Things To Do
in Campinas

Campinas is a vibrant city located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and booming economy, it serves as a major industrial and technological hub. The city's lush parks and gardens provide a green escape from urban life, while its bustling shopping districts and restaurants offer a taste of local and international cuisine.

With a friendly atmosphere and a variety of attractions, Campinas has something to offer every type of traveler.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Explore the City
morning
:

Start your day at the beautiful Parque Portugal, also known as Lagoa do Taquaral, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk or rent a pedal boat.

afternoon
:

Visit the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Campinas to appreciate contemporary art and then head to the bustling Mercado Municipal for lunch.

evening
:

Dine at the renowned Cervejaria Devassa for a taste of local craft beers and traditional Brazilian dishes.

day 2
Day 2: Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Spend your morning at the historic Catedral Metropolitana, an architectural marvel in the heart of the city.

afternoon
:

Explore the Parque Municipal José de Castro Mendes and take in the local flora and fauna, followed by a visit to the nearby PUC-Campinas campus for its beautiful architecture.

evening
:

Experience the nightlife at the lively Rua do Comércio, filled with bars and restaurants offering live music.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at a restaurant$10
Coffee$2
🥤Soft drink$1
🍕Pizza (1 slice)$3
🚌Public transport ticket$0.90

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Vibrant cultural scene with many attractions.
  • Rich culinary diversity for food enthusiasts.
  • Beautiful parks and outdoor spaces for relaxation.
  • Traffic can be congested during peak hours.
  • Some areas may lack English signage.
  • Hot and humid summers may be uncomfortable for some.
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Obrigado(a)" - Thank you
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Desculpe" - Sorry
  • "Onde fica?" - Where is it?

Places to Visit in Campinas

Visit one of these nice places.

Igreja de São Benedito

This charming church features a beautiful façade and intricate interiors, making it a perfect spot for capturing architectural beauty.

Parque Portugal

With its stunning lake and scenic walking paths, this park offers picturesque views ideal for nature photography.

Centro de Convivência

A cultural center surrounded by vibrant gardens, perfect for candid shots of local life and events.

Culinary Guide

Food in Campinas

Campinas boasts a diverse culinary scene that reflects both local traditions and international influences, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

Campinas Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Feijoada

A traditional Brazilian black bean stew with pork, served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices.

Must-Try!

Coxinha

A popular street food snack, these are deep-fried dough filled with shredded chicken and often served with a side of hot sauce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal

This bustling market offers a variety of fresh produce, meats, and local delicacies, perfect for sampling the local flavors.

Rua do Comércio

Known for its street food vendors, you can find everything from pastéis (savory pastries) to brigadeiros (chocolate truffles).

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate in Campinas is classified as humid subtropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Summers are warm and can be quite humid, while winters are mild and dry. Rainfall is most frequent during the summer months, particularly from December to March. Average temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) in winter to about 30°C (86°F) in summer, making it a comfortable destination year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Brazilians typically greet with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, depending on the level of familiarity.

Punctuality

While social events may start late, it's polite to arrive on time for business meetings.

Personal Space

Brazilians are friendly and may stand close during conversation; personal space is less of a concern than in some other cultures.

Safety Guide

Safety

While Campinas is generally safe for tourists, it is advisable to exercise caution, especially in crowded areas or at night. Avoid displaying valuables and be aware of your surroundings. It's recommended to use reputable transportation services and stay in well-lit areas. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 190 for police assistance.

Tipping in Campinas

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is customary in restaurants, usually around 10% of the bill, and is appreciated but not mandatory.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially for street food and small vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Expect warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), ideal for outdoor activities but be prepared for occasional rain.

Fall

Temperatures begin to cool, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it a pleasant time for sightseeing and outdoor events.

Winter

Winters are mild with temperatures from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and it's generally dry, perfect for exploring the city.

Spring

Spring brings warmer weather and blooming flowers, with temperatures from 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F), ideal for outdoor photography.

Nightlife Guide

Campinas at Night

Campinas has a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues. The Rua do Comércio and the surrounding areas come alive in the evenings, offering a mix of local and international music. Popular bars serve everything from caipirinhas to craft beers, while clubs feature a variety of genres from samba to electronic dance music. Many venues host events and live performances, ensuring there’s always something happening after dark.

Hiking in Campinas

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trilha do Picuiba

A scenic trail located in the Serra do Japi park, offering a moderately challenging hike with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Trilha da Pedra Grande

This trail leads to a large rock formation with panoramic views, perfect for experienced hikers looking for a rewarding challenge.

Airports

How to reach Campinas by plane.

Viracopos International Airport (VCP)

Located about 15 km from Campinas, this airport serves both domestic and international flights, providing convenient access for travelers.

Getting Around

Walkability

Campinas offers a fairly walkable city center with pedestrian-friendly streets, especially around popular areas like the Mercado Municipal and Parque Portugal. However, some neighborhoods may require transportation to explore, and public transport is recommended for longer distances. Sidewalks are generally well-maintained, but watch for uneven surfaces in older areas.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Young Professionals

With a booming tech and industrial sector, many young professionals are drawn to Campinas for job opportunities.

Students

The presence of several universities attracts a large student population, contributing to the city's vibrant culture and economy.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer

Soccer is the most popular sport in Campinas, with local teams like Guarani and Ponte Preta having a passionate fan base.

Basketball

Basketball has a growing following in the city, with local leagues and teams competing at various levels.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Campinas can be quite congested, especially during rush hours. Public transportation includes buses and taxis, which are widely used by locals. Ridesharing services like Uber are also popular. It's advisable to plan travel times accordingly to avoid delays.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Campinas.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Most restaurants in Campinas offer vegetarian dishes, but it's advisable to ask for specific ingredients.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free options are increasingly available, especially in specialized bakeries and health food stores.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Campinas is accessible, with both public and private facilities available. The city has several hospitals and clinics that offer quality medical care. Travelers are advised to have health insurance that covers medical expenses while abroad. Pharmacies are also widely available for over-the-counter medications.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide