Santos is a coastal city in São Paulo state, built around one of the largest ports in Latin America. For a visitor, that means two things sit close together: the waterfront and its long beach, and the busy commercial centre that serves the port. The city is largely flat, so getting between the beachfront and the centre on foot is realistic.
For planning where to sleep, the useful distinction is between the beach side and the centre. The beachfront runs along Avenida Ana Costa and the streets around it, while the centre sits inland, with the Paqueta side of the centre lying between it and the port. This guide covers the areas named in the source material, what each is like to stay in, and how the accommodation tiers break down.
Best areas to stay in Santos
1. The beach side, around Avenida Ana Costa
This is the most straightforward base for a visitor. Avenida Ana Costa runs back from the beach, and the streets just west of it — continuing towards Avenida Bernardino de Campos — hold simple, cheap hotels and pensões one or two blocks from the sand. The same avenue and the streets off it also carry the city's mid-range and top-end accommodation, so you can stay at almost any budget within a short walk of the water.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants the beach, the seafront and the main hotel strip within walking distance, and it is the obvious choice for families and for travellers who prefer not to rely on taxis at night. The practical point is that this area is flat and walkable, and it puts you on the beach side of the city rather than in the commercial centre.
2. The city centre, Paqueta side
Between the centre and the port, on the Paqueta side, there are a few very cheap hotels. This is the fallback option if you cannot afford anything else, and the source describes the places here as grotty. It also notes that women travelling alone might feel uncomfortable in this area.
It suits budget travellers who need the lowest possible cost and are willing to accept basic conditions and a less comfortable environment. The practical point is location: you are on the centre side of the city, closer to the port, rather than on the beachfront.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple mixed cheap hotels and pensões on the side streets just west of Avenida Ana Costa, one or two blocks from the beach; and very cheap, basic hotels on the Paqueta side of the centre, between the centre and the port.
- Mid-range: a broad group of hotels, several of them on Avenida Presidente Wilson and Avenida Floriano Peixoto, with others on Avenida Ana Costa and nearby streets. Expect basic rooms — the source describes bare walls and tile floors in one case — with air conditioning, TV and minibars, and some offering free wireless internet.
- Splurge: a small number of higher-end hotels, including ones on Avenida Ana Costa and Avenida Floriano Peixoto, for travellers willing to spend more.
Best area for a first visit
Stay on the beach side around Avenida Ana Costa. It gives you the beach, the seafront and the widest spread of accommodation at every price level within a short, flat walk of each other. It is also the area where the source's mid-range and top-end options are concentrated, so you are not limited to a single type of place.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of Santos is best if I want to be near the beach?
The streets around Avenida Ana Costa, including the side streets just west of it towards Avenida Bernardino de Campos, put you one or two blocks from the beach and close to the main hotel strip.
Where can I find the cheapest places to stay?
The very cheap hotels are on the Paqueta side of the city centre, between the centre and the port. The source describes them as grotty and notes that women travelling alone might feel uncomfortable there.
What can I expect from a mid-range hotel in Santos?
Mid-range hotels are spread across the beach side and the centre, with several on Avenida Presidente Wilson. Rooms tend to be basic — bare walls and tile floors in one described case — but come with air conditioning, TV and a minibar, and some have free wireless internet.
Is the city centre a good base for sightseeing?
The centre is inland from the beach, with the Paqueta side sitting between it and the port. It works if you need the lowest prices or want to be near the port, but the beachfront areas are more convenient for the waterfront.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.