Getting Around

Navigating São Paulo is not easy, and staying either in the central areas or at least near an inner-city subway station is advisable, especially if you don't plan on renting a car or taking cabs. The subway is quick, easy, inexpensive, and covers much of the city, with stops near the most interesting sites for travelers. Buses can be hard to navigate if you don't speak Portuguese. Driving in São Paulo, particularly in peak hours, can be slow and difficult. For longer stays, obtain a provisional drivers license and a good map—with a little care and a lot of confidence, you can get by. Parking can be perplexing, so it's probably best to use a parking lot (estacionamento), which are numerous and relatively cheap. Cabs rates are reasonable and they're abundant in the popular neighborhoods.