Monte Serrat
Ride the historic funicular to Monte Serrat for stunning 360° views of Santos, its port, and coastline. Explore history and enjoy a charming cafe.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit.
Monte Serrat
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride the historic funicular to Monte Serrat for stunning 360° views of Santos, its port, and coastline. Explore history and enjoy a charming cafe.
"The panoramic viewpoint offers incredible 360-degree shots of the baixada santista, that shows the port, the beach, the sea and the mountains around."
🎟️ Funicular Ticket Prices
Weekday tickets are cheaper than weekends/holidays. Check for half-price options!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
While the funicular is key, exploring the grounds and optional stairs requires comfy footwear.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Monte Serrat Funicular (Bondinho)
Historic charm meets breathtaking views on this iconic ride to the summit. A truly memorable experience!

Panoramic Viewpoint
Soak in 360-degree vistas of Santos, the port, and the coastline from the top. Perfect for photos!

Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat
Visit the historic chapel, a significant religious site and a symbol of the city.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ride the Historic Funicular
Best Views & Historical Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Funicular Ticket Prices
Weekday tickets are cheaper than weekends/holidays. Check for half-price options!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
While the funicular is key, exploring the grounds and optional stairs requires comfy footwear.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The panoramic viewpoint offers incredible 360-degree shots of Santos. Don't miss it!
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along for the ride and enjoy the views together!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Funicular Ticket Prices
Weekday tickets are cheaper than weekends/holidays. Check for half-price options!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
While the funicular is key, exploring the grounds and optional stairs requires comfy footwear.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The panoramic viewpoint offers incredible 360-degree shots of Santos. Don't miss it!
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along for the ride and enjoy the views together!
☕ Cafe with a View
Enjoy a coffee or a meal at the charming cafe with delicious options, including vegan choices.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Monte Serrat for its stunning panoramic views of Santos and the port, the charming historic funicular ride, and the significant cultural and religious sites like the Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat Sanctuary. It's highlighted as a must-visit for its historical charm and scenic beauty, though some note that ticket prices can add up, especially for families.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Monte Serrat is located in the central region of Santos. You can reach the base of the funicular (bondinho) by car or public transport. The funicular is the primary way to ascend the hill.
Yes, various bus lines in Santos can take you to the vicinity of Monte Serrat. From there, it's a short walk to the funicular station.
You can drive to the base of Monte Serrat where the funicular station is located. Parking availability might vary, especially during peak times.
Yes, you can climb the 402 or 416 steps of the Via Sacra staircase to reach the top, which also features 14 niches depicting the Way of the Cross.
Monte Serrat is a popular day trip from São Paulo. You can drive or take a bus to Santos, and then head to Monte Serrat. The journey is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary. Weekdays are generally cheaper (around R$30 for full price, R$15 for half-price) than weekends and holidays (around R$33 for full price, R$16.50 for half-price). Children under 5 ride free.
Yes, half-price tickets are available for seniors (60+), students, teachers, public servants of Baixada Santista, and people with disabilities (PCDs).
Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available in the provided sources. It's recommended to purchase tickets directly at the funicular station.
Operating hours can vary. It's best to check the official Monte Serrat Santos social media or website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
The main cost is for the funicular ride. Access to the grounds, viewpoint, and chapel is generally included with the funicular ticket.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic viewpoint at the top offers stunning 360-degree views of Santos, the port, and the coastline, making it ideal for photos. The funicular itself is also very photogenic.
Visiting in the late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour lighting for your photos, enhancing the panoramic views.
Photography rules inside religious sites can vary. It's respectful to check for any signage or ask for guidance before taking photos inside the Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat.
Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas. However, be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules in certain areas like the chapel.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots of the funicular and surroundings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a charming cafeteria at the top offering delicious dishes, including good vegan options.
The cafe offers a variety of dishes, and it's noted for having good vegan options, making it suitable for different dietary preferences.
While there's a cafe, bringing your own snacks and drinks for a picnic might be possible in designated areas, but it's best to confirm on-site.
The main dining option is the cafe at the summit. For a wider selection, you would need to descend and explore the restaurants in the city of Santos.
Prices at the cafe are generally considered reasonable for a tourist attraction, offering good value for the food and the view.
♿ 👨👩👧👦 Family & Accessibility
Absolutely! Monte Serrat is considered one of the coolest tours in Baixada Santista for families. The funicular ride is exciting for kids, and there are kid-friendly areas.
Children up to 5 years old do not pay for the funicular ride.
The funicular is generally accessible. However, exploring the entire complex, especially the historical areas or the staircase, might present challenges for strollers or wheelchairs.
Besides the funicular ride and the panoramic views, there are designated kids' areas within the complex.
The staircase is part of the Via Sacra and can be a spiritual and physical journey. It might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues, but it's a unique experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the cafe at the summit for a convenient snack or meal, with options that cater to various tastes, including vegan choices. While the staircase offers a historical and spiritual path, the funicular provides an easy and enjoyable way for everyone, including younger children, to reach the top and enjoy the attractions.
🐶 Pet Owners
Ensure your pets are comfortable and leashed. The open spaces at the summit offer a pleasant environment for them to explore alongside you. It's a wonderful opportunity to create shared memories with your pets while experiencing one of Santos' most iconic attractions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the late afternoon to take advantage of the golden hour light, which can dramatically enhance your photos. Whether you're capturing cityscapes, architectural details, or candid moments, Monte Serrat provides a diverse range of photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Monte Serrat Funicular
Tickets are priced differently for weekdays and weekends/holidays, with half-price options available for specific groups. It's advisable to check current pricing and consider purchasing tickets upon arrival, though booking in advance might be beneficial during peak seasons to avoid queues. The ride itself is relatively short but provides a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape as you climb.
Many visitors, including those with pets, find the funicular ride to be a highlight of their visit, making it a universally enjoyable experience. The smooth ascent offers a comfortable way to reach the top, allowing everyone to focus on the upcoming vistas and historical sites.
Panoramic Views and Photography Opportunities
The best time for photography is often during the late afternoon, when the golden hour light bathes the city in a warm glow, creating stunning visual effects. The iconic funicular itself, the historic chapel, and the expansive cityscape all provide excellent subjects. Many visitors share their awe-inspiring photos on social media, showcasing the beauty of the location.
Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, the views from Monte Serrat are sure to impress. Remember to bring your camera or ensure your phone is charged to capture these memorable moments. The sheer scale and beauty of the vista are consistently praised in reviews and social media posts.
History and Heritage at the Summit
The area also features the historic Cassino Monte Serrat, a testament to the region's past as a glamorous entertainment hub. Although no longer a casino, its architecture stands as a reminder of a bygone era. The complex was developed in 1927, adding to its historical significance as a tourist destination.
For those who prefer a more active ascent, the Via Sacra staircase offers a spiritual journey with 14 niches depicting the Way of the Cross, leading up to the summit. This historical and religious path adds another layer to the Monte Serrat experience, appealing to both the faithful and those interested in local history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit