A Nightlife Guide to São Paulo

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In the heart of the Bixiga neighbourhood the Café Piu Piu offers rock for all tastes from Thursday through Saturday. With its stained glass décor and routinely excellent line-up, it’s a hit with concertgoers of all ages who often congregate on the mezzanine which offers panoramic views of the entire space. The club serves longnecks and beer on tap, and for snacks try the latkes (typical Jewish potato cakes) or the fried parmesan balls. Please note: entrance can only be paid in cash or check.

One of the main electronic music clubs in São Paulo, D-Edge is a popular place for all types of tribes in São Paulo. In 2010, it underwent an expansion that doubled its capacity, making another two floors available to attendees. The venue has a smoking area overlooking the Memorial da América Latina, one of the club’s most sought-after spaces. The 3D dance floor, with its 200 rectangles of light coating all sides, is also a main attraction. On Mondays, the place makes room for rock with its ‘On the Rocks’ night.

The Lions nightclub is a really popular spot, not just for eclectic programming, but for its retro décor, the 3D-effect dance floor and the open patio, which offers a beautiful view of the Sé Cathedral. The nightclub plays electronic music, hip-hop, soul, funk, future beats and Brazilian music.

Bourbon Street may be one of the most famous and traditional jazz, blues, soul and funk music clubs in the city. Artists like B.B. King, Ray Charles, Wynton Marsalis, Shirley Horn, Nina Simone, and Brazilians Naná Vasconcelos, Zimbo Trio, and Elza Soares have played on its stage. The club’s bar, shaped like a grand piano, is known for its special drinks and appetizers. Bourbon Street aims to re-create the atmosphere of New Orleans, ideal for those seeking good music and a space to drink with friends.

Installed at the Fasano Hotel, the Baretto bar is downright classy – the type of place you go when you’re looking to impress someone. The high prices are compensated for by its alluring ambiance, replete with comfortable leather armchairs, dim lighting, extremely courteous service and good quality live music. From Monday to Saturday, there are jazz and MPB performances in the centre of the bar.