How to Plan Your 8 Hour Tour of the Beach Town of Santos in São Paulo

If you’re planning a trip to São Paulo, make sure to include an 8 hour tour of the beach town of Santos in your itinerary. This full-day private tour for up to 14 passengers takes you to the major attractions of Santos, including the beachfront and historical downtown. With a personal guide, you’ll get a fully customised itinerary tailored to your interests and learn about the cultural, historical, political, and economic context of the places you visit.

Overview of the Tour

The tour starts with a comfortable hotel pickup from any hotel in São Paulo. You’ll be chauffeured in a fully-equipped vehicle with a private driver (for groups larger than 4 people), or your personal guide will drive themselves (for smaller groups of up to 4 people). The tour is fully customisable according to your interests, so you can rest assured that you’ll see both the downtown and the beachfront, making it an ideal tour for first-timers to Santos. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at major sights and explore them in the company of your personal guide. This tour is perfect if you want to take in the sights, sounds, and culture of Santos in a single day.

Highlights of the Tour

• Hotel transport from São Paulo
• Customisable itinerary!
• Dedicated personal guide
• Stop at major sights to explore in depth
• Visit the downtown and beachfront for an overview ideal for first-timers
• Tolls, parking fees, and admission fees included
• Food and drinks not included
• Optional gratuities

Itinerary of the Tour

The tour starts with a pickup from your hotel in the morning. From there, your personal guide will whisk you away to Santos, which takes around one hour. On the way to Santos, you’ll be able to admire the beautiful scenery of São Paulo State. Once you arrive in Santos, your first stop will be at the Municipal Aquarium, where you’ll get to see a variety of aquatic life. Next, you’ll head to the city centre to visit the Municipal Market, one of the largest indoor markets in Brazil. This market has a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, and other food products. After exploring the market, you’ll head to the downtown area to see some of Santos’ most famous landmarks. This includes the coffee museum, where you’ll learn about the city’s important role in the coffee trade. You’ll also have the chance to see old-fashioned tramways, historic buildings, and beautiful churches. Finally, the tour ends with a visit to the beautiful Santos Beach, where you can relax, swim, or stroll along the promenade. After a day of exploring, your personal guide will take you back to your hotel in São Paulo.

What to Bring on the Tour

Before you depart for your tour, make sure to bring a few items with you:

• Sunscreen
• A hat or sunglasses
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A camera or smartphone to capture memories
• A light jacket in case of cooler weather

Booking Your Tour

To book your 8 Hour Tour of the Beach Town of Santos, visit the Viator website and select the date you wish to go. The tour includes hotel transport, a dedicated personal guide, admission fees, and a customised itinerary. Food and drinks are not included, but you can bring your own or stop for a meal during the tour. Make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Book your tour today and get ready to explore the beautiful beach town of Santos in São Paulo!

FAQ about Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is one of the largest cities in Brazil and is known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and bustling atmosphere. However, for those visiting for the first time, it can be overwhelming to navigate. Here are some frequently asked questions to help make your trip to Sao Paulo a memorable one.

1. What is the best way to get around Sao Paulo?

The best way to get around Sao Paulo is by using the metro system. The city has a well-developed metro system with six lines that cover almost every corner of the city. You can also use buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services like Uber or 99. However, traffic in Sao Paulo can be chaotic during rush hour, so it’s advisable to use public transportation during these times.

2. When is the best time to visit Sao Paulo?

The best time to visit Sao Paulo is during the months of March to May and September to November. The weather during these months is pleasant, and you can avoid the crowds of tourists that flock the city in the peak season (June to August). However, keep in mind that Sao Paulo can be rainy during the months of November to February.

3. What are some must-visit places in Sao Paulo?

There are plenty of interesting places to visit in Sao Paulo. A few of the must-visit places are:

• The São Paulo Museum of Art
• The Municipal Market of São Paulo
• The Ibirapuera Park
• The Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo
• The São Paulo Cathedral

4. Is it safe to travel to Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo is generally a safe city to travel to, but as with any big city, there are areas that you should avoid. Keep your valuables in a safe place and be aware of your surroundings. Theft, pickpocketing, and scams can occur, so always be cautious and use common sense.

5. What is the food like in Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo is known for its diverse and delicious food. From traditional Brazilian cuisine to international dishes, you can find it all in Sao Paulo. Some popular dishes to try include Feijoada (a bean and meat stew), Coxinha (chicken croquettes), and Brigadeiro (a chocolate truffle dessert). There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available.

