São Paulo: The gay city you're looking for

Enjoy the summer vibes in São Paulo and get lost in its gay alternative scene. Màrcio is a graphic designer, very fond of his city and therefore chose to become an host on misterb&b. His insider tips are a valuable resource! Enjoy your reading and get ready to stay like a gay local in São Paulo.

What makes your city a favorite gay destination?

São Paulo is a huge, different and multicultural city in Brazil and one of the biggest city in South America. It has all kinds of options for gay friends to explore it. From a night life that has a different dance floor from Monday to Sunday. If you like the last Rihanna and Britney’s hits mixed by the European DJs from all over summer-packed-beaches... we have exactly what you’re looking for! If you prefer house and minimal sounds, we have that too! Your taste buds will be spoiled by restaurants from all over the world and the spicy and rich Brazilian food. São Paulo is the real city that never sleeps.

What is the best gay event that takes place in your city?

The most famous is the Gay Parade and the city is proud to have the biggest gay parade in the world. It’s a very busy week with clubs having non-stop party for almost 5 days during the week.

What is your favorite gay establishment to grab a bite for lunch? a nice dinner?

There’s a wide range of choice: Japanese, Italian, Indian or Arab dishes... or a nice time at home with friends preparing food with a lot of drinks. Just to name a few places: Spot, Ritz, Lanchonete da Cidade, Margherita, Ramona, Tandoor, Takô, Almanara, Mestiço... and the 24hours packed and gay friendly Bella Paulista.

Best gay bar for a cheap beer?

Igrejinha – with a small house music crowd on Thursday. The packed Vieira de Carvalho avenue full of bars – from bear gay bars to more noisy and glittered-Beyoncé fans and slim boys and girls around. Or many of the bars on the famous gay street Frei Caneca or the mixed Augusta Street full of rock bars, electronic clubs, burgers and fast pizza restaurants.

Best gay bar for a refreshing cocktail?

Spot and Ritz are the traditional ones. Others to check out are the new Jerome, Metropol, PanAm and Lourdes Bar.

Ready to go dancing--what is the best gay dance club?

The most famous, biggest and crowded club is for sure The Week club. It has been the main gay club for almost 12 years. It has a very nice lighting and music system to keep you dancing close by the most handsome go-go boys in the city. With a different night and theme every time, it also has a outdoor area to talk and date. Another very popular event at the moment is Bigger Party. I strongly recommend that too!

Also, a few places where you can find incredible music and lighting system are Cine Joia, D-edge, Jerome and Lôca. The best parties are the alternative Mamba Negra, CapsLock and Selvagem – nice music, cool DJs, cute boys, beard guys and cool people.

Which gay bar offers the best happy hour on a Wednesday?

Maybe Ritz and Spot again. And the Frei Caneca street to have a beer on the street. After a few beers get lost at Lôca Club with a crazy and alternative crowd animated by 80’s and 90’s hits.

Best place to socialize with the local gay community?

Praça Benedito Calixto is still a very popular square full of bars and gays from different types looking for a relaxing Saturday afternoon. Also, I’d recommend a day walk on Frei Caneca Street, Paulista Avenue and Ibirapuera Park.

Best place to be surrounded by the local gays?

Paulista Avenue and a short walk to Frei Caneca St or the fancy shop stores on Jardins neighborhood. 

How gay-friendly is São Paulo?

Many guests say they were impressed to see so many gay people exchange kisses and holding hands in the streets of São Paulo. It’s a big city with a more open mind about the community but it’s still a Latin American city, with a visible conservative attitude sometimes.

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

There are a lot of “padarias” to have a breakfast in the morning. From the traditional ones you can quickly find in almost every block. Have a fresh juice and “pão na chapa” (toasted bread and butter) or many other specialties served for brunch.