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New Year’s in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is one of the best places in the world to ring in the New Year (or, as Brazilians call it Réveillon.)  While the northern hemisphere is freezing, the beaches of Rio are warm … and the men are hot! 

If you only have 1–2 days in Rio around Réveillon

A guided “highlights” day is the easiest way to knock out Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf without wasting hours on lines and transit — leaving you fresh for the beach and parties at night.
Check dates & prices with Viator »

Réveillon 2026: a  Survival Guide

Rio on New Year’s is a beautiful, chaotic, white-clad stampede. For LGBTQ+ travelers, it’s also a choose-your-own-adventure: Copacabana beach (free, iconic, and absolutely insane) or ticketed parties (expensive, curated, and also insane—just with open bar).


Quick Jump


Hotels and Places to Stay

Reality check: hotels sell out and prices spike hard for Réveillon. If you want Copacabana/Ipanema and you want it without a weird “surprise” at check-in, book early.

Two classic, beachfront picks (often pricey, often worth it):

More options (and a bigger list): Gay-friendly hotels & places to stay in Rio


The Beach: Copacabana + the Fireworks (the main character)

This is the iconic, free version of Réveillon: Copacabana Beach, fireworks, stages, and a crowd so large it feels like Rio is trying to be seen from space.  Copacabana is also the home of Rio’s gay bars and nightlife.

What you do: wear white, meet your friends at a specific Posto number, drink something cold, watch the show, and try not to lose your phone before midnight.

Copacabana Stages (Official Schedule)

Palco Rio (in front of Copacabana Palace):

  • 20:00 – Gilberto Gil + Ney Matogrosso
  • 22:30 – Belo + Alcione
  • 00:12 – João Gomes + Iza
  • 02:00 – Alok
  • 03:30 – Beija-Flor (Samba school)

Palco Samba Amstel (Copacabana, near Rua República do Peru):

  • 20:00 – Roberta Sá
  • 22:00 – Mart’nália
  • 00:12 – Diogo Nogueira
  • 01:40 – Feyjão + Bloco da Preta
  • 03:30 – Grande Rio (Samba school)

VamosGay tip: if you want “gay interest” without needing a wristband, the Samba stage lineup is usually the friendlier vibe. Also: the ocean is not a suggestion—if you jump waves, do it sober-ish and hold onto your friends.


The Parties: Circuit + Clubs 

If Copacabana feels like too much humanity per square meter, the paid parties are your upgrade: open bar, bathrooms, DJs, and a crowd that actually planned their outfit. Tickets sell out. Prices go up. You have been warned.

Réveillon CHEERS 2026 (LGBTQ+ mega-party)

Headliner: Ludmilla
Where: Tribuna Social – Jockey Club (Gávea)
When: Dec 31 (Wednesday), doors listed as 21:00
Tickets / official info (Bilheteria Digital)

After party option (same organizer): VIRA – O After da Cheers (listed as 06:00–12:00, separate ticket, drinks sold separately).

GUAPO: Night → Day (two-part “keep going” package)

GUAPO Night Party: Jan 1 (23:00 → 08:00)
GUAPO Day Party: Jan 2 (08:00 → 18:00)
Translation: if you go, you are basically agreeing to be a beautiful zombie by Saturday.
Official updates usually appear first on their Instagram: instagram.com/guapo.fiesta

Local LGBTQ+ nightlife (for the sane)

  • Pink Flamingo (Copacabana): drag, pop, sweaty dancing, and a very Rio mix of tourists + locals. Check their NYE programming on socials before you commit.
  • More options: Gay bars & clubs of Rio

CLOSED (legend status): The Week Rio (no, it’s not coming back—stop asking your Brazilian friend’s cousin’s roommate).


Safety + Logistics

  • Leave valuables at the hotel. If you wouldn’t hand it to a stranger at a music festival, don’t bring it to Copacabana.
  • Phone strategy: keep it in a front pocket, zipped bag, or hotel safe. Consider a cheap backup phone for the beach.
  • Stick to a Posto number. “I’m on the beach” is not a location. Posto 4 is a location.
  • Hydrate. Heat + booze + crowds = you making poor life choices.

Getting to Rio

  • Airports: GIG (international) and SDU (domestic, closer to the action).  Find the cheapest flights to both GIG and SDU » 
  • Local transport: Metro + walking is often smarter than sitting in holiday traffic. For rides, use official taxis/Uber and confirm plates.

