Experience in São Paulo, Brazil by Ana Carolina

What is it like to live in São Paulo? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

The city can get quite chilly during winter, it rains a lot (its nickname is city of drizzle), but compared to other cities around the world it's nothing since it doesn't snow or anything... problem is that everywhere around the world has heaters, and in Brasil that pretty much doesn't exist.

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What is the student lifestyle like in São Paulo?

I never studied in São Paulo, but I figure it has great opportunities for those who are willing to seek them. Teachers usually have a lot of knowledge but it takes an interested student to make them help you out more than they normally would.

How much does it cost to live in São Paulo?

I can't really say much, when I lived there I was 8 years old, so I can't really remember anything... but probably about 4000 reais a month would cover everything.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in São Paulo? Is there any advice you can give?

There are plenty, of every kind, size and prices. The ideal thing is to find a place CLOSE to your school or work, everything in São Paulo is really far and it's not really worth finding a cheap place if you're going to spend 3 hours to get to it after work or school. So keep in mind that if it is more expensive but it's closer to the places you need to get, it's a thousand times better.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

São Paulo is the capital of culinary, you can find anything, from Italian, Mexican, American, and finally the typical Brazilian food. I'm Brazilian so I recommend trying out a feijoada with couve, one of our most famous dishes, and for dessert, the classic brigadeiro. If you want just a snack, stop at any bakery (there is one on every corner of the city) and get a coxinha or any other salgado. Excellent choice every time!

What places would you recommend visiting in São Paulo?

Best city to visit, there are all kinds of things...from architecture to museums, I would recommend checking out lists to cross off, like 10 best places to visit in São Paulo. Google it, all top lists from google are 100% tested and 100% awesome to check out!

Is it good to eat out in São Paulo? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I loved Praça do pôr do sol, it's a plaza sorta place, with the most beautiful sunset of São Paulo, but watch out, the transportation to get there seriously sucks, but worst is to go home after dark, because it's not a very bright neighbourhood, just call a cab or try to get to a bus stop before it's too dark. I love MASP and walking around that avenue, there are so many beautiful buildings around it and the museum has a beautiful and different architecture, it usually has a small market-place under it, with arts and crafts, totally worth it.

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Is the nightlife good in São Paulo? Where is good to go?

It really depends on your particular taste, for sertanejo (very popular music around here) I suggest Villa Mix, it's a little expensive but the partying over there gets pretty fun, for electronic I suggest the Lab, it's a modern interior design and it's on Augusta Street, and on that street you can find Gay bars pubs and clubs also. If you like pubs I suggest Finnegan's pub, it's an Irish sort of decoration, the music is usually really good and the pricing is also pretty great compared to other places. I suggest checking out online what people say about the place before going, don't trust your instincts, especially if the place looks expensive.

What advice would you give future students heading to São Paulo?

Enjoy every corner of the city, it has SO many good things to offer, explore every museum you can, every old architecture building, every observatory, there are a lot of exhibitions on daily bases. ENJOY!