São Paulo/Northeast

The occupation of the Northeast started with rural properties, which later evolved into residencial neighborhoods. Since the XIX century, the main link of the region with the Center is Ponte das Bandeiras, and the district of Santana, in the north side of the bridge, has became the "center" of the 1.35 million people region.
Santana is the true "event arena" of São Paulo, being home to Parque Anhembi, a 400,000 square meters area for all kinds of events, plus other smaller event centers and areas. Popular celebrations and manifestations take place at Praça Campo de Bagatelle and Praça Heróis da FEB. Besides, Santana contains the wealthiest residencial areas of the region, plus most (or almost all) of the Northeast's gastronomy and nightlife.
But there are of course reasons to go beyond Santana. These includes historical constructions from the region's rural period, the various Carnaval groups, and the largest park contained in São Paulo metropolitan area, the Parque Estadual da Cantareira. This is composed of millions of square meters of preserved rainforest, and offers some breathtaking views of the city.

By public transport

The Northeast isn't well-covered by the rail network, with all metro stations located in two districts:

• Santana: Portuguesa-Tietê, Carandiru, Santana, Jardim São Paulo
• Tucuruvi: Parada Inglesa, Tucuruvi

For all other areas, taking a bus is required. In many events that happen in the Northeast, there is a number of dedicated buses going from the Tietê station to these events, so reaching them using public transport shouldn't be a problem.

By car

The Marginal Tietê, that runs on the shores of the Tietê river, links the Northeast to the West and the East of the city, and Corredor Norte-Sul links it to the Center and the South. A car is probably the best way to reach Parque da Cantareira.

A visitor that goes to the Northeast will probably stay most of the time in the district of Santana (where most attractions, as well as most metro stations, are), so going around should be easy, either on foot or by public transport.
Note that the north part of the region (where Parque da Cantareira and Horto Florestal are) is extremely hilly, so going to it on foot or by bicycle is not so easy as it may seem on the map.

Parks

• Parque Estadual da Cantareira

  phone: +55 11 6232-5049
  address: R. do Horto, 1.799 - Tremembé (administration)
  With 80 million square meters of Atlantic rainforest, Parque da Cantareira is argueably the largest urban forest of the world, extending to 4 municipalities of São Paulo's metropolitan region. The park is mostly intended for exploring the rainforest in well-sinalized trails, and has only a few recreation areas; bringing your own food and water is highly advised. The park also does not open on rainy days. These are areas located in the municipality of São Paulo which are open for visit:

• Núcleo da Pedra Grande

  phone: +55 11 6232-5049
  address: R. do Horto, 1.799, Tremembé
  Three walking trails of easy to medium difficulty.

• Núcleo Engordador

  phone: +55 11 6995-3254
  address: Av. Cel. Sezefredo Fagundes, 19.100, Cachoeira
  Two walking trails of easy to medium difficulty, plus one mountain bike trail.

• Núcleo Águas Claras

  phone: +55 11 4485-1079
  address: Av. José Ermírio de Moraes, 96
  Three walking trails of easy to medium difficulty.

Horto Florestal

phone: +55 11 2232-3117

address: Rua do Horto, 931 - Mandaqui

Just next to Parque da Cantareira, this 1.7 million square meter park (350,000 visitable) is preferable if you still want to be close to the preserved nature, but wants more relaxing/recreation and less adventure. Besides, it can be visited everyday. The Governor Summer Palace and Museu Florestal are located inside the park.

Parque da Juventude

phone: +55 11 2251-2706

address: Avenida Zaki Narchi, 1309 - Santana

The 240,000 square meters park is the former site of Carandiru Penitentiary Complex, which was known as one of Brazil's most terrible prisions. Most of the former penitentiary was destroyed, with exception of one building (which became a technical school) and a number of ruins. The park has many sport facilities, including free sport classes; check the website for information.

Buildings and landmarks

• Praça Campo de Bagatelle and Praça Heróis da FEB

  address: Santana
  The two squares and the 1-km corridor linking them are used for many events, including Marcha para Jesus and the Labour Day celebrations, plus celebration of football championships. The first square contains the 14-Bis monument, a replica of the aircraft constructed by the Brazilian inventor Santos Dumont in 1906. The second square contains a monument for the Brazilians who fought in the World War II.

