Sunday, April 13, 2008

Samba the night away in lively community centres or sip cocktails with the jetset in über-cool lounge clubs.

Community cheer: Bela Vista

São Paulo’s traditional Italian community, Bela Vista (also called Bixiga) is packed with lively neighbourhood bars and bistros and is a good place to meet the locals.

Clubland: Vila Olímpia

The southern suburbs of Vila Olímpia and Itaim Bibi host most of the dance clubs. Sometimes glamorous, sometimes sweaty, but always hip, São Paulo’s clubs attract international DJs as well as home-grown talent. Clubbers are usually young, affluent Paulistanos.

Fashionable: Pinheiros

Before hitting the dance floor, São Paulo’s beautiful people meet their friends over a beer or a caipirinha in the trendy bars of Pinheiros. Some prefer nearby Vila Madalena, which has a similar vibe with a slight bohemian twist.

Upper crust: Jardims

The bars in aristocratic Jardims tend towards the sedate, attracting a mature and sophisticated crowd. The area is also home to an intriguing mix of expat pubs, gay bars and Anglophile tea rooms.

Nightlife Tips

Wednesday and Thursday nights are the most popular for going out as many wealthy Paulistanos leave the city at the weekends. There are no licensing laws so bars are generally open until around 2am, live music venues and clubs until 6am.

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