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Sao Paulo
The city of Sao Paulo is the most important financial center in South America. Paulistas do basically two things: Work hard and professionally during the day and dine and party during the evening. |
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| The City |
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The city of Sao Paulo is the most important financial center in South America and has the most modern tertiary sector in Brazil. Its industrial park is responsible for around 10% of the national industrial production and its commerce, with dozens of large shopping malls, attracts buyers from many other states.
The State of Sao Paulo is the largest industrial center in Latin America, with a high concentration of the most diversified industries, and the largest livestock farming center in Brazil, based on sugarcane, oranges, corn, soybean, bananas, tomatoes, manioc, potatoes, beans, cottons and coffee. The main livestock are cattle, swine and poultry. Its industrial production includes the manufacture of vehicles, aircraft, satellites and high-tech electrical material, textile, chemical and non-metal mineral industries. The State has a GDP of $ 203 billion (1995) and an installed electricity generation capacity of 11 million kW (1995), with consumption in 1995 of 92 billion KW.
The municipalities surrounding the city form the largest metropolitan area in the country. Sao Paulo Metropolitan Region, formed by 39 municipalities, has around 50% of the population and is responsible for 53% of the industrial production in the State of Sao Paulo.
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| History |
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Sao Paulo Capital - The city, founded in 1554, lies at an altitude of 860 meters on Piratininga plateau covering an area of 1,509 sq.km. Its original nucleus was formed around the inauguration of the Companhia de Jesus College by a group of Jesuits. In the College yard, Jesuit priests Manoel da Nobrega and Jose de Anchieta read the first foundation mass on 25 January 1554, the anniversary date of the foundation of Sao Paulo city.
Various pioneering explorers, called bandeirantes (*1), were to penetrate inland, exploring vast regions in the south and southwest, as well as what is Minas Gerais State today. Several modern highways leaving the city of Sao Paulo were originally tracks opened up by these bandeirantes, some of which are the Anchieta and Imigrantes highways, Via Dutra between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and Fernao Dias between Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte, capital of Minas Gerais.
Immigration - Sao Paulo is a land of every race and nationality. Throughout the 19th century and the first decades of this century, massive immigration from Europe came to Brazil, especially Sao Paulo. In addition to the Portuguese, many German, Slavs, Syrio-Lebanese and chiefly Italians and Spanish came to form the State's population mosaic. The Japanese arrived early this century, and more recently the Koreans and immigrants from other countries in South America. Sao Paulo has the largest colony of Japanese descendents outside Japan. There is a typical Japanese neighborhood in Sao Paulo called Liberdade (freedom), where the streets are decorated with characteristic lamp-posts and lanterns, and there are varieties of Japanese culture, such as restaurants, stores in the neighborhood of Bexiga, where durable goods and food, hotels, etc. The Italians, in their turn, settled in the neighborhood of Bexiga, where today there are a large number of pizza houses and Italian restaurants.
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(*1) - Leaders who more often organized the so-called bandeira expeditions in the 17h century to open up the interior of Brazil in colonial times. Their main objectives were land reconnaissance, capturing indigenous labor, submission and elimination of hostile tribes and the search for precious ores. The pioneers mostly left from Sao Vicente and Sao Paulo for the other regions.
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| General Inf |
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TELEPHONE AREA CODE
011/
CLIMATE
Sao Paulo has two distinct seasons. The summer season is from December to March when temperature reach about 30 degrees and it rains quite a lot. The rest of the year is cooler and in the winter months (June to August) temperatures can get as low as 10 degrees.
CLOTHING
As Sao Paulo is much more of a commercial centre and doesn´t have the same beach atmophere of Rio, the dress code is very different. In the business centre suits and ties are commmon and if you want to blend in with the Paulistas it is better to dress quite formally, especially when going out in the evenings and if going to some of the better restaurants.
ELECTRICITY
110 V
AIRPORT
Sao Paulo is served by two airports: Congonhas ( which handles services within Sao Paulo state and shuttle services to Rio, Curitiba and Belo Horizinte); and the International airport of Guarulhos. They are both connected by air-conditioned buses that leave at about half hour intervals and stop off on the way at the Tiete bus station. There are also regular bus services from the airport to the Praca da Republica, from where you can take a taxi, bus or metro to elsewhere in the city.
BUSINESS HOURS
Most offices and stores are open from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday.
