Things To Do
in Anápolis
Anápolis is a mid-sized city in Goiás, Brazil, located about an hour from Brasília and serving as a bustling logistics and industrial hub. The city blends modern neighborhoods with a traditional Goiano flair found in markets, eateries, and plazas. It sits at a strategic crossroads of major highways, making day trips to surrounding Cerrado landscapes easy.
Visitors will find warm hospitality, affordable prices, and a relaxed pace that suits both first-time explorers and repeat visitors.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Praça da Matriz, where you can admire the beautiful architecture of the Cathedral of Anápolis. The area is lively, filled with local vendors selling traditional snacks and crafts, giving you a taste of the local culture. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, savoring fresh pão de queijo and Brazilian coffee.
After exploring the square, take a guided walking tour of the historic center to learn more about Anápolis' rich past. Visit the Museu Histórico de Anápolis to discover exhibits showcasing the city's development since its founding. Stroll through the charming streets, stopping at art galleries and local shops that display handcrafted goods.
As the sun sets, head to one of the popular local restaurants for a dinner featuring traditional Brazilian dishes such as feijoada or moqueca. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as locals gather for a night out, often accompanied by live music. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk through the illuminated streets, taking in the ambiance of the historic area.
Begin your day with a visit to Parque Ipiranga, where you can immerse yourself in nature by taking a serene walk along the park’s trails. Look out for various bird species and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature as you explore the lush green surroundings. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the park’s flora and fauna.
After your nature walk, head to the nearby Bosque dos Buritis, a beautiful forested area perfect for a picnic lunch amidst the trees. Spend your afternoon relaxing on the grass, enjoying the fresh air, and perhaps even reading a book or playing games with friends or family. Explore the small lake in the park, where you can see ducks and other wildlife.
As evening approaches, return to the city center and explore the vibrant food scene at a local street market. Sample various street food options, from savory coxinhas to sweet brigadeiros, while mingling with locals and other travelers. Finish the evening by enjoying some live music at a nearby venue, capturing the lively spirit of Anápolis.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🏠One-bedroom apartment in city center (monthly) | $350-700 |
| 🚆One-way public transit ticket | $0.60-1.50 |
| 🏨Hotel room (mid-range) per night | $40-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strategic location near Brasília with easy access to highways
- Affordable prices and friendly locals
- Strong Goiano culinary and cultural scene
- Growing infrastructure and services for visitors
- Hot summers can be intense for some travelers
- Limited public transit coverage outside the city center
- Cuisine is traditionally meat-forward; vegetarian options require planning
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado(a)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does this cost?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Anápolis
Visit one of these nice places.
A busy central area with a mix of modern and colonial architecture, ideal for candid street photography and plaza scenes.
Colorful stalls, baskets of produce, and daily market life provide vibrant, dynamic photography opportunities.
Soft evening light over water and green spaces offers peaceful landscape and people-watching shots.
Food in Anápolis
Anápolis Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich, savory pie filled with beef, chicken, or queijo, baked until golden; a classic for traditional goiano dining.
Must-Try!
Fragrant chicken and rice dish often seasoned with saffron or turmeric, commonly shared as a hearty meal in family restaurants.
Rice cooked with pequi, a distinctive Goiás fruit, offering a bold, aromatic flavor (ask for a milder version if you’re new to it).
Sun-cured beef served with cassava; a rustic staple found in many regional eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively indoor market where vendors offer produce, regional cheeses, dried meats, and ready-to-eat snacks.
Casual spots to sample pão de queijo, coxinha, pastel, roasted corn, and other quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and eye contact are standard. Use polite phrases like bom dia/boa tarde and say obrigado(a) at the end of interactions.
Dress modestly in religious sites; speak calmly in public spaces; public behavior is generally relaxed but polite.
Eating is a social activity; wait for all to be served before starting and try samples with a shared plate approach.
Safety
Tipping in Anápolis
Ensure a smooth experience
A 5-10% tip in sit-down restaurants is common if service isn’t already included. For bars or casual cafes, rounding up or leaving loose change is appreciated. In smaller establishments or street food, tips aren’t expected but are welcome for great service.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and often humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Stay hydrated, carry sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Warm days with cooler evenings. A pleasant time for city walks and outdoor exploration, with occasional showers.
Dry season with milder daytime temperatures and cooler nights. Lightweight layers are sufficient for most days.
Mild weather with the onset of rains; great for parks, flora, and outdoor markets.
Anápolis at Night
Hiking in Anápolis
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle hike through open savanna with scenic overlooks and opportunities for birdwatching; suitable for beginners and families.
A relaxed trail along a local riverbank, ideal for sunset photography and easy coastal-like terrain.
Airports
How to reach Anápolis by plane.
Major international gateway located roughly 60-70 miles (100-120 km) from Anápolis; accessible by road via well-served highways.
Regional airport serving Goiás state, about 120-150 km from Anápolis; connect with domestic flights and regional routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families who value affordable housing, schools, and parks.
Presence of universities and industry hubs draws a youthful, mobile demographic.
A mix of established residents connected to the region’s farming and manufacturing sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the dominant sport regionally, with local clubs and informal games common across the city.
Popular in schools and community centers; recreational leagues and casual games are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Anápolis.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Goiano cooking is meat-forward, but vegetarian options are available in larger restaurants and markets. Look for salads, rice and beans, queijo, and vegetable dishes, and don't hesitate to ask for vegetable-based dishes or sides. In crochê-style spots, ask for vegetable or cheese-based platters; many places can accommodate with advance notice.