Beco do Batman

The alley got its name in the 1980s from a Batman figure painted on one of the walls, and it has been a working street art site ever since - every surface covered, and pieces painted over regularly, which is the arrangement rather than a problem. Sao Paulo's graffiti and pixação scene is among the most developed anywhere and the city's relationship with it has swung between erasure campaigns and official commissioning; the beco sits on the permitted side of that line. Artists work in the alley in daylight and will talk about what they are doing. The surrounding Vila Madalena is a neighbourhood of bars, galleries and studios, busy from early evening, which is what most people combine the visit with.

History

The alley owes its nickname to a figure of Batman painted on one of its walls in the 1980s, after which local art students filled the walls with psychedelic and cubist-influenced designs. The graffiti is now continually renewed and looked after by people of the neighbourhood (Wikipedia, Beco do Batman).

What you'll find

• Walls painted end to end - every surface covered along the alley.
• Constant repainting - pieces replaced often, so the alley changes.
• Artists working - painting in daylight, usually happy to explain.
• Vila Madalena around it - bars, galleries and studios in the streets above.

When to go

All year. An hour, going in the morning for photographs without crowds.

Practical notes

It is short, narrow and very busy with photographers, influencers and tour groups from mid-morning. Vendors and hired photographers work the alley. Take normal precautions with phones and cameras. Nothing you saw online is guaranteed to still be there.

Nearby

Vila Madalena's bars are uphill; Ibirapuera is south-east.

Key facts