São Paulo is one of the most diverse cities in the world. It hosts the largest diasporas of Japanese, Italian and Lebanese people whose traditions influence the characteristics of several neighborhoods such as Bixiga for the Italians and Liberdade for the Japanese. The distinctive skyscraper-dotted cityscape of São Paulo has been an inspiration to many cultural productions.
For people wanting to admire the urban jungle from above, there is no shortage of observation decks such as Banespão, Edifício Martinelli, or Terraço Itália. People interested in gastronomy will be delighted by the local offer. Paulistanos consume more than 1 million pizzas and 400 thousand sushi per day. These blend seamlessly with local specialties such as feijoada, açaí, moquecas (fish stew in clay pots) and churrasco (the world-famous Brazilian BBQ).
The Casa do Porco is currently the culinary star of the city, ranked within the 50 best restaurants in the world. The 30 thousand bars for after-work-drinks and the 180 nightclubs in the city mean there is something for every culinary and musical taste.
Additional Culture and Events
São Paulo hosts more than 150 museums and numerous cultural events and festivals. The most famous two are undoubtedly Carnival and the Pride Parade (the largest LGTB street festival in the world) but there is so much more to see and do.
SP FASHION WEEK
The biggest fashion event in Latin America takes place twice a year in January and June.
SPIRIT OF LONDON
The biggest electronic music festival in Brazil is held in March every year in the Sambódromo, Parque Anhembi.
SAN VITO FESTIVAL
The Italian community celebrates their faith and heritage from mid-May to early July.
F1 GRAND PRIX OF INTERLAGOS
The Brazilian Grand Prix is a fixed event in the F1 calendar for many years, but specific dates vary.
Term students staying longer might be interested in joining the São Paulo Art Biennial, the São Paulo International Film Festival, or the City Marathon.
Traveling around
São Paulo is a hub and a doorway for travelers to Latin America. The City (Congonhas) and International (Guarulhos) airports have frequent and rather affordable flights to all Brazilian and Latin American capital cities and many more points of interest. In Brazil, you may also travel by car or by interstate bus. Brazil has amazing natural wonders such as forest, mountains, plateaus or beaches, and is home to many natural and cultural heritage sites (22 with UNESCO world heritage status).