Cosmopolitan, exhilarating and gigantic are three attributes
describing the contours of the American style metropolis of Sao Paulo. Far from
the legendary beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo is the nerve center of
business, luxury and modern art in Latin America.
The pace is fast and
energetic since there’s almost too much to take in. To take full advantage of
your stay in Sao Paulo, the center of this urban jungle is the place to stay.
The most luxurious and monumental hotels
look up at a cloudless sky, and down at the famous city skyline. There’s no
need however, to be intimidated by the enormity of Sao Paulo, whose
multi-cultural and eclectic inhabitants, formed by numerous waves of
immigration, will be glad to show you, neighborhood by neighborhood, and to
share the excitement with you of this self-proclaimed city of hospitality.
PAULISTA
Paulista Avenue, the backbone of the Paulista quarter,
symbolizes the success of Sao Paulo. To become a part of the lifestyle of this
Brazilian version of Manhattan, it’s definitely the place to stay. You can
stroll about, surrounded by the incredibly contemporary architecture of the
skyscrapers interspersed with rare mansions bearing witness to the former
empire of the coffee barons. Emblematic of the city and its love for
contemporary art, there’s the intentionally crude architecture of the MASP, the
Sao Paulo Museum of Art. Just opposite, there’s the greenery of Trianon Park
with plants from the primary forest in contrast with the materials used for the
buildings. A few steps away, we find the Tivoli Sao Paulo Mofarrej, a hotel
with unequalled chic and elegance and a perfect site for appreciating all the
qualities of the quarter.
RUA AUGUSTA
Augusta Avenue, perpendicular to Paulista Avenue is famous
for its night life. Streets filled with cocktail bars, young people and
clubbers crowd into the legendary botecos (Brazilian bars for eating and
drinking) and the churrascaria (“all you can eat” restaurants with excellent
meat dishes). All styles of music
ranging from samba rock to trendy techno fill the air in an atmosphere
guaranteed to remain “caliente” until the wee hours of the morning.
RUA OSCAR FREIRE
We continue our stroll in the garden quarter and Oscar
Freire Street opposite the Paulista, a paradise for fashion lovers, art
enthusiasts and gourmets. It’s here that you will find trendy acquisitions,
chic restaurants as well as experiencing the hysteria of the city’s two annual
fashion weeks. In the elegant image of the street, the twenty two story
Emiliano Hotel, all in white marble and light color wood, invites guests to
sophistication, service and luxury. Another fashionable place to stay is the
Fasano Sao Paulo Hotel, just a few steps away, with the combined elegance and
talent of an Italian family known for its gastronomic restaurants. An important
feature of the Fasano is the fitness center on the top three floors with a
magnificent view of the city.
IBIRAPUERA
If however, you prefer greenery to fitness, the Ibirapuera,
Sao Paulo’s version of Central Park in New York, is the ideal place for jogging
around the lakes, as many wellness minded local inhabitants do. Throughout this
superb green haven of peace, a number of sites dedicated to the arts will
undoubtedly interest the culturally curious, especially the concert hall built
by the celebrated Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer. And if you’re an admirer
of his work, head for the Avenue Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, not far from the
park, to admire or even to stay at the Hotel Unique, designed by Ruy Ohtake,
one of Niemeyer’s disciples. Like a naïve style boat, the building corresponds
to a semi-circle, resembling an ocean liner in drydock. As its name indicates,
it’s totally unique and one of Sao Paulo’s most fascinating structures,
offering visitors a panoramic view of this city full of surprises.
WHERE?
Sao Paulo, Latin America’s most imposing metropolis, is the
economic and cultural capital of Brazil, a modern Titan with an endless
skyline.
WHY ?
Businessmen or night owls in search of excitement, gourmet
or serial shoppers will all find what they’re seeking here. The possibilities
of Sao Paolo are unlimited.
HOW ?
Sao Paulo has three airports : Cumbica and Guaralhos for
national and international flights and Congonhas for domestic flights only. The
largest bus terminal in Latin America is here, the Tiete terminal with a very
comprehensive transportation network. For getting around the city, there are
five metro lines and eight suburban connections. For the ecologically minded or
for those who are allergic to traffic jams, which can be terrifying during rush
hour, there are many U-Bike rental concessions available.
WHAT TO BRING BACK ?
The traditional cachaca, Havaianas flip flops, Melissa shoes
from the legendary concept store, Galleria Melissa on the Oscar Freire Street,
which specializes in innovative plastic designer shoes, and partnerships with
renowned creators including Vivianne Westwood and Karl Lagerfeld.
Eric Jrm Engelen
NOT TO BE MISSED
The Museum of Art of Sao Paulo (MASP), the Pinacotheca, the
botecas (typical Brazilian bars), the churrascarias (“all you can eat” meat
restaurants,) Paulista Avenue, the main commercial thoroughfare and a symbol of
the city, the Villa Madalena quarter, a more human scale and very picturesque
neighborhood with walls of street art, small colorful restaurants and charming
boutiques.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS BY PASSION4LUXURY
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