The Glass House
Located a five-minute drive from the hotel, discover the extraordinary Glass House, designed by – and the former home of – Lina Bo Bardi, the trailblazing Italo-Brazilian architect who designed the modernist building which houses the São Paulo Museum of Art. Some of the surrounding rainforest still survives, forming a lush, verdant backdrop to the house's glass walls. Artists Gilbert & George famously spent a day at the Glass House as living sculptures.

World cla...

The Glass House
Located a five-minute drive from the hotel, discover the extraordinary Glass House, designed by – and the former home of – Lina Bo Bardi, the trailblazing Italo-Brazilian architect who designed the modernist building which houses the São Paulo Museum of Art. Some of the surrounding rainforest still survives, forming a lush, verdant backdrop to the house's glass walls. Artists Gilbert & George famously spent a day at the Glass House as living sculptures.

World class galleries
Head to the centre of São Paulo and visit Bardi’s other architectural monument, the Museum of Art – known as MASP – on Paulista Avenue. This imposing brutalist concrete and glass structure was designed to convey a sense of “lightness, transparency, and suspension”. MASP was originally curated by Bardi’s husband, and it holds one of the world’s finest collections of European art, from Goya to El Greco. Another arty alternative would be a trip across town to Pinacoteca do Estado, where you’ll find the work of fabulous Brazilian artists.

Italian quarter
Somewhere between five and seven million people of Italian descent live in São Paulo, making it the third largest “Italian city” in the world after Rome and Milan. Bela Vista, also known as Bixiga, is the epicentre of all things Italian in “Sampa”, as São Paulo is know. Look up and there are billowing white sheets streaming from windows, with locals calling out to their neighbours, while on the street intellectuals and artists exchange ideas. Stroll by small boutiques, lunch in one of the numerous Italian canteens or reserve a table at Speranza, which has been serving delicious pizza since 1958. The Sunday market on Dom Orione Square is a cornucopia of collectables.

Theatro Municipal
Renowned for its eclectic style, the Theatro was built in 1911, inspired by the Paris opera house. Its façade is a mélange of renaissance and art nouveau influences, while the interior is somewhat rococo with resplendent gold touches. The Theatro was the host for the transformative 1922 art exhibition that launched the Brazilian art movement. Today it hosts the city ballet and symphony orchestra.

Monastery
Stroll across to the Mosteiro de São Bento, parts of which date back to the early 16th century, and marvel at the beautiful stained glass windows. This is the city’s main cathedral: the masses held here include the most heavenly of Gregorian chants, though be warned, they start early in the day. The monks also host a legendary brunch if you happen to be there on the right Sunday.

Paulista food fanatics
The Mercado Municipal is the beating heart of Sampa’s lively foodie scene. This magnificent hotch-potch of stalls is a riot of colour with exotic fruit, vegetables, wine and delicious pastries. The ceilings soar above ornate stone pillars and light spills through a 1940s stained glass window. Pull up a stool for a fruit juice or treat yourself to a traditional snack, such as a towering mortadella sandwich or tasty cod pastry.

São Paulo symphony orchestra
An evening of music begins at Sala de Concerto São Paulo, where the moveable ceiling is designed to adapt to specific performances, giving the hall a worldwide reputation for extraordinary acoustics. This neoclassical building is particularly interesting as it was originally a 1930s railway station. Today it is the home of the highly regarded São Paulo Symphony Orchestra.

São Paulo gastronomy
Paulistas typically dine from 9pm onwards so after the concert is the perfect time to sample the city’s exciting culinary vibe. Restaurants are a form of entertainment for Paulistas who are hugely appreciative, driving their chefs to ever greater heights. São Paulo is home to one of the world’s best female chefs, Brazilian Helena Rizzo, with her innovative minimalist restaurant Maní, while Alex Atala’s D.O.M. has been voted the fourth best restaurant in the world. Thanks to large Italian, Lebanese and Japanese communities, the city’s cuisine – inspired by the superb cuisine of these countries – is truly outstanding and diverse. Paulistas tend to dress up when they go out to eat so get set for an elegant and entertaining evening.

Clubs
If you’re looking for music to enjoy after dinner, Sampa is never short of options. Try the award-winning Madeleine Jazz Bar, which lays on jazz of the highest standard in a charming environment, or Casa de Francisca for local samba, Chorinho and bossa nova rhythms, and Baretto, which has an A-List of national and international attractions. The more adventurous should try Jazz nos Fundos in the bohemian Vila Madalena.

Hip and Haute-Couture
Reminiscent of Beverly Hills, the Jardins area is where you can find luxury Brazilian designers who have made their mark on the international catwalks such as Osklen, Melissa and Reinaldo Lourenço. The gleaming shopping malls offer the best of national fashion and high-end global brands from Chanel to Louis Vuitton.

Sushi or SoHo
Stop off for lunch in the Jardins, perhaps Japanese, as there are numerous fabulous sushi restaurants in the area. Or head to Sampa’s more bohemian Vila Madalena, the “SoHo” of the city. There are plenty of artisans and small eateries here, such as Lá da Venda, which has handmade kitchenware and homemade fare.

Art and boutiques in Vila Madalena
Stroll the streets of Vila Madalena dropping into the art galleries, or Beco do Batman where the street art is an exhibition in itself. People come from far and wide to see the graffiti. There are plenty of little boutiques brimming with work by independent fashion designers and a tempting host of culinary artisans offering everything from cheese to beer.

The Lanesborough High Tea
Served daily in either by the piano on the indoor area or by the stunning outside terrace overlooking the greenery lush of Parque Burle Marx, inspired by the Lanesborough's afternoon tea, enjoy this chic yet contemporary experience with a selection of finger sandwiches, fine pastries, freshly bake scones - all hand-crafted by the hotel's masterful pastry chefs.

Kids Club at the hotel is an exclusive area with monitoring service fully dedicated to the little guests.