Shopping & Souvenirs

So here’s the insider info on shopping in Sao Paulo:

This city offers a pretty extensive and dynamic array of choices when it comes to shopping, from high end boutique stores to small, local craft shops. If you are looking for the high end shopping destinations, Avenida Paulista has some very expensive retailers. Near the avenue is the Jardins area, very well known for its high end boutiques and very impressive, delicious restaurants. Rua Augusta and Rua Haddock Lobo are very popular shopping streets, filled with a number of international brands catered to expensive clothing, jewelry, and gifts. In downtown Sao Pualo, there is a local market selling lavish, handcrafted items such as purses, belts, etc.

Me standing outside of Shopping Paulista, near Avenida Paulista

There are a number of shopping malls that includes many boutique shops and gourmet dining. Some of the malls I recommend are Shopping Paulista, Shopping Ibirapueara, Shopping Morumbi, and Shopping Patio Higienopolis. Stores are shopping malls include clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, bookstores, electronics, cell phones, and pet stores. Also many nice restaurants and cafes are located inside.

If you’re looking for something specific, there are certain streets dedicated to a certain industry. One I’m familiar with is Rua 25 de Marco, which is a huge commerce hub, especially for electronics. This street has probably the most lowest prices relatively in comparison to other parts of Sao Paulo, selling computers, TV’s, iPods, calculators, watches, etc. However, it’s also flooded with mock products and illegal imitations, so buy with caution.

If you’re looking for an Asian market, go over to the Liberdade district, a heavily Japanese-dominated neighborhood, boasts as a popular destination for Asian influenced trinkets and goods. On Sunday, there is a fair that goes on where Asian-influenced cuisine can be tasted and many artisans set up hundreds of booths selling handcrafted items.

Another fair to be considered would be the one located at Praca da Republica, it has one of the best handcrafted textiles from local artisans, and also original artworks from local painters and artists.

What should you bring back as souvenirs? That’s seriously up to you, but I’d suggest you include a pair of Havaianas flip-flops, they’re so comfortable and you’ll have more choices in design for a cheaper price here in Brazil than anywhere else in the world.

Enjoy!

Rio or Sao Paulo for Business?

This article has some interesting points. Since I’m currently in Sao Paulo and to be honest, it really depends on what type of business you’re in. If you are pursuing something within the financial industry, then Sao Paulo is where you need to be. Paulista Avenue is a huge financial hub. But as the article mentions, Rio’s is for you if you’re interested in tourism, energy, infrastructure, and creative industries like fashion or film. So take your pick!