São Paulo | Latin America’s number one metropolis

With over 19 million inhabitants, its attraction lies in its people and its vibrant culture. It is Brazil's most modern and cosmopolitan city that is a veritable melting pot of nationalities. Avenida Paulista's skyscrapers are a testimony to the city's energy and rich artistic heritage. The city is famed for its outstanding cuisines, entertainment and nightlife and museums that are among the finest in South America. In recent years, the city has evolved into a centre for Brazil's own martial art - capoeira, in which dance-like motions are performed to music. A Brazilian vanguard and cultural centre, São Paulo must first be known and discovered to be cherished. It then, becomes impossible to forget.

What to do?

The original Cathedral de Se was finished in 1616, in what was then the small village of São Paulo, though it was eventually demolished and re-built twice. The cathedral that stands today took four decades to complete. Despite having a Rennaisance-styled dome, the Metropolitan Cathedral is considered by some to be the fourth largest neo-gothic cathedral in the world.

The Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) is São Paulo's pride and joy, containing some of Latin America's most comprehensive collection of Western art, with pieces from world-renowned artists Goya, El Greco and Manet. There are also paintings by local Brazilian artists including three fine works by Cândido Portinari. The museum is considered a classic of modernism though not all Paulistas share that view.

The Teatro Municipal is a European-style classical theatre, designed by Ramos de Azevedo, opened to the public in 1911 at the height of the city's coffee wealth. It has hosted the likes of Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso, Arturo Toscanini, Ana Pavlova, Isadora Duncan, Rudolph Nureyev, Margot Fonteyn, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. In more recent years, Yoko Ono and Bobby McFerrin, as well as the most important Brazilian musicians, have played for the city. Recently restored, the theatre has recently celebrated its 100^th year of world-class performances.

The Mercado Municpal is a must-see for all food lovers. Operational since 1933, the Mercado is located along the Tamanduateí and Anhangabaú rivers, which allowed free access of produce from the farms pre-automobiles. Find some exotic delicacies to take home or simply feast on Brazilian fare the market has to offer. Combine it with a trip to Rua 25 de Marco for some bargain shopping and then stop for some bacalhau (Brazilian cod fish) or other delicacies for lunch.

Spend a night sipping on caçhaca and listening to samba. Cachaçaria Paulista in Villa Madalena serves more than 3000 varieties of Brazil's national drink and plays live Brazilian music at the weekend.

Where to stay?

This boutique design hotel Emiliano, www.emiliano.com.br, offers a true stay in top-class contemporary style and comfort. Located on the prominent "Oscar Freire Street", it is within easy reach of many restaurants and coffee houses. The hotel features a haute cuisine restaurant providing its guests with an unforgettable home-away-from-home experience. The rooftop wellness area features two Ofuro baths and a Turkish bath pool.

Located in the heart of São Paulo's new financial district and close to several shopping centres, The Hilton São Paulo Morumbi, www.hilton.com, is styled with a contemporary elegance that features a generous helping of Brazillian oak and marble. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow for ample natural light and panoramic city views. Several modern restaurants in the hotel offer the latest cuisines.

Every room in this hotel is enriched with special features to help the guest feel relaxed and revitalised. Unwind at the Living Well Health Club and Spa, where a complete range of body treatments and therapies are offered or simply relax at the swimming pool located on the rooftop with spectacular views overlooking the city of São Paulo.

Surrounded by exclusive shops that house world-famous brands, this charming property, Hotel Fasano, www.fasano.com.br, offers an elegant yet relaxed feel. Its ambience is adapted from the classical 1920's and 30's style and blends in beautifully with its dark wood interiors decorated with many antiques. Its famous Fasano Restaurant is voted one of the best in Brazil.

Where to eat?

Since 1982, the Fasano restaurant has celebrated the traditions of Italian cuisine with creative and contemporary reinterpretations. Located on the ground floor of the Hotel Fasano São Paulo, the restaurant is São Paulo's most renowned, embodying the highest standards of the city's culinary history. Rogério Fasano's unmistakable personality and enduring excellence imbue every aspect of the restaurant and its menu. Crafted by chef Luca Gozzani, every course is inspired by the regional tastes and flavors of Italy. The restaurant accommodates up to 80 guests and includes a private room that can seat up to 26 people. The bar features live piano music every evening.

A Bela Paulista is a very agreeable, upscale bakery that is especially popular with the gay Paulistano community for its gourmet sandwiches and salads served around the clock. Expect lines in the wee hours as clubs start to close.

Brasil a Gosto is cozy and modern all at once. This remarkable new Jardins institution has won kudos for its innovative takes on classic Brazilian dishes and ingredients, from carne do sol (tasty, salted meat, grilled and served with beans, rice and vegetables) to Amazonian fruits such as the berry-like açai.

How to get there?

Emirates offer daily flights from Malta to São Paulo with a stopover in Dubai. Flights departing on 10 October and returning on 23 October were priced at €917.13 including tax at the time of going to print. Total flying time is approximately 22 hours.