Visa note (important for some travelers)

U.S. travelers: Brazil reinstated a visa requirement for U.S. passport holders (eVisa option). Check requirements early—don’t show up at the airport with vibes and confidence.

Bookmark this page for your gay Rio New Years plans, or subscribe to our newsletter below.

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Gay São Vicente, Santos, Guarujá – Guide to the São Paulo Coast

Take a break from the concrete jungle of São Paulo and ride to the sands of LGBT-friendly Santos, Guarujá, and São Vicente.

The VamosGay Guide to São Paulo’s southern coast will show you how to get there, where to stay, and what to explore. Scroll down for our updated list of bars, clubs, attractions, and saunas. And, you can mark your calendar for a few upcoming LGBT-popular events:

  • New Years’ Eve / Réveillon – Wed Dec 31, 2025
  • Carnival – Sat Feb 14 – Wed Feb 18, 2026 (unconfirmed)
  • ✝️ Good Friday / Sexta-Feira Santa – Fri Apr 3, 2026
  • 🏳️‍🌈 Santos SP Pride – Sun Jun 28, 2026 (unconfirmed)
  • 🏳️‍🌈 Praia Grande Pride – Sun Oct 25, 2026 (unconfirmed)
  • 🏳️‍🌈 São Vicente Pride – Sun Nov 15, 2026 (unconfirmed)
  • Santos “Mês do Orgulho” / DiversaFeira / regional Pride programming – (date TBD)
  • Santos “Semana da Diversidade Sexual” – (date TBD)

Getting There

For most foreigners, the trip to São Paulo’s coast comes after they have already landed in Brazil. (Check out our list of airlines for tips and cheap international fares.) From downtown São Paulo, it takes approximately 1.5 hours by car.

Read more about getting there (click to expand)

Be aware that coastal cities are very popular during holiday weekends. Check this calendar of Brazilian national holidays before you plan your trip. One last tip for gringos, the seasons are opposite from what you expect in North America and Europe, so prepare to freeze in your Speedo if you go in July.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting there by bus:

  • Various bus companies service São Paulo’s coast and clickbus.com.br makes it easy to reserve a ticket via Cometa (the most popular,) Brasil Rapido, or Ultra. Use Google Translate to navigate and buy your tickets via credit card or PayPal. (Tickets may also be purchased in person at Jabaquara Terminal)
  • Take the Metro to Jabaquara station. It’s the terminal of the blue line.
  • Once you depart the subway at Metro Jabaquara, look for the r odoviaro signs and head to the bilheteria to pick up your ticket using the confirmation code and your passport. Make a note of your poltrona, that is the number of your seat.
  • Check the hora de chegada on your ticket to find out exactly when your bus will arrive. Your bus may make additional stops and you don’t want to get off to early. You can also show the address to your driver and ask that he signal when your stop is ready. Drivers are friendly, but do not speak English.
  • If you’re staying a distance away from a pre-designated stop, you may have to take an EMTU bus. (Or, pay over R$20 for a taxi at the rodoviario. )

Guide to São Vicente

By far the most popular gay destination of São Paulo’s coastal cities, São Vincente has an LGBT-friendly section of beach known as Praia Itararé which extends to Ilha Porchat. The small cluster of beach stands, or quiosques, is anchored by Quiosque da Cris and it is where you can find sunbathing gay guys and lesbians having beers, or a bit further down, exercising on the sand.

Ilha Porchat is a bit of an uphill climb, but is worth it for the Niemeyer Monument. It has open-air panoramic views of Sao Vicente’s green landscape by day, and comes to life with parties at The Club International at night.

Hotels in São Vicente

When looking for a place to stay in the gay sections of São Vicente, your options are easy: Itararé Beach and Porchat Island. Both sections are also less than 30 minutes away from each other by foot.

Hotel Mont Rey

Very well-run, inexpensive, and close to the beach — popular with both gay groups and straight families. (The Sunday morning breakfast buffet is always interesting and delicious.)

View hotel details/lowest rate

Palais Hotel

Modern, stylish apartments with great amenities. A strong “easy choice” base for beach days at Itararé + nightlife up on Ilha Porchat.

View hotel details/lowest rate

Ilha Porchat Hotel

Classic Porchat Island option — pick a sea view room to soak up the panorama. Great for a relaxed stay that’s still close to the action.

