The words bustling, buzzing and lively are often used to describe cities, but few capture such a description at the scale of São Paulo, Brazil. Today, an estimated 20 million people live in the greater metropolitan area, ranking it in the world’s top 10 biggest cities by population. Its landmass reaches so far that pilots say they can see it curve with the earth as they pass by above. But more than a fly-by city, there’s much to discover in Terra de Garoa (Land of Drizzle).
Many people would agree that a sure-fire way to experience any culture is through its food. While some cities rightfully prize their esteemed chefs, Brazil’s array of tropical fruits and vegetables are its crowning culinary jewel. With a mezzanine of fresh fruit and vegetables — from atemoia (a green and bulbous fruit with soft white meat) and jabuticaba (like a giant tart grape) — to an upper level of food stalls serving local and traditional dishes, visiting the Mercado Municipal de Pinheiros is truly a must.
São Paulo is known for its faceless architecture, but there is an oasis in this concrete jungle. The Jardim da Luz is a brilliantly green place in which to escape. Once a botanic garden, then a public park with a somewhat seedy history, this place now boasts a beautiful display of large installations and sculptures by contemporary Brazilian artists.
Among the things hidden inside Jardim da Luz is the Pinacoteca. A pivotal art museum in the whole of Brazil, the Pinacoteca underwent a restoration of its 19th century building, transforming it into a beautiful and dynamic space for Brazilian fine art. Move about the rotating installations and the permanent galleries of 19th century and modernist Brazilian work while the glass ceiling above illuminates the terracotta brick walls.
Shaped like a crescent on its back, the Unique Hotel is just that. Its structural architecture and circular windows sail above a sea of manicured gardens. A stop-and-stay for urbanites and design lovers, guestrooms are outfitted with timeless furniture and finished with unexpecting ornaments from around the world. Upon the rooftop terrace, incredible views of São Paulo await.
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Written by Sheila Lam
Headline photo by cifotart/Shutterstock