Over 12 million people call Sao Paulo home, and it’s one of the most vibrant and bustling cities that you can see from a cruise to South America. An industrial and financial hub, Sao Paulo attracts millions of visitors each year. When you dock on a cruise in the neighboring city of Santos, head out on Sao Paulo shore excursions like a tour of the Pelé Museum, dedicated to the famous Brazilian athlete, or take a scenic drive along Sao Paulo’s main drags.

On Santos shore excursions, a tram to the top of Mont Serrat offers sweeping views of the coast and Santos in the distance. Coffee lovers on a cruise to Sao Paulo shouldn’t miss the Museu do Cafe, which is an entire museum honoring and exploring the Brazilian coffee trade. The museum offers barista classes and a cafe for your coffee or espresso fix in Santos. You might be surprised to find out Santos is essentially a long stretch of beach, so it’s easy to get your beach towel and relax anywhere along the way.

Sao Paulo takes its food and drink seriously, and the city is known for five-star restaurants and ornate dining experiences. You’ll hear its nickname, “Sampa,” when you talk with locals about their city, and in Sao Paulo, street markets are a popular way to source local ingredients.

Sao Paulo shore excursions including a grand tour of the city mean you’ll hit many of the major sites in just one day, but more time in Sampa is never a bad idea. After all, there’s something for everyone here, from entire museums dedicated to football to an urban oasis like Ibirapuera Park, a spectacular green space in the heart of Sao Paulo. Take a guided tour of the Sao Paulo Museum of Art to see historic pieces from some of the most influential artists of all time, like Renoir, Degas, and Picasso, along with modern exhibits, too.