Stores are also open on Saturday from 10am to 1pm, while most of the large shopping centers, open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 10pm. Sao Paulo has a number of 24-hour convenience stores, many of which are located at, or close to, main gas stations. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm.
TAXIS
In Sao Paulo there are two main types of taxis: the radio taxis, which you can order from the hotel reception, and the more common taxis, which can be hailed from the street. Taxis are certainly not cheap and prices go up on Sundays and public holidays. Also, it seems that taxi drivers often have a poor knowledge of streets in Sao Paulo, and at times have been known to take slightly longer routes than necessary, so it is a good idea to check directions beforehand or keep your eye on your map as you go along.
TOURIST POLICE
Deatur is the English-speaking tourist police service.
MEDICAL
Sao Paulo has many internationally respected hospitals, clinics and doctors but treatment is expensive so visitors are strongly advised to take out medical insurance before travelling to Brazil. Private clinics are recommended if you have to go into hospital for treatment (ask locally about the best available clinics), but in case of an emergency or accident, the emergency services of the public hospitals are quite adequate.
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| How To Get There |
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The international airport, Guarulhos is situated 30km east of the city.
Sao Paulo has constant traffic jams and an all day long rush hour means the trip downtown can easily take 1 hour 30 minutes.
Specially trained guides will receive clients with a name board and, on the way to the hotel, they will give all the necessary information about arrangements for the client´s stay in Sao Paulo.
For those who opt not to make use of this important service, other transport is available:
There are good bus connections from the airport. Air-conditioned buses leave every half hour for three different destinations: Praca da Republica, Terminal Tiete (bus terminal) and Congonhas airport. They leave every half hour and cost about 10 dollars. For the same price, there is also another bus that does a circuit of the hotels around Avenida Paulista, including Caesar Park, Crown Plaza, Renaissance and Sheraton.
Both common taxis and airport taxis are very expensive - as much as US$ 60-80.
TRANSFER FROM CONGONHAS CITY AIRPORT
The smaller Aeroporto Congonhas is situated in the city itself, 14 kms south of the city centre and handles services within Sao Paulo state and shuttle services to Rio, Curitiba and Belo Horizonte. These shuttle services, however, are not included in the air pass and special air fares so most foreigners arrive at the other airport.
There is only are air-conditioned bus to the International airport. Otherwise you have to leave the airport area and catch a regular bus.
Taxis to Avenida Paulista cost from US$ 20-40.
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| Restaurants |
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Believe it or not, but São Paulo offers food in the same variety and quality (!) as New York or Paris. Here follows just a little selection, we are uncapable to give you an idea of what we are talking about. We apologize for leaving out the many (or should we say "the thousands") of restaurants on this list.
ARAB
@ Arabia XX $$ - R. Haddock Lobo, 1397 (Cerqueira Cesar), tel. 3061-2203; cc: Ae, D, 12h/15h3O, 19h/24h.
Interesting selection of entries (mezzos) and plates like fatayer, falafel and cuscuz. A good idea is to order the Menu Degustation.
CHINESE
@ Jardim de Lotus XX $$ - Al. dos Pamaris, 42 (Moema), tel. 532-1357; cc: all, 11h3O/15h, 18h3O/24h.
@ Hi Pin Shan XX $$ - R. Dr. Ivo Define Frasc 95 (V. Olimpia), tel. 829-1191, 11h/15h, 18h/23h. closed Mon.
Simple setting. Two menus are available: One for Chinese and the other for Westerners. The first one has some exotic choices.
@ Ton Hoi XX $$ - Av. Prof Francisco Morato, 1484 (Caxingui), tel. 814-3268, 11h3O/15h, 18h/23h; Mon/Wed 18h/23h. closed Tue.
Specializes in seafood and home made noodles.
CHURRASCO / BBQ
@ Bassi XXX $$ - R. 13 de Maio, 334 (Bela Vista), tel. 604-2375; cc: V, 11h3O/15h, 19h/1h.
@ Baby-Beef Rubaiyat XXX $$ - Al. Santos, 86 (Paraiso), tel. 289-6366; cc: V, 11h3O/Oh3O.
Baby-Beef Rubaiyat XXX $$ - Av. Dr. Vieira de Carvalho, I16, (V.Buarque), tel. 222-8333; cc: V, 11h3O/16h.
Baby-Beef Rubaiyat XXX $$ - Av. Brig. Faria Lim 2954 (Jd. Paulistano), tel. 829-9488; cc: V, 11h3O/Oh3O.
