With a vibrant mix of shopping centres, nightlife and one of São Paulo’s most iconic football stadiums, Barra Funda is a popular residential area. It’s just a short hop from the cultural and architectural landmarks in São Paulo’s Centro district, as well as the famous Pinacoteca art museum in Jardim da Luz.

Things to do

Palestra Itália Arena is the home of football giants Palmeiras and one of the most popular multi-purpose arenas in Brazil. You can get a behind-the-scenes look at this 43,000 capacity stadium on a guided tour, visiting the locker rooms and stepping onto the pitch itself.

A short walk away is the art-filled plaza of the Latin American Memorial, designed by Oscar Niemeyer to honour the cultural, political and social integration of Latin America. Sculptural works intersperse with libraries, parliamentary buildings and auditoriums, together with a collection of Latin American folk art in the Pavilhão da Criatividade.

Opera lovers should take the time to visit the Theatro São Pedro, which first opened its doors in 1917 and is one of the few from its era to be still operating today. It’s home to the Theatro São Pedro Opera Academy and the São Pedro Theatro Orchestra, where live shows are performed throughout the year.

Want to experience Brazil’s world-famous nightlife? Barra Funda boasts some of São Pedro’s best nightclubs, most of which are clustered around the lively main strip of Rua Barra Funda.

Getting around

Barra Funda Railway Station lies in the northwestern corner of the neighbourhood and connects east to Centro São Paulo and with the neighbourhoods to the west. The Marechal Deodoro metro station is situated along its southern boundary and is the fastest route into the city centre, while frequent buses travel throughout the neighbourhood.