When we think of Brazil, we typically think of the the stereotype of celebratory Rio de Janeiro with its tanned Brazilians lounging in swim briefs on the beach–or parading down the street in rainbow-feathered boas. But further down south there’s another South American megalopolis with just as much bravado as its flamboyant, flirty cousin up the coast.
It would be unfair to say that Sao Paulo has an emerging gay scene, because, frankly, it’s quite fully erect. The Sao Paulo annual gay pride parade is one of the largest in the world, drawing a crowd of three million. And even during down-time, walking around the Jardim Paulista district you’ll see elegant restaurants, swanky shops, cocktail lounges and the gays and lesbians who frequent them.
The GLS scene (Brazilian slang for Gay, Lesbian & Sympathizers) has a more alternative/underground slant than the in-your-face extravaganza associated with Rio. Megaclubs with glowing go-go boys, electro DJ’s and after hours are popular, but so are restaurant bars with live music, cheap drinks and drag shows.
And speaking of underground: Gay sex clubs in Sao Paulo certainly are not. With a good balance of bathhouses and escort saunas (prostitution is legal in Brazil), rentboys, tourists, businessmen and local Paulistas all have a place to meet and mingle for a steamy good time.
Termas For Friends – Friends turn lovers at Brazil’s first gay sauna
Open for 30 years, For Friends may be past its prime. The sauna caters to all types of guys- jocks, bears, businessmen and more. And just like the the website claims, it may not be a jewelry shop, but they sure do have lots of wedding rings.
Clube dos Pauzudos – Twice weekly gay sex party
Only open on Tuesdays and Fridays, this cruise party tends to catch more locals than travelers, if you’re looking to pick up a Brazilian souvenir.
Thermas Lagoa – A clean place to pick up the best
Brothel full of straight-looking and hunky rentboys (red ribbons) and the men who love them (black ribbons). Prices range from 50 reals (locals) to 80 (tourists). They can be sometimes pushy, especially on busy nights like Wednesdays and Fridays, so make sure you stand your ground.
Thermas Le Rouge – Clean and hustler free
This place is so clean cut you might think it’s an actual sauna. The problem is that, unlike the other thermas in Sao Paulo, hustlers tend not to come her, so you may end up only getting a massage.
Termas Fragata – A sauna/brothel with expensive Brazilian boys
Whereas hustling is frowned upon in most Brazilian saunas, Fragata embraces it. Rent boys galore for the right price.
Wild Thermas Club – Looking for a massage?
How about waxing? This bathhouse utilizes its facilities to give more spa services, not just to provide a space for locals and tourists to get kinky.
Gladiators Club – Not for the faint on heart
For those with a more adventurous spirit, Gladiators is more a free-for-all type of sex club where anything goes.
UPGrade Club – A chic spot where hedonism and nudism are the main rules
Looking to UP grade? This cruising bar is got modern decor on its side, for those who like to get their groove on and get dirty in soft-lit, sophisticated places.
If we missed anything be sure to bring it up in the comments section below. As well as recommendations for the next city we dive deep into.
Prostitution is not legal in Brazil.
Yes it is!! what is not legal is making money off of prostitution, therefore no pimps.. the rentboy saunas make their money off of room rental, admission, drinks. they get none of the money that the customer gives the rentboys! My friend is a state attorney in Sao Paulo and he explained the law, and btw, this is national, applies to all cities in Brazil so Brazilian dick know your facts before you spew them!