Things To Do
in Campina Grande

Campina Grande is a lively mid-sized city in the Brazilian Northeast state of Paraíba, known for its energetic culture, universities and one of the country’s largest São João (June) festivals. Built around the historic Açude Velho reservoir and spread across the Borborema Plateau, the city blends urban streets, colorful forró dance halls and pockets of green. Its economy mixes education, light industry and services, and the population is youthful because of several higher-education institutions.

Visitors find a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere, strong regional cuisine and year-round cultural events.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Igreja de São José, where you can admire its beautiful architecture and intricate details. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets, stopping by local artisan shops and cafes. Savor a traditional breakfast of 'tapioca' filled with cheese and accompanied by freshly brewed coffee.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the Museu Histórico de Campina Grande to dive into the city's rich history and culture. Explore the exhibits showcasing local art and historical artifacts, and don’t miss the chance to speak with knowledgeable guides. Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant, trying local dishes like 'carne de sol' served with 'macaxeira'.

evening
:

As the sun sets, visit the Parque do Povo, where you can soak in the lively atmosphere filled with music and dance. Enjoy a local festival or cultural event if one is happening, where you can witness traditional forró dances. Complete your evening with a delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling more local cuisine paired with refreshing caipirinhas.

day 2
Nature and Scenic Views at Açude Velho
morning
:

Begin your day with a peaceful walk around the Açude Velho, a beautiful reservoir surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café, taking in the serene views of the water and the vibrant flora. Capture stunning photos of the sunrise reflecting off the lake's surface and the charming bridges that dot the area.

afternoon
:

After your morning stroll, rent a paddleboat and enjoy some time on the water, taking in the sights from a different perspective. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lakeside, surrounded by nature and the sounds of local birds. Take the afternoon to relax on the grassy banks, reading a book or simply soaking in the tranquility.

evening
:

As evening approaches, find a cozy spot at a local restaurant overlooking the reservoir to enjoy dinner. Try the specialty 'galinha à cabidela', a traditional chicken dish that is a local favorite. Afterward, finish your day with a leisurely walk around the area, enjoying the lively nighttime atmosphere filled with friendly locals.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee or snack at a café$1.50-4
🚌Local bus fare$0.50-1
🚕Short taxi/ride-hail trip$3-8
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$30-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural life and one of Brazil’s most famous São João festivals
  • Friendly local population and strong regional culinary traditions
  • Affordable prices compared with larger Brazilian cities
  • Good base for exploring the Borborema Plateau and nearby rural landscapes
  • Limited international flight connections — transfers may be required
  • Some services and signage may be less tourist-oriented than in major coastal cities
  • Heat and occasional seasonal rains can affect outdoor plans
  • Petty crime in crowded areas requires vigilance
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female speaker)
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o Açude Velho?" - Where is Açude Velho?
  • "Eu sou vegetariano(a)" - I am vegetarian
  • "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Campina Grande

Visit one of these nice places.

Açude Velho

Historic reservoir with scenic walking paths, reflections at sunrise/sunset and lively surroundings—perfect for landscape and street photography.

Parque do Povo / Festa Junina Grounds

Vibrant during June: colorful banners, traditional costumes, bonfires and quadrilha dances offer dynamic cultural photos (best during São João season).

Downtown Architecture and Street Scenes

Eclectic buildings, public squares, markets and everyday urban life that show the city’s character—ideal for candid cultural shots.

Borborema Plateau Lookouts

Higher ground surrounding the city provides panoramic vistas, dramatic skies at golden hour and natural textures for landscape photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Campina Grande

Campina Grande’s cuisine is rooted in Northeastern Brazilian (sertanejo) traditions: hearty, comforting dishes built around corn, cassava, beans, sun-dried meats and dairy. Meals favor bold flavors, slow-cooked preparations and street snacks you can eat on the go. Expect generous portions and strong coffee; during festa junina season you’ll see many seasonal sweets and corn-based treats.

Campina Grande Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Baião de Dois

A classic mix of rice, beans (usually feijão verde or feijão-de-corda), dried meat or bacon and queijo coalho—find it at traditional restaurants and family-run kitchens.

Must-Try!

Carne de Sol with Macaxeira (Aipim/Manioc)

Sun-dried, salted beef often served with boiled or fried cassava and farofa—served in many local eateries and churrascarias.

Tapioca and Cuscuz

Popular as snacks or breakfast: tapioca pancakes filled with sweet or savory ingredients and steamed corn couscous (cuscuz) often topped with butter or cheese; street vendors and cafés make excellent versions.

Pipoca, Canjica and Other Festa Junina Sweets

During June festivals enjoy corn-based sweets, peanut candies and sweet rice porridge (canjica) at stalls in Parque do Povo or public squares.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Street Food Stalls around Açude Velho

Evenings bring tapioca, pastel, grilled skewers and regional sweets; perfect for casual bites while strolling the lake.

Municipal Market / Central Mercado

Daytime market selling fresh produce, regional cheeses, spices and snacks—good place to sample cheese coalho, local sausages and buy artisan food products.

Climate Guide

Weather

Campina Grande lies in the semi-humid tropical zone on the Borborema Plateau: hot days and warm nights for much of the year with a distinct rainy season (roughly March–May) and a drier period around late winter/early spring. Temperatures typically range from the low 20s °C (mid-60s °F) at night to low 30s °C (upper 80s–low 90s °F) during the day; higher elevations moderate the heat slightly compared with coastal cities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting Style

Warm, informal greetings are common—handshakes and brief cheek kisses among friends; a friendly 'bom dia' (good morning) goes a long way.

