São Paulo Nightlife

Just a comment about the clubs:

Although Salsa is in fact not Brazilian, as well as the other "Latin music" (reggaeton , cumbia, merengue, bachata, etc etc etc) we do have in Sao Paulo really nice latin clubs where you can easily dance those songs and get drunk with tequilas.

There are 2 I recommend better:

http://www.xcaretbar.com.br/
This one in Vila Madalena, it plays more salsa.

http://www.reycastro.com.br/sp/
This is in Itaim, my favorite. Saturdays Salsa and Latin pop, on Fridays more pop.

(I am Brazilian and I hate Samba - don't be ashamed of asking for Salsa Clubs in Brazil. It's not our music, but definitelly it's much better than samba in my oppinion ;))

I went to cafe piu piu with a fellow vt friend and i had a really good time there.
It´s a bar that features quite a lot of rock music and when we were there it was a band playing 70´s hard rock and they were real good.
this is certainly a place i will return to when i am back in Sao Paulo next time.

1 more image

Located at Unique Hotel, the rooftop bar and restaurant is one of São Paulo's trendiest and most popular bars. It was recommended to me by numerous people who knew São Paulo. Unfortunately, due to time constraints and fatigue from sightseeing, I never made it here in the evening. Instead, I stopped by one morning just to see the place and I took the attached photos. It looked like a great place for an evening drink or dinner, so perhaps next time!

2 more images

The name captures the spirit of this pub: „Papo, pinga e petisco“ roughly means „Talks, booze (Cachaça) and snacks“. It’s a very relaxed place with elaborate decorations, friendly staff and lots of interesting people. The most remarkable feature of the pub, however, is the fact that there is a 2nd hand book and record (Blues & Jazz) shop at the rearward part! They don’t sell these items in the evenings, though. But all these old books and vinyls really add to the atmosphere- it’s pretty unique. Occasionally there are live bands at the pub but we’ve not been lucky enough... there was no band playing when we were there.
I’ve been there with a large group of around 15 friends and we all spent a very enjoyable night at Papo, pinga e petisco. They’ve got great cocktails and also a pretty wide range of beers from Brazil and also from Argentina and Uruguay (if I remember correctly). We’ve also had some snacks (fried fish and chicken) which was quickly served and tasty.
On arrival the staff hands over a card where your consumption will be noted down. You pay the total amount when leaving the pub. Please note that credit cards will not be accepted.
Opening hours:
Sunday to Thursday 06:00 pm - 00:30 am
Friday and Saturday: 06:00 pm - 02:30 am

Minimum age: 18

Dress Code: No dress code

I've never been to one, but maybe you could go to a samba school open rehearsal...

Aguias de Ouro samba school: open rehearsals every Sunday at 8h30 PM. I believe there's an entrance fee of R$ 5.

http://www.aguiadeouro.com.br

E-mail: aguiadeouro@aguiadeouro.com.br

You can see pics from their latest rehearsal here:

http://www.radiodosamba.com.br/aguia/index.php?local=verGaleria&acao=verGaleria&galeria=5

I believe Vai-Vai samba school also holds open rehearsals all year round, but I couldn't find this information on their website...

http://www.vaivai.com.br

Dress Code: Very casual

This club in the center of Sao Paulo gets good after 3am until late in the morning. This is where the creatures of the night hang out. The music is electronica and loud and the crowd is explosive. Good time guaranteed.

Lotus sits on the second floor of the WTC (World Trade Center) in Sao Paulo. The entrance is a typical business building entrance, with a small desk and a few bodyguards. The lady checks your name on the list of members but don't worry, you'll be welcomed anyway.

After a quick security check, you end up in the elevators to the second floor, where you will see a team of cashiers sitting in front of five computers. You give your name, get registered on the computer and get your white bar-card. Card usage is common in Brazil and for me, a great way of easing getting drinks. You don't need to pay in cash, wait for change, give a credit card, pin or sign etc. It is simply a barcoded card, which the bartender scans for each drink you get and then you pay to the cashier team on the way out.

The entrance is 40 R$ per person and first drinks are not included. If you go for good spirits, be ready to cover additional 40's for new glasses.

Lotus is a relatively large arena, with a rectangular long bar in the middle and a slightly larger dancing arena on one side. There are seats and sofas around, if you like to sit and enjoy.

It is definitely one of the good places in Sao Paulo but music is very cheap. DJ spins singles from 90's, those with cheesy beachboy rhythms, that is definitely outdated. They should seek for a better house DJ to complement the atmosphere.

For me, Lotus is a 25+ club, high-end in terms of prices, location and design but very low marks on the music. If they find a proper DJ for the place, I see a lot of potential for Lotus. Arrive around 12 to 1230, not too late but then you can catch up the coming crowd. Thursday night was full but not packed (so comfortable for those who don't like to dance in packed subway train environment)

Dress Code: Well, in terms of dress code, I would not wear very casual to be on the safe side but fashionable jeans are pretty OK.

Situated above Hotel Unique in downtown Sao Paulo, this is definitely one place to go to see the beautiful people in the city out at night. It has very trendy decor, with delicious caiprinhas of all imaginable flavors, an open kitchen, dining area, and then outdoor area filled with tables, a swimming pool, and a view of some of the city's skyline.

Very popular spot, pricey, and will be very crowded. You enter on the side of the hotel via an elevator. Usually is a cover.

Dress Code: No sneakers. Business casual. Collared shirt, pants, sandals, shoes, summer dresses for women, all acceptable.