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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: República, Avenida São Luís 272, São Paulo, 01406-000
Telephone: +55 11 3151 5299
Website: http://www.alberta3.com.br

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: Jardim Paulista, Avenida Brigadeiro Luís Antônio 4700, São Paulo, 01402-002
Telephone: +55 11 3055 4702
Website: http://www.skye.com.br/

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: Vila Madalena, Rua Delfina 163, Sao Paulo, 05443-010
Telephone: +55 11 3815-1364
Website: http://www.subastor.com.br

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: Vila Mariana, Rua Conceição Veloso 56, São Paulo, 04110-120
Telephone: +55 11 5572-0254.
Website: http://www.velosobar.com.br

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: Barra Funda, Av Auro Soares de Moura Andrade 141, São Paulo, 01156-001
Telephone: +55 11 3665-9500
Website: http://www.d-edge.com.br

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: Jardins, Rua Vitória Fasano 88, São Paulo, 01414-020
Telephone: +55 11 3896-4000
Website: http://www.fasano.com.br

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: Pinheiros, Avenida Brig. Faria Lima 364, São Paulo, 05426-200
Telephone: +55 11 3813 4708.
Website: http://www.cantodaema.com.br

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: República, Praça Ramos de Azevedo, São Paulo, 01307-010
Telephone: +55 11 3397 0300
Website: http://www.teatromunicipal.sp.gov.br

Dance in Sao Paulo

Theatres in Sao Paulo

Music and Dance in Sao Paulo

Culture in Sao Paulo

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

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Hotel Excelsior

This 198-room hotel in São Paulo with its mammoth convention centre flatters beyond its 4-star billing. The rooms behind Excelsior's art-deco frontage are plain and businesslike yet excellent value. Wi-Fi is free rooms come with LCD TVs and there is a bar and fitness centre onsite. The location is also close by downtown Praça da República with nearby cultural icons such as Teatro Municipal and Edificio Copan. Staff speak English and can help book tickets and tours. Breakfast included.

Hotel Unique

Like a stranded copper-green Noah's ark, renowned architect Ruy Ohtake's fantasy creation is the pinnacle of imaginative design. Every inch of this boutique São Paulo hotel near Ibarepuera Park is surreal. Rooms with arched wooden floors reflect the hotel's curvature, and furnishings are sci-fi chic. A blood-red swimming pool on the rooftop tops off this extraordinary architectural adventure.

Fasano

This hotel's ethos is opulent familiarity, hence why new arrivals are greeted by an inviting sunken lounge bar of plump leather sofas, with reception concealed within a Babylonian brickwork interior. The theme of easy decadence flows into the rooms with lots of wood and timeless leather furnishing. The Italian cuisine within the sparklingly lit Fasano Restaurant, under chef Salvatore Loi's direction, is one of São Paulo's finest. Naomi Campbell and Yoko Ono are among illustrious past clients.

L'Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo

Popular with business clientele yet conveniently enough located off Avenida Paulista to crack the leisure market. The 76 rooms of this Portuguese chain offer ample comfort for those on the move with iPod docking stations and Wi-Fi. With a beautiful falling staircase and striking artworks on the wall, this hotel oozes grandeur, yet comes at a reasonable price.

Grand Hyatt

Only in the moderately priced bracket if booked in advance because this is a luxurious residence bearing the hallmarks of quality expected from a Grand Hyatt. Located in the Pinheiros financial district it has all the amenities you could wish for including high speed internet a choice of bars and restaurants 466 rooms and suites and an exemplary spa. The Wine Library bar offers guests a giddying choice of 2 500 bottles. Breakfast included.

Emiliano

Film stars and glitterati frequent this exclusive São Paulo hotel. This small hotel is only 38 rooms and infused with a cool minimalism. Hidden behind its mirror glass façade are huge rooms, just three per floor, with soothing cream décor. The deluxe spa includes a complimentary spa-massage for guests and superb views over the neighbourhood. A champagne and caviar bar sits alongside a fine contemporary Italian restaurant on the ground floor. There is a helipad on the rooftop with an airport shuttle service available.