View hotel details/lowest rate

Click here for the full list of hotels available in São Vicente >


Hotels in Santos (Boqueirão / Gonzaga)

If you want a bigger-city beach base with more restaurants, shopping, and easy logistics, Santos (Boqueirão / Gonzaga) is the easiest “all-around” choice — and still close to São Vicente.

Sheraton Santos Hotel

Top-tier comfort and service — a strong “treat yourself” pick with easy access to the beach + shopping and dining.

View hotel details/lowest rate

Parque Balneário Hotel Santos

Iconic Santos address right by Gonzaga beach — great for walking everywhere and keeping the trip simple.

View hotel details/lowest rate

Cosmopolitan Praia Flat

Practical 4-star flat-style stay (great if you like a bit more space), with an easy location near the Gonzaga area.

View hotel details/lowest rate

Click here for the full list of hotels available in Santos >

Beaches, Bars, and Saunas

The list of specifically gay spots is small, but most of the region is gay-friendly. Try our Google Map of the gay Sao Paulo’s southern coast to find each location.

Quiosque da Cris

All of the boys love Cris, the super-friendly lesbian owner of Quiosque da Cris (Cris’ Kiosk) and her spot on the beach is the place to go for a beer with friends and lots of eye-candy. Gay guys and lesbians create a friendly mix. The section of beach serviced by Cris and her staff gets full during the summer. Feel free to check out adjacent gay-friendly kiosks, but remember, Cris is number one. (Bonus tip: the New Year’s Eve party on the beach at Quiosque da Cris is legendary!)

The Club International (aka The Club Litoral)

There’s nothing better than taking a break the energy of a sweaty dance floor to have a cocktail by the pool or on the terrace overlooking sea. The Club International is a guaranteed night to remember. Check out the TCI Facebook page for weekly event info.

Dick Bar Litoral

For those who can remember the sleazy good times of Dick Bar in downtown Sao Paulo, the former owner has resurfaced on the coast. After opening, closing and re-opening, in 2024, it appears to be for women-only now. Get the latest event info on the Dick Bar Litoral FB page.

Sauna 1

Gay sauna in Santos that specializes more in professional services, massage, and hydrotherapy. Popular with “straight” married men and their fans.

Tribal Club permanently closed

The biggest and best LGBT club on the Santos end of the coast has closed. There was hope that it would re-open, but the founder and owner recently announced his retirement and the permanent closure of Tribal Club.

Thermas Senador / Thermas 1087

The recently renamed Thermas 1087 is a gay sauna frequented by locals. In need of renovation and almost impossible to guarantee the best time to go. But, take a chance early in the evening (from 6 to 9pm) and you’ll give it a thumbs up.

Thermas Oasis

Well established gay sauna in Guarujá. Thermas Oasis has mixed, but mostly positive reviews. Find it on our map below and try it for yourself!

New for 2026: Clubs, Bars & Local Tips

AMUSE Beach Club (Ilha Porchat, São Vicente)

Nightlife on top of Ilha Porchat with a sea view and frequent party programming. (If you hear locals say “The Club” on Ilha Porchat, they may be referring to this spot — unconfirmed.)

PutZz Club (Santos)

One of the most active nightlife listings in Santos right now—check Instagram for current nights and tickets.

Madalenas Bar (São Vicente)

LGBT-friendly bar that pops up in regional Pride/weekend programming—best for pre-drinks and checking what’s happening locally.

Restaurants & Cafés (LGBT-owned / LGBT-friendly picks)

Revista Nove has a strong updated list of LGBT-owned spots in Santos and the region (2025). Start here, then click through for your vibe: Bares e restaurantes comandados por pessoas LGBT+ na região

  • Lorient Bistrô
  • Bossa Café e Bistrô
  • Revo Manufactory
  • Casa da Villa Urbana Coquetelaria
  • Angus Steakhouse
  • Tasca do Porto

Culture & Daytime Spots (Santos + coast)

Tours & Experiences (Viator)

Explore Even More of Gay São Paulo

After your fun in the sun, come back to the city and explore the VamosGay guide to São Paulo.

Silêncio Ipanema

Silêncio (Ipanema) is a fun, flirty gay bar in the heart of Ipanema — a solid “start here, stay too long” option when you want drinks, DJs, and a crowd that’s clearly there to socialize (and yes, flirt). It’s also one of the few places that manages to feel like a bar first… and still turns into a party when the night hits.


