Sao Paulo Gay Listings

TotallyOz · March 5, 2013

OK. I have been working on this list for a bit. I have not been to all the places listed but I have been to several. Please make suggestions on the list if it needs to be improved.

Hotels

1 Renaissance São Paulo Hotel | Alameda Santos, 2233 | (11) 3069-2233 | http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/Sãobr-renaissance-São-paulo-hotel

This Marriott property has all the amenities you'd expect from a 4.5-star hotel – pool, spa, iPod/Phone docking stations, comfortable and well-appointed rooms. Although it isn't a gay hotel per se, it is gay-friendly given its location in the Jardim section of São Paulo.

2 Blue Tree Towers Paulista Hotel | Rua Peixoto Gomide, 707 | (11) 3147-7000 | http://www.bluetree.com.br/hoteis-e-resorts/paulista.jsp?language=en

Blue Tree has comfortable rooms and even suite apartments for those who want to stick around a while. There's also wifi, a business center, room service, and an actual sauna. As with the Renaissance, it's not a gay hotel, but gay-friendly as it's in the Jardim.

3 155 Hotel | Rua Martinho Prado, 173 | (11) 3150-1555 | http://www.155hotel.com.br

This is a very gay-friendly, hip, low-cost hotel that has a sleek boutique feel to it, with minimalist rooms that still have a distinct sense of style. They also have apartments that are decidedly more luxe-feeling.

4 Hotel Unique | Av. Brg. Luís Antônio, 4700 | (11) 3055-4700 | http://www.hotelunique.com/index.php

Hotel Unique is a design hotel that is as fabulous as it gets – right down to the Bulgari amenities in the rooms and suites. And if you're frustrated by the lack of tech advances in South America, then this advanced hotel is your salvation. Don't miss having a drink at the Skye Bar on the roof.

5 Fasano | Rua Vittorio Fasano, 88 | (11) 3896-4000 | http://www.fasano.com.br/hotelaria/hotel/1

Named for the famous Fasano hospitality family, this member of the Leading Hotels of the World is gay-friendly, discreet, and absolutely flawless. This is where you want to stay when you want to impress.

6 Golden Tulip Belas Artes Hotel | Rua Frei Caneca, 1199 | (11) 2627-6300 | http://www.goldentulipbelasartes.com/default.aspx

With that address – and name – the Golden Tulip wouldn't be in business if it weren't gay-friendly. This property will put you right in the thick of the action, and its tastefully appointed rooms are welcoming for any guest you may choose to bring home.

7 Pergamon Hotel | Rua Frei Caneca, 80 | (11) 3123-2021 | http://www.pergamonhotel.com

Another hotel located on the “Gay Caneca,” Pergamon's sleek lobby gives way to comfortable rooms at a decent price point. Breakfast is included, even if you've been out partying all night. This hotel is a great deal on the gay strip of São Paulo.

8 Pestana São Paulo Hotel | Rua Tutóia, 77 | (11) 2187-5000 | http://www.pestana.com/en/pestana-São-paulo-hotel/pages/home.aspx

The Pestana is right next to the Parque Ibirapuera, a popular cruising spot. But their extensive business center, spa, gym, and even a heliport for those fast, impossibly glamorous getaways. This is the kind of place your job could definitely put you up at, and they're none the wiser. Note that wifi access is free only in public areas, and paid in the rooms.

9. Intercontinental Hotel | Alameda Santos 1123 Jardim Paulista | (11) 3179-2600 | http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/sao-paulo/saoha/hoteldetail

The Intercontinental Hotel is one of my favorites in Sao Paulo and I have literally spent hundreds of nights there. They are a gay friendly hotel but it is not a gay owned and operated place. If you are not having street guys that are dressed poorly in your room, you will have no problem getting guests into the room. The hotel is very convenient to a ton of restaurants, shops and grocery stores. There is always a slew of taxis waiting for you outside and most taxi drivers in Sao Paulo know the name of the hotel. The prices have changed a great deal over the years and have gotten much more expensive but if you want a first class experience in Sao Paulo, this hotel is not to be beat.

10. Holiday Inn Express | R. Dr. Homem de Melo, 1206 – Perdizes | (11) 3674-7777 | http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/sao-paulo/saoex/hoteldetail

This hotel has now become my favorite in Sao Paulo for many reasons. The place is reasonably priced and it is in a great area. The area is perfect for walking around and you will feel very safe. The neighborhood is very upper middle class. All the gay boys I know down here love the area. Taxis are easy to get on the street but the hotel will get one for you if you ask. The area is full of great little restaurants and coffee shops. It is very close to a fabulous mall that has just about everything you would want or need on vacation. The only downside is the hotel is not in the area as all the saunas. That said, both are an easy Metro ride away if you want or a 30 min taxi right. The staff is fantastic and very helpful. The rooms are not extravagant but nicely done and comfortable.

