São Paulo/Northeast

Northeast is a region of São Paulo. A rural area turned residential, it is now known for its large exposition and event centers, and many of the city's largest events, including the São Paulo Carnaval Parade, happen here. A no less important feature of the region are its nature areas, including Parque Estadual da Cantareira, one of the largest urban forests of the World.

The Northeast is divided in 11 districts, grouped in 4 subprefecutes:
 * Casa Verde/Cachoeirinha subprefecture: Cachoeirinha, Limão, Casa Verde
 * Santana/Tucuruvi subprefecture: Mandaqui, Tucuruvi, Santana
 * Tremembé/Jaçanã subprefecture: Tremembé, Jaçanã
 * Vila Maria/Vila Guilherme subprefecture: Vila Medeiros, Vila Guilherme, Vila Maria

Understand
The occupation of the Northeast started with rural properties, which later evolved into residential neighborhoods. Since the 19th century, the main link of the region with the Center is Ponte das Bandeiras, and the district of Santana, in the north side of the bridge, has became the "center" of the 1.35 million people region.

Santana is the true "event arena" of São Paulo, being home to Parque Anhembi, a 400,000-m² area for all kinds of events, plus other smaller event centers and areas. Popular celebrations and manifestations take place at Praça Campo de Bagatelle and Praça Heróis da FEB. Besides, Santana contains the wealthiest residencial areas of the region, plus most (or almost all) of the Northeast's gastronomy and nightlife.

But there are of course reasons to go beyond Santana. These includes historical constructions from the region's rural period, the various Carnaval groups, and the largest park contained in São Paulo metropolitan area, the Parque Estadual da Cantareira. This is composed of millions of square meters of preserved rainforest, and offers some breathtaking views of the city.

By public transport
The Northeast isn't well-covered by the rail network, with all metro stations located in two districts:
 * Santana: Portuguesa-Tietê, Carandiru, Santana, Jardim São Paulo
 * Tucuruvi: Parada Inglesa, Tucuruvi

For all other areas, taking a bus is required. In many events that happen in the Northeast, there is a number of dedicated buses going from the Tietê station to these events, so reaching them using public transport shouldn't be a problem.

By car
The Marginal Tietê, that runs on the shores of the Tietê river, links the Northeast to the West and the East of the city, and Corredor Norte-Sul links it to the Center and the South. A car is probably the best way to reach Parque da Cantareira.

Get around
A visitor that goes to the Northeast will probably stay most of the time in the district of Santana (where most attractions, as well as most metro stations, are), so going around should be easy, either on foot or by public transport.

The north part of the region (where Parque da Cantareira and Horto Florestal are) is extremely hilly, so going to it on foot or by bicycle is not so easy as it may seem on the map.

Sports, hobbies and cultural activities
The Northeast offers some interesting options for those who will stay more than a couple of days in the city. Besides the various Carnaval groups, the region offers, through the Campo de Marte airport, activities for those interested in aircraft and aviation.

Brazilian food

 * Mocotó - Avenida Nossa Sra. do Loreto, 1100 - Santana - +55 11 2951-3056
 * Mocotó - Avenida Nossa Sra. do Loreto, 1100 - Santana - +55 11 2951-3056

Japanese food

 * Joy Sushi - Rua José Doll de Morais, 70 - Alto de Santana - +55 11 2950-0987
 * Matsuya Restaurante Japonês - Avenida Águas de São Pedro, 848 - Tucuruvi - +55 11 2283-1080
 * Joy Sushi - Rua José Doll de Morais, 70 - Alto de Santana - +55 11 2950-0987
 * Matsuya Restaurante Japonês - Avenida Águas de São Pedro, 848 - Tucuruvi - +55 11 2283-1080
 * Matsuya Restaurante Japonês - Avenida Águas de São Pedro, 848 - Tucuruvi - +55 11 2283-1080

Drink
Nightlife areas:
 * Avenida Brás Leme.
 * Avenida Engenheiro Caetano Álvares.
 * Avenida Luís Dumont Villares.
 * Rua Dr. César
 * Alto de Santana neighboorhood: (Ruas Pedro Doll, Francisca Júlia, Voluntários da Pátria, and Rua Antônio Pereira de Sousa).
 * Bar do Luiz Fernandes - Rua Augusto Tolle, 610 - Alto de Santana - +55 11 2976-3556 One of the most traditional bars in São Paulo.
 * Bar do Luiz Fernandes - Rua Augusto Tolle, 610 - Alto de Santana - +55 11 2976-3556 One of the most traditional bars in São Paulo.
 * Bar do Luiz Fernandes - Rua Augusto Tolle, 610 - Alto de Santana - +55 11 2976-3556 One of the most traditional bars in São Paulo.
 * Bar do Luiz Fernandes - Rua Augusto Tolle, 610 - Alto de Santana - +55 11 2976-3556 One of the most traditional bars in São Paulo.
 * Bar do Luiz Fernandes - Rua Augusto Tolle, 610 - Alto de Santana - +55 11 2976-3556 One of the most traditional bars in São Paulo.

Stay safe
The Northeast is pretty much average in terms of criminality, so use the recommendations that apply to the rest of São Paulo. There are, however, some dangerous areas, especially in poor neighborhoods in the north part of the region, near the area of Parque da Cantareira.

The streets in Santana and Vila Guilherme close to Marginal Tietê aren't particularly safe when they become deserted, especially during the night. So, when walking to (or back from) an event in the area, try to follow other people walking from (or to) the metro station. This shouldn't be a problem in large scale events. If this is not possible, taking a bus or a taxi to the metro station may be a good idea.