Nightlife guide: The best parties in Morro de Sao Paulo

Morro de Sao Paulo, located on Tinharé Island in Bahia, Brazil, has a nightlife scene that combines local culture with live music and open-air venues. The island’s main party spots are concentrated around the village centre and the beaches.

The nightlife in Morro de Sao Paulo operates on a rotating schedule that allows visitors to find parties on most nights. Bamboo Jam runs on Tuesdays, Mamas holds its main event on Saturdays, and Toca do Morcego is busiest on Fridays. Clandestino operates nightly with changing music genres, while Morena Bela provides daily samba sessions.

Prices for entry and drinks vary, but are higher than average in Brazil. Transport between venues is mostly by foot, except for Mamas, which requires a boat transfer. Together, these venues form the main framework of nightlife on the island, each contributing to Morro de São Paulo’s reputation as a destination with consistent parties and entertainment across the week.

Where to go out in Morro de Sao Paulo

Here are the key venues and parties that operate regularly in Morro de Sao Paulo. Check the venue's Instagram pages for the most up to date events and and ticket prices.

Mamas

• Location: A short boat ride in the direction of Gamboa

• Time: Main party on Saturdays, with an additional sunset events during the week.

• Price: Entry fees vary depending on the event. Tickets start from R$60 for the sunset party including entry, boat transfer, and a cocktail.

• Instagram: mamaiateclub

Mamas is an venue located across the narrow channel that separates Morro de São Paulo from the mainland. It operates as a beach bar with a swimming pool during the day and a party venue in the evening. Access requires a quick boat trip, which is included in the price of the entry ticket when you buy tickets in advance.

The main party takes place on Saturday nights, drawing a crowd that mixes locals, residents, and visitors. The music is varied, and includes both live bands and guest DJs. Mamas also runs midweek sunset sessions that start and finish earlier.

Drinks and food are available throughout the event, and the bar area opens directly onto the sand. The return boats run until the end of the party, ensuring guests can travel back to Morro safely after the party ends.

Toca do Morcego

• Location: Hilltop venue a short walk from town, overlooking the ocean

• Time: Best on Fridays, opening around 4.30 pm for sunset and continuing into the night.

• Price: Entry is around R$120, depending on the night and DJ lineup. Special events may have higher ticket prices.

• Instagram: tocadomorcego

Toca do Morcego is Morro de São Paulo’s primary sunset venue. Its elevated position provides panoramic views of the ocean and village below. The venue begins operating in the late afternoon, attracting visitors who come to watch the sunset before the music starts. Fridays are the busiest night, featuring local and guest DJs playing electronic music.

The venue includes a main terrace, dance floor, and bar service offering (fairly expensive) cocktails and beer. As evening progresses, lights are set across the deck area, and the event transitions from a relaxed sundowner to a small-scale dance party. Closing times can vary during high season and depending on the event.

Clandestino

• Location: Close to the centre of Morro, near the main pedestrian street.

• Time: Open nightly with different music styles each day.

• Price: Entry prices vary each day depending on the DJ, but is generally around R$15-20.

• Instagram: clandestino.msp

Clandestino is a small but lively bar designed in a speakeasy style with an indoor area and a back garden. The bar has a rotating music schedule, with different music each night. These can include reggae, electronic, Brazilian funk, forró, and Latino music.

Clandestino’s drinks menu includes standard drinks and beers. Its more relaxed vibe and cheaper prices compared to Mamas or Toca do Morcego make it a regular meeting place for residents and backpackers. The bar tends to open around 10pm and stays open until the early hours of the morning.

Morena Bela

• Location: On the street in front of Morena Bela, near the main square

• Time: Every night from 8pm to 11pm

• Price: Free

Morena Bela offers nightly samba events that focus on live street performances. The samba begins at 8pm and concludes at 11pm precisely. The crowd typically gathers around 9.30pm when people have finished having dinner and area ready to dance.

The event takes place outside on the street in front of the bar, where tables and chairs are arranged. The samba attracts both Morro residents and tourists. Drinks are available from the bar inside or from drink stalls on the street.

Bamboo Jam

• Location: Bamboo Hostel, located in the forest around 15 minutes walk from the main square

• Time: Tuesdays from 8 pm

• Price: Free

• Instagram: universopol

Held every Tuesday at Bamboo Hostel, the night brings together local musicians and travellers for a live collaboration. The event begins in the early evening and continues into the night, featuring a rotation of performers playing instruments ranging from percussion to guitar and saxophone. The audience typically gathers in the hostel’s open courtyard and garden area. The event draws both locals and backpackers, offering an inclusive environment where anyone can join in musically or socially.

Drinks include regular and craft beers. Some finger foods including empanadas are available.

More resources for planning your trip to Brazil

• Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.

• Find your perfect accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels

• You're not ready to travel until you have travel insurance. I recommend Safety Wing to my friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. Get a free quote

• Forgetting something? Read my packing check-list for Brazil, and my list of 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil