South America · Brazil
Santos (Sao Paulo) Travel Guide
Santos is the cruise gateway to Sao Paulo — South America's largest city with world-class museums, incredible food from every continent, and a vibrant cultural scene. Santos itself has beautiful beaches and coffee history.
How Do You Get to Sao Paulo?
Bus from Santos to Sao Paulo (1.5 hrs, 30-50 BRL). Taxi/Uber also available. Santos itself is walkable from port.
What Can You See?
Museu do Cafe — World's largest coffee museum in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building.
Santos beaches — Long beachfront with record-breaking gardens. Good for a swim.
Sao Paulo — Pinacoteca art museum, Liberdade (Japanese quarter), Vila Madalena (street art).
Pele Museum — In Santos. Dedicated to Brazil's greatest footballer who played for Santos FC.
Where Should You Eat?
Pastel: Brazilian fried pastry with various fillings. From any street fair.
Coxinha: Tear-drop shaped chicken croquettes. Brazil's favourite bar snack.
Worth Exploring Independently?
Santos is walkable and pleasant. Sao Paulo requires transport but buses are straightforward.
Useful Local Phrases
Oi
Hi
(oy)
Obrigado/a
Thank you (m/f)
(oh-bree-GAH-doo / dah)
Local Tips
- •Sao Paulo is 1.5 hours from Santos — ambitious but doable for long port days.
- •Santos has the world's largest coffee museum (Museu do Cafe) in a stunning building.
- •Santos beaches are decent for a swim. The beachfront gardens hold a Guinness record for the largest beachfront garden.
- •Brazilian real (BRL) used. Cards widely accepted.