São Paulo is one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in Brazil. It’s melting pot culture, fast-paced lifestyle and amazing food attract travelers and tourists from all over the world. However, many people approach São Paulo as they would some of the more well-known cities, like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, which can lead to some pretty intense culture shock if you aren’t prepared. Before traveling to the real city that never sleeps, check out these 13 things you should know.
1. São Paulo Is not the Capital of Brazil.
It does feel like it should be the capital, but it’s not, so stop saying it is, especially when you’re there. It’s not Rio, either. The capital of Brazil is Brasilia, located in the center of the country.
2. Pronunciation Matters.
Nothing says tourist like ordering the famous pão de queijo, and not because it’s a tourist thing to do. This delicious, naturally gluten-free cheese bread is a staple in most Brazilian meals, but ordering it when you don’t know Portuguese might get you some strange looks. This is because pão de queijo contains a nasal diphthong, a sound that we don’t have in the English language. This leads us to pronounce it “pow de quiejo,” which translates to “cheese dick.” Trust me, you don’t want to order that.
3. Sao Paulo Is not a Beach City.
When people think of Brazil, oftentimes they’re thinking of Rio or Salvador – beautiful beaches, a laidback “do-less-party-more” lifestyle and lush forests all around. Though beautiful in it’s own way, São Paulo is not the landscape you think of when daydreaming about Brazil – au contraire, it’s more reminiscent of New York or Chicago than a laid-back beach city.
4. They Kiss and Tell.
In Brazil, locals joke about how Americans won’t kiss you at a bar, but they’ll sleep with you after. Brazilians are quite the opposite – they’ll make out with strangers (and talk about it after), but getting them into bed takes more than just a free drink.
5. Paulistas Judge Cariocas.
The citizens of São Paulo, called Paulistas, are anything but laid-back when it comes to business. One of the most bustling cities in the world, people who live and work in São Paulo work hard, party hard and don’t like being associated with the Cariocas, the people who live and work in Rio. In Rio, the lifestyle is much more laid back – think Barcelona in summer – whereas in São Paulo, it’s the New York City hustle year round. Paulistas are proud of the fact they can work 12 hours a day and still party til the sun comes up. Don’t get it twisted.
6. Paulistanos Judge Paulistas.
What can I say? They’re a proud group of people. Paulistas are people born in the state of São Paulo, but if you’re born in the actual city of São Paulo you’re a Paulistano. Sure, it’s silly, but it’s taken pretty seriously over there, so don’t mess it up and start calling everyone you meet a Paulista.
7. Public Transportation Means Buses – Lots and Lots of Buses.
Though there is a subway system, it’s small and doesn’t cover that much ground, meaning that in most cases busses are the way to go. There are over 16,000 buses that operate around São Paulo and cover the entire surface of the city, even if that means you have to make a few changes. English can be scarce in the city, so it’s helpful if you know your stops and transfers in advance rather than rely on your bus driver to tell you when to get off.
8. Keep an Eye on Your Taxi Fare.
If you look and act like a tourist, you may be taken advantage of like a tourist, and taxi drivers in São Paulo know how to spot them. Always pay attention to your surroundings, even if you’re in a taxi, say where you’re going with authority and don’t be afraid to speak up if you start to think the drive is taking much longer than it should.
9. Visit Ibirapuera, the Central Park of Sao Paulo
Ibirapuera is the central park of São Paulo, and a breath of fresh air from the concrete jungle that is the main city. It’s a must see for any tourist, complete with jogging and bike paths, gardens, museums and coconut venders.
10. Don’t Drink the Water.
Brazil is by no means a third world country, but you should air on the side of caution when it comes to drinking the water. Paulistas generally buy and drink bottled water, or boil tap water and refrigerate it until it’s cold. If the locals don’t drink it, you shouldn’t either.
11. São Paulo Has the Meats.
Brazilian BBQ, all-you-can-eat churrascos and meat markets are famous in São Paulo, but nothing will satisfy you more than a trip to the Mercado Municipal for one of their famous mortadella sandwiches – a massive concoction of cheese and mortadella stuffed inside fresh baked bread that’s literally too big to fit in your mouth. Bar do Mane does it best, but you can find them through the whole market.
12. While We’re On the Subject – Explore the Market Because It’s Awesome.
Even if you aren’t big on mortadella, the market itself is a must-go, filled with all sorts of delicious fruits you’ve never seen or heard of before, delicious wines, walls of cheese, fresh baked bread and spices from all over the world. Walking in is like submerging yourself into a culinary culture shock straight out of a dream, and you’ll feel like a local just walking around and sampling all of the goods.
13. Make Friends.
Seriously, Brazilians are considered the friendliest people in the world, so don’t be afraid to talk to new people and make new friends. They might even tell you about a new secret club or one of their famous “after-after parties” that go til 2 or 3pm the next day!
