São Paulo Travel Forum

My friend and I are taking our first trip to Sao Paulo December 29-January 2. We'll be there over New Year's Eve and I was wondering if anyone had any good suggestions for New Year's activities? What are some of the more popular, safer places Paulistas gather on New Year's? Also, if anyone could recommend 3-5 "must do" activities, it would be much appreciated!

Obrigado,
Kemp

One thing is you might want to get a hotel with a good view for the fireworks on Avenida Paulista. The city builds a stage over the avenue and for hours there's a free concert. At midnight fireworks are released, bursting over the skyscrapers. On average about 2 million people show up, making it one of the 10 largest New Year parties in the world. You might try Hotel Unique to see if they are offering any events at the rooftop restaurant, fantastic view of the city. http://www.hotelunique.com.br/splashpage/

Suerte
SAM

As mentioned by Porteño the public show at Av Paulista is the best New Year's Eve activity.
December, 31 afternoon there's Corrida de São Silvestre as well. Corrida de São Silvestre is a quarter Marathon race at São Paulo streets. Starting and ending lines are on Av Paulista.
In order to be cured from the effects of overindulgence in liquor at January,1
Paulistas go to the beach: Santos or Guarujá. Guarujá is much eclectic than Santos.
I am sending a brazilian link (portuguese) with some paulistanos night-clubs:

http://www.noitesaopaulo.com.br/casasnoturnas/index.asp

Cassiovieggore

Sao Paolo also has one of the biggest Japanese populations (if not the biggest) outside of Japan and there are excellent restaurant choices, sometimes mixing Brazilian and Japanese tastes. It is very interesting how so many Japanes have called this city home. The traffic though is unbearable at times...and make sure you leave early for the airport. Also, it would be nice for you to taste their very tasty "energy" soda called Guarana, and the drink acai. Have fun in Sao Paolo!