Rua Teixeira de Melo, 47 – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro (Google Map »)

Open daily from 12PM (free entry) — check Instagram for tonight’s DJ/programming.

The vibe is very Ipanema: easy, confident, and a little showy in the best way. Expect pop/party energy depending on the night, and a mixed crowd (locals + visitors) that skews social early and more dancey later.

If you’re staying near Posto 9 / Farme de Amoedo (the gay beach zone), Silêncio is an easy add-on to your night — especially when you want something fun that isn’t a full-on mega-club commitment.

Two tips for visitors:
1) Go earlier if you want space to chat; go later if you want the room to feel more “party.”
2) Programming changes constantly — use Instagram as the official “what’s happening tonight” source before you leave the hotel.

Back to the master list:

Rio Gay Bars & Clubs »

Gay Saunas, Cinemas, and Sex Clubs of Rio de Janeiro

Do gay men really need a guide to getting laid in Rio de Janeiro?  It is a city with several gay clubs and an open culture where a stroll along the beach can lead to a sexual conquest.  Combined with mobile apps like Grindr, Scruff, and Tinder (all very popular in Brazil) sex is almost too easy in Rio. The VamosGay Google Map to Gay Rio de Janeiro makes it even easier.  Most of the locations are tourist friendly, but use caution.


Quick reality check: hours, entry rules, and “theme nights” change constantly. Always click the official link before you leave your hotel.

Before You Go: 5 Rules That Save Your Night

  • Carry less: bring one card + a little cash. Leave your passport in the hotel safe.
  • Use lockers: if a venue offers armários/lockers, use them. Don’t be brave.
  • Respect the vibe: these are adult spaces. If it’s not your scene, don’t force it.
  • Phones down: many venues restrict phone use. Assume it’s a “no photos” zone.
  • Get home safely: call a car (99/Uber) instead of wandering around at 3am.

Editor’s Choice ★ (Start Here)

★ Rio G Spa (Ipanema)

Address: Rua Teixeira de Melo, 16 – Ipanema
A polished, visitor-friendly option in the heart of Ipanema — ideal if you want something easy, central, and walkable from the beach.

★ Sauna Copacabana (Copacabana)

Address: Rua Dias da Rocha, 83 – Copacabana
Classic “Copa” energy and a solid choice if you’re staying near the beach and want a straightforward night without crossing the city.

★ Sauna Carioca (Catete)

Address: Rua Barão de Guaratiba, 20 – Catete
Zona Sul-adjacent, consistent, and easy to reach by metro. A good pick if you’re based around Flamengo/Catete/Glória.

More Saunas & Adult Clubs

Point 202 (Copacabana)

Address: Rua Siqueira Campos, 202 – Copacabana
A “late afternoon into night” option in Copa with its own loyal crowd. Check their socials for the day’s theme/vibe.

Club 117 (Glória)

Address: Rua Cândido Mendes, 117 – Glória
Central location near Glória. If you’re in Centro/Lapa/Flamengo, this can be a convenient stop.  Famous for “garotos de programas

SB Cruising Bar Sauna (Botafogo)

Address: Rua Dezenove de Fevereiro, 162 – Botafogo
A bigger “venue-style” space with multiple areas. Always verify entry rules + schedule on their official pages.

Show Bar Madureira

Address: R. Carvalho de Souza, 278 – Madureira, RJ
An explicitly adult men-only venue catering to a local crowd, with a cruising-forward environment. This is not a bar-crawl stop — go with clear expectations and confirm current rules and hours via Show Bar Madureira’s WhatsApp before visiting.

Sauna Bonsucesso (Bonsucesso)

Address: Rua Bonsucesso, 252-A – Bonsucesso
More local/suburban than touristy. If you’re curious, go with realistic expectations and plan your transport.

Cruising Bars (Centro)

Seven Cruising Bar / Seven Bar de Cabines (Centro)

Address: Praça da República, 141 – 2º andar – Centro
One of the best-known “men-only” cruising bars in Centro. Expect stricter rules (especially around phones) and check the schedule before you go.

Adult Cinema (Centro)

Cine Íris (Centro)

Address: Rua da Carioca, 49 – Centro
Historic venue with an adult-programming reputation. Important: it has had intermittent closures/inspections in 2025 — verify current status before making the trip.

