Like New York, São Paulo city and state share a name. Native paulistanos often compare their city to its North American counterpart, rightfully calling it the place where “things happen” in Brazil. A main destination for business travelers, the city – which went from modest agricultural hub to industrial powerhouse in just a century – also features world-class restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and art galleries.
To see the New York City of Brazil in all its delirious glory, with its high-class restaurants, trendy nightlife, and wallet-emptying shopping options.
São Paulo experienced a hotel construction boom over the last decade, resulting in a wide array of properties city-wide. Since traffic here is notoriously bad, travelers should choose a hotel that is geographically convenient to their business meetings, social obligations and leisure activities. On the high end, expect rates of around $500 per night; budget properties here go for $200 per night or less.
São Paulo offers world-class dining. The city’s cuisine draws on the culinary traditions of its immigrant communities. Top Italian, Japanese, German, Arab, Spanish, and Portuguese restaurants are common, but a wide variety of Brazilian options can be found as well including Bahia dishes (seafood with a West African tinge), Minas Gerais (hearty, farm fare) and contemporary Brazilian.