The only 'free' time I had on my trip to Sao Paulo was in the evening after my groups. I needed to eat and I wanted to get out of the hotel so I was brave and asked for advice on where a girl on her own, who didn't speak the local language could go to. The concierge suggested a restaurant within walking distance and gave me a map. I then walked round in circles for quite a while as I was conscious of not drawing too much attention to myself by obviously referring to the map.
I arrived at the suggested restaurant only to find that rather than the Brazilian affair I was hoping for (I'm in Brazil, I want some meat!) it was a traditional Italian, utterly empty and rather faded and grubby. I sat down and consulted the menu, uncomfortable as the waiter hovered at my shoulder. Then I took a deep breath and did the brave thing again - apologised and walked out. Heading back to the safety of the hotel via a quick spot of traffic photography.
The hotel restaurant was photogenic and funky, and served a fantastic steak!