Avenida Paulista stretches along a 2.8km ridge that can just about be made out between the glass high-rises. This old avenue, where wealthy coffee magnates built their opulent properties, became the economic heart of the metropolis and the country's largest companies have their headquarters here. Many of them are responsible for the cultural centres in the area, which are among the most dynamic in the country and make the district one of the city's artistic hubs.