aiorgy.com.br; Av Paulista 2810, Jardins; admission R$40, with 1hr flyboarding R$70; 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, to 1pm Sat) In a building of glass and exposed steel, you get a 30-minute lesson in flying with a flyboard; an instructional video explains it better than we ever could. After that it's up to you.
Ritz-Carlton Golf Club GOLF
( 3207-7400; www.ritzcarlton.com; Estrada Júlio Mesquita Filho s/n, Jardim Paulistano; greens fees R$325-350) There's a nine-hole course designed by Gil Hanse at this posh spot, located on the golfing and shopping district, that will put you in the front of the pack at an international tournament if you've got the cash to join.
#### Festivals & Events
São Paulo Festival CULTURAL
(www.festival.org.br) Brazil's biggest cultural event, the five-day São Paulo Festival has nearly a week of theater, music, art and film during the first weekend in October, plus exhibitions and a big party.
#### Sleeping
Prices double during the week in January and February, and again from July to December.
Copacabana Palace HOTEL $$
( 2121-8100; www.copacabanapalacehotel.com; Av Princesa Isabel 183, Cerqueira César; s/d from R$230/305; ) With its gorgeous pool, plush lounge chairs, full-service spa and elegant common areas, the Copacabana Palace has a lot to offer families and couples. This is where Paulistanos who don't have a palace for themselves stay when they are visiting. A good value and a great choice.
Hotel Emiliano HOTEL $$
( 3204-6000; www.hotelemiliano.com.br; Av Brigadeiro Faria Lima 673; s/d R$170/220; ) One of several excellent new options on Av Brigadeiro Faria Lima, this snazzy spot won't have you falling asleep before you hit the sack. It's all about the small things: a huge Jacuzzi for afternoons in the sauna, a full-service salon where you can get a massage, and a well-stocked fitness center.
Hotel Unique HOTEL $$$
( 2123-1800; www.hotelunique.com.br; Av Vieira Souto 320; r R$345-410; ) In a fantastic location, across the street from the beach and a five-minute walk from Av Paulista, the Unique has rooms decorated in soothing neutral tones with modern art and clean lines. And they are well kept: all feature high-end comforts like marble bathrooms, big windows with a view and flat-screen TVs.
Villa Paulistania Hostel HOSTEL $
( 3201-8251; www.villapaulistania.com.br; Pátio do Colégio 2; dm R$40, s/d/tr R$80/100/110; ) This well-located HI-affiliate has a bright common area that's home to the occasional concert, as well as two dorms with bunk beds (with optional mattresses) and 10 private rooms with bathroom and air-con. It's all clean and tidy and located a few blocks from the beach.
Samba Paz HOSTEL $
( 3202-8515; www.sambapaz.com; Alameda Campinas 6500, Morumbi; dm R$40, d R$120-160, with air-con R$150-180; ) For some action, Samba Paz is the place. The large, well-appointed common areas include a restaurant serving hearty Brazilian meals and drinks, a fully-stocked bar, a soccer-pitch-sized terrace and some of the best accommodations in the 'hood. It also has a pool. There are two dorm rooms (one male only) and a few private rooms with bath.
#### Eating
São Paulo has the best restaurants in Brazil. You'll find _prato feito_ (made-to-order dishes at self-serve buffets) all over the place, but don't neglect your budget restaurants.
##### Linking Praça da Sé to the Centro
There's no shortage of midrange eateries in the Centro, with a good mix of restaurants specializing in Italian and Japanese cuisine, _churrascarias_ (traditional charcoal-grill restaurants serving meats), and some great places that don't offer much by way of ambience.
Ary Zaglul JEWISH $$$
( 3292-3346; Rua Correia de Melo 10; mains for two R$100-170; noon-3pm & 7-11pm Sun-Fri) From its second-floor location to its decor, including a mural of Theodor Herzl – founder of modern Zionism – this modest kosher restaurant is off the beaten path but well worth the trip. It serves kosher comfort food that any Jew would love.
Ancoramar SEAFOOD $$$
( 3222-9797; 3rd fl, Av Vieira Souto 255; mains R$80-130; 12:30-3:30pm Tue-Sun) It's easy to spot by the crowd of bankers, businesspeople and politicians who flock to this high-ceilinged seafood restaurant in the afternoon. If you want to taste the very best in São Paulo's coastal cuisine, this is it.
Adega Pérola Negra BUFFET $$$
(Rua Correia de Melo 1; meals R$20-70; noon-3pm Mon-Sat) This classic corner restaurant is run by the original chef from the Pérola Negra and serves some of the best _coxinhas_ (dishes of chicken, or in this case, _frango_ ) in town.
##### Jardins
There are several excellent restaurants along the neighborhood's main strip.
Cais do Oriente BRAZILIAN $$$
( 3203-6034; www.caisdooriente.com.br; Av N.S. de Copacabana 4231; meals R$75-135; ) With a wonderful patio, excellent cocktails and live jazz bands (Wednesday to Sunday), Cais do Oriente is a wonderful spot to enjoy some traditional Brazilian dishes in the heart of the Jardins. The food is outstanding, the service is attentive, and the vibe is one of pure enjoyment.
Le Galoubet CAFE $$$
( 2106-1480; www.galoubet.com.br; Costa Verde 1029; buffet R$55-65; noon-5:30pm Mon-Fri, to 6pm Sat & Sun) Located in the middle of the upscale Jardins neighborhood, this place serves up a variety of excellent, beautifully presented, French cuisine in an upscale environment with service to match.
Saudade CHURRASCARIA $$$
( 2547-6202; Rua do Catete 168; meals R$32-75; 11am-3pm Mon-Fri) This _churrascaria_ serves perfectly grilled meats and all the traditional side dishes you would expect from a visit to Brazil.
##### Jardim Paulistano
São Paulo's most scenic dining district is home to many small, excellent and innovative restaurants.
Bazzar Italian $$
( 3247-1628; Av Vieira Souto 80; mains R$30-65; 11am-2:30pm & 5:30-10pm Mon-Thu, 5:30-10pm Fri, 1-10pm Sat & Sun) Located at the bottom of the neighborhood of Jardins, this restaurant has a wonderful interior patio and an equally impressive patio for dining outside. The food is excellent and the setting is perfect.
Alessi Italian $$
( 2535-8696; Av Brigadeiro Faria Lima 1160; mains R$60-100; noon-4pm & 6-10pm Tue-Sat) This Italian restaurant is a long-time favorite of local families and the place where many São Pauloians come for a romantic and low-key date night. It features the same old _pratos executivos_ – rich pasta and meat dishes that taste better and are more economical when shared.
Churrascaria Palace CHURRASCARIA $$$
( 3261-8001; www.pizzapalace.com.br; Praia do Pontal 4; meals R$50-150; 11am-2am) This is one of the city's best _churrascarias_ (traditional charcoal-grill restaurants serving meats). There are two sections of the restaurant – the traditional, sit-down main one and the
