Plane approaching São Paulo's Congonhas airport

SÃO PAULO – A bustling multi-cultural metropolis and land of the drizzle

A skyline dominated by high buildings, neverending traffic jams, an extensive metro system, great nightlife and cultural scene , a multicultural city with the largest Japanese population outside of Japan, home of the Brazilian stock exchange (BOVESPA); these are some of the things that represent the largest city and financial capital of Brazil, São Paulo. It is not the number one destination for tourists but if you are in Brazil for business you may have to spend some time here, if only to catch a connecting flight to another city.

São Paulo’s status as the financial and economic centre of Brazil seems to reflect the success of it’s football teams. You can watch a football match at the Morumbi stadium located in the district of the same name, home to the São Paulo Football Club and venue for all the big matches between the local rivals as well as international matches and concerts . The Brazilian Grand Prix is held at the Interlagos circuit on the outskirts of the city.

Because it is such a multicultural city, there is a fine selection of different cuisine  to be had. Of major note is the Italian, Japanese and Arab influence. The kibe and esfiha have entered definitively into Brazilian cuisine thanks to the Lebanese and Syrian immigrants and  if you watch to get your sushi fix, you could head to the city’s Japanese district called Liberdade which means liberty in English. São Paulo is also well known around Brazil for the best pizzas which you may want to sample in one of the Italian districts such as Bixiga, Brás or Mooca.

If you like shopping, you will have no shortage of shopping malls to choose from here in this metropolis which is home to more than 20 million. And if you are getting stressed from all the hustle and bustle, constant traffic jams and pollution then you could head to Ibirapuera park, an oasis in the midst of the concrete jungle, comparable to Central Park in New York. You might want to bring your umbrella when you’re in São Paulo because it is known as “Terra da garoa” which means land of the drizzle.