Prefeitura de São Paulo

Morning

For breakfast with a Parisian touch, go to the Pain de France bakery (R. Cônego Eugênio Leite, 1156, tel. 3812-2649), famed for its delicious chocolate éclairs and almond croi sants. From there, head down to Vila Madalena and leisurely stroll through streets like Harmonia, Aspicuelta, Fidalga and Wisard.

You’ll come across dozens of fashionable stores, young artists’ ateliers, showrooms displaying the work of independent fashion designers, and much more. It’ll be tough to escape without a few shopping bags in hand.

Afterwards, head for the Instituto Tomie Ohtake (Av. Brig. Faria Lima, 201, tel. 2245-1900), a truly original building of interesting shapes and pink and black windows. In addition to checking out the excellent exhibitions that are on display, you can take advantage of the institute’s pleasant restaurant.

Afternoon

If you’d prefer a change of setting,another good choice for lunch is the Ritz (Al. Franca, 1088, 3062-5830), in Jardins. The diner attracts a hip crowd that stops by for a sandwich or one of the daily specials posted on a chalkboard on the wall.

Also in Jardins is the Galeria Ouro Fino (R. Augusta, 2690, tel. 3082-7860), an obligatory stop for anyone who wants to get up to speed on what’s new – and what’s alternative – in fashion and electronic music. The gallery has 110 stores – from good second-hand shops to cutting-edge names in Brazilian fashion. When you leave, don’t miss your chance to stop at Pão de Queijo (R. Haddock Lobo, 1408, tel. 3088-3087), where every 15 minutes, a fresh batch of piping-hot Brazilian cheesebread comes out of the oven.

It's your chance to relax a little and enjoy a Brazilian delicacy. Before the afternoon ends, check what’s playing at the area’s main cinemas. Whether it’s CineSesc (R. Augusta, 2075, tel. 3087-0500), HSBC Belas Artes (R. da Consolação, 2423, tel. 3258-4092) or Reserva Cultural (Av. Paulista, 900, tel. 3287-3529), it’s easy to find films outside the mainstream, including prizewinning titles from international film festivals, most of them with subtitles.

Evening

After the film gets out, a good choice for dinner is the much-hyped Spot (Al. Ministro Rocha Azevedo, 72, tel. 3284-6131), known for its famous clientele, its glass walls, its sophisticated dishes and its New York-style atmosphere.

Another alternative is Skye (Av. Brig. Luís Antônio, 4700, tel. 3055-4702), the penthouse bar of the hot hotel Unique, which has a privileged view of Parque Ibirapuera. If what you have in mind is to finish off the evening dancing to the sound of the latest trends in rock or pop, head to Barra Funda, and the new Alley Club (R. Barra Funda, 1066, tel. 3666-0611) and CB (R. Brigadeiro Galvão, 871, tel. 3666-8971), which live up to the standards of the international club circuit. Nearby, in Água Branca, is another hot nightspot, the Neu Club(R. Dona Germaine Burchard, 421).