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
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
Historic reservoir with scenic walking paths, reflections at sunrise/sunset and lively surroundings—perfect for landscape and street photography.
Vibrant during June: colorful banners, traditional costumes, bonfires and quadrilha dances offer dynamic cultural photos (best during São João season).
Eclectic buildings, public squares, markets and everyday urban life that show the city’s character—ideal for candid cultural shots.
Higher ground surrounding the city provides panoramic vistas, dramatic skies at golden hour and natural textures for landscape photography.
Food in Campina Grande
Campina Grande Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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!
Sun-dried, salted beef often served with boiled or fried cassava and farofa—served in many local eateries and churrascarias.
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.
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
Evenings bring tapioca, pastel, grilled skewers and regional sweets; perfect for casual bites while strolling the lake.
Daytime market selling fresh produce, regional cheeses, spices and snacks—good place to sample cheese coalho, local sausages and buy artisan food products.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Warm, informal greetings are common—handshakes and brief cheek kisses among friends; a friendly 'bom dia' (good morning) goes a long way.
Show interest and respect for local music (forró) and festival customs; ask before photographing people in private settings.
Casual dress is acceptable in most places; dress neatly for nicer restaurants. Public displays of anger or loud confrontation are frowned upon.
Safety
Tipping in Campina Grande
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
Hotter temperatures and occasional short heavy rains; afternoons can be humid—stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities for mornings or late afternoons.
Moderate temperatures and less rain make these months pleasant for walking, markets and outdoor sightseeing; daytime heat still common.
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.
Campina Grande at Night
Hiking in Campina Grande
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
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.
A short, easy walking loop around the reservoir with interpretive points, ideal for sunrise/sunset walks and casual exercise.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Campina Grande hosts several universities and technical schools, creating a large student population that energizes nightlife, cultural events and the local economy.
Many residents work in services, industry and commerce—neighborhoods vary from well-served central areas to more residential outskirts.
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.
The dominant sport with passionate local support for club teams and street/futsal play among youth.
Indoor sports are popular, especially in schools and university communities, with organized competitions and recreational play.
While not a sport, forró is a hugely popular social activity that involves physical rhythm and movement—central to nightlife and cultural events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Campina Grande.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 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).
Cassava- and corn-based foods are naturally gluten-free (tapioca, cuscuz), but verify with the cook about cross-contamination in shared pans and oil.