If the exuberance of the gay scene in Rio de Janeiro is a little too much for you to handle, São Paulo might be an excellent alternative.
The city has become pretty welcoming over the past few years to LGBT men and women and now hosts one of the largest annual gay pride parades in the world. More than 3 million people are estimated to attend each year and they won the Guinness Book of World Records in 2006 for being the world’s biggest gay pride celebration.
The Jardin Paulista district is lined with numerous shops catering to gay men and women along with cocktail lounges and restaurants. São Paulo has a fairly active club scene, but there’s a more laid-back atmosphere than Rio.
If you’re looking for a party, visit La Loca; it’s one of the biggest gay clubs in the world, thanks in part to the fact they have a new DJ every single night. It also hosts a diverse list of partiers, and everyone here gets along.
Just make sure to avoid the saunas. They do tend to have a reputation in São Paulo for hosting questionable activities. For a great meal in a gay-friendly restaurant, check out Spot. It’s high-end, and the place everyone in São Paulo who wants to be seen spends their evening.
Read This Next
LGBT: Rio de Janeiro
LGBTQIA+
Nov 17, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Apr 29, 2025Fairmont Royal York’s Spring Programming
Take in the Splendor of Spring, a curated selection of activities and events, at Fairmont Royal York.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Slideshow
Apr 29, 20257 Must-See Sites in Sapporo, Japan
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are seven must-see sites in Sapporo, Japan.
Hotel
Apr 29, 20254 Hotels Taking Advantage of Summer Fridays
With summer around the corner, many companies in corporate America gear up for the start of summer Fridays. Summer Fridays can come in handy when making summer travel plans, and can give you some extra time to travel in the afternoon to enjoy a full weekend away. We’ve rounded up some hotels in destinations that are easy to get to and perfect for taking advantage of a summer Friday.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Surveys
Apr 28, 2025Study Reports Americans Increased Spending on 2025 Spring Break
Spring break may already be in your rearview mirror, and you might be looking forward to your summer vacay — but did you save enough cash after your springtime travel? A new study from Allianz Partners found Americans spent quite a bit more on their spring break trips this year than they did in 2024. The average spring break trip was $5,325 in 2025, more than a 10 percent increase from 2024.
ShareThis