São Paulo really is the city that never sleeps, with most clubs not opening until midnight. There are neighbourhood bars all over the city, but particularly in the Jardins area; the Vila Madalena district has some good nightclubs, as does nearby Pinheiros. Vila Olímpia is known for its clubs appealing to a younger crowd, while Bixiga, also called Bela Vista or Little Italy, boasts relaxed bars.

Bars: Bar Brahma, Avenida São João 677, is a friendly local bar with live music most nights. Finnegan's Pub in Rua Cristiano Viana 358 serves draft Guinness to an appreciative and lively crowd. For cocktails, try Drosophyla, Rua Pedra Toques 80, a contemporary bar with an Oriental style garden. Blen Blen Brasil, Rua Inácio Pereira da Rocha 520, hosts a variety of live music and DJs.

Clubs: São Paulo has a staggering range of clubs, with new ones opening all the time; some venues have dress codes. The Havana Club at Alameda Santos 2233, is a slick cigar and Martini bar with smooth jazz. Asia 70 at Avenida Nova Independencia 865 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and Rua Domingos Andrade s/n on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays (website: www.asia70.com.br) is a spacious venue with live music most nights and a restaurant. Electronic music, techno and drum and bass fill the upbeat Love Club and Lounge, Rua Pequetita 189 (website: www.loveclub.com.br).

Live Music: Brazilian music from axé to samba can be heard at Mistura Brasileira, Rua Padre Estevão Pernetti 112 (website: www.misturabrasileira.com.br). At Tocador de Bolacha, Rua Patizal 72 (website: www.tocadordebolacha.com.br) musicians play both native traditional sounds and pop from Tuesdays to Saturdays. A mix of ages flock to Carioca Club, Rua Cardeal Arcoverde 2899 (website: www.cariocaclub.com.br), an authentic Brazilian dance hall.