Top Tourist Attractions in São Paulo

Being the largest city in Brazil, Sao Paulo has a lot to offer in terms of tourist fodder. See below a list of attractions you have to visit on your trip there.

Ibirapuera Park
If you feel that this giant city makes you feel a little claustrophobic once in a while, this park will offer you some much needed breathing space in the form of an inner city oasis. The park is situated in the south central region fairly near to downtown. It is nearly 2km square in size which ranks it among the largest urban parks in Latin America. The landscape of the park was designed by Roberto Burle Marx whilst the majority of the buildings found within the park were designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Both of these men are renowned for their design work. Below is a list of features found in the park:

• Grand Marquise: the Modern Art Museum
• Cicillio Matarazzo Pavilion: home to the Museum of Contemporary Art and the University of Sao Paulo. It is also the location for the Sao Paulo Art Biennial and Sao Paulo Fashion Week.
• Manoel da Nobrega Pavilion: served as city hall until 1992
• "Oca" - hut (due to its shape): the location for the air force and folklore museums
• Planetarium and Astrophysics School: the building itself is shaped like a flying saucer and was the first planetarium to be built in the Southern hemisphere.
• Ibirapuera Gymnasium
• Ibirapuera Auditorium
• Obelisk of Sao Paulo: symbol of the constitutional revolution

Sao Paulo Museum of Art
The museum is located on Paulista Avenue and its headquarters is well known for its architectural allure. It consists of hundreds of glass panels held up by two 74 meter lateral beams. It has become known as a symbol of modern Brazilian architecture. The museum itself was the first in Brazil to be interested in post-World War II art and is considered to have the best collection of European art in the Southern Hemisphere. It also has one of the largest art libraries in Brazil.

Sao Paulo Cathedral
Brazil boasts numerous breathtakingly adorned cathedrals and the sheer immensity of this one makes it one of the most renowned in the world. This is because it has been ranked among the largest Neo-Gothic cathedrals internationally. It is certainly the largest church in the city. Being built in the Neo-Gothic style during 1967 it shows off intricate design detail and marble work.

Patio do Colegio
This is one of the city's most important historical sites. It dates way back to the 16th Century. The Jesuit school and church hosts a museum documenting Jesuit action in Brazil as well as an exhibition of colonial artwork.

Villa Madalena and Pinheiros
This neighborhood is a swankier area to hang out in and offers top quality shops, museums and restaurants to stroll amongst. It is a wealthy area and boasts magnificent homes. Expect to pay more for your night out than you would in other parts of the city.

Sao Paulo Festivals
Apart from Carnival, which the whole of Brazil embraces, Brazil's largest city has a strong festival culture and includes the following events on its annual calendar:

• São Paulo Fashion Week - March and October
• São Paulo International Film Festival - October
• São Paulo Art Biennial - September through December

These are just a few of the many attractions of Sao Paulo that should be on your list of things to do when planning your trip to Brazil's megacity.
 

Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for the latest passport information and requirements for obtaining a visa to Brazil.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Manor


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7730514