Sao Paulo

Have you been to São Paulo? The history of this Brazilian marvel is as vibrant as its cityscape. Founded on January 25, 1554, by Jesuit priests in the heart of the Tietê River, São Paulo started off as a modest mission station. While it might have looked like just another dot in the sprawling green of Brazil, São Paulo quickly became a glittering beacon of prosperity by the 19th century, thanks to its thriving coffee trade. It welcomed waves of immigrants who added a mosaic of cultures, which have enriched its DNA. Fast forward to today, and you’ve got yourself the biggest economic and cultural powerhouse in Brazil, with a booming metropolis that's been the site of major business decisions and political debates. Talk about a glow-up!

If you think New York City is a melting pot, wait until you hear about São Paulo. Home to the largest Japanese community outside Japan, this city celebrates more than just samba and soccer. With vibrant neighborhoods like Liberdade drawing in crowds with their paper lanterns and sushi spots, São Paulo paints a lively picture of cultural plurality. Artistry flows through the veins of this city, too, with the São Paulo Biennial offering an internationally renowned stage for contemporary art. And if you're lucky enough to be in town during Carnaval, expect a spectacle that marries Brazil's pulsating beats with Paulistanos' unique flair for celebration.

Geographically, São Paulo State features a little bit of everything, but the city itself is perched on the Grande São Paulo plateau, offering a delightfully damp subtropical climate—a bit like Seattle, but with tastier coxinhas! Skyscrapers define the skyline here, punctuated by lush parks like Ibirapuera Park, which offers an oasis amidst the urban sprawl. For those whose passions are concrete and culture, the Paulista Avenue, lined with the hippest museums, cafes, and a regular Sunday street fair, is a must-visit. This massive city, interwoven with rivers and highways, is where Brazil's heart beats the loudest, rich with as many stories as there are Sambadrome feathers.