São Paulo

São Paulo is Brazil's seething megacity, an endless sea of houses full of energy, art and gastronomy. The queer scene is one of the largest in the world. Hardly any other city in South America offers such an abundance of bars, clubs and culture at once. Anyone who travels here should be prepared for a metropolis that never stands still.

Trendy district

Around Rua Frei Caneca in the Consolação district, the heart of queer life beats. Bars, cafés, clubs and saunas are lined up in a small space, often several per block. For something a little more dignified, head to the Jardins around Rua Oscar Freire, where fashion, restaurants and a well-heeled crowd set the tone. The bohemian Vila Madalena attracts more with its artistic flair. Small galleries and relaxed pubs characterize the picture. A good chunk of queer city life is spread across these neighborhoods, and it's worth exploring more than just one area.

Nightlife

In São Paulo, going out starts late and often doesn't end until dawn. Around Rua Frei Caneca there is something for all tastes, from cozy bars to large clubs with electro and Brazilian pop. Throughout the year, party series and temporary events characterize the scene, most of which announce themselves at short notice via social media. A highlight is the São Paulo Gay Pride in June: The parade on Avenida Paulista is considered the largest in the world and attracts three to five million people, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Best time to visit

The transitional periods are pleasant in autumn (April and May) and spring (September and October), when temperatures remain mild and there is less rain. It gets hot and humid in the southern summer from December to February, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Pride in June falls in the cooler winter, but it can still mean full hotels and higher prices. If you want to experience the parade, you should book early.

Arrival

About 25 kilometers northeast of the city center is Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), which is served by direct flights from Europe, among other things. From the airport you can get there by airport bus, app taxi or a train connection to the centre. Within the city, the metro and app services such as Uber are convenient, because São Paulo is huge and the traffic is often slow. The metro is clean and fast, but it doesn't cover every corner of the city. For short distances in the trendy districts, a walk is usually enough.

Safety & LGBT Rights

Brazil recognizes same-sex marriage, and the Supreme Court legally equates anti-queer violence with racism. In everyday life, São Paulo is open, especially in the aforementioned neighborhoods, where holding hands and visible queer life are normal. Otherwise, the usual big city precautions apply in the megacity: do not carry expensive valuables openly, take a taxi at night and avoid lonely areas. The queer districts themselves are considered inviting and well frequented.