continued from Sao Paulo for Lovers

Attractions in Sao Paulo

Edifício Banespa. This high-rise was modeled after the Empire State Building. You can hop two elevators (and a couple of flights of spiral stairs) up the 36-floor building for a good view of the city. The open-air rooftop is a favorite with photographers looking for city panoramics. Admission is free but the building is open weekdays only. Location: Praca Antonio Prada (downtown district)

Edifício Italia. For a more romantic--but more expensive--panoramic view, check out the bar and restaurant at Edificio Italia. Perched on the 41st floor, you can opt for a meal or just afternoon tea or a drink. Location: 6 Avenida Ipiranga (downtown)

Metropolitan Cathedral. With its Gothic interior and Renaissance exterior, this cathedral just looks old—construction actually was completed in the 1920s. It’s well worth a visit to see the massive church and its 6000-pipe organ. Location: downtown

Liberdade. Pronounced lib-er-da-je, this is the second largest Japanese community outside of Japan. Shops and restaurants lure visitors every day but on Sundays things are really hopping with a street fair.

Museu de Arte de São Paulo. Stroll the galleries of this fine art museum for a look at works by Degas, Renoir, van Gogh, Picasso, and many others. Location: Avenida Paulista. www.masp.art.br

Parque Ibirapuera. This urban park is the city’s largest and the two of you can rent bikes by the hour to tour its shady lanes. Be sure to visit the Japanese Pavilion. The Planetarium gives you a look at the night sky of the Southern hemisphere (a view that’s tough to get due to city lights). The Modern Art Museum features Brazilian works and drawings from the Brazilian modernist movement.

Municipal Market. We list this site for its dining but it’s also worth visiting as an attraction. Indoor stalls, housed in a structure reminiscent of a train station, sell a colorful array of fruits, vegetables, nuts, spices, oils and more from all over South America. www.mercadomunicipal.com.br

Next page: Recommended Hotel: Sonesta Sao Paulo Ibirapuera