Farol Santander

Farol Santander occupies one of São Paulo's most iconic skyscrapers, the former Banespa building (the Altino Arantes Building), a 1947 Art Deco tower long modelled in spirit on New York's Empire State Building and for years the city's tallest. Today it's a cultural and leisure space, but the headline draw is the open-air observation deck on the 35th floor, offering a breathtaking 360-degree panorama over São Paulo's seemingly endless sea of skyscrapers, one of the best views in the city. Inside there are also exhibitions, art, shops, cafés, and event spaces spread across the restored floors.

It's a must for anyone wanting to grasp the sheer scale of São Paulo from above, especially at sunset when the megacity lights up. Located in the historic centre, it combines easily with downtown landmarks. Buy tickets for the observation deck (often timed), and head up for the view.

Don't miss

• The 35th-floor open-air observation deck
• 360-degree views over São Paulo's skyscraper sea
• The historic 1947 Art Deco tower
• Exhibitions, art, and cultural spaces inside
• Spectacular sunset and night views

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Farol Santander

Cheapest way inVisit São Paulo with a local guide4.8★ · 128 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$26 per personSee dates →Best full daySão Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights – (Shared Group)4.9★ · 1,835 travelers~7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$79 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleWalking Tour São Paulo Center: Historical Process Of The Largest City in Brazil5★ · 24 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$113 per personSee dates →

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• The 35th-floor observation deck is the highlight, go for the view.
• Sunset shows the megacity at its most dramatic.
• It's in the historic centre, combine with downtown landmarks.
• Book timed tickets online to save and secure entry.

A bit of history

Completed in 1947 as the headquarters of Banespa (the State Bank of São Paulo), the Altino Arantes Building was for a time the tallest in the city and a symbol of its rapid growth. Restored and reopened as Farol Santander, it became a cultural centre with its famous public observation deck.