São Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo is one of the largest metropolitan regions in the world right along with New York City, Mexico City, Tokyo and Seoul. This the most populous city in the Southern hemisphere with over 11 million people in a 588 square mile radius. The people from this area are referred to as Paulistanos not to be confused with Paulistas which is anyone from the whole Sao Paulo state.

This is the capital of the State of Sao Paulo and the largest and richest city in Brazil. Sao Paulo is strong in the arts and entertainment businesses as well as finance and commerce. Paulista Avenue, located in downtown is the most important financial center of the country and all of South America. This area is also home to many renowned landmarks such as the Immigrant’s Hostel which greeted millions of immigrants as they came into Brazil in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is home to the Sao Paulo Stock Exchange, (BOVESPA) and some of the tallest buildings in Brazil, including the Mirante do Vale.

There are a few reasons people come to this very fast paced, crowded, concrete city; soccer, dining, shopping, bars and entertainment. There are several soccer teams to choose from, the Corinthians; the elitist Sao Paulo, the Italian based Palmeiras or the underdogs, Juventus. There are more than 12 thousand dining choices ranging from Japanese to French to restaurants serving traditional Brazilian dishes.

Go to a mall and shop for jewelry, antiques, leather and art or stroll with the rich and famous along the streets of Jardins and Itaim. Get a caipirinha, a popular drink in Brazil, in one of the many bars scattered throughout the city. Choose one of the upscale bars on Jardins or go where the young crowd is, Vila Madalena. Entertainment can be found 24 hours a day seven days a week in Sao Paulo. Choose from rock, blues, jazz or Brazilian popular music acts to go see, or dance the night away in one of the many techno clubs.