Santos tours

Things to do in Santos

Santos, Brazil greets you with a sea breeze that carries the aroma of coffee, a nod to its historical roots as a coffee export hub. The port city blends its maritime heritage with a modern pace, inviting you to explore beyond the beach. With a guide, dive into the city's history at the Coffee Museum and stroll the waterfront, absorbing the essence of a place that balances nostalgia with the now. Sample the local cuisine and sip regional wines, each with a story that adds depth to your taste experience. Whether bypassing crowds at hotspots or unearthing lesser-known treasures, a guided tour here provides a tailored experience of this coastal locale. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Santos. Explore Santos your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Santos tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Santos for every interest, including: Layover tours: With pickup at the cruise terminal, you can ride the historic streetcar from Valongo station, sample an espresso flight at the Museu do Café, and take the funicular up Monte Serrat for bay views before a timed drop-off back at your ship. Day trip tours: Cross by ferry to Guarujá for a relaxed beach day at Tombo or Enseada, or head into Serra do Mar State Park for a guided Atlantic Forest walk to waterfalls and natural pools. Food and Drink tours: Browse the Municipal Market and Ponta da Praia fish market, choose a fresh catch, and have it cooked at a nearby restaurant; then try bolinho de bacalhau and a caipirinha at a beachfront kiosk, plus a coffee tasting at the Museu do Café. The beachfront and historic centre are easy to explore on foot, and the VLT light rail links key areas; for hills, tight schedules, or travel across towns, you can ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Santos inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Join a private walking tour to uncover the coastal city of Santos, and delve into its diverse neighbourhoods with the help of a local guide. Walking alongside someone who knows the city lets you experience its true essence. - Gonzaga: Known for its bustling shopping streets, Gonzaga is perfect for those who love a mix of modern and traditional. Families and shopping enthusiasts will enjoy the variety of stores and eateries. - Ponta da Praia: This waterfront neighbourhood is ideal for families and anyone who enjoys maritime activities. Explore the beach, visit local markets, and take in stunning views of the ocean. - Valongo: Rich in history, Valongo attracts cultural tourists interested in the coffee trade legacy. Walking through its streets offers a look into Santos’ past and its historic buildings. - Embaré: For those seeking lively atmosphere and dining experiences, Embaré offers vibrant nightlife and a range of restaurants. It’s a great area for multi-generational groups to explore together. Day trip ideas from Santos Base yourself in Santos, then branch out to nearby cities and coastal spots for easy day trips or short tours that fit what you like to see and do. São Paulo: Ride up the Serra to Brazil’s biggest city for a dose of culture, food, and street life. Wander Paulista Avenue and Liberdade, check public art in lively neighbourhoods, and stretch your legs in Ibirapuera Park. If you’re into architecture, coffee, markets, or street art tours, you’ll find strong options packed into one day. Guarujá: A quick ferry brings you to long beaches, clear coves, and rocky viewpoints. Pick calm water at Enseada, try a surf lesson at Tombo, or paddle a quiet inlet. Short coastal walks, fresh seafood, and wide ocean views make it a simple beach escape when you want sand without a long drive. Paranapiacaba: Head into the Serra do Mar for a 19th‑century railway village with wooden houses, ironwork, and misty hills. You can learn about rail history as you stroll the lanes, then follow forest trails to lookouts and small waterfalls. Good for photography, nature walks, and anyone who likes a small‑town pace. São Vicente & Ilha Porchat: Just next door to Santos, this historic coastal town adds big views and easy beach time to your day. Walk the waterfront, climb to hilltop lookouts on Ilha Porchat, and sample simple seafood spots with a view. If you prefer light activity and local history without a long ride, this is your low‑stress pick. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Santos most travellers miss.