Nick K.
Yelp
[4.5 stars]
If you would ask any Paulistano what would be an ideal place to get a "feel" of São Paulo's vibe, i would reckon that most would suggest that you take a nice stroll along our most important thoroughfare: Avenida Paulista. Situated a few kilometres south of the Cathedral of Sé, it is a short 2.8-kilometre(1.7 mile), 4-lane (technically three since one is reserved for buses), east-west street that is widely-regarded as South America's most important street. Although it used to be a quiet, high-end residential area with mansions for Paulistano elite, it underwent a massive change after the 50~60s with skyscrapers now dominating the general landscape
It is well-served by the public transportation network; several bus lines traverse the Avenida and its other important north-south corridors. Three Metro lines can be used to directly access the Avenida: Line 1(Blue) - Vergueiro, Paraíso stations - Line 2(Green) - Consolação, Trianon-MASP, Brigadeiro, Paraíso stations - Line 4(Yellow) - Paulista, Consolação stations. Both Paraíso and Consolação serve as transfer stations
Here on a daily basis, you will find a cacophony of life buzzing about from the early morning to the wee hours. Avenida Paulista is home to some important financial companies and cultural centres. On any given day, you will bump into well-heeled business folk, tourists, street performers, hippies, the homeless and foreigners. Outside of the more well-to-do neighbourhoods, the Paulista area is where you will generally find a good concentration of São Paulo's gastronomic diversity - usually the restaurants are a few blocks away south/north of the Avenida
As for culture, the most important (and definitely noticeable) piece of real estate will be MASP(Museu de Arte de São Paulo/SP Art Museum). Located towards the centre portion of the street, across the street from the Parque Trianon/Siqueira Campos, it is a building that is like no other; Google it and see what i mean. Another building worth noting is the FIESP Building (a few blocks east of MASP). At nighttime, the façade of the building is known for its creative light shows
There is one major shopping mall on its eastern edge: Shopping Pátio Paulista. Beyond that, there are other smaller malls and galerias that dot the entire length of the street
Since it is the spot to be noticed in SP, the Avenida is home of many annual parades
For you Americans, you might be happy to know that the Avenida has the highest concentration of Starbucks in all of São Paulo
For the negative side of the Avenida, choking traffic jams that can pop up at any hour and the possibility of being mugged is ever-present. Yeah, São Paulo has a notorious reputation for robberies, but i would say that the threat isn't as high as you might think on the Avenida. Another interesting "challenge" to the Avenida that has become somewhat problematic since 2013 is the increase of protests that may spring up at any given moment
Personally for me, i often walk down the entire length of the Avenida just to soak in the "feel" of São Paulo life. It is one of my most favourite things to do as a paulistano