Experience in São Paulo, Brazil by Felipe

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

Live in São Paulo is not the best place in Brazil, However they do have lots of places to have fun, the people are very opened to talk, so it easy to make good friends.

What is the student lifestyle like in São Paulo?

As a student what I suggest is to live near by your university! The car trafic in São Paulo is one of the worst things about the city, so if you are planing to study in USP, go live near by, some good neighbors are: Butantã, Pinheiros e Vila madalena.

How much does it cost to live in São Paulo?

Around 1500 Reais or 700 dollars/ month

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

Is quite difficult to find a hole apartment but not to find a student house.

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

The food is amazing! You should try Pastel de feira, Pão de queijo, coxinha and feijoada (every saturday).

What places would you recommend visiting in São Paulo?

Is very pleasant to have a drink in Vila madalena, this is the artistic neighbor, very bohemian as well. About museum I recommend MIS and MAM. The Ibirapuera is a good place to have a picnic, but not on the weekend, is to crowded.

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

Everywhere is good to eat in São Paulo, from the street food to the luxury restaurants. Some good street food on Benedito Calixto on saturdays. There you have a good view from the great variety of Brazilian's street food. I love it. And about restaurant gourmet they have, D.O.M, SAL gastronomia, carlota, Dalva & Dito, and many others. For the Japanese food the neighbor called LIBERDADE is awesome!

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

Vila Madalena for listening a good Samba, (ó do borogodó).
If you are more into learning how to dance Brazilian's songs, you should go to Canto da Ema or Remelexo, this places to dance the Forró.
They have Rock and electronic place as well! and is not hard to find! A good electronic party called Tecno Roots happens sometimes in a beautiful place. But you need to find out where and when it will happen.

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

Enjoy as much as possible! don't listen to the Brazilian when they say: it is very dangerous here or there! Just be careful with your personal belongs.