Produce from the family's farm guarantees a special quality.
Varanda da Fazenda XX $$ - R. Gen. Mena Barreto, 793 (Jd. Paulista), tel. 887-8870; cc: all, 12h/16h, 19h/24h; sun./mon 12h/16h.
Dinho's Place XX $$$ - Al. Santos, 45 (Paraíso), tel. 284-5333; cc: V; 11h/24h.
@ Paulista Grill XXX $$ - P. Joao Moura 257 (Pinheiros), tel. 853-5426; cc: all, 12h/15h, 19h/24h. Special cuts.
FRENCH
@@@ Laurent XXXX $$$ - Al. Jau, 1606 (Cerqueira Cesar), tel. 853-5573; cc: all, 12h/15h, 20h/24h; sat. 20h/1h. closed sun.
The French Chef Laurent Suaudeau, once sent by Paul Bocuse to look after his Restaurant in Rio, changes the menu every to suit the season.
@@ Roanne XXXX $$$ - R. Henrique Martins, 631 (Jd. Paulista), tel. 887-4516; cc: all, 19h3O/Oh3O. closed sun.
Chef Emmanuel Bassoleil suggests Shrimps with Taglierini, lamb with mint sauce and cuscuz of vegetables. A good idea is to opt for the Menu Confiance.
@@ Le Coq Hardy XXXX $$$$ - R. Jeronimo da Veiga 461 (Itaim Bibi), tel. 852-3344; cc: all, 12h/14h3O, 19h/1h; sat. 19h/1h. closed sun.
The restaurant is under the command of chef Jose Pereira and the young Frenchman Erick Jacquin. The menu offers creative dishes like the sole with orange sauce and wild rice and duck's breast with apple.
@@ Freddy XXX $$$ - Pca. D. Gastao Liberal Pinto, 111 (Itaim Bibi), tel. 829-0977; cc: all, 12h/15h, 19h/24h; sat. 19h/1h.
Established sixty years ago, this pleasant bistro offers a traditional cuisine. Seafood Risotto served with apples and prunes and cassolette with polenta.
@ La Bourgogne XXXX $$$ - Al. Min. Rocha Azevedo, 539 (Cerqueira Cesar), tel. 280-9637; cc: all; 12h/15h, 19h3O/24h; sat. 19h3O/Oh3O. closed sun.
Gourmet Maurice Bibas commands the kitchen and offers excellent dishes.
@ Le Chef Rouge XXX $$ - R. Bela Cintra 2238 (Cerqueira Cesar), tel. 881-7539; cc: Ae, D, Mc,12h/15h, 19h/1h. closed Mon.
Reduced menu and light recipes.
@ La Paillote XXX $$$ - Av. Nazare, 1946 (Ipiranga), tel. 63-3626; cc: all, 12h/14h3O, 19h/22h3O. closed sun./mon.
Its history, starting in 1943, is the same as one of the most famous dishes in the city: Shrimps Provencal.
@ La Casserole XXX $$$ - Lg. do Arouche, 346, (V. Buarque), tel. 220-6283; cc: all, 12h/15h, 19h/24h; sat. 19h/1h. closed Mon.
Since oppening in 1954, it has became one of the tourist landmarks of the City Centre. In a romantic ambience, typically french, chef Antonio Geronimo takes good care of his customers.
GERMAN
@ Bierquelle XXX $ - Av. Prof. Papini, 169 (Cidade Dutra), tel. 5666-0463; cc: V, 18h/24h. closed sun. German/Swiss cuisine. For over 10 years many types of Fondue, sausages, Kassler and other specialities are offered. German beers are available.
@ Alt Nurnberg XX $ - Av. Joao Carlos da Silva Borges, 543 (Sto. Amaro), tel. 523-8626, 12h/15h, 18h/24h, sat. 18h/1h. closed sun. Famous for its sausages.
GREEK
@ Acropoles XXX $ - R. da Graca, 364 (Bom Retiro), tel. 223-4386, 11h3O/17h.
ITALIAN
@@@ Fasano XXXX $$$$ - R. Haddock Lobo, 1644 (Cerqueira Cesar), tel. 852-4000; cc: all, 12h/15h, 19h3O/1h; sat 19h3O/1h, sun. 12h/17h.
The tradition of almost a hundred years and the talent of Chef Luciano Boseggia are responsable for the excellent reputation of this Restaurant.
