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Which of these two cities do you prefer and why?
Also, which one is more "urban"?
Mexico City is just like São Paulo. Maybe Mexico City has an advantage, which is the historic heritage, but both are overall extremely similar. However, in Mexico City I wouldn't be near my family and my friends, thus, São Paulo is my obvious choice. If the comparison were of São Paulo with New York, Paris or London, it would be more difficult to answer.
As per which one is more urban, that is difficult to say, both are very urban. Sao Paulo likely has more high skyscrapers, I believe it has a higher GDP, is more diverse, slightly larger metro population, etc. I believe Sao Paulo has a higher population density also citywide (20,000 psqm. vs. 16,000 psqm.)
That being said (and this could be off), but from what I have heard, Mexico City is more walkable and has a better and larger and more inviting traditional urban core (places like Coyoacan, Roma, Condesa, Centro, etc.), and also likely has a more established arts scene. I think as a visitor, that aspect would tend to be more important to me. Mexico City is legendary for it's street food scene and drink scene and flavors all around Mexico, and while Sao Paulo's churrascurias are probably amazing also, Mexico City's food offerings just seem so much more distinctive. Sao Paulo is more diverse in it's food offerings, but again, each has it's differences.
In regard to natural beauty, that is very much subjective and I could see where someone who prefers a greener landscape, closer proximity to the beach and still a decent share of topography nearby would take S.P. here. But, I'm a mountains guy, and so I would probably vote for Mexico City due to just how outstanding it's surrounding mountains are (including an active volcano!)
Mexico City also seems to have a better location. Largely for me, because it means I can get there much more quickly and cheaply than SP. But also, just because it seems to have more interesting stuff surrounding it (unique natural attractions, colonial towns and ruins, etc.). Sao Paulo can serve as a gateway to places as varied as Manaus, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, and Iguazu Falls among many others on the SA continent, but is located a good distance in actuality from any of them, almost requiring a flight from SP to any of them anyways.
I haven't fully experienced either of their climates. But, while neither seems to be one to complain too much about, SPs appears to be more consistently humid and have a longer rainy season (almost a monsoon/flood season), by comparison. Mexico City gets colder in the evenings and mornings, but I also like that.
In summation, though I haven't been to either of them, and I do think both are interesting and want to visit both, Mexico City, both due to it's locations and offerings, is higher on my list. Places like Teotihuacan, the colonial center, Xochimilco, Olympic Stadium, etc, are simply must visits from my end. Sao Paulo is a place I want to get to eventually to, and it is a must visit for me eventually too simply due to its status arguably as the Alpha Dog of all of Latin America, but there's not necessarily anything specific about it other than that which makes it stand out as a "must visit" to me.
Very close battle. I imagine that from a tourist point of view Mexico City is probably better. Better historical core and more distinctive food scene. Urbanity, safety, size etc is probably equal between the two with SP having more mid rises. Mexico City seems to have a bigger subway/ metro system and traffic seems a little worse in MC than SP which was surprising. I have more of an affinity for Brazil than Mexico so SP would win for me.
Location: Formerly NYC by week; ATL by weekend...now Rio bi annually and ATL bi annually
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Sao Paulo all day......Sao Paulo definitely is more walkable. Spent a lotta time in the Lapa area.
You can move around Sao Paulo pretty good without a car; though Mexico city probably has the edge in metro transit. I personally like the feel of Brazil more than Mexico so I am a LITTLE biased. Im a city dude....and Sao Paulo just offers more trappings akin to the American cities I grew up in witjout being overwhelmingly American. The pretentiousness is evident in both places. I do like the more urban Hip Hop scene in Sao Paulo.
Location: Formerly NYC by week; ATL by weekend...now Rio bi annually and ATL bi annually
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tall Traveler
I voted MC because I love the climate there and I believe it's safer than Sao Paulo.
Kidnappings in Mexico City were a PROBLEM......its more Central State now.
Sao Paulo, robbings are common, and if you are super flashy you could be kidnapped. But the majority of the issues deal with street life and unfortunately the Favelas. Not all Favelas or the favelados that live there are bad, but the main issues I noticed when there were local to those communidades.
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