São Paulo is experiencing a moment of international prominence, having been elected the best city in the world for nightlife, according to the World’s Best Cities 2026 ranking, released in November of last year. According to Bloomberg , the São Paulo capital has become a benchmark by transforming previously abandoned spaces, such as banks and underground galleries, into bars, clubs, and restaurants that operate until the early hours of the morning.
The city’s historic center is the epicenter of this transformation, with new developments and public renovations that have increased the area’s safety and attractiveness. Bars and nightclubs are taking advantage of vacant properties, creating unique experiences in unexpected locations. Bar do Cofre, for example, operates in the former branch of the Banco do Estado de São Paulo.
Signature cocktails in historic spaces
The establishment’s menu balances classics, such as the Fitzgerald, inspired by gin sour, with original regional drinks, like the Amazônia, a mix of gin and guava nectar. Another example is Bar dos Arcos, located in the basement of the Theatro Municipal de São Paulo. The space attracts visitors with its “sexy-cool” atmosphere and soundtrack ranging from violinists reinterpreting Amy Winehouse hits to DJs playing R&B and Brazilian classics.
The city has also reclaimed underground galleries that had been abandoned for almost 50 years. One example is Formosa Hi-Fi, a listening bar that receives more than a thousand music fans on weekends. DJs play everything from vintage Michael Jackson to Legião Urbana on vinyl, while the entrance, reminiscent of a subway station, welcomes visitors accompanied by security guards who guide them from their Ubers.
Rooftops play a strategic role in the expansion of São Paulo’s nightlife. The Martinelli Building, built a century ago and formerly the second tallest building in Brazil, houses a bar on its 26th floor with 360° views of the city and a program of circuit parties. Fabio Floriano, partner of the Tokyo group, which organizes events at the venue, explains: “The goal is to keep the streets active day and night, boosting nightlife and revitalizing previously abandoned areas where insecurity prevailed.”
Cultural diversity as a differentiating factor
The success of São Paulo’s nightlife is also due to the city’s cultural diversity. Bars expand the concept of space and event, with parties ranging from electronic music shows to Brazilian rhythms like pagode and samba, always adapting the environment for innovative experiences. Even small venues, with a capacity of only 15 people, can become lively hotspots if there’s room for a barstool or a loudspeaker.
“São Paulo has always been one of the cities with the most active nightlife in the world. What stands out now is the creative and adaptive strength of the industry,” says Vinicius Bento, operations manager of Condessa Bar, known for its refined drinks and menu featuring tapioca cubes and roast beef. Broker Ruth da Silva reinforces that the combination of private investment and public improvements makes the city center “a potentially thriving commercial hub in the near future.”
Despite rising property values and increased rental prices, the city maintains its vibrant nightlife. According to data from QuintoAndar, the average rent in São Paulo in 2025 was R$69.50 per square meter, reaching R$143.50 in the most expensive neighborhoods. Even so, the expansion of nightlife continues unabated: the Martinelli building is undergoing a R$100 million renovation to expand its entertainment spaces, while new bars and parties continue to emerge. “São Paulo will never tire of different bars and parties, so there’s no reason to stop investing in new and fun soirées,” adds Floriano.
Source: brasil247.com