Sao Paulo Nightlife

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.