In São Paulo, you can find nightclubs offering every beat in Brazil, as well as jazz and disco. The two main entertainment districts are Rua 13 de Maio and Jardins, and some of the best-known shows can be seen at Olympia, Palace, and Tom Brasil.

São Paulo's nightlife scene is also quite spread out, with little entertainment clusters in neighborhoods all over town; barhopping is really more like car hopping. Best to pick a neighborhood, enjoy dinner, and then grab a drink or catch a show at a club nearby so you don't waste time and cab dollars stuck in one of São Paulo's late-night traffic jams. Vila Olímpia is where the 18 to 30 years olds go for nightlife, with a number of large dance clubs located and some of the city's best bars . Vila Madalena is more in vogue with the 25 to 45 years olds who enjoy bars and restaurants more than dance clubs.

Vila Olímpia, the most happening nighttime neighborhood in São Paulo is currently Vila Olímpia. Packed with clubs and bars, it's always busy, even on weeknights. Many of the more popular bars are concentrated on the Rua Prof. Atilio Innocenti. At Atilio Innocenti 780 is the Buena Vista Club (tel. 012/3045-5245). Despite the name, the music is a only a little Cuban and a lot Brazilian, live from Wednesday to Saturday. Bar Favela (Prof. Atilio Innocenti 419; tel. 011/3848-6988) is anything but downscale. This hip bar attracts a happening crowd who come to see and be seen. Athilio Music (Rua Prof. Atilio Innocenti 618; tel. 011/3044-0206) is a split-personality kind of place, with a sports bar in the front and a dance club hidden in back. The cover is R$5 to R$20 (US$1.65-US$6.60). Also on the Atilio Innocenti is Pennélope (Rua Prof. Atilio Innocenti 380; tel. 011/3842-3802). Larger than some of the other bars, Pennélope has a small stage for live music and a couple of DJs who keep the crowd happy.

For festivals, feasts, and general great entertainment, you’ll be spoilt for choice during your visit to this party city. You'll have your choices of many different nightspots to choose from. There are great restaurants, bars, cafes and nightclubs. You can go barhopping or find one that you wish to stay at for a while. You'll just love all the choices you will have to pick from. From the Brazilian Grand Prix, the International Film Festival to New Years Eve celebrations and every other tiny excuse to whip up the night time activities, São Paulo buzzes after dark and becomes a stunning colorful city with lively and crazy events.

The Salvation is a popular dance place you won't want to miss. Try Cheers for more fun dancing in São Paulo. The Azucar is another great place to hit after dark in the city of São Paulo and there are a whole lot more.

Salvation: Largo do Arouche 301, 011 223 0705. You'll definitely want to stop into the Salvation for a great place to dance and have fun after dark in São Paulo.
Cheers: Alameda Vicente Pinzon 153, 011 3044 1427. Have some fun dancing when you spend some time at Cheers.
Azucar: Rua Mario Feraz 423, 011 3078 3130. If you love latin dancing then stop into the Azucar and wear your dancing shoes.
Piu Piu: Rua Treze de Maio 134, 011 258 8066. The Piu Piu is another great place to go for music and dancing when you're in São Paulo.
Fabbrica 5: Av. Alcantara Machado 770, 011 3399 3331. The Fabbrica 5 is another great place to kick up your heels and have a fun time out on the town in São Paulo.
Blen Blen Brasil: Rua Pinacio Pereira da Rocha 520, 011 3812 9333. The Blen Blen Brasil has live music and dancing and is a popular place to gather for visitors and tourists.

To catch the big names in Brazilian music, São Paulo is the place. The city gets more of the stars, playing more often, than any other city in Brazil. São Paulo also offers a variety of theater, dance, opera, and classical music.

São Paulo is considered to be the cultural capital of Brazil. The classical music scene is excellent, and the theater scene positively thriving. The majority of high culture takes place at just two halls. The Teatro Municipal is the more traditional and arguably the more luxurious of the two. Built in 1903 in the heart of the old downtown, this Parisian-style opera house is said to have near-perfect acoustics. The Sala São Paulo is the main hall in the recently renovated Estação Julio Prestes, a grand old Victorian railway station that has been completely restored and adapted for use as a cultural center. Both halls put on a rich program of classical music, dance, opera, and theater. For free performances, check for the "gratis" listings in the Revista Cultural.