As in many big cities nightclubs in Sao Paulo close just as fast as they open but the good ones always manage to stay around. It's impractical to start listing clubs with descriptions, as there are so many.

Therefore I'm going to talk about some regions that are known for nightlife to get you started. The Itaim Bibi region is the current chic place for going out, with more expensive clubs and somewhat pickier dress codes. If you like sophistication, check out the bars Baretto and Mercearia Sao Roque, both on Rua Amauri. A couple of other spots you might want to pass by since you're in the neighborhood are Disco and Jazzy.

Get started at Jazzy, at Rua Clodomiro Amazonas 99, a nice bar for a drink before going out to dance at Disco later, at Rua Professor Atilio Innocenti 160. Always pick up flyers when you can at bars for up-to-date information on parties being thrown. A couple of old standbys for the late night crowd, you know who you are, are the after hours clubs Loca, at Rua Frei Caneca 916 between Paulista and downtown, and Lov.e, at Rua Pequetita 189 in Vila Olympia.

The music at both venues is cutting edge and will not dissapoint serious clubbers. These clubs really only get going around 3 am and usually go until the clubs empty. Now if you're really not that into going out to dance clubs and would like to just sit down and have a few drinks and people watch, there are many alternatives for you.

Scattered along Paulista Avenue or right off it there are many bars, some more chic like Spot on Alameda Ministro Rocha de Azevedo, others are happy hour crowds like the bar full of young professionals on the east side of the Masp Museum, some little restaurants that set up tables and chairs on the sidewalks, take your pick.

Another really cool place to go out at night is Vila Madalena, an artsy neighborhood full of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs south west of Paulista Avenue. The Empanadas Bar on Rua Wizard is a great place to start. It's a simple place that's always busy. It has the craziest cardboard cut out of a bus you've ever seen on the wall along with movie posters and delicious Argentine style empanadas. It's fun to walk around this neighborhood but it's a little hilly so be prepared.

Right next to the Vila is the Neighborhood of Pinheiros, which also is known for its bars and crowds at night. If you didn't find anything your style in Vila Madalena give Pinheiros a shot. Other than the classy, newly reformed Brahma Bar on the corner of Avenida Sao Joao with Avenida Ipiranga, the traditional downtown area around the Praca da Republica is dominated by gay nightlife. Another more upscale gay friendly area is around Rua Consolacao in Jardins.