Sau Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, and one that is a real treat. The city is sometimes referred to as Sampa, which is a good thing to know when you’re planning on making a visit! The cultural experience of Sau Paulo is a ripe one, bright colors, scents, sounds, and people. Since the city is rather large and devloped one, there are many cultures that make it up. For that reason the food in particular is a great thing to explore in the town. A trip to Sao Paulo is one that will never be forgotten. Here are some things to know about and check out if you will be heading that direction.

The Sau Paulo Cathedral

The Sau Paulo cathedral is the biggest church in the city and holds 8,000 people seated. It was constructed out of 800 tons of marble in the neo-gothic style. Many of the carvings within the cathedral pay tribute to Brazil and it is quite a sight to see.

Mercado Municipal de Sao Paulo

This market is located on the Tamanduateí river and has a ton of fresh and dried foods for sale. The actual building itself is beautiful as well, with a domed art deco style design and 72 stained glass windows that were made by the same artist that made the ones in the Sau Paulo cathedral. If you’re looking for an opportunity to try a few different local food types at once, this is the best place to do it.

Museu do Futebol

For soccer fans the Museu do Futebal is a must see. It has traditional exhibits and also interactive ones It has kinds of facts to learn about the game itself and also about many of its famous players.

Theatro Municipal de Sao Paulo

The Theatro Municipal de Sao Paulo hosts world class operas and other shows. It was built in 1922 and modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris. It was restored in 2011 so the building looks great inside and out, in all of its gilded opulence. Some of the shows it hosts are world famous.

Liberdade District

The Liberdade District is considered the Japanese district, but today is inhabited by tons of Chinese and Koreans as well. The area is marked by a large red arch that is used to show the entrance to Shinto temples in Japan. Each week a fair is held in the area where crafts are sold, as well as all kinds of Japanese imports.

Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo (MASP)

The MASP’s claim to fame is that it holds the finest European Art collection in South America. The exterior architecture itself is beautiful, and it holds art from some of most famous and historical European artists. The museum us quite big so art fans could potentially spend multiple days within the museum and continue to be amazed by new pieces of classic art.