Originally a mission station set up in 1554 by Jesuit priests on the banks of the Rio Tiete, the city of Sao Paulo is today an awesome megalopolis, the industrial and commercial powerhouse of Brazil. The city grew wealthy on coffee cultivation in the mid-19th century, thanks to the rich soil of the region, and the plantation owners took up residence in the bustling regional centre. Gradually the coffee barons diversified their interests and invested some of their wealth in local industry, resulting in a demand for labour and a resultant surge in immigrant population. Today 16-million proud 'Paulistanos' live in the congested, chaotic and cosmopolitan city centre and its sprawling surrounds. Lacking in natural attractions, the city's leisure pursuits are mainly cultural, and there are some impressive public buildings to delight sightseers.

Museu de Arte

Address: Av. Paulista 1578 Sao Paulo

Admission: R$15 (adults), free for children under 10 Friday to Wednesday, 11am to 6pm. Thursday 11am to 8pm

Telephone: 3251 5644

A large concrete building supported on delicate pillars in the Avenida Paulista houses an important collection of Western art. This museum features the work of the great European artists from the last 500 years, and hosts visiting exhibitions. It is open every day and entry is free on Thursdays. The complex includes a reasonably priced restaurant.

Mercado Municipal

Address: Rua da Cantareira 306 Sao Paulo

This imposing neo-Gothic style hall, dating from 1933, is the venue for a huge market, which sells local fruit, vegetables, cheese and other produce. The hall is noted for its gigantic stained-glass windows that depict scenes from the coffee plantations and other agricultural pursuits. The building is north of Praca da Se.

Brazilian F1 Grand Prix

Where: Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos),Sao Paulo

When: 12 - 14 November 2010

Site of the final race of the Formula One season, the bumpy Interlagos Circuit is not a favourite with the drivers, but for spectators it is one of the most thrilling and vibrant of circuits. The stands are often filled with Brazilian green and yellows as locals of Sao Paulo cheer on their resident native and 2006 winner Filipe Massa. The track is 10 miles (16km) away from the city centre.

Sao Paulo LGBT Pride Parade

Where: Ave. Paulista,Sao Paulo

When: June 2010 TBA

The Sao Paulo Gay Parade is one of the city's major tourist events and is the highlight of a month-long programme of events that includes parties, street fairs, film festivals, shows and the traditional Gay Day at Hopi Hari amusement park. The LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transvestite and Transsexual) Parade is the biggest event of its kind in the world, having grown from 2,000 people in 1997 to over three million people today, who gather on the streets waving rainbow flags in condemnation of homophobia, racism and sexism.