A complete guide with historical attractions, travel tips and where to eat to explore the birthplace of Brazil
Many know the South Coast of São Paulo for its stretches of sand and sea, but the cities of Santos and São Vicente hold a treasure that goes far beyond leisure by the sea. This is a practical guide for those looking for a cultural itinerary in Santos and São Vicente to discover the history of Brazil beyond the beaches. Here, you’ll find an itinerary focused on the landmarks that tell the story of the country’s first village and the port that connected Brazil to the world, with all the information you need to plan your trip.
How to get there and get around
Planning logistics is the first step to a successful itinerary. Arriving and moving between Santos and São Vicente is simple and can be done in several ways.
- From São Paulo: The most common way is by car, via the Anchieta or Imigrantes highways, a journey of approximately 1h30. Another excellent option is the bus, with frequent departures from the Jabaquara Terminal.
- Between cities: The most practical and interesting way to travel between the historical points of Santos and São Vicente is using the VLT (Light Rail Vehicle). It connects the centers of the two cities and passes through several attractions. Municipal buses and transport apps are also efficient alternatives.
Historical itinerary: what to do in Santos and São Vicente
This itinerary was designed to delve into the main points that tell the history of the region and Brazil.
In São Vicente: the beginning of everything
Start with the city that is considered the cradle of the nation.
- Standard Milestone: Located on Praia do Gonzaguinha, this 1932 monument celebrates the 400th anniversary of the founding of Vila de São Vicente, the first in Brazil. It is a symbolic point to start your historical journey.
- Suspension bridge: Opened in 1914, the bridge is a landmark of national engineering and connects the island of São Vicente to the mainland. The view of Mar Pequeno and the ships is a spectacle in itself.
- Praça 22 de Janeiro and Main Church: Walk through the Vincentian historic center, where the city began. The square is home to the Igreja Matriz de São Vicente Mártir, rebuilt several times on the site where the first church in Brazil was built.
In Santos: the coffee era and the door to the world
Continue your trip through the neighboring city, whose port was fundamental to the Brazilian economy.
- Historic Center of Santos: Use the VLT and get off at Valongo station. Explore the cobblestone streets, the colonial mansions and feel the atmosphere of the heyday of the coffee cycle.
- Coffee Museum: Housed in the sumptuous palace of the former Bolsa Oficial de Café, it is the center’s main attraction. In addition to the impressive architecture, the museum tells the story of the grain that shaped the Brazilian economy and society. Don’t forget to try a special coffee at the on-site café.
- Valongo Sanctuary and Station: Next to the museum, visit the complex formed by the sanctuary and the train station, from where the compositions loaded with coffee departed towards the interior.
- Mount Serrat: For a panoramic view of the city, port and waterfront, take the historic funicular up the hill. At the top, there is a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Monte Serrat, patron saint of Santos.
Practical tips for your itinerary
To complement your planning, here is some useful information.
- Where to eat: In the historic center of Santos, the Estação Bistrô restaurant, located at Estação do Valongo, offers regional cuisine in a charming environment. In São Vicente, the Gonzaguinha waterfront has several options of kiosks and seafood restaurants.
- Best time: For a cultural itinerary, any time of year is good. Outside of the high summer season (December to February), cities are emptier, which makes it easier to visit tourist attractions.
- Accommodation: Santos offers a broader hotel infrastructure. Staying in neighborhoods like Gonzaga or Ponta da Praia is a good choice, as they combine proximity to the beach with easy access to the VLT to reach the historic center.
Exploring the historic beaches of the South Coast is discovering that the history of Brazil is engraved in the streets, buildings and monuments of Santos and São Vicente. With this guide, you have in your hands a practical itinerary to organize an unforgettable cultural trip, which connects the past and present just a few kilometers from the capital of São Paulo.