• Mirante de Santana

  address: Praça Vaz Guaçu - Jardim São Paulo
  It is the main weather station in the city, built in 1929. This season is so far the amount of rainfall, relative humidity, radiation, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction. It provides a nice view of the city, but the best view is not open for public, unfortunately.

• Palacete Baruel

  address: Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 2677 - Alto de Santana
  This small castle, built in 1879, belonged to the farm of the Baruel family, one of the first families that settled in the region.

• Biblioteca Narbal Fontes

  phone: +55 11 2973-4461
  address: Rua Conselheiro Moreira de Barros, 170 - Alto de Santana
  The former residence of the Baruel family, it is now a public library.

• Sítio Morrinhos

  phone: +55 11 2236-6121
  address: Rua Santo Anselmo, 102 - Jardim São Bento
  It's a rural property, built in 1702 which incorporates the history of Portuguese colonizaton in Brazil.

• Arquivo Público do Estado de São Paulo

  phone: +55 11 2221-4785
  address: Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 596 - Santana
  Considered a haven for scholars. Offers free consultation services to newspapers and magazines, the most ancient to the present.

• Helicopter Ride

  phone: +55 11 2945-8828
  address: at Campo de Marte airport
  Guided helicopter ride to see São Paulo from above, with at least 30 minutes. Provided by Andanças Viagens e Turismo.

Sports, hobbies and cultural activities

The Northeast offers some interesting options for those who will stay more than a couple of days in the city. Besides the various Carnaval groups, the region offers, through the Campo de Marte airport, activities for those interested in aircraft and aviation.

• Império da Casa Verde

  address: Av. Eng. Caetano Álvares, 2042 - Casa Verde
  Carnaval group.

• Mocidade Alegre

  address: Avenida Casa Verde, 3498 - Bairro do Limão
  Carnaval group.

• Unidos do Peruche

  address: Avenida Ordem e Progresso, 1061 - Jardim das Laranjeiras
  Carnaval group.

• Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi

  address: Av. Mazzei, 722 - Tucuruvi
  Carnaval group.

• X-9 Paulistana

  phone: +55 11 3812-3816
  address: Avenida Luís Dumont Villares, 324 - Carandiru
  Carnaval group.

• Clube de Aeromodelismo de Santana

  phone: +55 11 3673-6167
  address: Rua Marechal Leitão de Carvalho, 15 - Santana
  Aeromodelling club.

• Aeroclube de São Paulo

  phone: +55 11 2221-9100
  address: Av Santos Dumont, 1979 - Santana
  General aviation club. Commercial pilot classes available.

• Clube Esperia

  phone: +55 11 2223-3300
  address: Avenida Santos Dumont, 1313 - Santana
  Founded by Italian immigrants, the sports club is famous for its rowing activities, which was originally practiced in the Tietê river, now inside the University of São Paulo. Many other sport activities are also available.

• SESC Santana

  phone: +55 11 2971-8700
  address: Avenida Luiz Dumont Villares, 579 - Jardim São Paulo
  Cultural center.

Events

Event centers

• Parque Anhembi

  phone: +55 11 2226-0400
  address: Avenida Olavo Fontoura, 1.209 - Santana
  With 400,000 square meters, Parque Anhembi hosts the largest events of São Paulo and is one of the main landmarks of the region. The area contains various facilities, including Pavilhão de Exposições, where large-scale expositions take place, and the Sambódromo, the place of the Carnaval parade. The Holiday Inn Anhembi hotel is also here.

• Expo Center Norte

  phone: +55 11 2089-8500
  address: Rua José Bernardo Pinto, 333 - Vila Guilherme
  Another large event center, although much smaller than Anhembi (with 100,000 square meters).

• Mart Center

  address: Rua Chico Pontes, 1500 - Vila Guilherme
  A former shopping mall, now basically used for events. About 71,000 square meters.

Events

• São Paulo CarnavalSee São Paulo main article.

