Tours/Santos/Best of São Paulo pickup Santos drop-off Sao Paulo/Hotel/Airport
Viator · Private tour

Best of São Paulo pickup Santos drop-off Sao Paulo/Hotel/Airport

4.8(5)Santos1 hour
VIATOR5.0(2)TRIPADVISOR4.7(3)

Description

For those in Santos wanting to spend a day exploring Latin America's largest city. Explore São Paulo in comfort and safety, accompanied by an exclusive tour guide! On this private tour, you'll experience the best of the city with an itinerary that combines history, culture, and art. Visit iconic landmarks such as Sé Cathedral, Paulista Avenue, Ibirapuera Park, Batman Alley, the Liberdade (Japanese) neighborhood, and much more. Discover local curiosities, admire Niemeyer's architecture, try a traditional São Paulo 'pastel' (savory pastry), and capture incredible photos at every stop. The experience is fully personalized, adapted to your pace and preferences. Ideal for couples, friends, and families. Book your tour now and experience São Paulo in a unique way!

Tour Options

DEPARTURE FROM SANTOS PORT / FROM SANTOS HOTELS
  • Experience the best of the City of São Paulo and stay in SP or Airports PRIVATE LUXURY CAR: PRIVATE CAR FOR YOUR GROUP Pickup included

Itinerary

20 min

After traveling from Santos to São Paulo, you will visit MAC (Museum of Contemporary Art) and its beautiful 360º view. MAC USP – Museum of Contemporary Art Located opposite Ibirapuera Park, MAC USP houses one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in Latin America. The building, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, also offers one of the most stunning views of the city from its panoramic rooftop terrace. Among the artists in its collection are names like Picasso, Tarsila do Amaral, and Anita Malfatti.

Pass by

The Ibirapuera Obelisk is a 72-meter monument honoring the combatants of the Constitutionalist Revolution of 1932. Located in Ibirapuera Park, it also serves as a mausoleum. It was designed by Galileo Ugo Emendabili and is the largest obelisk in Brazil.

Pass by

The Monument to the Bandeiras, created by sculptor Victor Brecheret, is one of São Paulo's most iconic works. Inaugurated in 1953, it is located opposite Ibirapuera Park, in Armando de Salles Oliveira Square, right next to the Legislative Assembly. The sculpture, made of granite, is approximately 50 meters long and depicts the bandeirantes, who were explorers and pioneers of Brazil's interior in the 17th and 18th centuries. What does the work represent? It shows a diverse group of people — Portuguese, Indigenous people, and Africans — pulling a stone canoe. This scene symbolizes the collective effort in the expeditions into the country's interior, often driven by the search for riches and territorial expansion. Style and visual impact: The physical strength, movement, and expression of the sculpted figures convey a sense of heroic effort, but today the monument also prompts critical reflections on the violent and colonizing role of these expeditions.

25 min

Batman Alley Tucked away in the narrow streets of the Vila Madalena neighborhood, Batman Alley is one of São Paulo's most creative and colorful spots. The place is a true open-air museum of urban art, with walls entirely covered in graffiti murals that are constantly changing. The name originated in the 1980s when a drawing of Batman appeared on one of the walls—since then, artists from Brazil and around the world have transformed the alley into a vibrant and democratic gallery. Beyond the visual arts, the atmosphere also reflects the area's laid-back vibe, surrounded by cafes, alternative shops, and cool bars, making it one of the most "Instagrammable" spots in the city.

Pass by

Get ready for an immersion into the history and soul of São Paulo! Our tour begins at Pátio do Colégio, the birthplace of the city, where Jesuit priests founded São Paulo in 1554. Next, we head to the São Bento Monastery, a true haven of peace in the heart of the metropolis. Its imposing facade and richly decorated interior enchant visitors, especially during masses with Gregorian chants. Soon after, we'll see the legendary Martinelli Building, Brazil's first skyscraper, a symbol of the city's progress in the 1920s. As we cross the iconic Viaduto do Chá (Tea Viaduct), one of the city's famous landmarks, we get a privileged view of the Anhangabaú Valley, blending the old and the modern in a single urban landscape. We finish in grand style at the stunning Theatro Municipal de São Paulo (Municipal Theatre of São Paulo), a jewel of architecture and the arts, which has hosted great names in world music and dance.

15 min

⛪ Sé Cathedral Located in the heart of São Paulo, Sé Cathedral is one of the largest Neo-Gothic churches in the world. Inaugurated in 1954, it impresses with its grandeur, colorful stained-glass windows, and stone-carved details. Its Renaissance-style dome is one of the building's highlights, as is the city's "marco zero" (zero milestone), located right in front of the main staircase.

Pass by

Liberdade Neighborhood Liberdade is one of São Paulo's most traditional and unique neighborhoods, known for its strong Japanese cultural influence and that of other Asian communities. When walking (or driving) through its streets, it's easy to spot the red lanterns, the signs in Kanji, and the typical architecture that give the place a special charm. The neighborhood began as an arrival point for immigrants in the early 20th century and today, it is a hub for commerce, gastronomy, and cultural events, such as the famous Chinese New Year Festival. Even with its Eastern atmosphere, Liberdade also holds historical landmarks, such as old churches and the former "Cemitério dos Enforcados" (Cemetery of the Hanged), giving the neighborhood a unique blend of past and present.

Highlights

Accredited and experienced tour guide
All Fees and Taxes
For groups larger than 3 people, a separate driver is provided. Otherwise, the tour guide will drive.

