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São Paulo's nightlife options are seemingly endless, so knowing where to go is key. The chic and wealthy head for establishments, most of which serve food, in the Vila Olímpia, Jardins, and Itaim neighborhoods. The Pinheiros and Vila Madalena neighborhoods have a large concentration of youthful clubs and bars, and many trendy cl
São Paulo's nightlife options are seemingly endless, so knowing where to go is key. The chic and wealthy head for establishments, most of which serve food, in the Vila Olímpia, Jardins, and Itaim neighborhoods. The Pinheiros and Vila Madalena neighborhoods have a large
São Paulo's nightlife options are seemingly endless, so knowing where to go is key. The chic and wealthy head for establ
São Paulo's nightlife options are seemingly endless, so knowing where to go is key. The chic and wealthy head for establishments, most of which serve food, in the Vila Olímpia, Jardins, and Itaim neighborhoods. The Pinheiros and Vila Madalena neighborhoods have a large concentration of youthful clubs and bars, and many trendy clubs have opened in Barra Funda. Jardins and Centro have many gay and lesbian spots, with the area around Rua Augusta catering to hipsters.
Most clubs open at 9 pm, but people tend to arrive late (around midnight) and dance until 5 or 6 am. Still, you should arrive early to be at the front of the lines. Don't worry if the dance floor appears empty at 11 pm; things will start to sizzle an hour or so later.
Clubbing can get expensive. Most clubs charge at least R$20 at the door (sometimes women are allowed in for free), and the most popular and upscale places charge as much as R$300 just for entry. At the hottest clubs, expect to wait in line for a bit, especially if you head out late. Expect to wait in line on the way out again, too—the system is usually that you charge your drinks on an electronic tab, presenting the card and paying upon leaving. It can mean long queues: smart clubbers think ahead and pay up in good time.
A word about happy hour: Unlike in some countries, where the term refers to those few early-evening hours when drinks are cheaper, happy hour (pronounced and written in English) in Brazil simply means the time just after the work day ends, around 6 pm, when you might head to a bar for a drink with friends or colleagues. Despite the lack of discounted cocktails, paulistanos love to use the term, and many bars are judged purely on their suitability as a happy hour venue.
A flirtatious clientele frequents this hot spot. Named for a Barcelona neighborhood, Gràcia is clothed in Catalan imagery and serves tapas and Sangria from the region. Sidewalk seating is available when the weather cooperates.
Rua Coropés 87, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05426–010, Brazil
Rock and pop cover bands perform at this Down Under–themed pub. Seven international draft beers and happy hour specials make Kia Ora popular after businesses close. Cover fees average R$40 women, R$50 men.
Rua Dr. Eduardo de Souza Aranha 377, São Paulo, São Paulo, 04543–000, Brazil
With live samba and MPB music every night of the week, this packed little club is a firm local favorite and provides a reliably good time, every time. Cover fees average R$15.
Rua Horácio Lane 21, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05432-030, Brazil
A self-proclaimed "gringo" hangout, this is a good place to catch international sporting events, perhaps that major one back home it's killing you to miss. O'Malley's has three bars, a game room, and more than a dozen TVs spread across two floors. Seven beers are on tap, along with more than four dozen by the bottle. Bands play nightly, so there's always a cover after happy hour ends. Cover fee averages R$20.
Alameda Itú 1529, São Paulo, São Paulo, 01421–001, Brazil
One of four comparable and fashionable bars at the corner of Mourato Coelho and Aspicuelta streets, Posto 6 pays homage to Rio de Janeiro and its Botafogo soccer club. The bar gets gold stars for its chopp and escondidinho de camarão (a lasagna-type dish with shrimp).
Rua Aspicuelta 644, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05433–011, Brazil
Salsa, merengue, zouk, and Latin pop predominate at Rey Castro; and during the breaks between live performances, you can take dance classes. The Caribbean-influenced drinks and snacks include mojitos and ham croquettes. Cover fees range from R$22 to R$70.
Rua Ministro Jesuíno Cardoso 181, São Paulo, São Paulo, 04544–050, Brazil
A firm nighttime favorite, Riviera reinvented a much-loved corner bar dating from 1949 as a chic, modern nightspot owned by star chef Alex Atala and nightclub entrepreneur Facundo Guerra. Drop in for a drink at the curvaceous bar, head upstairs and find a table for an evening of dinner and jazz, or stop by for the good buffet lunch.
Av. Paulista 2584, São Paulo, São Paulo, 01310-300, Brazil
Occupying a nearly 6,000-square-meter (64,500-square-foot) space, this club popular with gay men has two dance floors, three lounge rooms, a deck with a swimming pool, six bars, and a massage bed. Several DJs playing house, electro, and techno animate an often shirtless crowd on Friday and Saturday night. Cover charges average R$100.
Rua Guaicurus 324, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05033–000, Brazil
A major lesbian hangout in Itaim, this venue offers dining, live music, and dancing. Ten acts divvy up the showtimes from Wednesday to Saturday; on Sunday a nine-piece all-girl samba band takes the stage. When the bands stop playing, DJs spin music late into the night. Cover fees average R$20.
Rua Pedroso Alvarenga 1192, São Paulo, São Paulo, 04531–004, Brazil
This is the place to dance to American country music and sertanejo, Brazilian country music. The huge club has a restaurant, bars, shops, game rooms, and a big dance floor. The decor is strictly Old West. Cover fees range from R$30 (women) to more than R$100 for special events.
Av. Francisco Matarazzo 774, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05001–000, Brazil
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