São Vicente (Brazil)

São Vicente was founded in 1532 by Portuguese settlers, being the first officially recognized village in colonial Brazil. Its early years of existence were characterized by violent fights between Portuguese, Spanish, Tupi native Brazilians (often put into slavery) and pirates. Economy of São Vicente was based on sugarcane plantations, but the economical success didn't last much. In the XVII century, São Vicente became a source of bandeirantes, explorers who travelled towards the countryside in order to make fame and fortune.
In the XIX century, with the boom of coffee farming, the neighbor city Santos would become the most important port city of the country. Slowly, São Vicente would assume the role of a "dormitory city" for the workers of Santos, a role that it maintains until the present day.
During the São Paulo state industrialization era (second half of the XX century), immigration caused the population of São Vicente to grow too much for the available job supply. As result, São Vicente is the poorest city of the Baixada Santista metro area, containing a large number of favela's. Middle class neighborhoods are highly concentrated around the beach, in the southeast part of the city.

• Biquinha de AnchietaThe only surviving construction from the early history of the city is this fountain from 1553. Near the fountain there is a statue of the jesuit José de Anchieta, who used to conduct prayers near the fountain itself.

• Oscar Niemeyer LookoutLookout point over the Bay of Saint Vincent from the top of the hill on Porchat Island.

• Ponte Pênsil

• Porchat Island

• Gonzaguinha Beach
• Itareré Beach

• Centro Comercial

• Shopping Brisamar

  phone: +55 13 3579-9800
  address: Rua Frei Gaspar, 365 - Centro

• BiquinhaThis plaza has had a fair of sweets and pastries for decades.

• Restaurante Gáudio

  phone: +55 13 3568-1215
  address: Av. Embaixador Pedro de Toledo, 191 - Centro
  One of the oldest and most traditional restaurants in town.

• Restaurante Terraço Chopp

  phone: +55 13 3468-7527
  address: Alameda Ari Barroso, 274 - Itararé
  One of the most famous restaurants in town, with two different environments: a bar with live music and varied seafood, and a restaurant with a la carte dishes. Both have an excellent view of the bay.