Parque Aclimacao‏

R. Muniz de Sousa, 1119

Liberdade

• 
• 

Unlike other parks in Sao Paulo, this one feels like as if the city grew up around it. The surrounding, mainly residential area descends into the the park, whose centerpiece is a lake. A wild-growing forest marks the boundaries, and joggers make use of the protection offered by the trees. Swans, geese, waterfowl, cormorants, kingfishers and turtles inhabit the lake and the lush perimeter. Groups of friendly teenagers swap crass remarks with each other in an attempt to flirt, with the usual spate of loiterers. Security seems less prevalent than in other parks. A community library flanks the main entrance, with playgrounds, a soccer pitch and a large stage area sprinkled throughout the park. For visitors who have worked up an appetite, hit up Chinese per-kilo restaurant Hong Kong in front of the entrance, where a big plate of food doesn't surpass R$7. A healthy alternative is Anna Prem, a two-level a la carte restaurant overlooking the park that serves a vegetarian dishes including soy burgers, acai bowls, sandwiches and daily specials. Photos: Crispin Cairns