PunchStock
As Brazil's most cosmopolitan city, São Paulo hosts a wide variety of after-hours fun. The Vila Olímpia district is known for dancing, and Pinheiros for live music, but the most happening ‘hood remains the neo-hippie Vila Madalena, where innumerable bars and nightclubs attract throngs of young people.
Boogie Dance hits from the '70s and '80s animate a crowd that, for the most part, was born during those decades. Vila Olímpia; Rua Alvorada, 515, Rua Alvorada, 515; 011-55-11-3168-8872; www.boogie.com.br
Canto da Ema A mostly twenties crowd gets down to live “forró universitário” – an electric version of the traditional northeastern rhythm that is popular throughout Brazil. Pinheiros; Ave. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 364; 011-55-11-3813-4708; www.cantodaema.com.br
Carioca Club Live samba, samba rock and a Brazilian version of zouk dominate the stage at this dance club. There are also shows by name acts like Zeca Baleiro. Come Wednesdays for samba rock dance lessons. Pinheiros; Rua Cardeal Arcoverde, 2899; 011-55-11-3813-8598; www.cariocaclub.com.br (Portuguese only)
Filial The Filial is an upscale version of a Brazilian boteco (a traditional, down-home bar made famous by samba composers like Zé Ketti). The over-30 crowd is mainly composed of local musicians and artists. Vila Madalena; Rua Fidalga, 254; 011-55-11-3813-9226; www.barfilial.com.br (Portuguese only)
Finnegan's This comes as close as you’ll get to an Irish pub in Latin America. The bar is popular with English-speaking expatriates, regardless of national origin, and is in vogue with the natives. Drink Guinness on tap. Jardim Paulista; Rua Cristiano Viana, 358; 011-55-11-3062-3232
Jacaré Grill This tiny grill house, with its ice-cold beer and famously inventive bar appetizers (think sausage in passion fruit sauce), is one of Vila Madalena's most popular spots. Vila Madalena; Rua Harmonia, 321; 011-55-11-3816-0400; www.jacaregrill.com.br
Manga Rosa Manga Rosa is one of the few clubs near the offices and hotels of this booming office district. Brazilian and international DJs play house, trance, and techno. Brooklin; Praça Soneto, 1754; 011-55-11-5507-3938; www.clubmangarosa.com.br/fotos2.html
Posto 6 This Rio de Janeiro-style bar offers one of the best happy hours in town. Unwind to soothing strains of jazz, bossa nova, or Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). Pinheiros; Rua Aspicuelta, 644; 011-55-11-3812-4342; www.posto6.com
Vinyl This club, with its 19th-century, belle époque feel, features a high ceiling and mezzanine over the 5,382-square-foot dance floor. DJs play an eclectic mix of music for the youngish crowd. Vila Olímpia; Rua Gomes de Carvalho, 799; 011-55-11-3845-8555