Coming Soon (2026)

Dédalos Rio (expected Jan/2026)

Rio is on the official expansion list for January 2026. The Sao Paulo-based brand has teased a Rio unit and is actively posting about it. No reason to guess addresses yet — follow their official updates and we’ll add details the moment it opens.

Gone But Not Forgotten

These were popular in past versions of this guide, but are no longer reliable as “current” recommendations.

  • Leblon Spa Club / Termas Leblon — reported closed since 2020 (legacy favorite).
  • Club 29 (Botafogo) — widely reported as closed .

Silêncio Barra da Tijuca

⛔ Permanently closed

Silêncio (Barra da Tijuca) is now closed. If you’re searching for the old Barra location, the official Silêncio Barra profile currently indicates fechado (closed).


Av. Olegário Maciel, 135 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro (Google Map »)

Looking for Silêncio in Rio? The active venue is Silêncio Ipanema (Zona Sul), which continues to post current programming and hours. Before you go, always check the latest updates on Instagram:
@silencio.ipanema.

Back to the master list:

Rio Gay Bars & Clubs »

Up Turn

Up Turn is one of Barra’s best-known LGBT-friendly nightlife options — part bar, part balada, and famous for its big, high-energy open bar nights. It’s located inside the Freeway Center shopping complex on Avenida das Américas.


Av. das Américas, 2000 (Freeway Center) – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro (Google Map »)

What to expect: themed nights, pop/funk energy, a mixed crowd, and a “party-first” vibe that’s easy to plug into if you’re staying in Barra. The schedule changes constantly, so treat Instagram as the “official truth” for tonight’s theme, start time, and ticket link.

Two tips for visitors:
1) Barra is spread out — arrive by Uber/taxi, and don’t assume you’ll “just wander” into nightlife on foot.
2) If you’re using public transit, some event listings reference the BRT stop Afrânio Costa as the closest station.

Back to the master list:

Rio Gay Bars & Clubs »

Gringo Café

Editor’s Choice: Best “reset meal” in Ipanema (American-style brunch, any day of the week).


Rua Barão da Torre 240 (Loja A) – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro (Google Map »)

Mon – Sat 8:30AM – 10PM
Sunday 8AM – 9PM

If you’re craving something familiar in Rio — pancakes, waffles, eggs-and-bacon comfort, strong coffee — Gringo Café is the dependable classic. It’s been around forever by Ipanema standards, and it’s a favorite with travelers who want an easy, no-drama meal between beach time and nightlife.

The vibe is casual, friendly, and usually busy (especially on weekends). This is not a “gay venue,” but it’s Ipanema — you’ll feel comfortable showing up as yourself. It’s also a perfect meet-up spot when your group is scattered across the neighborhood and everyone needs a clear, obvious place to land.

Local tip: Go earlier on Saturdays/Sundays if you hate waiting. If you’re meeting friends, pick a landmark on Barão da Torre first — Ipanema is easy to “almost find” each other and still miss.

Staying nearby? Browse hotels in Ipanema (lowest rates).

São Paulo LGBT Pride Parade 2026

On Sunday, June 7, 2026, the largest gay pride parade in the world  will celebrate its 30th anniversary.  Past parades have attracted over 3 million people took to the streets of São Paulo, according to estimates.   More updates on what international travelers can expect coming soon!

Watch the archived 2025 live stream now ️‍ 

 

The parade’s theme for 2025 will pay tribute to our community’s elders.  According to the parade organizers, “with affection, respect and urgency we honor the experiences of LGBT+ people over the age of 60. Many of the freedoms we celebrate today only exist because they resisted.”

Click to launch our Google Map of the parade route including landmarks of gay Sao Paulo ️

In the days leading up to the parade, São Paulo (already one of the most gay-friendly cities in Latin America) explodes with gay activities.  By day, “gayborhoods” like Frei Caneca and Largo do Arouche fill with couples.  And by night, bars and nightclubs throughout the city are packed.

Last year, the them of the parade was “voting for the rights of the LGBT+ population.”   In 2024, everyone was encouraged to take to the streets in green and yellow, the colors of the Brazilian flag.  In recent years, the colors became associated with anti-gay groups, but this marks a return green and yellow reclaimed as symbols of national pride for all Brazilians.  The theme for 2025’s parade has yet to be chosen.

