Sao Paulo does not have any type of centralized center. Instead it is composed of multiple downtown centers, attached by a lattice of expressways and congested streets. Three main roads Marginal Tietê, Marginal Pinheiros and 23 de maio carry majority of the traffic throughout the day in Sao Paulo. Between these expressways and the large boulevards throughout the city, Sao Paulo’s buildings erupt in a motley but energetic assortment of old and modern architecture.
Around Avenida Paulista, where the subways greenline run, there lies Brazil’s best-known business drag. The street is contains the grand and proper buildings of banks and government organizations. Visitors can spend the day looking at the impressive art at the São Paulo Art Museum (MASP) and lounge in the nearby park
Trianon . Near the Avenida Paulista is the trendy Jardins district, a hot spot for shoppers with its fine stores, restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
O Centro is the oldest part of the city and offers a variety of sights to see for the inquisitive eye. First of all, there is the Church of Sao Francisco which is the site of the Franciscan monastery when they invaded Sao Paulo. Another original site not to be missed is the Monastero Sao Bento, full of beautiful Pao Brasil, ripped from the Amazon forest, just a hint at the deforestation that would begin in Brazil and continue to plague her until modern days. Then there is a law school and many law offices as well as governmental entities. In addition, Centro houses the stock market, Bovespa, where travelers can see the stockbrokers stream in and out of the buildings. Also not to be missed is a trip to the distinct, golly Italian neighborhood (Bixiga) where mouths water at the sights of delicate pasta and delicious meat dishes at small mom-and-pop restaurants. The Japanese district
Liberdade is also an impressive sight as a mini Tokyo, complete with Japanese udon shops, markets with inexpensive colorful asian art items and Kareoke bars.
Across the Pinheiros River sits the infamous Morumbi Stadium where the city’s fans crowd into the stands to watch, shout and cry during games of their nations’ favorite sport.
Avenida Faria Lima in the Southeast is anohter business headquarters of the city, where there are many top, foreign investment banks. Next to the Avenida Faria Lima, the Pinheiros and Vila Madelena neighborhoods glow with energy at night with stylish restaurants and clubs.
Avenida Berrini houses Sau Paulo's World Trade Center and other spell-binding high-rises that climb Tokyo-style into the sky. Around this avenue, media, commerce, banks and advertising firms all share beautiful views of the rest of the city. There are a few impressive, formal restaurants that serve the business crowd in this area.