Respect for Traditions

Show interest and respect for local music (forró) and festival customs; ask before photographing people in private settings.

Dress and Behaviour

Casual dress is acceptable in most places; dress neatly for nicer restaurants. Public displays of anger or loud confrontation are frowned upon.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall risk is moderate: petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur—especially in crowded spaces and during festivals. Take usual urban precautions: avoid displaying expensive items, keep valuables secure, use official taxis or ride-hailing apps at night, and stay in well-lit, busy streets after dark. During large events expect dense crowds; keep an eye on belongings and agree on meeting points.

Tipping in Campina Grande

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Restaurants often include a 10% service charge; if not included, leaving 10% is customary for good service. Small tips for taxi drivers, porters and guides are appreciated but not obligatory.

Payment Methods

Cash (Brazilian real) is widely used for markets and small vendors; most restaurants and hotels accept cards (Visa/Mastercard). Mobile payments and ride-hailing apps (Uber) operate in the city—carry some cash for street food and small purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (December–February)

Hotter temperatures and occasional short heavy rains; afternoons can be humid—stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities for mornings or late afternoons.

Dry Season / Autumn and Spring (March–May, September–November)

Moderate temperatures and less rain make these months pleasant for walking, markets and outdoor sightseeing; daytime heat still common.

São João / Winter (June)

Cooler nights and the peak of the huge São João festival; expect crowds, live music, special foods and higher accommodation prices—book early and embrace the celebrations.

Nightlife Guide

Campina Grande at Night

Campina Grande has a lively nightlife driven by students and local culture: forró houses, live-music bars and small clubs dominate—particularly vibrant during São João when outdoor stages and dancing last late into the night. Even on regular nights, central streets fill with people enjoying live bands, local cuisine and informal gatherings; safety-conscious tourists should stick to well-lit, populated areas and use trusted transport home.

Hiking in Campina Grande

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Borborema Plateau Trails

Networks of trails and rocky outcrops in the plateau surrounding the city—great for panoramic views, birdwatching and experiencing semi-arid vegetation; best with a local guide.

Açude Velho Circuit

A short, easy walking loop around the reservoir with interpretive points, ideal for sunrise/sunset walks and casual exercise.

Local Lookout Hikes

Several small hills and lookouts just outside the urban area offer short hikes with city vistas and good photography opportunities—suitable for half-day outings.

Airports

How to reach Campina Grande by plane.

Presidente João Suassuna Airport (CPV) - Campina Grande

The local regional airport with domestic flights to larger Brazilian cities; convenient for direct access to the city—taxis and shuttles link the airport to downtown.

Castro Pinto Airport (JPA) - João Pessoa (~115 km)

Larger airport with more frequent domestic connections; reachable by bus, intercity van or car (about 1.5–2 hours) and a common alternative for international connections via Brazilian hubs.

Recife/Guararapes–Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC) (~200 km)

Major international gateway in the region with many domestic and international flights; best option for wider flight choices—reachable by intercity bus or car in roughly 3–4 hours depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

The city center and lakeside areas are quite walkable with sidewalks, plazas and concentrated points of interest; however, some neighborhoods are spread out and public transport or motorized transport may be necessary. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven pavements and bring sun protection.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Students and Young Professionals

Campina Grande hosts several universities and technical schools, creating a large student population that energizes nightlife, cultural events and the local economy.

Working-Class Neighborhoods

Many residents work in services, industry and commerce—neighborhoods vary from well-served central areas to more residential outskirts.

Afro-Brazilian and Mixed Heritage Communities

Reflecting Northeastern Brazil’s history, a significant portion of the population identifies as Afro-Brazilian or mixed heritage, contributing to cultural traditions, music and cuisine.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The dominant sport with passionate local support for club teams and street/futsal play among youth.

Futsal and Volleyball

Indoor sports are popular, especially in schools and university communities, with organized competitions and recreational play.

Forró (dance/music)

While not a sport, forró is a hugely popular social activity that involves physical rhythm and movement—central to nightlife and cultural events.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally manageable relative to large metros but can become congested during morning and evening rush hours, market days and especially during São João events. The city is served by an urban bus network, taxis and ride-hailing apps; driving is straightforward but expect narrow streets in older districts.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Campina Grande.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but not as ubiquitous as in larger cities—look for dishes based on beans, rice, couscous, tapioca and vegetable stews; tell servers 'sou vegetariano(a)' and ask about broths or cooking with bacon/animal fat.

Vegan

Vegan dining requires more attention; focus on street tapioca with vegetable fillings, salads, cuscuz and beans. Carry a translation card explaining 'sem leite, ovos, queijo, mel' (without milk, eggs, cheese, honey).

Gluten-Free

Cassava- and corn-based foods are naturally gluten-free (tapioca, cuscuz), but verify with the cook about cross-contamination in shared pans and oil.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Campina Grande has public hospitals and private clinics that handle routine care and many emergencies; larger or highly specialized treatments may require transfer to larger hospitals in João Pessoa or Recife. Travel insurance is recommended; bring documentation for prescriptions and consider routine vaccinations and mosquito-bite precautions.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide