Pinheiros

Safe residential neighborhood with São Paulo's best food scene on Rua dos Pinheiros. More mature than Vila Madalena but still has creative energy.

Next to Vila Madalena but more residential and grown-up, though still creative. Rua dos Pinheiros is where locals line up for restaurants - everything from cheap Brazilian food to upscale places. You'll see families during the day, young professionals after work, mix of ages. Good street lighting and police presence make it one of the safer neighborhoods. People work late and eat alone a lot, so cafes have women on laptops or reading without it being weird. Nightlife leans toward dinner and drinks rather than clubs. Some English in restaurants since it attracts international visitors, less than Jardins though. Metro connects easily. Walking feels safe during the day. At night, stick to main commercial streets where restaurants and bars keep it busy.