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Driving in São Paulo can be a nightmare–traffic is either hectic or slow, navigation can be difficult, and parking spaces are rare and expensive. You’re better off not driving at all.

Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to get around without a car. There’s plenty of inexpensive public transportation.

The subway, called the Metrô, is reliable, safe, and easy to use. There are stops close to most of the places you’ll want to go.

Visit the Metrô website for information about fares, schedules, and subway maps.

If you want to go somewhere the Metrô won’t take you, you can probably get there by bus. Buses are popular with São Paulo’s locals, but you might have some trouble understanding the routes if you don’t understand Portuguese. Buses also can get very crowded, and are affected by traffic.

Though taxis are at the mercy of traffic as well, they’re still a good option at night, or if you just don’t want to use public transportation. You can hail taxis on the street or call through a company. Beware that prices may change according to traffic.

Of course, the best way to get around many of São Paulo’s neighborhoods is on foot. During the day, São Paulo is safe and pleasant to walk in.

As long as you plan ahead, you won’t have too much trouble getting around in São Paulo.

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In general, São Paulo’s airfare and hotel rates don’t change very much throughout the year.

But if you really want to find a bargain, your best bet is the off-season, in January and February.

There’s also the chance that prices will spike around holidays and special events, so do your research when you plan your trip. There may even be an event you don’t mind paying extra to be in São Paulo for.

Since tourist seasons don’t make a big difference when it comes to the best time to visit São Paulo, the rest depends on the weather.

Because it’s south of the Equator, São Paulo experiences winter June through July and summer January through March.

During August, there’s also a “little summer,” when the weather is hot and dry.

Summers are warm, with highs often in the 80s. It’s also humid, which can make it feel even warmer than it is.

The most rainfall happens during the summer months as well.

Winters are cooler, but rarely very cold. It can get as high as the mid-70s.

If you’re used to harsh weather during the winter, you probably won’t be fazed by winter in São Paulo.

The best time to visit São Paulo depends on the kind of weather you prefer.

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São Paulo is Brazil’s cosmopolitan center and you can see the city’s cultural wealth in its many museums.

The São Paulo Art Museum is known for having one of the best collections of European art south of the Equator.

Another important museum is the Pinacotheca of the State. This is the place to see Brazilian art, from 19th-century to contemporary works.

São Paulo is also home to a variety of impressive architecture, both old and new. At over 500 feet, the Italy Building offers a stunning view of São Paulo. There’s also the Martinelli Building, the first skyscraper built in Brazil. And, the Copan Building — which is not only one of the city’s biggest buildings, but also one of the most uniquely designed.

Foodies should pay a visit to the historic Municipal Market. Both the stained glass windows and the variety of fresh produce make this market vibrant and colorful. It’s also a great place to try local dishes.

Then head out for some fresh air in one of São Paulo’s parks. The Botanical Garden contains hundreds of species of Brazilian plants and is home to over a hundred different species of birds.

Both indoors and out, São Paulo is packed with things to do and see.