Bars

1 Sonique | Rua Bela Cintra, 461 | (11) 2628.8707 | http://www.soniquebar.com.br

Sonique is a mixed-crowd bar, although Tuesdays and Wednesdays are their unofficial gay nights, when its enormous space is filled with gorgeous things moving to the music and drinking what many say are the best mojitos in São Paulo. While the beautiful boys will have you coming back for more, be warned – this place can get overcrowded in a hot second.

2 Farol Madalena | Rua Jericó 179 | (11) 3032-6470 | http://www.farolmadalena.com.br

Farol Madalena is part bar, part restaurant, and all gay, with a heavy lesbian contingent. They often host live music varying from pub-style guitarists to full-on burlesque-style performances. If you want a laid-back place that's not a scene – at least, not for you – then this is it.

3 Bar da Dida | Rua Dr. Melo Alves, 98 | (11) 3088-7177 | http://bardadida.com.br

Outdoor seating and the laid back vibe are the big draws here; Bar da Dida is more hangout than hot-to-trot, but you can definitely see and be seen, as it is in the Jardins gayborhood. They also serve snacks if you're feeling peckish. Their outdoor seating gives you a bit of fresh air, and is also where the amateur films are shown throughout the year. There are readings as well, giving it an artsy vibe.

4 Espaço Salvador Dali e Picasso Bar | Rua João Adolfo, 126 | (11) 3101-2537 | http://www.ursound.com.br

You want to go to this on Saturdays every two weeks or so, when the Ursound party brings bears together for some good loving and retro/classic music. It's the best bear party in the entire country! It is THE place to be for bears, chubs, chubby chasers – and the otters who love them – but only on specific Saturdays. And with the bear community growing larger every day – in number, not girth – it's worth it to go back again and again.

5 Peep Lounge | Rua Araujo, 155 | (11) 3219-0012 | http://www.peeplounge.blogspot.com

Peep Lounge is a cruising bar that adds a touch of style to its cabins, glory holes, video rooms and dark rooms. In fact, it looks more like a boutique hotel lounge than a bar! This is where those who miss Station Bar have migrated to, and remains the only cruising bar in town. Leather parties are hosted once a month, so check the listings. Although nudity is welcomed, there are no lockers, so you'll have to watch where you stash your stuff.

6 Bar Caneca de Prata | Av. Dr. Vieira de Carvalho, 55 | (11) 3223-6420 | http://www.canecadeprata.com

Founded in 1943, Bar Caneca de Prata claims to be the first gay bar in Brazil. It's a small, old-school place that's a real hangout; nothing too spectacular, no drag shows, no food. It's an actual, regular, plain old bar, except it's frequented by gay men. It can be a welcome change from the crazy club atmosphere of some other places on the list, but is not a pickup place.

7 SK Bar (formerly Espaço Caê) | Rua Aurora, 737 | (11) 3852-5637 | http://www.skbar.com.br

SK is a “hetero-friendly” gay bar that packs in about 200 lucky people a night for drinks every night, drag shows on Wednesdays, DJs on Thursdays, and their most popular offering, karaoke, which happens on Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays have live samba starting when doors open at 5pm. The other nights of the week they open nice and early at 7:30pm, so it's a good first stop before heading onto other places.

8 O Gato | Rua Frei Caneca, 462 | (11) 3256-3656 | http://www.ogato.com.br (not working)

Depending on what night you're there, O Gato is either a bar or a club. Go earlier in the week and stick to the lower level for live ambient music; head there on the weekends and go upstairs for electro pop and lots of sweaty Brazilian bodies – which are guaranteed, given its location on the “Gay” Caneca. It can get a little cramped, though, so make sure to go early or late (which is early; it closes at 6am) to be able to, you know, breathe.

9 Tunnel | Rua dos Ingleses, 355 | (11) 3285 0246 | http://www.tunnel.com.br

If you like 'em young, then this is where you want to go. For whatever reason, Tunnel attracts “baby gays” who are new to the social scene. They dance the night away to DJ sets on the lower level; if you want to chat with your new conquest, then head upstairs for a quiet(er) drink.

10 Frey Café & Coisinhas | Rua Frei Caneca, 703 | (11) 3539 0858 | http://www.freycafe.com.br

Channel your inner West Hollywood in this casual, day-to-night cafe that turns into a pretty chill bar at night. Even their theme nights are laid back and convivial. It's perfect for checking out the scene without a lot of DJ bass and laser lights, and the outdoor seating gives you a front row seat to the street action.

Clubs/Discos

1 Bubu Lounge | Rua dos Pinheiros, 791 | (11) 3081-9546 | http://www.bubulounge.com.br

With 21,000 likes on Facebook and theme nights like FUN!, CHIC!, BOYZ! And TOP!, Bubu Lounge is party central for gays and the fabulous people who love them, and has a reputation as the best party in town. Wednesdays is a much more mixed crowd, while Fridays are when the boys' shorts come off and there is some definite grinding on the massive dance floor. Saturdays are pretty hot as well.

2 Cantho | Largo do Arouche, 32 | (11) 3723-6624 | http://www.cantho.com.br

There may not be the most nubile crowd at Cantho, but that doesn't mean it isn't fun; bear nights, drag shows, Madonna tributes, and more keep the place rocking and rolling until the wee hours of the morning. There are some super=hot go-go boys as well if you just feel like looking.

3 Clube dos Pauzudos | Rua Dr Veiga Filho, 802 | (11) 3666-4908 | http://www.clubedospauzudos.com.br

This is not a nightly club; check the website for party times and themes. And by party, we mean orgy. A strict all-nude policy is in place (shoes only), and hustlers are prohibited; voyeurism is allowed. Crowd is mostly heavily masculine, not many twinks at all. They have gang bang nights, sauna nights, and “Horse Men” nights, where those who are particularly gifted, shall we say (over 21 cms), get in free!

4 A Loca | Rua Frei Caneca, 916 | (11) 3159-8889 | http://aloca.com.br/blog

As the name suggests, this place can get pretty crazy, especially on Thursdays and Sundays. But almost any night of the week you'll find every conceivable type of gay man, including some lovely, lively transgendered ladies – and equally lovely drag queen hostesses to greet you at the door, who may appear in the drag show on stage later. It's perhaps the only place in town where a straight girl can boogie down with a leather daddy, only to be interrupted by two smooth twinks making out.

5 The Week | Rua Guaicurus 324 | (11) 3872-9966 | http://www.theweek.com.br

The Week is a must-visit for any club goer, with two dance areas, three bars, a pool, and various bars, lounges, and beautiful boys scattered throughout. Even if you leave São Paulo, you won't leave The Week behind; they also have clubs in Rio de Janeiro and Florianópolis. Get your membership card for discounts and special invites, and don't miss the Bablyon parties on Saturdays and the Acqua Play pool parties on Sundays.

6 ABC Bailão | Rua Marquês de Itu, 182 | (11) 3333-3537 | http://www.abcbailao.com.br

This club is for older gay men, and the younger men who love them. Theme nights include “80s forever” (the decade, not the age). Owners and friends Rogério and Amarildo make sure the place is packed and jumping, and there's a real locals-only feel.

7 Black Out Sex Club | Largo do Arouche, 205 | (11) 3337-3888 | http://www.blackoutclub.com.br

Aptly named, Black Out is a gay sex club with nights that are not necessarily themed, but there are student nights, bear nights, etc., so check in advance for your particular fetish and you will not be disappointed.

8 Blue Space | Rua Brigadeiro Galvão, 723 | (11) 3666-1616 | http://bluespace.com.br/site

Drag queens, go-go boys and Djs, oh my! This enormous space is definitely blue, with multiple rooms, nightly shows, more fabulousness than you can shake a dick at. If you are even a casual fan of drag shows, this is the place to be – their shows are legendary. The “Tea Dance” on Sundays is insane, and have achieved worldwide notoriety thanks to YouTube. Note, however, that the go-go boys are perhaps the finest in all of Brazil, if drag isn't your thing.

9 Nostromondo | Rua da Consolação, 2554 | (11) 3661-6813 | no website

Not nearly as big as the mega-clubs you usually find, with a capacity of less than 200, this is the oldest gay club in São Paulo, and its drag shows are legendary. Their strip shows are nothing to sniff at, either. Note that while it is open on Sundays, its hours are 6pm-midnight only.

10 Meow Club | Rua Achilles Orlando Curtolo, 646 | (11) 3063-5519 | http://www.meowdiscoclub.com.br (doesn't work)

Gays and lesbians mix it up at the Meow Club, which features American DJs and plenty of space for getting your groove on. Music is definitely the draw here, with a mostly '90s theme – but before you balk, remember that this music is what brings the hot young things out to play. Head up to the VIP section, which overlooks the dance floor, to get your voyeur action in. There are also private cabins if things get even hotter.

