In Zona Norte – the spiritual home of São Paulo samba – one of the most frequented spots is Vila do Samba, kitted out to resemble a traditional samba school headquarters, with samba school flags and artist photos plastered across the walls. Order the venue's most popular drink – the kiwi caipiroska, with vodka, ice and kiwi – and watch couples show off their dancing skills to the sound of classic pagode with the odd modern twist.

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