Arguably Sao Paulo's highest-end mall, Shopping Iguatemi offers all the usual international brands…read moreplus several Brazilian originals. Spread across several levels, and in many ways a labyrinth, this is also the home of Manioca and Davvero Gelato

I have a love hate relationship with this mall. It is a São Paulo classic and great place to people…read morewatch encapsulating everyone from Botox filled elite to everyday workers grabbing a bite at the food court. I've bought some nice gifts here for others, shipped packages to the U.S. (The FedEx kiosk doesn't charge a ridiculous markup.), and eaten magnificent meals. There are tasty free samples to try and beautiful designer handbags to ogle. The installations in the center courtyard are nice, and the embroidery and wrapping kiosks hidden in a random alley have saved my but. They have ample bike parking and decent froyo. I can't say this place doesn't have its pros. The issue is that the place is just plain over-priced and poorly organized. I don't love any of the higher end Brazilian women's brands that they have there. I prefer many of the shops on/near Oscar Freire for the same price range. Of the very few lower price point stores, they always run out of sizes or try to sell me clothes with defaults or stains. The service isn't ever that attentive to me, probably because I don't get all dressed up to go to the mall like most Brazilians do. Much of the mall feels like it is in an underground tunnel, and none of the escalators flow easily from the top floor to the bottom floor of the mall. While the uncovered parking area out back is lovely with gorgeous old trees, the other options you are forced to use when it's full are dark and hard to maneuver. Like every other mall in town, I find this place to be a necessary evil at times. In my opinion this particular one is best for eating and a few specialty stops only.

No heart. Upscale shopping that could be found anywhere else in the world. Only the wealthiest of…read morelocals will be found here mixing with the tourist. We only stopped to visit one shop.

Shopping Pátio Higienópolis came to the rescue on one of those no good, very bad days. What would…read morelift our spirits? A bit of retail therapy, of course. Staying at the Tryp hotel just around the corner, we came upon this beautiful mall while walking the dog. At first, we stuck to the periphery, not realizing the entire mall is dog friendly. Once inside, we found tons of stores on 4 or 5 levels. Everything from well-known name brand shops to smaller boutiques. And it appealed to all price points. Meanwhile, we spotted tons of shoppers with dogs. Small poodles, large golden retrievers -- this place really was dog friendly! There's even a special elevator for dogs. I've never seen anything like it. Just as there were stores, there were restaurants too and all of them also dog-friendly. This discovery turned our day right around. We then found Santo Grao (and ran into friends unexpectedly) and 2 bottles of wine later, things were feeling pretty alright again. :)