São Paulo boasts the most vibrant and varied cultural scene in Brazil. Surpassing even Rio (after all, Cariocas have the beach for entertainment), the city reunites the best of Brazil and a fantastic array of offerings from the rest of the world. Irrespective of whether they were born or migrated here, Paulistanos are notoriously innovative, and the city pulses with creative energy that spills over into all the arts.

Moreover, Sampa is blessed with an incredible number of topnotch cultural centers, cinemas, theaters, and concert halls, giving those in need of diversion endless options.

For information about what’s going on (in Portuguese) consult the arts sections of the leading paper, A Folha de São Paulo (which publishes a terrific cultural guide on Fridays featuring listings for the upcoming week). Also pick up a copy of the weekly guide Veja São Paulo, which comes with Veja magazine and offers comprehensive listings of everything going on in the city. For upcoming events in English as well as Portuguese, log on to www.guiasp.com.br.

Tickets for concerts, shows, and other events can be purchased directly at theaters and concert halls (some of which will deliver tickets to your hotel for an extra fee) or at Show Tickets at Shopping Iguatemi (Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima 1191, 3rd Fl., Jardim Paulistano, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 2–8 p.m. Sun.). Ticketmaster (tel. 11/6846-6000, www.ticketmaster.com.br) sells tickets over the phone or by Internet.