@@@ Massimo XXXX $$$$ - Al. Santos, 1826 (Cerqueira Cesar), tel. 284-031 1, 12h/15h, 19h3O/24h.
Reinterpreting classic dishes, is the trademark of Massimo Ferrari's cuisine.
@@ Ca'd'Oro XXXX $$$ (Grande Hotel Ca'd'Oro) - R. Augusta 129 (Consolacao), tel. 236-4300; cc: all, 12h/14h3O, 19h/23h3O. Reservations recommended.
Classic Italian cuisine, from the region of Lombardia. Some dishes tell the history of the house, such as quail with polenta.
@@ Maria Zanchi de Zan XXXX $$$ - R. Br. de Capanema 568 (Itaim Bibi), tel. 853-1047; cc: Ae, D, Mc, 19h3O/1h; sun. 12h/17h.
At its new address, Dona Maria offers tast dishes such as risotto, tagliolini and lamb-chops with funghi porcini.
@@ Trebbiano XXXX $$$ (L'Hotel) - Al. Campinas, 266 (Cerqueira Cesar), tel. 283-0500; cc: all, 12h/15h, 19h3O/1h.
Elegant Restaurant, under the command of chef Massimo Barletti. Traditional dishes from the Toskana region.
@@ Tartari's XXXX $$$ - Al.Tiete 360 (Cerqueira Cesar), tel. 853-0444; cc: D, Mc, 12h/15h, 19h3O/1h; sun. 12h3O/17h. closed Mon.
Chef Luigi Tartari, presents a typical cuisine from the North of Italy.
@ Roma Jardins XXX $$$ - Av. Cidade Jardim 411 (Itaim Bibi), tel. 881-9445; cc: Ae, D, Mc, 12h/14h3O, 19h/24h; sun. 12h/17h. closed mon.
Menu from the Toscana, with excellent dishes like ossobuco di vittella.
@ Gero XXX $$$ - R. Haddock Lobo, 1629 (Cerqueira Cesar), tel. 3064-0005; cc: Ae, D, V, 12h/15h, 19h/1h.
Bistro-version of Fasano, with a light cuisine. Try the Ravioli with Mozzarella di Buffala.
@ La Vecchia Cucina XXX $$$ - R. Pedroso Alvareng 1088 (Itaim Bibi), tel. 282-5222, Ext. 1005; cc: Ae, D, V, 12h/15h, 19h/1h; sat. 19h/1h, sun. 12h/17h.
@ Spaghetti Notte XXX $$ - R. Bastos Pereira 71 (V. Nova Conceicao), tel. 887-2699; cc: all, 19h3O/1h; sun. 12h/17h.
@ Vinheria Percussi XXX $$ - R. Con. Eugenio Leite, 523 (Pinheiros), tel. 280-4920; cc: Ae, D, Mc, 12h/15h, 19h/23h3O; sat. 19h/1h, sun. 12h3O/16h3O.
Terraco Italia XXX $$$ - Av. Ipirang 344, 42nd floor (Italia Building), (Centro), tel. 257-6566; cc: all, 11h3O/1h. The best view in town, almost a must for visitors.
ITALIAN (CANTINAS)
@ Jardim de Napoli XXXX $ - R. Dr. Martinico Prado, 463 (Higienopolis), tel. 3666-3022, 12h/15h, 18h3O/24h.
The polpettoni alla parmigiana are a must. Traditional cantina since 1949, of the Buonerba family.
@ Il Fornaio d'Italia XXXX $ - R. Manuel Guedes, 160 (Itaim Bibi), tel. 852-2473, 12h/14h, 19h3O/21h. closed sat./sun.
Daily changing menu, with tasty dishes.
@ I Vitelloni XXX $$ - R. Cde. Silvio Alvares Penteado, 31 (Pinheiros), tel. 813-1588, 18h/24h. closed Mon.
Very good pizzas, but the place is small and you might wait a while.
PORTUGUESE
@ Antiquarius XXX $$$ - Al. Lorena 1884 (Cerqueira Cesar), tel. 282-3015; cc: all, 12h/15h, 19h/1h; Mon 19h/1h, sun. 12h/18h.
@ Portucale XXX $$ - R. Nova Cidade, 418 (V. Olimpia), tel. 828-0930; cc: all, 12h/15h, 19h/24h; sun. 12h/17h. closed Mon.
@ Marques de Marialva XXX $$$ - Av. Nove de Julho, 5871 (Jd. Europa), tel. 852-1805; cc: Ae, 12h/15h, 18h/2h.
