If You Have 1 Day
Get to know South America's largest city. Wander the busy pedestrian streets of the old downtown neighborhood of Centro. In the constant commercial chatter you'll feel, see, and hear Paulistas at their best: buying, selling, and trading. Ascend to the top of the Banespa building for a 360-degree view of the city. Have a coffee at the Patio do Colegio. In the afternoon take the Metrô out to the Avenida Paulista. Bask in the wealth and power a bit, then go see some fine art at the MASP. In the evening take advantage of your presence in Brazil's culinary capital and go out for dinner at a truly fine restaurant like the Antiquarius or Figueira Rubaiyat.
If You Have 2 Days
Get some culture. Anyone interested in modern Brazilian architecture should see the Monument to Latin America. Those interested in seeing Brazilian art should check out the Pinacoteca do Estado, or for older work the Museu de Arte Sacra. Reward yourself with an afternoon shopping in the green and leafy Jardins neighborhood. The intersection of Rua Augusta and Oscar Freire is perhaps the most exclusive shopping enclave in all Brazil. The neighborhood is also one of São Paulo's culinary hot spots. For a taste of the diversity in this most cosmopolitan of cities, seek out a Bahian dinner at Capim Santo, a French meal at Le Chef Rouge, or something Middle Eastern at Arabia.
If You Have 3 Days
Set off to explore the Japanese neighborhood of Liberdade, topped off with a fine Japanese lunch. Walk off those calories with an afternoon in Ibirapuera Park. Stroll the pathways, rent a bicycle, and enjoy the people-watching. That night, check out some of the clubs or bars in Vila Olímpia, starting the evening with a chopp (draft beer) and some picanha at Rabo do Peixe.