• International Book Biennial of São Paulo

  address: at Parque Anhembi
  The annual event happens around August. It is the stage for the meeting of the principal publishers, bookstores and distributors in the country, which prepare their launches for this period. Attracts more than 700,000 people.

• Salão do Automóvel de São Paulo

  address: at Parque Anhembi
  The most important automobilistic event in Latin America, happening around October-November. Showcases more than 450 car models and attracts more than 700,000 people.

• Super Casas Bahia

  address: at Parque Anhembi
  A fair of electronics, furniture and other home products organized by one of Brazil's largest retailers. Happens around December-January, and it features prices lower than usual.

• Marcha para Jesus

  address: at Praça Heróis da FEB
  The annual event, organized by the Reborn in Christ Church, happens around June and attracts about 5 million people, being one of the largest evangelical events in the world. Features many performances of gospel music. Attracts around 2 million visitors.

• Skol Sensation

  address: at Parque Anhembi
  The São Paulo version of the Sensation electronic music party in Amsterdam happens around June. Attracts around 40,000 people.

• Anime FriendsThe largest event of Japanese anime and manga in Latin America. Happens around July. Always features performances of J-Pop artists.

• Erotika Fair

  address: at Parque Anhembi
  Fair of sex-related products and services. Mainly intended for people who do business in the area, but it also has sex shops and erotic performances for the general public.

• Shopping Center Norte

  phone: +55 11 2222-2555
  address: Travessa Casalbuono, 120 - Vila Guilherme
  The oldest and largest shopping mall of the region, with 300,000 square meters and about 475 shops. Unlike most shopping malls in São Paulo, Center Norte is almost completely horizontal, with only the bowling and gaming areas outside the ground floor.

• Shopping Lar Center

  phone: +55 11 2224-5959
  address: Avenida Otto Baumgart, 500 - Vila Guilherme
  Quite obviously just an extension of Shopping Center Norte, specialized in decoration, furniture and other house items. Linked to Shopping Center Norte by an elevated corridor. About 160 shops.

• Metrô Santana area

  address: Santana
  The area around the Santana metro station, particularly the streets Voluntários da Pátria, Dr. César e Alfredo Pujol, is the most expressive outdoor commercial center of the region.

• Santana Parque Shopping

  phone: +55 11 2238-3002
  address: Rua Conselheiro Moreira de Barros, 2.780 - Lauzane Paulista
  Shopping mall with more upscale profile. It is actually located in the district of Mandaqui and not Santana. Also known for its "environmental-friendly" policies. About 180 shops.

Gourmet bakeries

• A Lareira Pães e Doces

  phone: +55 11 3858-1281
  address: Av. Deputado Emílio Carlos, 718
  Casa Verde

• Century Pães e Doces

  phone: +55 11 2976-2001
  address: Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 3749
  Alto de Santana

• Francisca Júlia Pães e Doces

  phone: +55 11 2950-5102
  address: Rua Francisca Júlia, 428
  Alto de Santana

• Gran Royalle Casa de Pães

  phone: +55 11 2099-1111
  address: Rua Eduardo Espinola Filho, 70
  Jardim São Paulo

• La Brunet

  phone: +55 11 2977-6777
  address: Rua Pedro Doll, 115
  Alto de Santana

• Leão XIII

  phone: +55 11 2256-8300
  address: Rua Soror Angélica, 449
  Jardim São Bento

• Ms. Boulanger

  phone: +55 11 2959-4948
  address: Rua Pedro Doll, 451
  Alto de Santana

Brazilian food

• Cantinho 100% Nordestino

  phone: +55 11 2959-0313, +55 11 2959-0320
  address: Avenida Cruzeiro do Sul, 2816
  Santana
• Mocotó - Avenida Nossa Sra. do Loreto, 1100 - Santana - +55 11 2951-3056

• O Caipira

  phone: +55 11 2905-4443
  address: Rua Amazonas da Silva, 21
  Vila Guilherme

• O Compadre

  phone: +55 11 2252-3131
  address: Avenida Otto Baumgart, 500
  Lj.201 - Vila Guilherme