Getting There

For those searching for air/hotel packages, Expedia offers some of the lowest rates for package deals to São Paulo.  Europeans, Americans, and visitors who are  already in South America have a number of inexpensive options.  For international flights, we always use SkyScanner.com to compare airfares and find the lowest rates all of the major airlines.

View airfare deals »

Hotels & Gay-Friendly Places to Stay

South America’s largest city offers hundreds of great places to stay. Here’s our short list of hotels you can enjoy your stay for pride weekend.

View Gay-Friendly Hotels »

Guide to Bars & Club

There are almost 40 different options!  From hole-in-the-wall bars to multi-floor mega clubs, check out our 2024 guide to São Paulo’s gay (and gay-friendly) places to go.

View List of Bars & Clubs »

Saunas & Sex

Every sex club, cinema, and sauna will be very active for Pride Week. We’ve listed them all on one page. Dive in!

View Sao Paulo saunas and sex clubs »

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*Note for American visitors :  Travel to Brazil requires a visa.   Get visa info you will need in time for June’s pride parade.  Click here for Brazilian visa information for tourists.

 

São Paulo Gay Bars & Clubs

Latin America’s biggest city has something for everyone: bears, twinks, daddies, hipsters, and even business travelers. (Look for a ☆ symbol to find the best-of-the-best on our list.)

Outside of bars and clubs, check out our guide to SP’s restaurants, saunas, and places to stay. Also try the VamosGay Google Map to gay São Paulo.

ABC Bailão

Discotheque remains the most popular option for men over 50.
Rua Marquês de Itu, São Paulo view map »

Aloka Club (formerly A Lôca)

Follow that fabulous line down Frei Caneca to one of São Paulo’s most popular clubs. Highly recommended on Thursdays and Sundays.
R. Frei Caneca 916, São Paulo view map »

Auê ☆

A queer-friendly party space with lots of LGBT dancing. Check the Auê instagram for upcoming parties.
R. São Domingos 90, São Paulo view map »

Blue Bar

Bear / daddy bar energy on Rua Bento Freitas. Check Instagram for the nightly vibe.
Rua Bento Freitas 82, São Paulo view map »

Blue Space ☆

It’s not a true drag show unless it’s at Blue Space! Huge venue with multiple “rooms.”
Rua Brigadeiro Galvao 723, São Paulo view map »

Bordão Karaokê

Popular gay karaoke bar near Marechal Deodoro. Go for sing-alongs and easy bar energy.
Rua Tapajós 432, São Paulo view map »

Bar da Lôca

The unofficial “waiting room” for A Lôca, the megaclub next door.
Rua Peixoto Gomide 106, São Paulo view map »

Bar do Netão

Huge and friendly gay bar in the “Old Downtown.” Great for groups.
Rua Augusta 584, São Paulo view map »

Barouche

This is a great starting point for your evening in the gayborhood of Arouche.
Rua Fradique Coutinho 361, São Paulo view map »

Bar Fama

A trashy good time for those who consider “trashy” a compliment. Check out our review of Bar Fama, and see a list of their parties.
Largo do Arouche 70, São Paulo view map »

Bar Queen

Do you like male strippers? You can actually just have a drink, or stay for full show. Best on weeknight nights.
Rua Augusta 128, São Paulo view map »

Bar Verde

Inexpensive place for young gay paulistanos to party.
Rua Peixoto Gomide, 145, São Paulo view map »

Caberet da Cecilia

Retro-chic bar, plus small intimate stage which is home to live musical performances and burlesque-inspired erotic shows.
Rua Fortunato 35, São Paulo view map »

Caneca de Prata

The bar itself is very small, but Caneca de Prata is all about the sidewalk outside, which is literally overflowing with daddies, bears, and their admirers.
Avenida Viêira de Carvalho 63, São Paulo view map »

Casa Fluida

Gender fluid overflows at this festive bar every letter of the LGBTQIA spectrum. Also features regular art installations to complement the more traditional drag shows and gender bending performances.
R. Bela Cintra, 569, São Paulo view map »

Club Yacht ☆

Good looking young men work the dance floor. And the clothes check. Literally.
Rua Treze de Maio 303, São Paulo view map »

D-Edge ☆

The best electronica club in Brazil goes queer every Friday
Av. Auro Soares de Moura Andrade 141, São Paulo view map »

