Things To Do
in Santos

Fresh fried fish served with rice, salad and farofa — a beachside staple at local kiosks and seafood restaurants along the orla.

Must-Try!

While more typical of the Northeast, moqueca is widely enjoyed here and often features local prawns or fish in coconut and dendê oil — try it at mid-range seafood restaurants.

A common street-food combo: deep-fried pastel (filled pastry) eaten with a freshly pressed sugarcane juice (caldo de cana), available at markets and beach kiosks.

Traditional Brazilian black-bean stew with pork — often served on weekends at many local restaurants and enjoyed with rice, orange and farofa.

Brazilians are warm and use casual greetings; a handshake is common in formal settings and a single cheek kiss (or light cheek-to-cheek touch) is typical among acquaintances and friends.

Expect closer interpersonal distance and a friendly, expressive communication style — small talk is normal and being polite and open goes a long way.

Casual clothing is fine; beaches are family-friendly but topless sunbathing is uncommon in Santos. Remove shoes in some religious sites and dress modestly when visiting churches.

Portuguese is the language; learning basic phrases and greetings is appreciated. Many people in tourist areas speak some English, but fluency varies.

A 10% service charge is common in restaurants; if it’s not added, leaving 10% for good service is appreciated. For taxis, rounding up the fare or leaving small change is normal; tip small amounts to hotel staff and tour guides based on service.

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in tourist areas and larger businesses. Carry some cash (Brazilian reais) for street food, markets and small vendors. Contactless and mobile payments are increasingly available.

Hot, humid and busy — beaches are crowded and lively, with heavy weekend tourism. Bring sun protection, stay hydrated and book accommodation in advance for holidays like Christmas and New Year.

Milder temperatures and less crowding; still warm enough for beach days and comfortable for exploring the city and nearby trails.

Mild and drier than inland São Paulo — cooler mornings and evenings but generally pleasant daytime weather for sightseeing. Sea temperatures are cooler; some rainy days possible.

Warming up, with blooming vegetation in parks and the Serra do Mar. Good time for nature walks and outdoor photography before the peak summer crowds.

Vegetarian options are available in cafés, salad bars and some restaurants; ask for 'sem carne' and look for dishes based on rice, beans, salads and vegetable stews. Larger restaurants in tourist areas often accommodate requests.

Vegan choices are growing but can be limited outside main neighborhoods — try açaí bowls (confirm no condensed milk), fresh fruit juices and vegetable-focused dishes; mention 'sou vegano(a)' to avoid dairy or eggs.

Gluten-free awareness is increasing; many bakeries and restaurants can adjust dishes if you explain 'sou celíaco(a)' or 'sem glúten'. Still, cross-contamination is possible in street food settings.

Carry a Portuguese allergy card explaining your condition and avoid shellfish if you have severe seafood allergies; pharmacies are common for over-the-counter remedies.