European food

• Cuisine France - French food - Rua Marieta da Silva, 284A - Vila Guilherme - +55 11 2909-1916
• Dom Francisco - Portuguese food - Rua Alfredo Pujol, 217 - Santana - +55 11 2977-9095, +55 11 2950-7559

Japanese food

• Flying Sushi

  phone: +55 11 2950-8111
  address: Rua Doutor César, 462
  Santana

• Japa Sushi

  phone: +55 11 2950-9387
  address: Rua Francisca Júlia, 414
  Alto de Santana
• Joy Sushi - Rua José Doll de Morais, 70 - Alto de Santana - +55 11 2950-0987

• Kodai Sushi

  phone: +55 11 3729-9886
  address: Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 3300
  Alto de Santana
• Matsuya Restaurante Japonês - Avenida Águas de São Pedro, 848 - Tucuruvi - +55 11 2283-1080

• Sushi Mart

  phone: +55 11 2283-0019
  address: Rua Dr. César, 732
  Santana

• Temaki Ya

  phone: +55 11 2099-2091
  address: Avenida Brás Leme, 2025
  Santana

Mexican food

• Habanero Bar e Restaurante

  phone: +55 11 2950-8219
  address: Rua Alfredo Pujol, 1765
  Santana

Pizzeria

• Cantina Biaggio

  phone: +55 11 2950-3755
  address: Avenida Brás Leme, 2141
  Santana

• Capitania das Pizzas

  phone: +55 11 2973-2963, +55 11 2283-3027
  address: Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 3144
  Alto de Santana

• Del Col Pizzaria

  phone: +55 11 2959-0792, +55 11 2950-8473
  address: Avenida Leôncio de Magalhães, 1361
  Santana

• Don Frediani Pizzaria

  phone: +55 11 2977-0700, +55 11 2973-8867
  address: Avenida Leôncio de Magalhães, 648
  Santana

• Estação Braz Leme

  phone: +55 11 2959-2323
  address: Avenida Brás Leme, 1950
  Santana

• Gran Royalle Pizzaria

  phone: +55 11 2283-3922
  address: Avenida Brás Leme, 2335
  Santana

• Jullia Pizza Bar

  phone: +55 11 2959-5077
  address: Rua Francisca Julia, 465
  Alto de Santana

• Mister Magoo Pizzas

  phone: +55 11 2973-0573
  address: Rua Jovita, 461
  Santana

• Piu Buona Pizzaria

  phone: +55 11 2959-7709
  address: Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 3116
  Alto de Santana

• Que Pankeka Pizza & Ci

  phone: +55 11 2976-8097, +55 11 2959-2525
  address: Rua Dr. César, 938
  A - - Santana

• Quintal Brasil Pizza Bar

  phone: +55 11 2973-8811
  address: Rua Dr. César, 768
  Santana -

Veggies

• Sabor Natural

  phone: +55 11 2977-4304
  address: Avenida Leôncio de Magalhães, 1297
  Jardim São Paulo -

• Avenida Brás Leme.
• Avenida Engenheiro Caetano Álvares.
• Avenida Luís Dumont Villares.
• Rua Dr. César
• Alto de Santana neighboorhood:

Streets: Pedro Doll, Francisca Júlia, Voluntários da Pátria e Antônio Pereira de Sousa

• Alibabar Bar e Chopperia

  phone: +55 11 2281-7845, +55 11 2281-8574
  address: Avenida Luiz Dumont Villares, 697
  Santana

• All GustoR Augusto Tolle, 435 - Santa Terezinha

• Armazém 165

  phone: +55 11 2099-1445
  address: Rua Doutor César, 165
  Santana -

• Auá Bar

  phone: +55 11 2975-3164, +55 11 2979-1035
  address: Avenida Engenheiro Caetano Álvares, 5671
  Mandaqui

• Ave Cesar

  phone: +55 11 2977-9424
  address: Rua Doutor César, 275
  Santana

• Bar Brahma Aeroclube de São Paulo

  phone: +55 11 2221-0970
  address: Avenida Olavo Fontoura, 650
  Santana - Located within the Campo de Marte, the first airport in São Paulo. In a grand hall with lounge and full details.
• Bar do Luiz Fernandes - Rua Augusto Tolle, 610 - Alto de Santana - (11) 2976-3556 One of the most traditional bars in São Paulo.

