Laid-back, alternative, and crowded with bars, shops and galleries. Vila Madalena – Vila Madá, for those in the know – is São Paulo’s answer to London’s Notting Hill. Originally a working-class enclave of narrow streets, small bungalows and gardens, it  became popular in the ’70s among the students, and still has a bohemian vibe reminiscent of hippiedom, which accounts for its bizarrely named streets.

Located on the west side of São Paulo, Vila Madalena centers around the Rua Purpurina, from Rua Harmonia to Rua Murato Coelho (there’s a Vila Madalena station on the Green line of São Paulo´s subway system).
Wheter you are interested in discovering the emerging Brasilian artists and fashion designers or simply in peeking inside the vintage shops and the hip bars, the neighborhood has a lot to offer. Here are our picks.

Art & Galleries

Eduardo Fernandes
Art and thought. Besides hosting contemporary artists, this gallery collaborates with philosophers, critics, architects, writers, directors, actors and musicians.

Galeria Fortes Vilaca
A popular gallery devoted to the works of up-and-coming Brazilian artists.

Beco de Batman

Rua Gonçalo Afonso
Literally “Batman Alley”, this street has become a canvas for graffiti artists, an open-air gallery for street art. Every inch of it is covered in graffiti by well-known local artists.

Restaurants & co.

Deli Paris
A traditional French boulangerie also offering a nice brunch; house specialities range from croissants to ratatouille.

Piratininga Bar
A small bar-restaurant offering live music (MPB, bossa nova, blues, and jazz) daily from 6:30 PM.

Empanadas
A big bar with large windows that owes its name to the house specialità: empadas, delicious miniature pies with a variety of fillings.

Filial
A classic and crowded Brasilian boteco with black-and-white checkered floors, shelves heavy with cachaca bottles and framed caricatures of MPB stars. Perfect for dinner on to end the night with a drink.

Nightlife

O do Borogodo

R. Horácio Lane, 21

A gritty but authentic live-samba joint where shows end in the morning.

A Marcenaria
Bar, restaurant and dance club under the same roof. Black music and pop rock are predominant. The agenda includes live concerts as well.

Grazie a Dio!
One of the best known bars and bistros in Vila Madalena, offering live music almost every day of the week. Genres vary from pop to samba-rock to merengue.

Shopping

Rua Fidalga and Rua Fradique Coutinho
Hit these streets for funky boutiques, second-hand stores, and numerous art galleries

Marcenaria Trancoso
Wooden products that are an elegant mixture of interior design and handicraft.

Praça Benedito Calixto market – Mercato di Praça Benedito Calixto

Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Antiques, collectibles, second-hand stuff, craftmade leather shoes and bags and more. There are also a food court and an area devoted to the up-and-coming fashion designers.