What's included

Included
Accredited and experienced tour guide
All Fees and Taxes
For groups larger than 3 people, a separate driver is provided. Otherwise, the tour guide will drive.
Not included
Meals and beverages

Pickup Locations & Times

Start: Multiple pickup points available. Pickup Details BOARDING INFORMATION: • Pickup location: At the place you specify at the time of booking in the city of Santos. As this is a private tour, you may choose the pickup point that best suits your needs, provided it is within the city limits of Santos or at the port terminal. ⸻ HOTEL PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS: As soon as the driver or tour guide arrives at your hotel, they will ask the front desk to call your room if you are not in the lobby. ⸻ DROP-OFF INSTRUCTIONS: As this is a private tour, you may choose the drop-off location that best suits your needs in São Paulo. ⸻ This activity ends at São Paulo’s airports or within the city of São Paulo. There is no return to Santos.

Traveller Ratings

4.8
5 reviews
5
4
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(5)

J
J3973CVangela
March 27, 2026
Sao Paulo Experience

What a great experience! I traveled with a group of 26. We used Sampa for our post cruise tour an transfers from the Santos Cruise Port after our cruise on the Celebrity Equinox. Adi was our Tour Guide. He was there promptly to meet the group at 9:30 AM. The ride from Santos to Sao Paulo is about one hour and a half. He provided us history of Santos and Sao Paulo. The bus was comfortable with water for all and the bus driver was very skilled, navigating narrow streets in Sao Paulo with ease. The tour was great visiting the main tourist attractions of Sao Paulo. Adi was amazing, giving us many options while touring. He even escorted the group into the airport at the end of the tour. This is the kind of service you want when visiting a foreign land. I highly recommend Sampa and Adi for your tour if you are in Sao Paulo with a group or individually. You won't be disappointed.

Operator response

Dear Angela, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for such a beautiful review! It truly means so much to me. It was an absolute joy to spend the day with you and your amazing group. From the moment we met in Santos until saying goodbye at the airport, I genuinely felt like I was with friends, not just guests. I’m so happy you enjoyed the journey, the stories, and the experience of discovering São Paulo together. Knowing that you felt comfortable, cared for, and well looked after is exactly what I hope every traveler feels. Thank you for trusting us to be part of such a special moment in your trip. I will always remember your group with great affection. I hope our paths cross again someday — you will always have a friend waiting for you here in Brazil! With gratitude and warm regards, Adi

A
Amelyn_L
March 23, 2026
Nelio knows it all!

Our first in Sao Paulo! Very impressive how sprawling it is! The tour was interesting! There were lots to see … the views from the top of buildings were spectacular… the museum had a great collection of world renowned and local artists … and much more! Nelio, our tour guide was really knowledgeable. Genuine and authentic Brazilian! He had great connections which made our tour easy and flawless! And, best of all, we ate at a great local restaurant for a delicious lunch! He was very flexible and made sure we were well taken care of. Thank you!

Operator response

Thank you! I'm so happy you chose to explore São Paulo with us on your first visit. It means a lot to know you enjoyed the city, the views from the buildings, and the museum collections. It was a pleasure guiding you!"

C
Companion11205138124
March 17, 2026
Danilo’s sharing his knowledge of Brazil and São Paulo, its culture and history made this my favorite tour ever.

This was an exceptional tour of São Paulo, touching on the rich history, the development of the city all the way through modern times and the way life has changed in Brazil for its citizens. Our fantastic guide Danilo truly knows and loves his city and country and happily shares his knowledge in a professional and friendly way. It was very interesting to learn how the government takes responsibility for its citizens, from preserving green spaces in this huge city to supporting the rights and needs of all. We toured and learned about the different neighborhoods and how they maintain their individuality while actively being a part of the culture of the city. I 100% recommend this tour and especially Danilo.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We are truly delighted to hear that you had such an exceptional experience exploring São Paulo. It’s wonderful to know that the tour provided you with meaningful insights into the city’s rich history, development, and vibrant culture. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again on another tour in the future! Warm regards,

V
Viajera6466
February 8, 2026
Visit to Sao Paulo

Melia hotel is centrally located in avenida paulista. It is close to major shopping, restaurants and etc. Melia Paulista is well guarded, there are police everywhere, so you can walk far. The hotel itself is well visited, there are always many people staying at the hotel, it gets crowded at breakfast between 7 and 8.30. There is a lot to choose from, an incredible amount of fruits, bread, freshly squeezed juices, even sparkling wine for breakfast. The room is clean, there is shampoo, conditioner, shower cream, and cream. It is very cheap with water in the shower and water is not really hot. The hotel is 5 star and it happens that there is nothing that can help with luggage.

Operator response

Hej, tack för din recension. Vi tror att det har skett ett missförstånd. Recensionen handlar om Meliá Hotel Paulista, men vi är en lokal receptiv resebyrå och inte ett hotell. Därför gäller recensionen tyvärr inte våra tjänster. Vi ber dig vänligen att ta bort eller radera recensionen, så att den inte skapar förvirring för andra resenärer. Tack för din förståelse. Vänliga hälsningar.

P
Pegeen_A
January 26, 2026
Quick trip to Sao Paulo

Ricardo was excellent. Spoke amazing English so we understood so much about the city. Short day in port so Ricardo was adjusting our itinerary as needed to maximize the day and get us back to the port on time. Great day!

Operator response

Dear Peggen and dear Michael, thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re very happy to hear you had such a great experience with Ricardo. He truly cares about making each tour special, and it’s great to know his English skills and knowledge about the city helped you get the most out of your short time in port. Adjusting the itinerary to fit the schedule while still delivering a full experience is exactly what we aim for, so your feedback means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you again on a future visit! Warm regards, Adi

You might also like...