São Paulo/Northeast

Northeast is a region of São Paulo. A rural area turned residential, it is now known for its large exposition and event centers, and many of the city's largest events, including the São Paulo Carnaval Parade, happen here. A no less important feature of the region are its nature areas, including Parque Estadual da Cantareira, one of the largest urban forests of the World.

The Northeast is divided in 11 districts, grouped in 4 subprefecutes:

  • Casa Verde/Cachoeirinha subprefecture: Cachoeirinha, Limão, Casa Verde
  • Santana/Tucuruvi subprefecture: Mandaqui, Tucuruvi, Santana
  • Tremembé/Jaçanã subprefecture: Tremembé, Jaçanã
  • Vila Maria/Vila Guilherme subprefecture: Vila Medeiros, Vila Guilherme, Vila Maria

Understand

The occupation of the Northeast started with rural properties, which later evolved into residential neighborhoods. Since the 19th 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-m² 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.

Get in

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.

Get around

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.

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.

See

Parks
  • 🌍 Parque Estadual da Cantareira, R. do Horto, 1.799 - Tremembé (administration), ☏ +55 11 6232-5049. With 80 million m² 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, R. do Horto, 1.799, Tremembé, ☏ +55 11 6232-5049. Sa Su holidays 08:30-17:00. Three walking trails of easy to medium difficulty. 
    • Núcleo Engordador, Av. Cel. Sezefredo Fagundes, 19.100, Cachoeira, ☏ +55 11 6995-3254. Sa Su holidays 08:30-17:00. Two walking trails of easy to medium difficulty, plus one mountain bike trail. 
    • Núcleo Águas Claras, Av. José Ermírio de Moraes, 96, ☏ +55 11 4485-1079. Sa Su holidays 08:30-17:00. Three walking trails of easy to medium difficulty. 
  • 🌍 Horto Florestal (Parque Estadual Alberto Löfgren), Rua do Horto, 931 - Mandaqui, ☏ +55 11 2231-8555. Daily 06:00-19:00. Just next to Parque da Cantareira, this 1.7 million-m² 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. free. 
  • 🌍 Parque da Juventude, Avenida Zaki Narchi, 1309 - Santana (Near Carandiru station), ☏ +55 11 2089-8600. The 240,000-m² 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, Santana (north part of Corredor Norte-Sul). 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, Praça Vaz Guaçu - Jardim São Paulo (near Jardim São Paulo station). 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, 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, Rua Conselheiro Moreira de Barros, 170 - Alto de Santana, ☏ +55 11 2973-4461. The former residence of the Baruel family, it is now a public library. 
  • 🌍 Sítio Morrinhos (Centro de Arqueologia de São Paulo), Rua Santo Anselmo, 102 - Jardim São Bento, ☏ +55 11 2236-6121. It's a rural property, built in 1702 which incorporates the history of Portuguese colonizaton in Brazil. 
  • Arquivo Público do Estado de São Paulo, Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 596 - Santana, ☏ +55 11 2868-4500. Considered a haven for scholars. Offers free consultation services to newspapers and magazines, the most ancient to the present. 

Do
  • 🌍 High Class Helicopter Tours, at Campo de Marte airport, ☏ +55 11 3863-2061. Guided helicopter ride to see São Paulo from above, with at least 30 minutes. Provided by Andanças Viagens e Turismo. starting from R$ 850 for 2 people. 

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.

Events

Event centers
  • 🌍 Parque Anhembi, Avenida Olavo Fontoura, 1.209 - Santana, ☏ +55 11 2226-0500. With 400,000 m², 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, Rua José Bernardo Pinto, 333 - Vila Guilherme, ☏ +55 11 2224-5959. Another large event center, although much smaller than Anhembi (with 100,000 square meters). 
  • Mart Center, Rua Chico Pontes, 1500 - Vila Guilherme. A former shopping mall, now basically used for events. About 71,000 square meters. 

Events
  • São Paulo Carnaval. See São Paulo main article. 
  • International Book Biennial of São Paulo (Bienal do Livro de São Paulo), 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, 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, 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, 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, at Parque Anhembi. The São Paulo version of the Sensation electronic music party in Amsterdam happens around June. Attracts around 40,000 people. 
  • Anime Friends (at Mart Center). The largest event of Japanese anime and manga in Latin America. Happens around July. Always features performances of J-Pop artists. 
  • Erotika Fair (Feira Internacional de Produtos e Serviços para o Mercado Adulto), 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. 

Buy
  • 🌍 Shopping Center Norte, Travessa Casalbuono, 120 - Vila Guilherme (relatively near Portuguesa-Tietê station), ☏ +55 11 2222-2555. 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, Avenida Otto Baumgart, 500 - Vila Guilherme (Next to Shopping Center Norte), ☏ +55 11 2224-5959. 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, 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, Rua Conselheiro Moreira de Barros, 2.780 - Lauzane Paulista, ☏ +55 11 2238-3002. 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. 

Eat

Gourmet bakeries

Brazilian food
  • Cantinho 100% Nordestino, Avenida Cruzeiro do Sul, 2816, ☏ +55 11 2959-0313, +55 11 2959-0320. Santana 
  • Mocotó - Avenida Nossa Sra. do Loreto, 1100 - Santana - +55 11 2951-3056
  • O Caipira, Rua Amazonas da Silva, 21, ☏ +55 11 2905-4443. Vila Guilherme 
  • O Compadre, Avenida Otto Baumgart, 500, ☏ +55 11 2252-3131. Lj.201 - Vila Guilherme 

Japanese food
  • Flying Sushi, Rua Doutor César, 462, ☏ +55 11 2950-8111. Santana 
  • Japa Sushi, Rua Francisca Júlia, 414, ☏ +55 11 2950-9387. Alto de Santana 
  • Joy Sushi - Rua José Doll de Morais, 70 - Alto de Santana - +55 11 2950-0987
  • Kodai Sushi, Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 3300, ☏ +55 11 3729-9886. Alto de Santana 
  • Matsuya Restaurante Japonês - Avenida Águas de São Pedro, 848 - Tucuruvi - +55 11 2283-1080
  • Sushi Mart, Rua Dr. César, 732, ☏ +55 11 2283-0019. Santana 
  • Temaki Ya, Avenida Brás Leme, 2025, ☏ +55 11 2099-2091. Santana 

Mexican food

Pizzeria

Drink

Nightlife areas:

  • Avenida Brás Leme.
  • Avenida Engenheiro Caetano Álvares.
  • Avenida Luís Dumont Villares.
  • Rua Dr. César
  • Alto de Santana neighboorhood: (Ruas Pedro Doll, Francisca Júlia, Voluntários da Pátria, and Rua Antônio Pereira de Sousa).
  • Alibabar Bar e Chopperia, Avenida Luiz Dumont Villares, 697, ☏ +55 11 2281-7845, +55 11 2281-8574. Santana 
  • Sant'anna Espetos e Drinks, R Augusto Tolle, 435 - Santa Terezinha. Kind of like a place to just have some kabobs and drinks. 
  • Armazém Restaurante e Lanchonete, Rua Doutor César, 165, ☏ +55 11 2893-3054. Whet your appetite with an oversized sandwich and some beer. 
  • Ave Cesar Esporte Bar, Rua Doutor César, 275, ☏ +55 11 96358-3557. Enjoy refreshments while you watch some sports. 
  • Bar do Luiz Fernandes - Rua Augusto Tolle, 610 - Alto de Santana - +55 11 2976-3556 One of the most traditional bars in São Paulo.
  • City Chopperia, Avenida Brás Leme, 2450, ☏ +55 11 2976-9578. Santana 
  • Quintal Brasil, Rua Doutor César, 768, ☏ +55 11 2973-8811. Santana 
  • Hope Lounge Bar, Avenida Luís Dumont Villares, 655, ☏ +55 11 2959-4933. Formerly an Irish pub, now it's a very illumined neon bar. 
  • Santana Hall, Avenida Cruzeiro do Sul, 2737, ☏ +55 11 2221-0855. This is kind of just a mediocre concert hall. 
  • Snooker Rock Bar, Avenida Luís Dumont Villares, 340, ☏ +55 11 2976-7012. Santana 

Sleep

Stay safe

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.

Connect
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