You probably already know Vila Madalena. But did you know that in 2022, the neighborhood made the list of Time Out as one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world? At the time, Vila Madalena secured 13th place, being the only Brazilian neighborhood on the list.
Every year, the publication launches a survey of city dwellers around the world. The magazine explains that “for the fifth year running, we have combined the responses from all the categories in the survey, along with the perceptions of Time Out editors and experts around the world”.
In 2022, the year in which Vila Madalena was remembered by the awards, the first places on the list were:
- Colonia Americana, Guadalajara (Mexico)
- Cais do Sodré, Lisbon (Portugal)
- Wat Bo Village, Siem Reap (Cambodia)
Getting to know Vila Madalena…
Vila Madalena – or Vila Madá for short – gained the status of São Paulo’s bohemian stronghold back in the 1980s. Today, countless bars, restaurants, galleries, graffiti, nightclubs and stores line the streets of one of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods.
One of the coolest things about the region is how eclectic it is. Here, tribes of all styles enjoy the nightlife and there are options for all tastes.
That’s why we’ve selected a few places in Vila Madalena for you to enjoy the best of the neighborhood.
Batman’s Alley
“Hidden” among the streets of Vila Madalena is Beco do Batman. The alley was named after a graffiti of the DC superhero that was there. Since then, it has become a tourist attraction because of the graffiti on its walls. Nowadays, the place is one of the favorites for those who want to get the best shots for Instagram.
Where: Rua Medeiros de Albuquerque, 82-154 – Vila Madalena
Patapio Staircase
Close to Beco do Batman is another artistic symbol of Vila Madalena: the Escadaria do Patápio. With 94 steps, the street is covered in colorful tiles with drawings and very Instagrammable messages, making it a popular tourist spot in the area.
Where: between Patápio Silva and Medeiros de Albuquerque streets – Vila Madalena
Sunset Square
Officially called Coronel Custódio Fernandes Pinheiro, the square received its warm nickname because it gathers hundreds of visitors every week with the same intention: to watch the sun set in the late afternoon.
Where: Colonel Custódio Fernandes Pinheiro Square, 334 – Vila Madalena
Aspicuelta Street
From happy hour to the hustle and bustle of the weekend, this is the obligatory stop for all botequeiros on duty. After all, on the street you can find one bar after another, including some of the most famous in the city, such as: Salve Jorge, Posto 6, O Pasquim Bar e Prosa, São Conrado, Bar Léo, among others.
NossaCasa Confraria das Ideias
NossaCasa is a multifunctional and multicultural space. Here, themed parties, soirees, film screenings, art exhibitions, events that bring friends together, make it a space for free expression of thought and behavior.
Where: Rua Mourato Coelho, 1032 – Vila Madalena
Benedito Calixto Square Fair
Located on a stretch where Vila Madalena is confused with Pinheiros is the Benedito Calixto Square Fair, which has existed since 1987. Today, the space is an intellectual and cultural reference point and is already part of São Paulo’s tourist and leisure calendar.
Where: Benedito Calixto Square – Vila Madalena
THE HOUSE Museum
The Museum of the Brazilian Object contributes to the recognition, appreciation and development of Brazilian craft production and design. Through free exhibitions, fairs and workshops, it presents the work of artists from different parts of Brazil.
Where: Avenida Pedroso de Morais, 1216/1234 – Vila Madalena
Millan Gallery
For those looking for a cultural tour, the Millan Gallery is a great option. Active since 1986, the venue features exhibitions by big names in art and photography, such as Alex Červený e Bob Wolfenson. The gallery currently has two exhibition spaces, both on Rua Fradique Coutinho.
Where: Rua Fradique Coutinho, 1360-1430 – Vila Madalena
Kobbi Gallery
Another unmissable cultural option among the places in Vila Madalena is the Kobbi Gallery. Next door to Beco do Batman, the gallery is owned by photographers Anderson Nielsen and Eduardo El Kobbi and is a must for photography lovers. Admission is free.
Where: Travessia Alonso, 23 – Vila Madalena
Brechó Pechinchei
In addition to various cultural activities, you can also renew your closet in Vila Madá! O Brechó Pechinchei is located in Beco do Batman and sells everything you can imagine, from clothes to accessories and shoes. Everything, as the name suggests, at a bargain price.
Where: Rua Medeiros de Albuquerque, 144 – Vila Madalena
Sapit Bar and Restaurant
Sapit is right opposite Beco do Batman, in the heart of Vila Madalena. On its website, the bar promises “fun, colorful and tasty recipes” that explore all the flavors of contemporary Latin American cuisine. There are vegan and vegetarian options to suit all tastes.
Where: Rua Aspicuelta, 30 – Vila Madalena
… and the surrounding area!
Right next to Vila Madalena is Pines another super cool neighborhood in the capital. Both are so close, that it’s well worth the trip to explore some of the little corners on the border between the neighborhoods. Shall we get to know them?
The Alchemist Bar
Created by actress and businesswoman Cleo Pires, the Alchemist Bar is close to Rua Apicuelta and should not be missed by those who love a different drink. In addition to the “magic drinks”, the house has jazz nights and the famous dulce de leche shots.
Where: Rua Mourato Coelho, 1008 – Pinheiros
Sesc Pinheiros
Sesc Pinheiros is another place you can visit during your tour of Vila Madalena. The space houses swimming pools, a gymnasium, exhibitions, concerts and plays, and is an important cultural and leisure center in the region. Check out the program this way!
Where: Rua Pais Leme, 195 – Pinheiros
Tomie Ohtake Institute
Inaugurated in 2001, the Instituto Tomie Ohtake exhibits national and international art shows, architecture and design, in a huge building designed by the son of the artist after whom the institute is named. You can check out the program on the website.
Where: Rua Coropés, 88 – Pinheiros
