Meredith

I'm visiting Sao Paolo for 6 days in July and am interested in finding out some fun things to do/ places to go in the city. I understand there's an American 4th of July party there; do you think I should avoid being a conspicuous American? How's the shopping there? What kind of museums and places to visit are there? Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! <BR>

Wendy

Hi, Meredith, I lived with my family in Sao Paulo for a year in 1989-90. It's a huge (15 million), congested place where lots of business gets transacted. But it has its charms -- and tons of good restaurants. Museums are few and far between. I remember taking my kids to the snake institute at Butanta (near the university) and they found that pretty intersting. There's a modern art museum on the Paulista (the modern business area)near a McDonalds in a pink victorian house, one of the few surviving on the avenue (how's that for a tourist attraction?) We did really like the museu Oscar Freire, a private art collection housed in the grounds of the former owner's estate. The grounds themselves are a slice of greenery in the city, very nice for walks, the museum is in a 50s modern type house, and there is a little coffee shop inside with a wonderful British like afternoon tea. Another park in the city, probably the biggest one, Ibirapuera, is huge and has a few interesting things, like a Japanese house. On sundays there is a "hippie fair" (that's what they call it) in the Praca Republica. Lots of junk, but some nice crafts, paintings, etc. as well. Just hold on to your wallet. Many good restaurants all over the city of nearly every conceivable ethnicity except not much in the way of good Chinese food. There's an interesting Japanese district (and a huge Japanese population) and the Italian restaurants are unbeatable. About three hours out of Sao Paulo (I think I remember the distance right) you can get to some of the most wonderful beaches. We went as often as possible to a beach called Toque Toque grande, which is near a town calleld Sao Sebastiao, which in turn is south of Caraguatatuba. We were surprised that the beaches near Sao Paulo were so beautiful. Alternatively, the interior of the state has some nice mountain areas for a visit. I can't rmember the names of the spa towns we visited, though. As far as shopping goes, I'm not much of a shopper, but I remember a couple of standard big modern malls with expensive clothing -- my impression is that not much is a "bargain" though we did get some nice jewelry at H.STern. Make sure you try some of the very popular salgadinhos (which means little salty appetizer type things). Our very favorite store for them was a place called Brunellas, it has several branches around the city. My kids still remember the coxinhas (some sort of fried seasoned chicken thing). Many people think Sao Paulo is pretty awful, personally we had a great time there. But it is not a tourist-friendly city.

Wendy

Hi, Meredith, I lived with my family in Sao Paulo for a year in 1989-90. It's a huge (15 million), congested place where lots of business gets transacted. But it has its charms -- and tons of good restaurants. Museums are few and far between. I remember taking my kids to the snake institute at Butanta (near the university) and they found that pretty intersting. There's a modern art museum on the Paulista (the modern business area)near a McDonalds in a pink victorian house, one of the few surviving on the avenue (how's that for a tourist attraction?) We did really like the museu Oscar Freire, a private art collection housed in the grounds of the former owner's estate. The grounds themselves are a slice of greenery in the city, very nice for walks, the museum is in a 50s modern type house, and there is a little coffee shop inside with a wonderful British like afternoon tea. Another park in the city, probably the biggest one, Ibirapuera, is huge and has a few interesting things, like a Japanese house. On sundays there is a "hippie fair" (that's what they call it) in the Praca Republica. Lots of junk, but some nice crafts, paintings, etc. as well. Just hold on to your wallet. Many good restaurants all over the city of nearly every conceivable ethnicity except not much in the way of good Chinese food. There's an interesting Japanese district (and a huge Japanese population) and the Italian restaurants are unbeatable. About three hours out of Sao Paulo (I think I remember the distance right) you can get to some of the most wonderful beaches. We went as often as possible to a beach called Toque Toque grande, which is near a town calleld Sao Sebastiao, which in turn is south of Caraguatatuba. We were surprised that the beaches near Sao Paulo were so beautiful. Alternatively, the interior of the state has some nice mountain areas for a visit. I can't rmember the names of the spa towns we visited, though. As far as shopping goes, I'm not much of a shopper, but I remember a couple of standard big modern malls with expensive clothing -- my impression is that not much is a "bargain" though we did get some nice jewelry at H.STern. Make sure you try some of the very popular salgadinhos (which means little salty appetizer type things). Our very favorite store for them was a place called Brunellas, it has several branches around the city. My kids still remember the coxinhas (some sort of fried seasoned chicken thing). Many people think Sao Paulo is pretty awful, personally we had a great time there. But it is not a tourist-friendly city. Hope you enjoy it!

Marcia

Hi, Meredith. I live in São Paulo and I would like to add there is an interesting art and craft fair on Sundays in a small town called Embú, which has been mentioned earlier in this forum. As for beaches, I´d recommend Juqueí, on the North Coast of São Paulo. Feel free to e-mail me if you want further details.