SEAFOOD
@ Amadeus XXX $$$ - R. Haddock Lobo, 807 (Cerqueira Cesar), tel. 3061-2859; cc: Ae, D, Mc, 12h/15h, 18h/24h; sun. 12h/16h3O.
Under the command of Tadeu and Ana Masano, it has good quality food.
@ Compagnia Marinara XXX $$$ - Av. S. Gualter, 777 (Alto de Pinheiros), tel. 3021-0055; cc: all, 12h/15h, 19h/24h, sat 19h/1h, sun 12h/16h. Mediterranean cuisine, mixing seafood with pasta.
@ Truta Rosa XXX $$ - Av. Ver. Jose Diniz, 318 (Alto da Boa Vista), tel. 247-8629; cc: all, 12h/15h, 19h/23h; sun. 12h/17h. closed Mon. Variety of fresh trouts.
@ Los Molinos XXX $$$ - R. Vasconcelos Drumond, 526 (V. Monumento), tel. 215-8211; cc: all, 12h/15h, 19h/24h; sun. 12h/16h. closed mon.
Traditional Restaurant with quality ingredients. Paella Valenciana and Shrimps Don Juan.
@ Don Curro XXX $$$$ - R. Alves Guimaraes, 230 (Pinheiros), tel. 852-4712; cc: Ae, 12h/15h, 19h/24h; sun. 12h/17h. closed mon.
For over 40 years dishes like the Plancha del marinero and the Paellas have maintained high standards of quality.
SWISS
@ Florina XX $$ - R. Crist6v5o Pereir 1220 (Campo Belo), tel. 241-5740, 19h/24h; sun. 12h/16h. closed Mon.
VEGETARIAN
@ Cheiro Verde XXX $ - R. Peixoto Gomide, 1413 (Cerqueira Cesar), tel. 289-6853; cc: all, 12h/15h, 19h/23h.
and so on and so on, for not to mention the trendy, thai and and and restaurants....
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| Night Life |
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This city swings at night. Everyone is out playing until the wee hours and you feel it; where else can you get stuck in a traffic jam at 3 am? Sao Paulo's nightlife approaches the excitement, diversity and intensity of New York's; whether you´re after "high culture", live music, a disco, the gay scene or just a relaxed bar to hang out in, you won´t have much of a problem in Sao Paulo. To enjoy it, all you need is money and transportation.
The best list of events is probably found in the weekly Veja magazine, which has a special Sao Paulo edition. It also lists restaurants, bars, museums, fairs, etc. Another good source is the magazine section of the Folha de Sao Paulo, newspaper at weekends.
There are a few places worth mentioning. Rua 13 de Maio in Bixiga hums at night. There are several clubs, restaurants and even a revival movie theatre and it usually attracts a young crowd. You can go there, look around and plan out a full evening in one neighbourhood. They have music every night but Monday. Cafe do Bixiga at No 76 is a traditional bar that stays open late and serves a good pinga com mel. Bela Vista is another good area for nightlife. There's lots happening and it's central, although the clubs are not as close together as in Bixiga.
The Bar Brahma is the city's oldest drinking establishment. It's on the corner of Rua Sao Joao and Avenida lpiranga, in the heart of the central hotel district. From 7 pm to midnight the antique surroundings are accompanied by equally dated live music. The best tables are upstairs. The bar is friendly and relaxing, and is a popular afterwork hangout for many Paulistano professionals. Another time-capsule bar is the Riviera Restaurant & Bar at the corner of Rua Consolacao and Avenida Paulista. This bar takes you back to the seedy '40s. It's inexpensive and unassuming; a good place to go with a friend to talk and unwind.
For those interested in the arts, the options are endless too. Sao Paulo is Brazil's theatrical centre and boasts a busy season of classical and avant-garde productions; a visit to the theatre is worthwhile even without a knowledge of Portuguese. The focal point for Sao Paulo's vibrant opera and classical music season is the Teatro Municipal, in Praca Ramos de Azevedo, in the city centre, where, in the 1920s, Vila Lobos himself performed. As an operatic and classical music centre, traditionally Sao Paulo was less important than Rio, but now Brazilian and foreign performers divide their time between the two cities.
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Business Essentials
If you chose São Paulo as your destination you can only be a Business Traveller. Let us be helpful assisting you with back ground information about Economy in Brazil.
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