First time in São Paulo: where to start
Whether you're new to all of this or just new to São Paulo, the order is the same: a munch, then a class, then a party when you're ready. Here is each step with the real places and their next dates.
Go to a munch. Nothing needed.
A clothes-on social in a public place. Turn up, buy a drink, say it's your first time. This is where you find out what's actually on, and who runs it well.
The groups that run things here
Take a class. Drop-ins are normal.
Rope and skills studios are used to strangers and sell single-class tickets online. A beginners' class is the easiest first evening, and the people in it are at your stage.
- see siteEscola de Shibari (Espaço Shibari)Saúde, São Paulo · says newcomers welcome
A shibari school in the Saúde district built on Akira Nawa's method, offering a beginner workshop with no prerequisites, a ten-month training course with weekday evening and Saturday classes, online courses and events…
Their site ↗ (opens in a new tab)
A party, when you're ready. Start this early.
Most parties want a membership, an orientation or a vetting chat booked days or weeks ahead, and many sell out. Read each one's rules on their own site, and go to your first with no plan to play.
- see siteDominatrix AugustaConsolação (Rua Augusta area), São Paulo
A bar-restaurant in the Augusta/Consolação nightlife area, open since 2013, that is famous for hosting BDSM play, themed fetish parties, workshops and stand-up on its programme, and a monthly women's submissives discu…
Their site ↗ (opens in a new tab) - see siteSodoma LoungeBela Vista, São Paulo
A fetish and BDSM lounge bar in Bela Vista near Anhangabaú metro, with a dungeon ('masmorra') that can be booked, a themed menu and a weekly programme of parties, happy hours, game nights, the Jantar Leather dinner an…
Their site ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Before you go
- Munches need nothing
- A munch is a clothes-on social in a public place. Turn up, buy a drink, say you're visiting. It is the fastest way to find out what's actually on that week.
- Parties need lead time
- Most play parties want a membership, an orientation or a vetting chat booked days or weeks ahead, and many sell out. Start that before you travel, not after you land.
- Dress codes are real
- Fetish club nights turn people away at the door for ordinary clothes. Read the code on the event page and pack for it.
- Classes welcome drop-ins
- Rope and skills studios are used to visitors and usually sell single-class tickets online. A beginners' class is the easiest first night in a new city.