The São Paulo skyline at dusk.
Jeremy Woodhouse/Getty
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It's the biggest city in the southern hemisphere, the cultural and financial capital of Brazil, and one of the most vibrantly diverse places in the world—yet São Paulo ranks as one of the most underrated urban tourist destinations around the globe. In fact, most people who visit the city are there for business. The city proper is home to around 11 million people—three million more than New York—and has the varied architecture, modern aesthetic, and sprawling skyline to show for it. So it's no surprise that terms like 'concrete jungle,' get tossed around a lot in reference to São Paulo, or Sampa, as the Brazilians have nicknamed it.
Fortunately, there are plenty of green ways to navigate this urban jungle and soak up the varied art, music, nightlife, restaurant, and historical scenes of the city without leaving much of an environmental impact. Though the savvy traveler should also take caution: This city has a high crime rate, and valuables should be carefully protected—out of reach of pickpockets—or left at home.
Solid public transit, bike-only roadways, and a burgeoning organic eating craze are a few of the green highlights that Paulistanos (slang for São Paulo residents) enjoy in their South American cultural hub. Tap into all of them (plus a few more) by following this guide for an eco-friendly visit to São Paulo.
For the latest green news on São Paulo, check out TreeHugger's Brazil archives.
- Take Public Transportation: The Airport Bus Service and the São Paulo Metro
The Sao Paulo Airport is a major hub, and many travelers begin here before tackling more of Brazil. Until an airport express subway line is completed, your best bet upon arrival is the Airport Bus Service, which goes to subway lines and hotels in the city: Unfortunately, the Web site is only in Portuguese. Information is also available at help counters at the airport, hotels, or from agents at the São Paulo Metro. At the moment, four subway lines (running until midnight) efficiently get you to most places of interest across the city; a fifth is expected to open in 2010. Bus lines and a trolley system are in place too, and there's a train for longer distances. All are often crowded: Beat the crush by traveling during off-peak hours.
- Dine at a Vegetarian, Vegan, or Organic Restaurant
The green eater is in luck: The organic food movement has hit São Paulo by storm. Try restaurant Bio Alternativa (Web site in Portuguese), for international vegetarian and organic fusion that changes with the season. There are plenty of vegan dishes, and you can sample a wide assortment of local fare with the buffet lunch. Another option, Vegethus, serves up traditional Brazilian vegetarian food in a casually modern atmosphere (also with vegan items). For vegetarian Indian food with a South American twist, look no further than Gopala Prasada.
- Stay in a Green Hotel: Novotel or Melia Jardim Europa
There aren't too many green lodging choices in São Paulo, but as in many cities, there are establishments more dedicated than others. The four-star Novotel practices energy and water conservation and has a green procurement program focused on purchasing and using environmentally friendly products.
The Melia Jardim Europa has what they call a "Green Floor," a level designed specifically for travelers seeking a more eco-conscionable stay. Although nothing is said about energy efficiency, amenities are biodegradable, the stationary is made from recycled paper, and bins are set out for recycling.
If you're traveling on a budget, book a hostel near the city center, by a subway line, so you can bike or use public transit instead of cabs or rented cars to get around. - Stroll Through Ibirapuera Park
The sprawling Ibirapuera park—all 440,000 acres of it—is one of the premier leisure destinations for Paulistanos, with bike paths, sports courts, and abundant lawn to relax and people-watch from. There will be plenty of people to watch: around 150,000 visitors descend upon the park every weekend. The park is also conveniently located near attractions including the Museu de Arte Moderna de São Paulo.
- Rent a Bike and Hit the New Bike Paths
Rent a bike and take advantage of São Paulo's underused bike paths: The city has embarked on a major bike path development program, and some of the nearly 190 miles of paths planned are already open. Biking is a great way to get around and see the sights without getting trapped in the infamously congested roadways.
- Shop Brazil's First 100 Percent Organic Clothing Store
Shop with peace of mind at the first 100 percent organic clothing shop in Brazil, Eden. All the garments are made entirely from organic cotton and dyed with natural pigments. Check out Eden's Web site to see some of the fashionable threads (if you can read Portuguese, that is).
- Check out Recycled or Reclaimed Wood Furniture
Although it's not so green to bring it home with you, recycled furniture at Super Limao is a real treat: Just browsing the shop—a creative wonderland—is a memorable experience. Items range from recycled plastic chairs and lamps fabricated from reused plastic cups and plungers. There's even an entire furniture line made of recycled paper.
- Go to a Farmers' Market: The Mercado Municipal
A huge, stately market hall, the Mercado Municipal houses 135,000 square feet of fresh fruit, vegetable, pastry, meat, and fish vendors. Sample local specialties like jabuticaba, a huge black grape endemic to the area, or moqueca, a traditional Brazilian stew. The place gets packed, so snag a seat if you can find one, and enjoy the fresh food amidst the swirl of bustling Paulistanos.
- Take a Bus to the Paulista Coast
After a few days of meandering around a city of 11 million, you may find yourself in dire need of some spacious, sunny respite. The Paulista Coast has expansive beaches, waterfront resorts, and renowned seafood restaurants catering to the crowds. It's all only an hour's bus ride away—just take the subway to the Terminal Rodoviario Tiete bus station, and head to one of the coastal towns, such as Santos and Guaruja.
- Take an Eco Trek to Rio
Feeling adventurous? You'd best be if you plan on signing up for this 250-mile eco tour from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro. The guided trek will take you on hiking trails through some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world—from steep mountain ranges to lush rainforests—and you'll stay in local communities and homes along the way. Although the guide Web site ranks the trek with a "medium" difficulty, we get the feeling some pre-training would be helpful.
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