The Farol Santander — built as the Banco do Estado de São Paulo headquarters in 1947 — was the tallest building in Latin America at the time of its opening and remains one of the city's defining skyscrapers. The exterior is a clean tower of pinkish granite and bronze art-deco detailing, the interior a confection of bronze, marble, and dark wood. The observation deck on the 35th floor, the Mirante do Vale until recently, gives one of the best views over central São Paulo.
The building was converted into a cultural centre in 2018 and now holds rotating exhibitions, a permanent display of the bank's vault, and a few cafes. Combine the visit with the surrounding centro sights — Theatro Municipal, Mosteiro de São Bento, and the Edifício Martinelli are all in walking distance.