Sao Paulo, lying on the Tropic of Capricorn, is South America’s leading industrial center, the fastest growing city in the world. Paulistas, as they are called, pride themselves on their cosmopolitan way of life, their splendid skyscrapers, highways, viaducts and modern shopping arcades. You get a superb view of the city from the 41-story Edificio Italia, the highest building in the city. You will not miss the Anhangabau valley spanned by imposing Viadutos.
Visit the new Catholic Cathedral, the Municipal Stadium of Pacaembu, the Jockey Club (races on Saturday and Sundays), the Tearto Municipal and te Museum Paulista, in the suburb of Ipiranga. The famous Butante Snake Farm and Museum is just outside the suburb of Pinheiros. Take a bus or taxi to Ibirapuera Park: there is an up-to-date Planetarium, a velodrome for cycle and motorcycle racing, the new Legislative Assembly and the Museum of Contemporary Art, where the Sao Paulo Biennial Exhibition is held, the most important show of paintings and art in South America.
Sao Paulo is the gourmet’s paradise. Restaurants of most nationalities can be found. Entertainment in the city is thriving. For good shows (in Portoguese) there are many modern comfortable theaters. Nightclubs are first-class. And there are hundreds of movie houses all over town.
If you enjoy auto racing, the magnificient course at Interlagos is a must: the 500 kilometer race is held in September and the 100 in November.
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