Vila Madalena

São Paulo's bohemian neighborhood with street art, galleries, and busy nightlife. Reasonably safe with good restaurants and bars, though weekends can get intense with the party scene.

The graffiti neighborhood - walls covered in street art, narrow streets with independent galleries, bars spilling onto sidewalks most nights. Beco do Batman alley is the tourist draw for photos, while locals pack the bars and restaurants after work. People eat alone at cafes or meet friends for drinks without anyone noticing. The crowd is younger - artists, students, creative types - giving it this bohemian feel that doesn't seem forced. More English here than other neighborhoods because of international visitors and expats. During the day you can walk around looking at street art and boutiques safely. Main streets stay busy and lit until midnight on weekends, but don't wander empty side streets at night. It's a party neighborhood, so expect noise Friday and Saturday if you're staying here.