Farol Santander is a cultural centre in São Paulo’s historic centre, inside the former Banespa bank tower. Its 26th-floor observation deck gives you a broad view across the city, with a café on the same floor. Exhibitions cover art, the city’s history and banking, while other floors include interactive displays and a skatepark. The Art Deco building was constructed as the headquarters of the Bank of the State of São Paulo. Check the forecast before you go: fog can obscure the skyline.
From bank headquarters to cultural centre
Farol Santander occupies the former headquarters of the Bank of the State of São Paulo, also known as Banespa. The tower was built between 1939 and 1945 and later became associated with Banco Santander. Its Art Deco design was modelled on New York’s Empire State Building, and the building has also been known as the Altino Arantes Building and Banespa Tower.
The former bank tower now brings together exhibitions, cafés, bars and cultural spaces. Displays include material on São Paulo’s history and banking, alongside temporary art shows and exhibitions on subjects such as motorbikes and contemporary art.
Views and stops on the upper floors
The observation deck is on the 26th floor, where the Café do 26 also has a panoramic outlook. A Boteco do 28 serves a menu with familiar Brazilian bar food, including torresmo, bolovo, moela and frango com quiabo. Cachaça with içá is another item associated with the bar.
There is also a skatepark on the 21st floor, along with interactive elements elsewhere in the building. Visitors can take the elevator to the upper levels and explore the floors open to the public on the way down. Fog can reduce visibility from the deck, and glass barriers affect some photo angles.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Farol Santander?
It is at R. João Brícola, 24, in São Paulo’s historic centre.
What can you see at Farol Santander?
The building has art and history exhibitions, an observation deck on the 26th floor, interactive displays and a skatepark on the 21st floor.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Advance ticket purchase is recommended.
When is the best time to visit the observation deck?
Sunset is a good time for the city view, provided fog does not obscure it.
