A Neighborhood Guide to Vila Madalena, São Paulo: Street Art, Nightlife & Local Eats

Vila Madalena is one of the hippiest neighborhoods in São Paulo, with a bohemian past and present reflected in its ubiquitous street art and buzzing nightlife. The area is filled with charming cafes, lively bars and restaurants, and lots of independent businesses, with something to explore in every block. Read on for a guide to exploring ‘Vila Madá.’

Beco do Batman

‘Batman’s Alley’ is arguably the neighborhood’s most famous landmark. This area, where three alleys come together, is an open-air museum of street art, ever since the large portrait of the superhero first appeared in the 1980s.

Every inch of the walls here is covered with colorful graffiti by street artists from Brazil and around the world, with an ever-changing landscape as new pieces pop up. On the weekends, the alley turns into a craft market, with local artists selling handmade jewelry and other creations.

Rua Aspicuelta

This street is the heart of Vila Madalena’s nightlife, with a raucous energy that goes all night long. To dance the night away to the rhythms of live samba music, I recommend Armazém Piola and Boteco Todos os Santos; to soak up the energy while seated at a table, try Salve Jorge, O Pasquim Bar e Prosa, or Boteco São Bento. For late night eats, head to Hamburgueria Bullguer.

Coffee

Coffee lovers will be spoiled for options in Vila Madalena. For a quick coffee on the go, check out The Coffee, a Brazilian chain with some of the best brew around. If you have more time to sit down and savor your drink, head to Coffee Lab, a specialty cafe with a leafy, eclectic interior that is also quite literally a laboratory of brewing coffee as well as a school for training baristas. Cupping Café is another solid spot for coffee just a couple of blocks away.

Praça João Francisco Lisboa

Tucked away just around the corner from the hustle and bustle, this charming little plaza is the center of the neighborhood’s laid-back nightlife scene. This is the place to come for a chill night with friends, whether under the giant mango tree in the lovely garden of Pé de Manga or in the chic interior of Bar Astor or Olívio Bar e Gastronomia. It’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of Latin America’s biggest city with the easygoing feel at these spots.

Tanuki Sushi

São Paulo is home to the world’s largest Japanese population outside of Japan, and the city has a dazzling array of top quality sushi restaurants.

Tanuki is without a doubt one of the best. Try to grab a seat at the bar if possible for dinner and a show, as the itamae prepare the sushi right in front of you—if you’re lucky, they’ll offer you a sample of some sashimi.

Hirá Ramen Izakaya

An excellent ramen restaurant in the heart of the neighborhood. Always popular with locals, be prepared to wait for a table—once you get inside, you’ll be glad you did, as you’ll soon be greeted by a steaming bowl of delicious and aromatic Japanese noodles.

Dozza

Another restaurant reflecting São Paulo’s rich immigrant history, Dozza is a fantastic Armenian restaurant with various locations around the city, with the first opened in 1956. It’s a great place for esfiha—a Levantine flat bread with meat or cheese topping that has become naturalized as a Brazilian dish—as well as a number of delicious sandwiches and wraps.

São Conrado Bar

If you’re looking to watch some futebol—the national pastime and obsession—look no further than São Conrado, whose giant screens always show matches both local and international. This spacious bar has friendly service and great drinks. Be sure to try their signature bolovo—a soft-boiled egg wrapped in seasoned ground beef, covered with breadcrumbs, and deep fried.

Livraria da Vila

Livraria da Vila is one of Brazil’s best bookstore chains, and it started right here in Vila Madalena. The stores are known for their unique architectural designs, and they always have ample space to sit down with whatever you’ve come across while perusing their collection. This location also has a branch of the local cafe Santo Grão downstairs, perfect for a coffee or a sweet treat in the back garden.

Looking for more tips on what to see and do around the city? Visit our São Paulo page here.