brazil's economic and financial center, sao paulo is the richest and most populous city in the country, with more the 11 million residents. there are more than 70 nationalities living in the city, and it's known as the gastronomic capital of brazil, with over 12,500 restaurants serving a variety of tasty cuisines.visit sao paulo's attractions, including ponte estaiada (pictured), the sao paulo art museum and the sao paulo museum of modern art. sao paulo state is a popular spot for leading international events like sao paulo fashion week, formula 1 grand prix, formula indy and sao paulo gay pride parade, attracting around 2.5 million people each year.the city of salvador is known for its portuguese and african influences on the city and for the region's mixture of races, religions and flavors. explore pelourinho -- the historic center of salvador -- to see portuguese colonial architecture and monuments dating from the 17th through the 19th centuries.itapua, artistas and porto da barra are popular beaches in salvador, but there's also much to see in a city that's rich in culture and history. we recommend visiting popular attractions, including forte santo antonio da barra, municipal market, convent of st. francis and elevator lacerda, used to connect the upper and lower parts of the city.