Eagle São Paulo

After a couple of successful years in the Consolação neighborhood, the Eagle has found a hotter address right on Augusta Street. We haven’t visited the new location to write a review yet, but you can get more info from the Eagle SP Facebook page.
Rua Augusta 620, São Paulo view map »

Espaço Desmanche

College-age guys and girls flock to the various parties hosted at this Augusta Street nightspot. Check out their calendar of events for an updated list.
R. Augusta 765, São Paulo view map »

High Club ☆

The legendary co-founder of The Week (RIP) returns with epic parties at his latest venture High Club. Highly recommended for international DJs and shirtless dancing.
R. João Rudge, 115, São Paulo view map »

Hitch Bar

This stylish Pinheiros bar offers great drinks and a revolving calendar of events from themed playlists to karaoke. The Alfred Hitchock decor makes this an Instagram worthy way to have drinks with friends..
Rua Cardeal Arcoverde 1736, São Paulo view map »

Hot House SP

Probably the raunchiest a bar can be with out crossing over into sex and saunas listings. Hot House is a small stripper bar. Their website has a calendar of events.
Rua Nestor Pestana 27, São Paulo view map »

Hunter

Party space in Santa Cecília hosting pop / funk / electronic nights and themed events. Check Instagram for the schedule.
Avenida São João, 1570, São Paulo view map »

Igrejinha

Editor’s Choice for best Thursday night for four years in a row. Read more about Igrejinha and it’s nightly parties.
Rua Fernando de Albuquerque 302, São Paulo view map »

Jerome ☆

Excellent choice for nightlife. Jerome is that rare mix of an A-list crowd and dance your ass off fun.
Rua Mato Grosso398, São Paulo view map »

K Entre Nós

One of the newer bear / daddy bars on Rua Bento Freitas. Friendly crowd and late-night drinks.
Rua Bento Freitas 148, São Paulo view map »

Mayfair Lounge Club

Chic Friday night option in Sao Paulo’s upscale Jardins neighborhood. A great new addition to the scene .
Alemeda Campinas 1631, São Paulo view map »

Paris 6 ☆

Classic diner-style restaurant on busy Rua Haddock Lobo. Late night too.
Rua Haddock Lobo 1240, São Paulo view map »

Selva Club

Young crowd. Old enough to drink … they do drink! Selva hosts a number of parties and always full of high-energy Paulistanos. Straight, gay, whatever.
Rua Augusta 501, São Paulo view map »

Soda Pop Bar

Hunting bears has never been easier. Read our review of Soda Pop Bar, it’s a very popular spot for early evening hangouts.
Av. Viêira de Carvalho 43, São Paulo view map »

Tokyo

If you want a full weekender with an LGBT friendly crowd, Tokyo is a great choice. The club has 5 (!) floors of fun.
Rua Major Sertório 110, São Paulo view map »

Up Cozinha & Bar ☆

Chill on the terrace with eclectic Brazilian cocktails and tapas. Great early evening option, plus fantastic afternoon hang on Sundays.
Rua Bela Cintra 502, São Paulo view map »

Woof Bar

Woof (with the extra “o”) draws a laid-back mix of bears, daddies, and their fans.
Av. Dr. Vieira de Carvalho 31/35, São Paulo view map »

Zig Bar

If you have money to spend, Zig is an elegant choice. Upstairs bar is great for cocktails.
Rua Álvaro de Carvalho 190, São Paulo view map »

Gone but not forgotten (the places below are permanently closed)

Cantho Dance Club

⛔ CLOSED — Popular dance club. Not too young. Not too old.
Largo do Arouche 23, São Paulo view map »

Danger Dance Club

⛔ CLOSED — Always packed dance club with a loyal following of young men of color. Get more info on Danger from our review.
Rua Rêgo Freitas 470, São Paulo view map »

Lekitsch

⛔ CLOSED — Very popular destination to have a cocktail in the bohemian downtown region known as Praça Roosevelt. Lekitsch is surrounded by independent performance spaces, and a dozen other cool nightspots.
Praça Franklin Roosevelt 142, São Paulo view map »

The Week

⛔ CLOSED — Still one of the most-searched gay clubs in São Paulo, years after shutting its doors. For big-ticket parties from the same world, watch what’s happening at High Club.
Barra Funda, São Paulo view map »