11 Club Gloria | Rua 13 de Maio, 830 | (11) 3287-3700 | http://www.clubegloria.com

If you liked the Limelight in New York back in the day, you will love Club Gloria, set in a deconsecrated church. They've divvied the space up nicely, and the luxe furnishings give it a classy edge. Otherwise, it's the laser-light, DJ-fueled dance hall of hot young things. However, note that it is entirely gay on Fridays and Saturdays only; the rest of the week, it's mixed but definitely more on the hetero side.

12 The Society | Rua Marquês de Paranaguá, 329 | (11) 3154-1669 | http://www.thesociety.com.br

More reminiscent of a gentlemen's salon than a nightclub, The Society is not the usual hell-raising fiesta of the clubs you see here. Also, sadly, they have a “shirts please” policy, so your leering is kept to a minimum. That being said, this bar, run by the same geniuses that own The Week, is almost hilariously classy and has great DJ sets.

13 Flex Club | Avenida Marquês de São Vicente, 1767 | (11) 3611-3368 | http://www.flexclub.com.br

Oh, the places you'll go-go! Flex has a raucous club atmosphere that features go-go boys dancing on the bar, Madonna theme nights, a yearly White Party, and more shirtless bodies than you can shake a stick at. There are also drag nights and a rotating list of top DJs that keep the crowd hot, sweaty and shirtless until the wee hours. If it gets too sweaty, head to their outdoor space to cool down.

Sauna/Massage

1 Termas For Friends | Rua Morgado de Mateus, 365 | (11) 5579-1887 | http://www.termasforfriends.com.br

Founded in 1976, Termas for Friends stakes its claim as the first gay sauna in Brazil, and proudly “accepts any fetish” - as well as any credit card. It's a sleekly designed, massive complex, with a lounge, pool, jacuzzi and showers as well as video room, and dark rooms. There's even a scotch room if you're feeling especially gentlemanly. The winter garden is a heavenly respite after an encounter.

2 Termas LAGOA | Rua Borges Lagoa, 287 | (11) 5573-9689 | http://www.thermaslagoa.com.br

Some think it's gone downhill, while for others it's a beloved favorite; but sauna fans could easily spend all day, and most of the night, at LAGOA. In addition to the usual features – Turkish baths, Finnish saunas, heated whirlpool and masseurs – there are TV and video rooms, live shows, a full gym, and cabins and suites with A/C. You can even get a hair cut, and have a meal at the bar.

3 Chilli Pepper Hotel | Largo do Arouche, 610 | (11) 3331-3336 | http://www.hotelchillipepper.com.br

The owner calls it a hotel, but everyone in Sao Paulo treats it like the sauna it is. Basically, Chilli Pepper is a 24/7 sauna with the option of a locker or a “hotel” room, available at six, 12, and 24-hour rates. The crowd changes depending on the day's/night's theme, but this popular place has something – and someone – for everyone.

4 Termas Fragata | Rua Francisco Leitão, 71| (11) 3085-7061 | http://www.termasfragata.com.br

Fragata is in fact a sauna, with all that implies, including private rooms and suites. However, they're particularly proud of their stripper shows and other hosted events, so stick around for the talent! Sunday and Tuesday are the best days in terms of a decent crowd of eligible boy toys as well as local delicacies.

5 Splash 720 | Rua Guaicurus, 720 | (11) 4329-0204 | http://splash720.com.br/sitenovo

Jet lagged? Leaving The Week at some ungodly hour of the morning and need to freshen up? Or maybe you just plain want to get it on no matter the time. Well then, Splash 720, a sleek, high-end, 24-hour sauna, is for you. The main action happens in the heated pool/bar area, where forgiving lighting and a waterfall from the ceiling lends itself to cozy encounters. You must book a room or a locker; splurge on the room, and make it a double so you have some space.

Restaurants

1 Vermont Itaim | Rua Pedroso Alvarenga, 1192 | (11) 3071-1320 | http://www.vermontitaim.com.br

Later on in the night this becomes more of a bar than a restaurant, but it has decent food in a great, gay-friendly atmosphere. This is where you'll find the bear community during the weeks between Ursound parties. Grab a seat on the balcony for the best view of the action. Don't miss the all-girl samba band on Sundays.

2 Obá Restaurante | Rua Melo Alves, 205 | (11) 3086-4774 | http://www.obarestaurante.com.br

Obá serves up delicious Mexican-Brazilian-Thai-Italian fusion dishes in an atmosphere that is decidedly fabulous. It's quickly gaining foodie cred, so expect a mixed crowd. Also expect different menus and parties honoring the holidays of all the cultures they combine in their cuisine – it can get a bit hectic on these nights, but it's great for a group. There's also a lounge for pre- or post-dinner drinks in a more tranquil setting.

