A spirited Brazilian destination, São Paulo is the largest city in South America and the third-largest in the world. It has been called the ‘New York City of Brazil’ and is home to a mosaic of 25 million people, many of whom are from other parts of the country. This hub of shopping, culture and sophisticated dining is the nation’s rising cultural centre.

Carnival
This is the month to be in Brazil, with the world’s largest party, taking place all over the nation. The whole of Brazil stops for four days to enjoy the revelry, which is marked by lots of dancing, drinking, singing and mischievous behaviour. It is wise to book well ahead of time, as many hotels can be fully booked as early as October. Expect all flights and buses to be full as well. Hotels will most likely require you buy a package covering the whole four days of the festival, and this is the best choice as travel within the country practically grounds to a halt.

Banks: 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday (many with 24-hour access)
Post Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 19:00, weekdays, 09:00 to 14:00, Saturdays, closed Sunday
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Business Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday