São Paulo is a city that breathes culture and, for music lovers, it is a true paradise. Between skyscrapers and countless gastronomic options, the music scene pulses in all four corners of the city with secrets and hidden treasures.
It is here that, on Sundays, the frenetic Avenida Paulista is transformed into a vibrant scene and takes on a lively tone, uniting lovers of culture and music in a single beat. The noise of car horns gives way to the sound of musicians from different genres – a veritable open-air stage for countless street artists.
We’ve listed some of the must-see bars with live music, samba circles and MPB classics, whether you’re looking for a quiet night out or you want to dance the night away, there’s sure to be something for you.
Want to enjoy live music?
Bar Brahma, at Avenida São João, 677, a São Paulo icon, has a program full of pagode, sertanejo and, of course, top-notch samba, all on the most famous street corner in São Paulo.
If you’re looking for nights out with craft beers and lots of rock in a relaxed atmosphere, whether you’re in Alameda Ribeirão Preto, 384 or Rua Tabapuã, 1,439, you’ll find The Blue Pub, an authentic English pub in the heart of the city.
Here are some must-stops for jazz and blues fans: At Rua dos Chanés, 127 in Moema, Bourbon Street Music Club is a little piece of New Orleans in São Paulo, where jazz and blues meet in unique harmony.
On the trendy Avenida Paulista, 2073, in Conjunto Nacional, is the Blue Note São Paulo, inspired by the iconic jazz club in New York, the exceptional quality of the sound and the diverse program make this venue a great choice for blues and jazz lovers.
Lose yourself in a record store
In São Paulo, music doesn’t just play where you expect it to. At Patuá Discos – Rua Fidalga, 516 in trendy Vila Madalena, it hides among vinyls of MPB, jazz, soul, funk, reggae and comes alive when the store turns into a dance floor at dusk.
As for at Fatiado Discos, on Avenida Professor Alfonso Bovero, 382 – Sumaré, in addition to the incredible collection, you can enjoy live music accompanied by burgers and craft beer.
The city has real havens for vinyl record lovers and they have become a place of pilgrimage for those who want to find rarities and collectibles.
Where classical music comes to life
For lovers of classical music, the Sala São Paulo, with its impressive acoustics and an atmosphere that exudes history and culture, is home to the renowned OSESP — São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra. Be sure to check out the program and indulge in the thrill of live performances.
📍Praça Júlio Prestes, 16 – Campos Elíseos, São Paulo
Candlelight: Music by Candlelight
For those who haven’t yet had the chance to experience a candlelight concert performance, this is a highly recommended experience for classical music lovers and beyond.
Under the flickering light of thousands of candles, some of the capital’s most incredible venues host these concerts that pay tribute to the greats of classical music such as Tchaikovsky, pop with Taylor Swift, rock with Coldplay and The Beatles and much more. You’re sure to find a Candlelight concert that appeals to you.
The capital is a favorite festival destination
São Paulo’s festivals bring together local and international artists in unforgettable performances of the most varied musical styles. In the vibrant days of Lollapalooza Brasil, between March 28 and 30, 2025, the Autódromo de Interlagos will be the stage where the beats intertwine with the spirit of freedom and youth with artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Alanis Morissette, Marina Lima, Justin Timberlake, Foster The People and many more.
In April, on the 19th, Monsters of Rock 2025 will take over Allianz Parque, bringing a parade of heavy guitars and screams that echo in the heart of the city with Scorpions, Judas Priest, Europe and much more. And in September, The Town Festival will arrive to flood the Autódromo de Interlagos on the 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th and 14th, with tunes that cross generations with CPM22, Iggy Pop, Green Day, Capital Inicial and much more.
Whatever your favorite musical style, São Paulo offers endless options for those who want to enjoy good music. Whether you want to enjoy the energy of a festival, be moved by classical music or explore the local music scene, you’ll find that the city is undoubtedly an unmissable destination for all music lovers.