Santos

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Sé Metropolitan Cathedral
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Sé Metropolitan Cathedral

8.3
4.4/5
184 reviews
Sé Metropolitan Cathedralis the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Sao Paulo. Construction of the church began in 1913, designed by German architect Maximilian Emil Hehl. It is overall Neo-Gothic in style, took approx. 40 years to complete, and was officially inaugurated in 1954, on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Sao Paulo, while the two bell towers were completed later. In terms of architectural style, the main structure is Neo-Gothic, but the dome references Renaissance dome design, blending both styles in a single building. The interior features a Latin cross floor plan and a five-aisle nave, with capitals carved with Brazilian native flora and fauna elements such as coffee branches, pineapples, and armadillos, presenting localized decorative features that distinguish it from European Gothic churches. The stained glass windows depict religious themes from the Bible, creating a solemn and majestic atmosphere when light shines through.Sao Paulo · 54.1km from Santos
Beco do Batman

Beco do Batman

8.5
3.7/5
42 reviews
Beco do Batman is located in the Vila Madalena neighborhood and is an open-air graffiti gallery formed by the intersection of several narrow alleyways. The name originates from a Batman comic graffiti that appeared on the walls in the 1980s. Since then, students from local art schools have created a large number of graffiti works influenced by Cubism and psychedelic styles on the alley walls, gradually turning the entire area into a colorful street art hub. Almost every inch of the alley, from the walls to the sidewalks, is covered in spray paint, making a stroll through it feel like walking through an ever-growing open-air art gallery. It continues to attract graffiti artists from Brazil and around the world to leave new works. Old works are covered by new paintings with the permission of the original artists, so the visuals on the walls are always updating. The graffiti you see each time you visit may be different from the last, and this ever-changing appearance is exactly why the alley attracts people to visit again and again.Sao Paulo · 56.8km from Santos
Ibirapuera Park
No. 3 of Night Attractions in Brazil

Ibirapuera Park

8.1
3.8/5
81 reviews
Ibirapuera Park is situated in the heart of Sao Paulo. Its main buildings were designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, and the landscape was planned by Roberto Burle Marx. It opened in 1954. Nestled among dense skyscrapers, this open green space is like an oasis in the city. The park features lakes of various sizes, jogging tracks, sports fields, and bicycle paths. On weekends, you can always see local residents running, cycling, and skateboarding here, creating a lively and relaxed atmosphere. The park is home to several cultural facilities. The Museum of Modern Art of Sao Paulo exhibits Brazilian modern and contemporary art. The Oca exhibition hall is a highly recognizable building in the park due to its unique dome shape. The Afro Brazil Museum systematically displays the history and cultural traditions of African-descendant groups in Brazil. The Ibirapuera Auditorium, also designed by Niemeyer, frequently hosts concerts and cultural performances and is an important place to experience the artistic atmosphere of Sao Paulo. The Monument to the Bandeiras at the park entrance is a large granite group sculpture created by sculptor Victor Brecheret, depicting the 17th-century pioneers who ventured deep into the Brazilian interior. The entire sculpture is magnificent and is a must-see attraction in the park. The park covers a large area, and you can rent bicycles or pedal boats to explore around the lake. Sunset by the lake is a great photo opportunity, with the pavilions designed by Niemeyer reflecting beautifully on the water.Sao Paulo · 52.5km from Santos
Monumento a las Bandeiras
No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Brazil

Monumento a las Bandeiras

7.9
4.5/5
38 reviews
Monumento a las Bandeiras stands in the plaza at the entrance of Ibirapuera Park and is the masterpiece of Italian-Brazilian sculptor Victor Brecheret. The entire sculpture is carved from granite, approx. 50 m long and 16 m high, and is composed of a large number of granite boulders, giving it a massive scale. The group sculpture takes as its theme the "Bandeirantes" expeditions that set out from Sao Paulo in the 17th century to explore the interior of Brazil, depicting a scene of a pioneering team composed of different ethnic groups working together to drag a canoe forward. Leading the group sculpture are two riders on horseback; one looks forward with head held high, while the other looks back at the team behind. They are followed by a group of figures of various shapes and sizes, including Portuguese, African, and other faces, both men and women, holding various tools and working together to drag a canoe, recreating the scene of expeditions that ventured deep into the interior along the river. The postures of the figures in the entire sculpture are full of movement, and the rough granite texture complements the tension of the figures' muscles, presenting a distinct modernist style. The conception and completion of this group sculpture spanned over 30 years, and it is an important symbol of the modernist art movement in Sao Paulo. The sculpture is located in the park's entrance plaza and can be viewed up close as you pass by.Sao Paulo · 53.2km from Santos
Monument to the Independence of Brazil
No. 14 of Best Things to Do in Brazil

Monument to the Independence of Brazil

7.3
4.4/5
84 reviews
Monument to the Independence of Brazil stands on the banks of the Ipiranga Brook in Sao Paulo, the very place where Pedro I declared Brazil's independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822. The monument was designed by Italian sculptor Ettore Ximenes and architect Manfredo Manfredi, using Italian gray granite and bronze as the main materials. It was unveiled in 1922 to mark the centenary of Brazil's independence and was fully completed in 1926, covering an area of approx. 1,600 m². The bronze high relief on the front is based on the famous painting "Independence or Death" by Pedro Américo, recreating the scene where Pedro I waves his sword on horseback to declare independence. At the top stands a bronze group sculpture titled "The Triumphant March of the Brazilian Nation." The left and right sides of the monument depict the group portraits of the Minas Conspirators of 1789 (led by Tiradentes) and the Pernambuco revolutionaries of 1817, respectively. At the four corners of the pedestal stand statues of José Bonifácio, Hipólito da Costa, Diogo Antônio Feijó, and Joaquim Gonçalves Ledo. These sculptures connect the various historical threads of Brazil's path to independence from different perspectives.Sao Paulo · 50.2km from Santos
Independence Park

