Sao Paulo: Brazil's economic capital and the third most densely populated city in the world after Mexico City and Tokyo, Sao Paulo is a city of excess.

Sao Paulo lies south of the Tropic of Capricorn in the southern hemisphere: the seasons are reversed, with the months of June to September corresponding to the southern winter. What's more, the city is situated on a plateau at an altitude of 800 m, so make sure you bring a little wool for the evenings.

As far as appointments are concerned, you should be aware that it is difficult to be on time because of the traffic jams that constantly clog up the city, with the notable exception of match days for the Brazilian football team, when everyone is in front of their television sets! What's more, the city has just opened 8 bicycle stations linked to 8 metro stations. Bicycles are free to borrow for the first 30 minutes, after which a charge is made. The only problem is that only 80 bikes will be made available to users for the launch, so it's not certain that this will help to reduce traffic jams!

In other good news for travellers, metro users can take advantage of free wifi for 15 minutes at 40 stations on lines 1-Azul, 2-Verde and 3-Vermelha.

Where to eat

As the world's second-largest Italian city, Sao Paulo boasts some of the best pizza in the world. There's even a pizza day, on 10 July! The world's second-largest Japanese city, the megalopolis is home to treasures of Japanese gastronomy. As the world's first Lebanese city, it offers unparalleled Lebanese-Syrian cuisine, with taboulés and other mezzés. Not to mention cuisine from every corner of the country. In short, a multicultural city with unsuspected culinary influences! Along with Argentina, Brazil is the other meat country. Don't hesitate to push open the door of a churrascaria (inn specialising in meat).

Try the pato no tucupi (wild duck, topped with a sauce made from fermented manioc juice), and above all the famous churrascos, an assortment of meats grilled on skewers, served as they would be on the ranches of the south: a delight, especially the picanas! For sumptuous Brazilian dishes, we recommend the Brasil a Gosto restaurant, a fine city-centre establishment run by two women with character! For one of the city's best caipirinha drinks, head to the Astor, home of the best bartender of 2010.

What to bring back?

The famous rue Oscar Freire is full of designer boutiques selling a wide range of items.