• Café Deleite

  phone: +55 11 3368-9135
  address: Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 3139
  Alto de Santana
• Cervejaria Papagaio Vintém - Bares - Rua Doutor César, 706 - Santana - +55 11 3477-2030

• City Chopperia

  phone: +55 11 2976-9578
  address: Avenida Brás Leme, 2450
  Santana
• Espaço Santana - Rua Antônio Pereira de Sousa, 227 - Alto de Santana - +55 11 2283-3939

• Manufatura Bar

  phone: +55 11 2979-8538
  address: Avenida Brás Leme, 2040

• Mec's Comércio de Refeições

  phone: +55 11 2283-1615
  address: Rua Augusto Tolle, 498
  Alto de Santana

• Morro Paulicéia

  phone: +55 11 2978-3117, +55 11 2972-2348
  address: Rua Pedro Cacunda, 448

• Papagaio Vintém

  phone: +55 11 3477-2030
  address: Rua Doutor César, 706
  Santana

• Purlin Bar

  phone: +55 11 2972-0473
  address: Rua Duarte de Azevedo, 718
  Santana

• Quintal Brasil

  phone: +55 11 2973-8811
  address: Rua Doutor César, 768
  Santana

• Saint Patrick's Pub

  phone: +55 11 2977-9226
  address: Avenida Luís Dumont Villares, 655
  Santana

• Santana Café

  phone: +55 11 2099-1317
  address: Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 2599
  Santana

• Santana Hall

  phone: +55 11 2221-0855
  address: Avenida Cruzeiro do Sul, 2737
  Santana

• Santana Snooker Bar

  phone: +55 11 2283-5683
  address: Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 2022
  Santana

• Snooker Rock Bar

  phone: +55 11 2976-7012
  address: Avenida Luís Dumont Villares, 340
  Santana

• Holiday Inn Parque Anhembi

  phone: +55 11 2107-8844
  address: Rua Prof. Milton Rodrigues, n. 100, Santana
  The largest hotel in Brazil.

• Omega Palace Hotel

  phone: +55 11 2221-7355
  Rua Força Pública 56 - Santana

• Discovery Hotel

  phone: +55 11 2281-6639, +55 11 2978-3410
  address: Rua Dr. César, 217
  Santana

• Hotel Luni

  phone: +55 11 2979-1234
  address: Rua Conselheiro Saraiva, 303
  Santana

• Mercure Apartments São Paulo Nortel

  phone: +55 11 2972-8111
  address: Avenida Luiz Dumont Villares, 400
  Vila Guilherme

• Pleasant Place Hotel

  phone: +55 11 2635-1513
  address: Rua da Gávea, 681
  Santana

• Brasília Small Town

  phone: +55 11 2950-3355
  address: Rua Olavo Egídio, 420
  Santana

• Brasília Santana Gold Flat

  phone: +55 11 2972-6311
  address: Rua Doutor Olavo Egídio, 170
  Santana

• Novotel São Paulo Center Norte

  phone: +55 11 2224-4000
  address: Avenida Zaki Narchi, 500
  Vila Guilherme - / 4100

• Ibis Styles Sao Paulo Anhembi Hotel

  phone: +55 11 4506-9500
  address: Avenida Cruzeiro do Sul, 1709
  Santana

The Northeast is pretty much average in terms of criminality, so use the recommendations that apply to the rest of São Paulo. There are, however, some dangerous areas, especially in poor neighborhoods in the north part of the region, near the area of Parque da Cantareira.
The streets in Santana and Vila Guilherme close to Marginal Tietê aren't particularly safe when they become deserted, especially during the night. So, when walking to (or back from) an event in the area, try to follow other people walking from (or to) the metro station. This shouldn't be a problem in large scale events. If this is not possible, taking a bus or a taxi to the metro station may be a good idea.