Independence Park

6.8
3.7/5
79 reviews
Independence Park is located in Ipiranga, Sao Paulo. It was on this hillside adjacent to the Ipiranga Brook that Pedro I declared Brazil's independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822, making the park a central site for commemorating this history. The park integrates the Monument to the Independence of Brazil, the Imperial Crypt, the Independence Museum, French-style gardens, and dense woodlands into a cohesive historical space, with buildings and landscapes unfolding in layers along the axis of the hillside, a layout that is rare among urban green spaces in Sao Paulo. Here, history and nature blend harmoniously, allowing visitors to stroll through the grounds, experience Brazil's magnificent history, and appreciate its unique historical and cultural charm.Sao Paulo · 49.7km from Santos
Av. Paulista
No. 6 of Night Attractions in Brazil

Av. Paulista

7.1
3.6/5
65 reviews
Av. Paulista is an avenue approximately 2.8 km long in Sao Paulo, Brazil, running northwest–southeast. It was built and opened to traffic in December 1891 under the direction of Uruguayan-born engineer Joaquim Eugênio de Lima. The name "Paulista" means "person from Sao Paulo," paying tribute to the city's residents. Initially, the sides of the road were lined with mansions of coffee magnates. With urban expansion and industrialization, it has gradually evolved into today's financial hub, filled with corporate headquarters and skyscrapers. The avenue is lined with a wealth of cultural facilities and commercial venues. The Museum of Art of São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand is located right next to the avenue, becoming a highly recognizable architectural landmark with its red pillars and suspended structure. The avenue is situated in a higher-elevation area of Sao Paulo, where transmission towers for television and radio stations stand, among which the tower of the TV Gazeta building is quite prominent. Strolling along the street, musicians, artisans, and food vendors gather here, allowing you to truly feel the vibrant life of Sao Paulo. After nightfall, the avenue is brightly lit and remains bustling with crowds.Sao Paulo · 54.5km from Santos
Aparecida Beach

Aparecida Beach

2.4
Santos · 3.8km from downtown
Latin America Memorial

Latin America Memorial

6.4
3.3/5
49 reviews
Latin America Memorial is a commemorative cultural complex in Sao Paulo, Brazil, built to celebrate the cultural unity of Latin America. It was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and completed in 1989. The entire complex uses white concrete paired with black glass, creating a distinct black-and-white backdrop in the bustling city. A road divides the grounds into two plazas, and a uniquely designed footbridge connects the two sides. The grounds feature a library showcasing Latin American culture and history, avant-garde architecture, monuments, restaurants, auditoriums, and more. It is an ideal venue for concerts, musical performances, exhibitions, theater, and special events.Sao Paulo · 58.1km from Santos
Luz Station
No. 18 of Best Things to Do in Brazil

Luz Station

6.1
5.0/5
2 reviews
Luz Station is a century-old train station in downtown Sao Paulo that still serves passengers today. It is named after the Luz neighborhood where it is located, and "Luz" in Portuguese means "light." The station's history dates back to 1867, and the current red-brick station building was completed in 1901. Its red-brick exterior, towering clock tower, and glass roof covering the entire platform all exude the flavor of British railway architecture. During the peak of the coffee trade in the early 20th century, most coffee and imported goods entered the city through here, making the station the main gateway to Sao Paulo at that time. Today, it remains an important hub for commuter rail.Sao Paulo · 55.7km from Santos

Experiences you can't miss in Santos

Featured Cultural experiences in Santos

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Coffee Museum + Itararé Beach + Itararé Hilltop + Santos Seaside Promenade Day Tour
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FromPLN 2,313.10
1-day private charter tour from Sao Paulo to Santos Port Museum
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FromPLN 2,353.78
Sao Paulo Highlights Audio Tour: Urban Icons
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromPLN 27.92PLN 34.9

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What travellers say about Santos

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Prince SAMASH3 September 2026
5.0
The art has no limits. If your canvas is the wall of a street - be it so. That’s the spirit and is openly and proudly being embraced by that neighborhood of São Paulo making it a sensation in itself.

Beco do Batman

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のりか28 October 2022
5.0
Ibirapuera Park was crowded with families and people running. I think it's the best place to be on a day off.

Ibirapuera Park

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小思文9 February 2020
4.0
A very important monument to commemorate the independence of Brazil. The whole structure is huge, with some very delicate sculptures of figures on the top. It is also the largest square in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The location here is also the core area.

Monument to the Independence of Brazil

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小圣骑在线7 June 2026
4.0
No work on Saturdays and Sundays, please note the time. The São Paulo Latin American Memorial is an architectural wonder and a core landmark of Latin American culture. Designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, it opened in 1989 and features a minimalist black-and-white modern style that is visually striking.

Latin America Memorial

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Santos?

Don't miss these attractions in Santos: Sé Metropolitan Cathedral, Beco do Batman, and Ibirapuera Park. If you like Cultural experiences, try Coffee Museum + Pelé Museum + Santos Beachfront Promenade + Serra do Mar Cable Car 1-day tour. If you enjoy Food & drink, try São Paulo Private Downtown Walking Tour. Optional Food Stops.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Coffee Museum + Pelé Museum + Santos Beachfront Promenade + Serra do Mar Cable Car 1-day tour, Coffee Museum + Itararé Beach + Itararé Hilltop + Santos Seaside Promenade Day Tour, and 1-day tour to Porchat Island + Itararé Beach + Serra do Mar Cable Car + Santos Beach. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 18 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Santos is around PLN 474.25 – PLN 2,353.78. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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