Helicopter tours

As the largest city in the southern hemisphere, São Paulo can be difficult to navigate alone. High Class Helicopter Tours offers 30-minute panoramic tours of the city. It's a little pricey, but there's no better way to see the city in its entirety.

Discover São Paulo on a free walking tour

The clue is in the name, but the São Paulo Free Walking Tour gives visitors two chances to see different parts of this overwhelming metropolis. If you're interested in history, the tour visits the Old Downtown area on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, taking in sights such as the Monastery of São Bento and Sé Cathedral. For modern aficionados, itching to see Trianon Park and the TV Gazeta Building, head to Paulista Avenue on Sundays and Thursdays. There's no need to book; just show up at the meeting point and tours last four and three hours respectively. All tours are in English and guides only ask for tips, so pay what you think they are worth.

Campos do Jordão

While the locals aren't exactly wandering around in lederhosen, Campos do Jordão's slightly kitsch slice of Swiss-style timbered houses and Germanic bakeries offer a slightly different experience in Brazil. The Mantiquera Mountains provide a cooler upland climate for local activities including horse riding and a scenic train ride to Santo Antônio do Pinhal. It becomes very busy during the annual Campos do Jordão International Winter Festival each July. Regular buses depart Tietê bus station in São Paulo for the 184km (114 miles) excursion.

Santos and other beaches

Those seeking some sunshine can get their beach fix at Santos just 72km (45 miles) from São Paulo. Santos city, which developed at the turn of the 20th century as a port dealing in coffee exports, has traces of Rio's influence. Glorious white sand beaches - the best of which include José Menino and Gonzaga – are backed by the world's longest beachfront garden. The historic centre can be seen by streetcar while the city hosts Santos football club made famous by Pelé. Santos is an easy bus journey around one-hour from Jabaquara Station via frequent services.

Other beautiful beaches within easy reach of the city include Ilhabela island, São Sebastiã, Ubatuba, Bertioga and Guaruja.