6. What is the currency used in Sao Paulo?

The currency used in Sao Paulo (and in Brazil as a whole) is the Brazilian Real (BRL). You can exchange foreign currency at the airport, banks, or currency exchange offices. Credit cards are widely accepted in Sao Paulo, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases.

7. What is the language spoken in Sao Paulo?

The official language spoken in Sao Paulo (and in Brazil) is Portuguese. While English is taught in schools and spoken by some locals, it’s not as commonly spoken as Portuguese. It’s advisable to learn some basic Portuguese phrases to help you get by.

8. What is the nightlife like in Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. The Vila Madalena and Itaim Bibi neighborhoods are particularly popular for nightlife. Keep in mind that clubs in Sao Paulo usually open late and close early in the morning.

9. What is the weather like in Sao Paulo?

The weather in Sao Paulo is generally mild throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can be rainy during the months of November to February. It’s advisable to check the weather forecast before traveling to Sao Paulo.

10. What are some cultural events held in Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo is home to several cultural events throughout the year. A few of the popular events include:

• Carnival – held in February or March, featuring parades, music, and dancing
• São Paulo Fashion Week – held in January and July, showcasing the latest fashion trends
• The São Paulo International Film Festival – held in October, featuring a wide array of international films
• The São Paulo Art Biennial – held every two years, showcasing contemporary art from around the world

Book Your Tour Now

Sao Paulo is a vibrant and exciting city to visit, with plenty to see and do. By following these frequently asked questions, you’ll be well-prepared for your trip to Sao Paulo. Remember to stay safe, try the delicious food, and have fun exploring this fantastic city.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a sprawling city that offers something for everyone. As the largest city in Brazil and one of the largest in the world, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to spend your time here as a tourist. With so many sights, sounds, tastes, and experiences to discover, this guide will help you make the most out of your time in Sao Paulo.

Getting Around

Before diving into the recommendations, it’s important to note that Sao Paulo is notorious for its traffic. Traffic can easily add hours to your travel time, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available and can help navigate the traffic. Public transportation is also an option, but it can be crowded during peak hours.

Explore the Food Scene

One of the best ways to experience a new city is through its food, and Sao Paulo has some of the best food in Brazil. Don’t leave without trying a traditional Brazilian dish such as feijoada, a hearty stew made with black beans and meat. For a sweet treat, try Brigadeiro, a chocolate truffle that originated in Brazil. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out some of the street food. The Mercado Municipal is a great place to sample different foods and pick up some souvenirs.

Visit the Museums

Sao Paulo is home to a number of world-class museums. The Museum of Art of Sao Paulo is one of the most famous and houses an impressive collection of art from around the world. Another notable museum is the Afro Brazil Museum, which explores the history and culture of African Brazilians. For a unique museum experience, check out the Catavento Cultural, a hands-on science museum that’s fun for all ages.

Take a Walk Through Ibirapuera Park

Ibirapuera Park is the largest park in Sao Paulo and a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The park features beautiful gardens, lakes, and walking paths. It’s also home to a number of museums, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Afro Brazilian Culture. On Sundays, the park hosts a popular outdoor fair where you can find arts, crafts, and street performers.

Experience the Nightlife

Sao Paulo is known for its vibrant nightlife. The city has a wide variety of bars, clubs, and music venues, ranging from intimate jazz clubs to massive dance halls. The neighborhood of Vila Madalena is a popular spot for nightlife, with streets lined with bars and live music venues. Whether you’re looking for something low-key or a crazy night out, Sao Paulo has something for everyone.

Attend a Sporting Event

Sports are a big part of Brazilian culture, and Sao Paulo has some of the best sporting venues in the country. The Morumbi Stadium is one of the largest stadiums in Brazil and is the home of the Sao Paulo FC. Additionally, the Interlagos Race Track hosts the Brazilian Grand Prix every year and is a must-visit for any racing fan.

Shop in the District of Jardins

Jardins is one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Sao Paulo and is known for its luxury shopping. The Rua Oscar Freire is lined with high-end boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Chanel. If luxury shopping isn’t your thing, check out the Rua Augusta for a more eclectic shopping experience.

Final Thoughts

Sao Paulo can be overwhelming, but with a little planning, you can make the most out of your time here as a tourist. With its diverse food scene, world-class museums, beautiful parks, vibrant nightlife, and sports culture, Sao Paulo truly has something for everyone. Just remember to plan ahead, be patient with the traffic, and take plenty of breaks to rest and recharge.