those who love the nightlife of Sao Paulo. It will be part of your mandatory weekend program and will draw your attention because of the names of its unusual streets: Harmony, Sunflower, Glitter, Wisard, among others. It is very difficult to choose from an infinite list of places to enjoy in São Paulo night, as this is the youngest and most bohemian neighborhood in the land of drizzle.  

- Center of  São Paulo

The area that houses some of the leading educational institutions is also home to virtually every subway line and where you will find most of the architectural beauty still preserved. Featured buildings are: Pinacoteca, Municipal Theater, Museum of Portuguese Language, Luz Station and Sé Cathedral and Banespa Tower to see the city from above.    How to arrive: In the center you will find Luz Station (blue and yellow); São Bento (blue) and Anhangabaú and Sé (red).    
The city has two airports that are used with the same frequency for both domestic and international flights / Photo: Daytours4u
   

2. ¿HOW TO GET THERE?

São Paulo is home to the most important international airport in Brazil. Guarulhos Airport is the largest airport in the country, being the main gateway for hundreds of national and international connections daily. But it is not only through Guarulhos that you can arrive in São Paulo.  

- By Airplane

The aforementioned Guarulhos Airport (GRU) is the busiest international airport on the continent and the largest in Latin America. It had 39 million passengers in 2015 and has the largest cargo terminal in the country. It is the most common way to get to Sao Paulo and is 25 km from the city center, book your Airport Shuttle in advance to your accommodation If you want more options on how to get around after landing in Guarulhos, there are two special airport lines: Airport Bus Service and Airport Service (approximately starting at $ 15). If you want to find a taxi after your arrival, remember that the recommendation is to take regular airport taxis (starting at $ 60) and not anyone passing on the street. Congonhas Airport (CGH) is the domestic flight airport in Sao Paulo. It serves all major destinations in Brazil and has the most important airlines: Avianca, Azul, Gol and LATAM. 10.5 km away from the center of Sao Paulo, you will arrive faster at your hotel if you are lucky enough to land at this airport. Check out our Congonhas transfer options  

- By Bus

If you are relatively close to the city of Sao Paulo, you have the option of arriving by road from any of the bus terminals. From Rio de Janeiro, with a 6-hour trip, you can take a direct bus to São Paulo. In the north of the city, you will find the Tietê bus terminal, in the west is the Barra Funda bus terminal and the Jabaquara bus terminal is in the south of São Paulo. In September 2016, a free wifi system was implemented for all passengers at the three terminals who register to navigate for 20 minutes. São Paulo is a city of business, national and international congresses, the city of the best shows and music festivals that take place in Brazil and super events, such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the São Paulo Fashion Week and the Bienal de Arte de Sao Paulo . The Paulistas have a reputation for being workers, living in a hurry, leaving work late at night and spending hours in a transport to return home. São Paulo is a city that welcomes Brazilians from all corners, from north to south. It is the city of pizza and museums, urban art and the most diverse parties. Come explore the largest city in Brazil!   Travel Tip: Now that you know the general information about this wonderful place, plan your travel itinerary with the best tours in São Paulo and read our must-see travel tips on the land of drizzle.  
 
By: Daytours4u Content Team.