3 Bella Paulista | Rua Haddock Lobo, 354 | (11) 3214-3347 | http://www.bellapaulista.com

Bella Paulista is part store, part buffet, part cafeteria, and all delicious. And they deliver to the gayborhood, in case you don't feel like leaving your comfy bed (or bed partner). This isn't anything fancy, but it's quick, good, and always gay-friendly.

4 L'Open | Alameda Itu, 1466 | (11) 3060-9013 | http://www.lopen.com.br/ (doesn't work)

The gay owner of this Italian restaurant has installed an art gallery on its second floor, so take some time to check it out after finishing your meal – or to eavesdrop on the latest gayborhood gossip whispered by drag queens and models. Oh, and the food isn't bad, either – authentic Italian dishes, from Venetian pasta to Neapolitan pizza.

5 Ritz | Alameda Franca, 1088 | (11) 3088-6808 | http://www.restauranteritz.com.br

With wiener schnitzel, mushroom linguine and hamburgers on the menu, it's the most Brazilian place you'll ever eat – but everything is delicious, and their Alameda Franca location couldn't be more gay-friendly. Everyone comes here, it seems, before heading out for the night. People watching is prime – and that includes the young, hot wait staff.

6 Restaurante Spot | Alameda Min. Rocha Azevedo, 72 | (11) 3283-0946 | http://www.restaurantespot.com.br

Impossibly hip, Spot is the place to see and be seen among the hoi polloi and pick at delectable treats from a light, almost California-inspired menu. If you miss the New York Chelsea scene, this is the place for you. It's a rare thing to find a super-trendy place with a friendly staff and great food, but Spot seems to have hit the trifecta in this regard.

7 Piaf Bar & Bistro | Alameda Franca, 303 | (11) 3097 0880 | www.piafbarbistrot.com.br (doesn't work)

This cute French place is where you want to take your guy for a romantic meal in the gayborhood, or to grab a quiet drink before heading out a-hunting. In fact, their drinks are starting to earn them quite the reputation.

8 Tirreno's | Rua Frei Caneca, 649 | (11) 3151-4526 | http://www.tirrenos.com.br/freicaneca

Tirreno's Grill is a perfect lunchtime spot, when their self-service buffet lets you pick and choose among their tasty salads and succulent grilled skewers of everything from meat to fruit. If you like fresh (young) meat, this is the place to go and check out the selection.

9 Consulado Mineiro | Praça Benedito Calixto, 74 | (11) 3088-6055 | http://www.consuladomineiro.com.br

This restaurant serves up authentic northern Brazilian dishes, and is hopping with a very gay crowd on Saturday nights who are loading up before hitting the clubs. Avoid on Saturdays for lunch as it gets packed with shoppers from the antiques market. The portions are big, so come hungry!

10 Tordesilhas | Rua Bela Cintra, 465 | (11) 3107-7444 | http://www.tordesilhas.com/eng

Although it's named after the treaty signed between Spain and Brazil, the menu is entirely Brazilian – as is the delicious gay crowd that frequents it. It's not cheap, but many think it's the best place in the city for authentic Brazilian cuisine. Reservations are not mandatory, but strongly advised.

Businesses/Organizations

1 Frei Caneca | Rua Frei Caneca, 569 | (11)3472 2000 | http://www.freicanecashopping.com

Frei Caneca is a street, a way of life – and also the name of a shopping mall that doubles as a casual cruising spot. And you can multitask by visiting their dozens of shops for gifts for the folks back home. There are good bargains to be had.

2 Espaco Havainas | Rua Oscar Freire, 1116 | (11) 3079-3415 | http://br.havaianas.com/pt-BR/stores/concept

This is the concept store for the iconic Brazilian flip-slops, and worth a visit even if you have no intention of buying. They have every color of the rainbow, and are actually a great gift idea. And if you showed up with clunky shoes, then you can do worse than comfy Havainas!

3 Mercado Municipal de São Paulo | Rua da Cantareira, 306 | no number | http://www.mercadomunicipal.com.br/index.php?page=english

This food market is a must-visit – not only for the foods, but for the astounding 1920s architecture. Browse the almost 300 vendors selling everything from spices to sweets, and pick up some snacks for later – or make a full meal to eat on the go.

4 Track & Field | Rua Oscar Freire, 959 | (11) 3062-4457 | http://www.tf.com.br

Did a visit to the Havainas store whet your appetite for laid-back Brazilian beach fashion? Are your clothes suddenly feeling heavy and worn when confronted with all those hot bodies? Then pick up some beach shorts and other casual wear here, and blend right in with the locals.