Santos Sao Paulo, Brazil Travel Guide
Morning: Begin with a visit to the Coffee Museum and take the historic tram tour through the Historic Center.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then take a leisurely walk on the Beach Gardens and visit the Orquidário Municipal. Evening: Have dinner at a beachfront a dining establishment in Gonzaga, enjoying the ocean breeze.
Make the most of your time in Santos, whether for a quick visit or an extended stay.
Day 1: Arrive, check in. Afternoon: Explore Gonzaga beach. Late afternoon: Funicular up Monte Serrat for seeing the sunset. Dinner in Gonzaga. Day 2: Morning: Coffee Museum, walking tour, and tram ride in the historic center. Afternoon: Boat tour of the Port of Santos. Evening: Fresh seafood dinner at Ponta da Praia's fish market. Day 3: Morning: Relax at the beach or revisit the Orquidário Municipal. Depart.
Days 1-3: Explore Santos highlights (weekend itinerary + Fishing Museum, Pinacoteca Benedito Calixto). Days 4-5: Day trips to Guarujá (beaches) and São Vicente (historic sites, cable car). Days 6-7: Day trip to São Paulo for the culture/shopping, or Serra do Mar for nature with an organized tour.
Combine the one-week arrange with longer São Paulo stays for a deep city experience. Alternatively, discover more coastal towns south of Santos like Itanhaém and Peruíbe, or a multi-day trip to Ilhabela. This leads to a relaxed pace and greater immersion.
For a long-term stay, live like a local. Rent a beachfront apartment, visit local markets often, join community activities, consider Portuguese classes, and embrace a less hurried way of living.
Tailor your Santos trip to your specific passions.
Center on the Historic Center, Coffee Museum, Port tours, Outeiro de Santa Catarina, and Caminhos do Mar.
Visit Mercado Municipal and Fish Market. Try street foods, dine at traditional Brazilian and seafood restaurants. Consider a cooking class.
Beach sports like SUP/kayaking. Bike the beachfront garden. Day trip to Serra do Mar for hiking or São Vicente for paragliding.
Travel smart and enjoy Santos, whatever your budget.
Stay in hostels, eat street food and "comida por quilo" (pay-by-weight buffets). Use public transport (VLT, buses) and focus on free attractions like the beaches and gardens.
Stay in mid-range hotels or pousadas. Enjoy a mix of casual and nicer restaurants. Use ride-sharing services for convenience, and include some paid tours and attractions.
Choose high-end hotels, dine at fine dining establishments, arrange private transfers, and consider exclusive tours, like a private boat charter.
Travel during the shoulder season for better prices. Book accommodations in advance, plus get advantage of lunch deals or 'prato feito' alternatives at local restaurants.
Visit the Santuário Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat for quiet contemplation. Savor peaceful walks along the beach, and consider joining local yoga classes for relaxation.
Dedicate time to the Coffee Museum, the Pinacoteca Benedito Calixto, and extensive walks through the Centro Histórico to admire its varied architecture. Check for current exhibitions at local cultural centers.
Experience Santos differently according to the time of year.
Winter (June-August): Mild, dry weather is good for sightseeing, cultural exploration, and fewer crowds. Enjoy pleasant temperatures without intense the heat or humidity.
Plan your trip around Carnival for a festive atmosphere, or time your visit with local food festivals or film festivals. Check specific dates for events.
Take advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds during the off-season. Focus on museums, historical sites, the city's culinary scene, and enjoy the pleasant weather.
For a tranquil visit, focus on serene places and less crowded activities. The calmer months offer a different perspective of Santos.
Check the official city calendar for cultural festivals, sports events, or art exhibitions.
Summer months bring higher humidity and rainfall. Be prepared for occasional heavy showers, especially in the afternoons. Carry an umbrella or light rain gear.
During peak holiday seasons plus major events, popular attractions and beaches can become crowded. Plan ahead and consider visiting early to avoid queues.
Winter offers mild, dry weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities without the intense heat. It's often a preferred time for cultural exploration.
