Sao Paulo
The biggest city in Brazil
Categories: Brasilia Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo is both the largest city in Brazil and the country's most important cultural and economic centre. With a population of over 44 million, it is the third largest megacity in the world and the state of the same name is the most populous in Brazil. Thanks to its multifaceted society, the metropolis is rich in cultural heritage. This fact is reflected not only in the abundance of first-class restaurants, but also in the extraordinary cultural offerings: Whether you want to visit one of the numerous museums or galleries, participate in one of the countless events or explore the vibrant nightlife is entirely up to you.
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The city of Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo is one of the most important economic centers in Latin America, generating about one fifth of the gross domestic product. Industrialisation in particular has turned the city into an economic metropolis. The city is also a key hub for global and intercontinental trade. Around two thirds of the inhabitants of Sao Paulo have European ancestors, mainly from Portugal and Italy.
Many Japanese, Italians and people from other corners of the world have also found their home here, whose way of life has influenced the city's culture. This is particularly noticeable in the gastronomic offer, so that gourmets and gourmets will definitely get their money's worth in Sao Paulo. In contrast to Rio de Janeiro, the megacity is a less prominent holiday destination. However, in 2014 it presented itself to an audience of millions with the World Cup in Brazil.
Activities and interesting excursions in Sao Paulo
Just a few kilometres from Sao Paulo, there is the Autódromo José Carlos Pace circuit, also known as Interlagos. Every year in June, the city hosts a major sporting event: the Sao Paulo International Marathon. If you feel like a celebration, you should visit the Brooklin Paulista district in October. Then a kind of Brazilian Oktoberfest takes place, which is very popular with locals and guests alike. No less interesting is a day trip to the leisure park Parque do Ibirapuera.
This park was opened in 1954 and covers an area of almost two square kilometres. Especially the abundance of fountains is one of the tourist attractions of the park. Also worthwhile is a detour to the planetarium as well as the art museum Museu de Arte de São Paulo, which shows the most important art collection of South America. For families with children the zoological garden of Sao Paulo is highly recommended, where animals from all over the world can be observed.
Sights in Sao Paulo
The cityscape is characterised by many impressive high-rise buildings. With 170 metres, the Mirante do Vale' is the highest building of the megacity. However, holidaymakers enjoy the best view of the sea of houses from the roof terrace of the Edificio Italia. Moreover, the 168-metre-high building has a great panorama restaurant. Furthermore, there is a multitude of places of worship in Sao Paulo. 
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Especially the Dom Catedral da Sé and the neo-gothic church building Catedral Metropolitana are to be mentioned in this context. In addition, the old market halls Mercado Municipal near the city centre are worth seeing, which have been roofed over in recent years. They are part of the historic buildings of the industrial metropolis and were opened in the 1930s.
