 | Sao Paulo today Touted to be the richest city in Brazil, Sao Paulo has a life of its own. With some 11 million people living in the city, Sao Paulo’s skyline is dotted with sky scrapers and high-rises that house banks, insurance, and multi-national companies, much like any other metropolitan city around the world. The road network is extensive and can be confusing for those who are not used to multi-lane highways and complex flyovers. The beaches are beautiful and endless; a dream come true for all those who face the biting cold in their own countries. The seemingly endless festivals and exhibitions (not to |
 | Sao Paulo Back Then Present-day Sao Paulo started off as a small village known as São Paulo de Piratininga in 1554 founded by Jesuit priests and a Native American chief. The village was established with the explicit purpose of spreading Catholicism among contemporary natives. In the 18th century, Sao Paulo became a city and in the 19th century, its economy flourished owing largely to coffee exports. As a result, people from other countries came to Sao Paulo in search of opportunities and eventually settled in the city. The end of the slave trade and rising prices caused the coffee boom to fizzle out in the 20th |
 | Caesar Park São Paulo Faria Lima Located in Centro, the hotel is close to the main cultural and heritage sites in the city. Amenities |  | Emiliano – Sleek and modern this hotel oozes luxury. Amenities include a menu of pillows to chose from, butlers to help you pack |
 | Fasano Decorated with period pieces from the 1930’s, the hotel exudes old-world glamour with hints of sle |  | L’Hotel A small boutique hotel with only eighty rooms, it does not compromise on luxury and promises only th |
 | Rennaisane Sao Paulo Hotel Designed by well-known architects, this is one of the largest hotels in the city. The exterior inclu |  | Bourbon São Paulo Business Hotel Perfect for a business traveler with good-sized rooms and free internet at the business center. The |
 | Anna Pegova A French beauty products brand, the Anna Pegova store is perhaps one of the best stores to go to if |  | Clube Chocolate This is a unique store because it is set like an art gallery that sells extremely high-end clothing |
 | Le Postiche With some of the biggest international brands for leather products, this is the place to go if you a |  | O Boticario A beauty product store that prides itself on being eco-friendly and all natural, O Boticario is a lo |
 | Inovathi Another store for leather goods, but not as pricey as Le Postiche. You can find gifts here at good p |  | Clube Chocolate When on a budget and looking for gifts for friends and loved ones back home, department stores are y |
 | The Bienal de Sao Paulo The Bienal de Sao Paulo, a cultural and arts event, takes place every two years. Each Bienal is base |  | Mostra Internacional de Cinema Sao Paulo Mostra Internacional de Cinema Sao Paulo or the International Film Festival, kicked off in 1977 and |
 | The Corrida Internacional de São Silvestre The Corrida Internacional de São Silvestre or the Saint Silvester Road Race, takes place on the old |  | The Electronic Language International Festival The Electronic Language International Festival is the biggest art and technology festival held in Br |
 | The Salão Internacional da Indústria do Transporte The Salão Internacional da Indústria do Transporte Or the International Transport Industry Show ta |  | The Festa da Achiropita or Achiropita Festival The Festa da Achiropita or Achiropita Festival is an Italian festival organized by a church in the c |
 | Le Chef Rouge Classic French cuisine including duck served with a tangy orange sauce and fresh baby greens served |  | Antiquarius Serving traditional Portuguese cuisine hot and delicious everyday. On offer are items that are authe |
 | Tarraco Italia If you’re in the mood for a romantic evening with great food, live music, and phenomenal views of |  | Figueira Rubaiyat A trip to Brazil would be incomplete without trying the country’s specialty: beef. The restaurant |
 | Paddock Jardim This restaurant boasts one of the best piano bars in the city. The menu includes an excellent combin |  | Deliparis the perfect stop for breakfast since the café bakes fresh bread, loaves, and other baked goodies. T |
 | Fast Facts Location: State of Sao Paulo, south-east Brazil Dialling code: 55 Emergency numbers: Police 190; Fire 193; Ambulance 192 Population: 11 million (city); 20 million (metropolitan) Languages: Portuguese; Spanish and English taught in schools Time zone: GMT - 3 (GMT - 2 from November to February) Average January temperatures: 23°C (73°F) Average July temperatures: 17°C (63°F) Annual rainfall: 1,317mm (52 inches). |
