Sao Paulo Nightlife

São Paulo ’s nightlife is some of the most diverse, and that’s what makes it the best. The city is brimming with everything from laid-back bars to high-end nightclubs, called 'baladas'. Bohemian Vila Madalena's bars draw youthful crowds while the Baixo side of Rua Augusta is shedding a seedy reputation and forging a happening identity. For live music, São Paulo looks towards northeast Brazilian forró rather than samba. São Paulo also rules the classic roost with world-class operatic performances, dance companies and orchestral arrangements.

Leading newspaper Folha de São Paulo produces a weekly Friday listings called Guia de Folha, while Time Out magazine runs a monthly São Paulo edition in English.

Bars in Sao Paulo

Alberta #3

Opened in 2010, this bohemian bar was inspired by the grand hotels of the 1950’s. Indie and classic rock plays overhead to an eclectic crowd, who sip fancy cocktails in plush leather seats before heading to the basement dance floor. The bar’s name is an appropriate wordplay on a Bob Dylan track because Alberta #3’s fun-loving owner, Ivan Finotti, bears a passing resemblance to the great singer-songwriter.

Address:
Avenida São Luís 272, República, São Paulo, 01406-000, Brazil
Telephone: +55 11 3151 5299
Skye Bar

This stylish bar has a pool built into the floor and a cocktail list sure to suit anybody’s interest. The bar is on the rooftop of the boutique Hotel Unique and offers stunning views of the city at night.

Address:
Avenida Brigadeiro Luís Antônio 4700, Jardim Paulista, São Paulo, 01402-002, Brazil
Telephone: +55 11 3055 4702
SubAstor

Among the bar-lined streets of Vila Madalena, SubAstor is a necessary destination for cocktail connoisseurs. Tucked just out of sight, SubAstor is one of São Paulo's first speakeasy bars. It attracts a hip crowd who come for an imaginative drink menu and high-end pub fare. To get there, find the Astor restaurant, and look for the velvet curtains leading downstairs into the unsigned SubAstor.

Address:
Rua Delfina 163, Vila Madalena, Sao Paulo, 05443-010, Brazil
Telephone: +55 11 3815-1364
Veloso

One of the classic botecos (neighborhood bars) of São Paulo, Veloso is famed for its delicious caipirinhas (made from exotic tropical fruits), its tasty bar snacks and its garrulous after-work crowds. Don't miss the fantastic coxinhas (battered and fried shredded chicken and melted cheese). Come early, from 1730, to score one of the few tables in this lively bar. Luckily, it’s located just a short stroll from the Vila Mariana metro station.

Address:
Rua Conceição Veloso 56, Vila Mariana, São Paulo, 04110-120, Brazil
Telephone: +55 11 5572-0254.

Clubs in Sao Paulo

D-Edge

Pulsating LED displays match the heartbeat of the DJ’s mixes, adding an ambient effect to this world-class nightclub. D-Edge is an A-lister that’s regularly voted by magazines as one of the best dance venues in the world.

Address:
Av Auro Soares de Moura Andrade 141, Barra Funda, São Paulo, 01156-001, Brazil
Telephone: +55 11 3665-9500

Live Music in Sao Paulo

Barretto

Tucked inside one of Brazil's most stylish stays, Hotel Fasano, Barretto stages top name performers in an intimate concert space. Caetano Veloso, Maria Rita and Bebel Gilberto are among the luminaries who've played to the well-heeled crowd that gathers here. The decor is classic with plank floors, wood and leather seats and a bygone air of old colonial drinking dens.

Address:
Rua Vitória Fasano 88, Jardins, São Paulo, 01414-020, Brazil
Telephone: +55 11 3896-4000
Canto de Ema

This club is dedicated to foor, a type of music that originated in Northeastern Brazil. For thosewho may not be as confident on the dance floor, dance classes are available before show time on Thursdays and Saturdays from 2030 to 2130 and on Sundays from 1700 to 1800. Regular live acts belt out the rhythms of forró and xote to enthusiastic crowds. Bands begin at 2230 on Wednesday through to Saturday and at 1900 on Sunday.

Address:
Avenida Brig. Faria Lima 364, Pinheiros, São Paulo, 05426-200, Brazil
Telephone: +55 11 3813 4708.

Classical Music in Sao Paulo

Theatro Municipal (Municipal Theatre of São Paulo)

This grand old theatre is famous for its performances and cultural signifigance The Theatro Municipal dates from the early 20th century and offers opera, theatre, classical concerts, and dance from the resident Ballet da Cidade. Guided tours are available for those simply wanting marvel at the grandeur.

Address:
Praça Ramos de Azevedo, República, São Paulo, 01307-010, Brazil
Telephone: +55 11 3397 0300

Opera in Sao Paulo

Sala São Paulo

Housed in the Julio Prestes Cultural Center, Sala São Paulo is recognized as one of the top concert halls in all South America, and hosts regular performances from the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra. The building was the former Sorocaban Railway station, completed in the 1930s at a time when the city was growing quickly on the back of the coffee boom. Six decades later, it was transformed into the Júlio Prestes Cultural Complex and became a key part of the city's cultural renaissance.

Address:
Praça Júlio Prestes 16, Campos Elíseos, São Paulo, 01218-020, Brazil
Telephone: +55 11 3367 9500
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