I just discovered the FIRST ever, first-world tourist booth in São Paulo. For a city this huge and old aaand famous, SP should’ve had visitor centers long ago. And though it claims to have them (in less than a handful of spots, by the way!), they are in wacky, scary locations such as the totally tourist-unfriendly, confusing, and smoggy local bus depot.
Needless to say, I was psyched to discover that the Central de Informações Turísticas in the Parque Mário Covas atAvenida Paulista 1853 has not only a well-stocked, hyper-useful info counter, but also actual English speaking attendants – a rarity!
And boy is it good. There are literally 20 or 30 bi-lingual pamphlets, publications, calendars of events, suggestions for walking tours and other turista goodies. The space is housed on a lovely piece of greenery with cool shade, sprinklers where you can frolick (this is Brazil, anyone can), and most importantly -another rarity- pristine public bathrooms!
So, if you’re lost in Sampa (and face it, you probably are), go to Parque Mário Covas and pick up a map or three from the buffet they’ve got waiting. You won’t regret it!
