📖 About São Paulo

São Paulo stands as the largest city in the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, with a metropolitan population of 21 million residents and a city population of 12.4 million. As Brazil's financial capital and economic powerhouse, São Paulo generates an astounding $829 billion GDP, accounting for 11% of the entire Brazilian economy. The city serves as the headquarters for 63% of all international companies operating in Brazil, cementing its status as the undisputed business center of South America.

Recognized as the World Gastronomy Capital, São Paulo boasts over 12,000 restaurants representing cuisines from every corner of the globe. The city's culinary scene reflects its incredible diversity, with Italian, Japanese, Lebanese, and Portuguese influences blending seamlessly with traditional Brazilian flavors. In 2025, tourism revenue reached R$340 billion ($57 billion), representing a 3.6% growth and highlighting the city's magnetic appeal to both business and leisure travelers.

São Paulo's cultural landscape is as impressive as its economic achievements. The city is home to world-class museums, vibrant street art in neighborhoods like Vila Madalena, and the iconic Paulista Avenue, which serves as the beating heart of this megalopolis. With its dynamic energy, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and endless opportunities, São Paulo represents the future of Latin America.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

São Paulo's economy is larger than that of many countries, with its $829 billion GDP surpassing nations like Argentina, South Africa, and the Netherlands. The city dominates Brazil's financial sector, hosting the BM&F Bovespa stock exchange (now B3), Latin America's largest securities exchange. The concentration of multinational corporations is unparalleled in South America, with 63% of international companies choosing São Paulo as their regional headquarters.

The city's cultural diversity is legendary, shaped by waves of immigration from Italy, Japan, Portugal, Lebanon, Germany, and Korea. São Paulo's Japanese community is the largest outside Japan, while its Italian influence is evident in everything from architecture to cuisine. This multiculturalism has created a unique urban fabric where over 60 languages are spoken and virtually every world cuisine can be found. The city hosts major international events including the São Paulo Art Biennial, São Paulo Fashion Week, and the São Paulo International Film Festival, reinforcing its status as Latin America's cultural capital.

📜 History

Founded by Jesuit priests in 1554, São Paulo remained a small colonial outpost for centuries before coffee cultivation transformed it into an economic powerhouse in the late 19th century. The coffee boom attracted massive immigration, particularly from Italy, Japan, and the Middle East, fundamentally transforming the city's demographics and culture. The early 20th century saw rapid industrialization, and by mid-century, São Paulo had eclipsed Rio de Janeiro as Brazil's economic engine.

The modern city bears little resemblance to its colonial origins, having undergone explosive growth throughout the 20th century. From a population of 240,000 in 1900, it grew to become a megacity of over 20 million, driven by internal migration and continued immigration. Today, São Paulo stands as a testament to Brazil's economic ambitions and multicultural identity, a truly global city in the heart of South America.