Things To Do
in São Vicente

A fish or seafood stew made with coconut milk, tomatoes and palm oil in some coastal spots; find it at waterfront restaurants and family-run eateries.

Must-Try!

A local fish stew often served with rice and pirão — common in seaside restaurants and popular with families.

Griddled cassava pancake that can be filled with sweet or savory fillings; widely available from beach kiosks and street vendors.

Classic street-food pairing — deep-fried pastry with various fillings and fresh sugarcane juice — found at markets and beach stalls.

Local market where you can sample fresh fish, seafood, fruit, pastel, and juices; a great place to try regional snacks and buy local produce.

Scattered along the orla and beaches offering cold beers, espetinhos (meat skewers), tapioca, and tapioca-based desserts — convenient for a casual beach meal.

Brazilians are warm: handshakes are common for first meetings, and friends often exchange one or two cheek kisses (depending on region). Use 'bom dia' (good morning), 'boa tarde' (good afternoon) and 'obrigado/obrigada' (thank you).

Casual dress is normal; beachwear is fine on the sand and promenade but not appropriate for restaurants or shops away from the beach—bring a cover-up when leaving the shoreline.

Conversations may be more physically close and expressive than in some cultures; smile, be open to small talk, but avoid sensitive political topics unless you know someone well.

Show courtesy to older people and dress/modest behavior is expected in churches and religious sites — speak quietly and follow any posted rules.

Restaurants often include a 10% service charge on the bill; if not included, a 5–10% tip is appreciated. For small services like taxi rides, rounding up is normal; porters and hotel staff usually expect small tips for help.

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted at restaurants and shops; cash (Brazilian real) is useful for street vendors, small kiosks and markets. ATMs are common but use machines in busy, well-lit areas and notify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks.

December through February are hot, humid and often rainy with high beach traffic and lively atmosphere; bring sun protection, expect short afternoon showers and plan for popular beaches to be busy.

March through May brings milder temperatures and less rainfall than summer; pleasant for outdoor activities and photography with slightly cooler evenings.

June through August is cooler and drier (by local standards) and quieter for tourism; water is cooler for swimming, but beach walks and hiking are comfortable.

September through November warms up with increasing humidity and occasional spring rains; flowers and coastal greenery look fresh and it's a good time for hikes before peak summer crowds.

Historically a port and industrial region, many residents work in related trades and services supporting the Port of Santos and surrounding industry.

Smaller fishing neighborhoods maintain traditions of small-scale fishing and seafood preparation, contributing to local cuisine and culture.

A mix of long-term residents, retirees attracted by the coast, and younger families; the population reflects diverse origins including Portuguese, Italian and Afro-Brazilian heritage.

Seasonal influxes of visitors from São Paulo and other parts of Brazil slightly change the city’s daily rhythm, especially on weekends and holidays.

The dominant sport in the region — local clubs and amateur games are common; watching or joining a casual match is a popular pastime.

Common on the beaches — you’ll see informal matches and nets set up along the sand, especially on weekends.

Surfing is popular where coastal breaks exist; local surf schools and rental shops operate in season.

Given the harbor and coastal setting, sailing, recreational boating and sport fishing are practiced by locals and visitors.

Vegetarian options are available (tapioca, salads, cheese dishes, vegetarian pastéis) but less prominent than seafood — ask menus and staff for meat-free dishes, and look for vegetarian-friendly cafés.

Vegan choices exist but can be limited; stick to fruit, tapioca with vegetable fillings, salads, and some street vendors that can adapt dishes — notify staff using 'sou vegano(a)' to clarify needs.

Many traditional snacks like tapioca are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur. Ask explicitly for 'sem glúten' and prefer fresh-cooked items over fried pastries when in doubt.

Seafood is pervasive — if allergic, make this clear in Portuguese ('sou alérgico(a) a frutos do mar') and avoid mixed dishes; pharmacies are common for emergency antihistamines.