Santos, Brazil - Things to See and Do

What to see and do in Santos, Brazil

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Santos, Brazil is known for its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and bustling port. 

Santos is a coastal city located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It is situated on the island of São Vicente, which is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land.  It is one of the busiest ports in Latin America, handling a large amount of cargo each year. The city also has a strong tourism industry, attracting visitors from around the world with its charming old town, museums, and aquarium.

On 3/15/2023, we visited Santos by ship on the Norwegian Star.  From the cruise ship dock, we took a taxi to the old town area of the city.  Once there, we rode the 1926 funicular to the top of Monte Serrat and visited the 400 year old Comunidade Santuário Nossa Senhora church located there.  Afterwards, we walked thru the old town to the Pele museum and the train station.  We visited the museum and then took a ride thru the old town on an old street car. After visiting the old town, we took a taxi back to the ship.

One of the most popular attractions in Santos is the Municipal Aquarium, which is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and penguins. Another popular spot is the Coffee Museum, which showcases the history of coffee production in Brazil and the role that Santos played in the industry.

The city is also known for its soccer team, Santos FC, which has produced many famous players over the years, including Pelé, one of the greatest soccer players of all time.

Overall, Santos is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Looking for things to do?  Viator offers numerous tours in Santos. Click here for details.

  Map of the old town

Map of the old town

Funicular up to the top of Monte Serat

Funicular up to the top of Monte Serat

The engine for the funicular

The engine for the funicular

View from the engine room

View from the engine room

Top of Monte Serat

Top of Monte Serat

Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral

Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral

The 400 year old Comunidade Santuário Nossa Senhora

The 400 year old Comunidade Santuário Nossa Senhora do on Monte Serrat.

Prayer ribbons on the fence near the church.

Prayer ribbons on the fence near the church.

Monument dedicated to Bartolomeu de Lourenço Gusmão

Monument dedicated to Bartolomeu de Lourenço Gusmão (1685–1724), a priest who was born in Santos

Street in the old town of Santos

Street in the old town of Santos

The Pele museum in Santos

The Pele museum in Santos

Old Santos streetcar

Old Santos streetcar 

Sanctuary of St. Antônio do Valongo

Sanctuary of St. Antônio do Valongo

Old Santos train station

Old Santos train station

Coffee exchange from 1922 is now the Coffee museum

Coffee exchange from 1922 is now the Coffee museumSan

Monumento Candido Gaffree Eduardo Guinle

Santos cruise terminal

Santos cruise terminal