Brazil’s effervescent engine of growth, ‘Sampa’ is a city of cutting-edge art, fashion and industry that’s showing other world cities how to pick up the pace. The largest metropole on the continent might not have natural beauty on its side but this is South America at its wildest. A perfectly chaotic mash of cultures blesses its citizens with the finest of foods as well as a diversity of entertainment—from karaoke singing in Japantown to the ubiquitous samba in Barra Funda.
The cacophony of noise reaches fever-pitch as the Paulistanos clock-off and hit the bars. A sense of open-hearted joy pervades the nightlife scene, which is now rightly regarded as one of the best in the world. And for those who like a session to last into Sunday afternoon, D-Edge is the place—matching contemporary music and design for a first-rate clubbing experience.
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“Coxinhas,” the tasty and traditional Brazilian bar snack, are made from minced, spiced chicken crammed—quite often with Catupiry cheese—into drumstick-shaped wheat flour envelopes and deep fried… read more
For all lovers of electronic music who don’t know, D-Edge is the place to go. The club began its love affair with minimal techno after a quick succession of gigs by Richie Hawtin and Ellen Allien—and it has never… read more
Livraria da Esquina (the “Bookshop on the Corner”) is not entirely a bar, club or bookshop, but it sure is a great place to go for a drink, a laugh or a read. Located in Barra Funda—a… read more
A Figueira Rubaiyat serves some of the best steaks in South America, possibly even in all of America. Or maybe the whole world. This understated, brick-walled restaurant—built around a 130-year-old fig… read more
Unique’s spacey, green copper façade alone makes it a hotel like any no other. Located in the well-heeled residential area of Jardins and just meters from Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo’s largest green area,… read more
With this steel barrel factory/“culture factory” conversion, Lina Bo Bardi revolutionized São Paulo’s attitude to its obsolete industrial estates.
Between 1977 and 1986, the old brick sheds were… read more
Galeria Vermelho, which resembles a labyrinth of cubes, is currently São Paulo’s most interesting art exhibition space. Taking New Media Art as a focal point, the “Red Gallery” program includes… read more
On a slow, sultry Saturday morning in São Paulo, toddle on down to the fleamarket at Praça Benedito Calixto. You may not be able to move for all the hip young misses and ironically moustachioed monsieurs, but… read more
This incomparable hybrid salon/spa/boutique/bar provides all possible varieties of pampering, from a stylish cut by Mauro Freire himself (a renowned hairdresser) to manicures and mixed drinks.
Its fashion and… read more
In one of the most notorious events in recent Brazilian history, 111 inmates were killed—102 by military police—during a riot at Penitenciária de Carandiru in 1992. The prison was pulled down 10… read more
Frangó
Finger lickin' good
After Dark
D-Edge
Beat box
After Dark
Livraria da Esquina
Show around the corner
After Dark
A Figueira Rubaiyat
Heaven on a plate
Food
Hotel Unique
Unforgettable innovation
Hotel
SESC Pompéia
Architecture for the people
Culture
Galeria Vermelho
The red chameleon
Culture
Praça Benedito Calixto
Oversized sunnies and vintage vinyl
Escapism
Casa Mauro Freire
Favorite things
Shop
Parque da Juventude
Rejuvenating
Culture
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