Farol Santander, Sao Paulo
This iconic building has been called the Empire State Building of São Paulo. Its previous names include Altino Arantes Building and Banespa Tower. Regardless of its name, it remains one of the city’s most notable landmarks, dominating the skyline.
Santander Lighthouse opened in 1947 as the headquarters of the State Bank of São Paulo. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest building in the city and the tallest reinforced concrete building in the world.
Travel to the 33rd floor to reach the observation deck and enjoy panoramic views of the city. On the 21st floor, visitors will find a skate park. The building also features a remarkable exhibition by Vik Muniz, who created a panorama of São Paulo’s skyline using upcycled materials. A short three-minute historical film provides additional context.
The Banespa Museum, located inside Santander Lighthouse , offers visitors a fascinating journey through São Paulo’s financial and cultural history. The museum showcases over 900 objects, including historic documents, photographs, and vintage carpets, giving insight into the building’s original role as the headquarters of the State Bank of São Paulo.
Several cafés and restaurants are located throughout the building, including a rooftop restaurant where visitors can enjoy lunch while taking in stunning city views.
Santander Lighthouse opened in 1947 as the headquarters of the State Bank of São Paulo. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest building in the city and the tallest reinforced concrete building in the world.
Travel to the 33rd floor to reach the observation deck and enjoy panoramic views of the city. On the 21st floor, visitors will find a skate park. The building also features a remarkable exhibition by Vik Muniz, who created a panorama of São Paulo’s skyline using upcycled materials. A short three-minute historical film provides additional context.
The Banespa Museum, located inside Santander Lighthouse , offers visitors a fascinating journey through São Paulo’s financial and cultural history. The museum showcases over 900 objects, including historic documents, photographs, and vintage carpets, giving insight into the building’s original role as the headquarters of the State Bank of São Paulo.
Several cafés and restaurants are located throughout the building, including a rooftop restaurant where visitors can enjoy lunch while taking in stunning city views.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Sao Paulo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Farol Santander on Map
Sight Name: Farol Santander
Sight Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil (See walking tours in Sao Paulo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil (See walking tours in Sao Paulo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Create Your Own Walk in Sao Paulo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Sao Paulo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Paulista Avenue Walking Tour
One of the main arteries of Sao Paulo, Paulista Avenue is a famous location and a symbol of the city's economic and political power. On both sides the avenue is lined with impressive high-rising architecture, extensive shopping areas, and cultural institutions.
The history of skyscrapers in Sao Paulo started in the late 1930s with the first multi-story edifice constructed at the corner of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The history of skyscrapers in Sao Paulo started in the late 1930s with the first multi-story edifice constructed at the corner of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Japantown Walking Tour
Home to the world's largest ethnic Japanese community outside Japan, the Sao Paulo district of Liberdade entices tourists with its Asian-inspired influences present everywhere: restaurants, shops, decor, markets, etc.
Up until the late 19th century, the area was known as Campo da Forca (Field of the Gallows) as the one reserved for the execution of slaves and convicts – for whom the only... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Up until the late 19th century, the area was known as Campo da Forca (Field of the Gallows) as the one reserved for the execution of slaves and convicts – for whom the only... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Ibirapuera Park Walking Tour
Located in the very heart of Sao Paulo, Ibirapuera Park is the city's most famous attraction. The park was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer together with landscapist Roberto Burle Marx. It opened to the public on the 21st August, 1954. With a total space of 2 million square meters, the park features a beautiful landscape, filled with lakes, fountains, monuments, theaters, playgrounds,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Sao Paulo Introduction Walking Tour
When Jesuit priest José de Anchieta founded the mission in 1554, he reportedly said that the site, though modest, would “become a great village.” Sao Paulo never stops. From this small plateau mission to one of the world’s largest cities, the metropolis has always been shaped by energy, ambition, and growth.
The city was established by Jesuit missionaries Manuel da Nobrega and Jose de... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
The city was established by Jesuit missionaries Manuel da Nobrega and Jose de... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles




