Sao Paulo - Centro

Centro velho

Bom Retiro and 25 de Marco (the latter more for accessories)

This is very interesting place for cheap shopping. Many of the stores will only sell wholesale - which for some mean that you have to be a registered merchant, and for some that you have to buy a minimum number of pieces. It does take energy and a good eye to find good stuff  - but it is definitely there, and at very good prices. 

Some stores where it is worth spending sieving time:

Virada Bijoux. 25 de marco, 965.

Places to eat

Bom Retiro.

Casa Bulgara. Rua Silva Pinto, 365. (011) 3222 9849.The specialties are the Burekas, savoury (meet and aubergine a personal favourite) and sweet, and the bureka-style pao de queijo. 

Falafel Malka. Rua Jose Paulin, 345, Loja 21-A. (011) 3222 2157. Arab food - and arguably the best falafel in town.