Silvia

Hi,I would like to tell the adress of the best restaurant in São Paulo in my opinion.The name is MONTANA GRILL the location is Av.Juscelino Kubitschek,816.The owners are one of the famous artists in Brazil:Chitãozinho e Xororó and there we can eat the best meat of the city.

John

Just returned from 2 weeks in Brasil, used Sao Paulo as a "base" because we had friends living there. I have to say that SP is the ugliest, most visitor-unfriendly place I've ever seen, so I would try to spend as little time there as possible. Embu is the only thing I can recommend, but that is only a one-day trip. If you have a few spare days, you're FAR better to go to Paraty or Rio. Our flight to Rio on TAM was R$150 (one-way), not real cheap but not terrible given how much better it is in Rio (or you could take the bus).

bill

I will be in Sao Paulo in early July also. I may be there on the 4th. What's this about a 4th of July party?<BR><BR>I've also been there before, and yes, it is quite large and dirty. But I met some wonderful people there.

liz

Hi Meredith,<BR>I am an American married to a Brazilian living in Sao Paulo since 1999. Really this is not the place for tourism, I agree with the other poster, get on a plane to Rio or rent a car and drive there via the beautiful Litoral Norte (north coast) of Sao Paulo. It is a Highway One equivalent with lots of amazing beaches, little pousadas and historic Parati in the middle. Forget July 4th, this is not something you need to think about when you are here. Also July 4th is the dead of winter, it is hot right now but could be chilly then. Rio is almost always consistently warm and sunny, a better bet than Sao Paulo. Anything you can get in Embu, you can get in Rio better. Sao Paulo is like Los Angeles, unless you have local who knows all the great spots, you will never find them on your own. Is this a business trip...otherwise head to Rio or up to Bahia state with its many terrific resorts like Praia do Forte, Ilha da Comandatuba, etc.

SERGIO

HELLO MEREDITH<BR>I was born in Sao Paulo and I`ve been living here all my life(30 years).<BR>2 or 3 days in Sao Paulo are enough.There is good tips above.Litoral Norte is really the best place to go.Embu is nice but there is nothing special.<BR>Tell me what you need and I`ll help you.<BR>You can call me here.I`ve made some trips around the world and I know how is important somebody that receive us.<BR>Sergio [email protected]<BR>

Tania

I disagree with John's answer, sorry but maybe he visited only wrong places. Of course the city has problems, also because it is too big. And naturally as a business & industrial city, it is not a touristic city. But I met lots of foreigners that likes S&atilde;o Paulo very much. I live here and can say that the city offers a good range of restaurants, bars, malls, museums and cultural events (for South American standards of course). We have expensive mall (Iguatemi), for medium-class big ones (Morumbi and Ibirapuera, etc.) and outlets (SP Market), Rua Oscar Freire in Jardins area, for brand names. Good areas for good quality restaurants and bars: Itaim, Vila Olimpia, Jardins and Moema - you just have to pick your preference (kind of food and $$ you want to spend).<BR>Museus: MASP (Renoir exbition now), Pinacoteca do Estado, MAM, etc. Concerts at: Credicard Hall, Direct TV, etc. Artscraft fair - at EMBU (around 30 km far) on Sundays and small fair on Saturday on Pra&ccedil;a Benedito Calixto in Pinheiros. Interesting cities near S&atilde;o Paulo: Campos do Jordao - mountain (expensive and with classic concert festival in July). For beaches: the most charmings are in S&atilde;o Sebasti&atilde;o: Maresias, Camburi, Ilha Bela (but remember it will be Winter here) around 200 kms far from Sao Paulo. Hope it helps !

Evelyn

Hello, <BR>I am a german, frequently Brazil traveller and would say, that for me definitelly Sao Paulo is not one of my favourite places (like many other people told you too), ..but it is interesting !<BR>If you want to find out some interesting things to do you should go and see following pages:<BR><BR>http://www.guiasp.com.br/<BR><BR>Here you will see all the important adresses from restaurants, bars, museums, and so on, ...only in portuguese, ...but I think you can understand what they are talking about!<BR><BR>Another advice could be the page:<BR>http://viasampa.viaglobal.com.br/Secao_2_11.asp<BR><BR>There brazilians (citizens and visitors) give votes for restaurants, bars, and so on, ..so you will see the top rated things from people who know the city!<BR><BR>The official webguide of Sao Paulo (english):<BR>http://www.spguia.com.br/Ingles/indexi.html<BR><BR>If you are landing at "Guarulhos" International Airport, avoid taking a taxi to the city, they are very very expensive!<BR>Instead take the blue "Airport Service"-bus (outside the building) ...and let you take to the city centre with it for about 14-15 Reais!<BR>They have also a hotel-route- which takes you to the most famous and bigger hotels in Sao Paulo!<BR><BR>If maybe you have still any question, please write me to: [email protected]<BR><BR>Greetings<BR>Evelyn