Things To Do
in Campo Bom
Campo Bom is a mid-sized city in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, known for its strong industrial base, especially in the footwear sector, and a pleasant suburban atmosphere. The town combines German-Brazilian cultural influences with modern amenities, tree-lined streets and several small parks. It is well positioned near larger regional centers like Novo Hamburgo and Porto Alegre, making it a practical base for exploring the Serra Gaúcha.
Visitors will appreciate its friendly community, weekly markets, and easy access to natural areas and regional attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, indulging in fresh Brazilian pastries and strong coffee. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Don't forget to visit the Praça do Imigrante, a symbolic place that celebrates the rich immigrant history of the region.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the Museu de Campo Bom, where you can learn about the local culture and history through engaging exhibits. Afterward, immerse yourself in the local shopping scene, exploring boutiques that offer handmade crafts and artisan products. Stop by a nearby restaurant for a traditional Brazilian lunch featuring feijoada or other local favorites.
As the sun sets, head to the charming Praça do Moinho for a community event or live music performance, where locals gather to socialize. Enjoy a casual dinner at a nearby steakhouse, savoring the famous Brazilian barbecue known as churrasco. End your evening with a relaxing walk along the scenic pathways, soaking in the local atmosphere.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Parque Natural de Campo Bom, a beautiful natural reserve just outside the city. Spend the morning walking along the well-maintained trails, surrounded by lush vegetation and the sounds of local wildlife. Look out for unique bird species and enjoy the tranquility of nature as you explore the area.
After a morning of exploration, find a shaded spot in the park for a picnic lunch, enjoying local snacks and fruits. Continue your adventure with a guided nature tour, where a local expert will share insights about the flora and fauna of the region. Take a moment to relax by a serene pond, perfect for a quick photo op or simply soaking in the peaceful environment.
As the day winds down, return to Campo Bom and treat yourself to a delicious dinner at a local pizzeria that serves traditional Brazilian pizzas. Join a night stroll through the park or nearby streets, where you might encounter friendly locals enjoying the evening. Cap off your night with a dessert of brigadeiro, a beloved Brazilian chocolate treat.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-14 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) | $1.50-3.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $3-7 |
| 🏠Monthly rent (1-bedroom, city center) | $300-550 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly small-city atmosphere with easy access to regional attractions
- Strong local food traditions and bakeries with excellent regional products
- Good base for exploring the Serra Gaúcha and nearby towns
- Lower costs and fewer crowds than major tourist centers
- Limited nightlife and fewer specialized restaurants compared with larger cities
- Public transport connections require planning for day trips
- Fewer direct international flight options — travel via Porto Alegre
- "Olá / Oi" - Hello / Hi
- "Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o/ a ...?" - Where is the ...?
- "Eu não como carne" - I do not eat meat
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Campo Bom
Visit one of these nice places.
Photograph historic facades, municipal buildings, lively street scenes and weekend markets—great for candid urban shots and local life.
Small parks and tree-lined avenues offer seasonal colors, shaded trails and opportunities for nature and portrait photography.
Short drives to nearby towns provide scenic rural landscapes, traditional architecture and rolling hills—best in the golden hours.
Capture colorful displays of baked goods, cheeses and produce; good for close-ups and food photography.
Food in Campo Bom
Campo Bom Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The southern Brazilian barbecue—various cuts of beef, pork and sausage grilled over wood or charcoal; widely available at churrascarias and local celebrations.
Must-Try!
A German-style sweet cake with streusel topping and fruit fillings like banana or plum; easy to find at bakeries and coffee shops.
Reflecting Italian influence, creamy polenta served with a rich meat sauce is a common comfort food at local family restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small municipal markets offer fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses and baked goods—ideal for sampling regional products and meeting local producers.
Street-side bakeries and carts sell pão de queijo, pastries and coxinhas—perfect for a quick, inexpensive snack while exploring.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake or a light cheek kiss (one side) are common in social settings; use formal greetings for first meetings and titles when appropriate.
Use please (por favor) and thank you (obrigado/obrigada); Brazilians appreciate warm, friendly conversation and moderate small talk.
Casual dress is acceptable for daytime; dress a bit nicer for restaurants or events. Avoid loud or aggressive behavior in public.
Safety
Tipping in Campo Bom
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges (10%) are commonly added in restaurants; if not included, leaving around 10% is appreciated. For taxis and casual services, rounding up or small change is fine.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; carry cash (Brazilian real) for small vendors, markets and bakeries. Contactless payments and PIX (instant bank transfer) are common and convenient.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot temperatures with occasional heavy rains and thunderstorms—ideal for outdoor activities early or late in the day; carry sun protection and a light rain jacket.
Milder days and pleasant evenings with foliage colors in parks and surrounding countryside—very comfortable for walking and regional sightseeing.
Cooler and sometimes chilly nights (can drop near freezing on cold fronts); daytime temperatures are mild—bring layers, a warm jacket and be prepared for occasional fog.
Variable weather with warming temperatures and intermittent rain; flowers bloom and countryside looks fresh—good for hikes and photography.
Campo Bom at Night
Hiking in Campo Bom
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local park with marked trails, peaceful forested areas and opportunities for short hikes, birdwatching and family outings.
Nearby towns on the Rota Romântica offer rural walks and short trails between villages, good for photography and cultural stops.
A short drive brings access to more challenging trails and waterfalls in the Serra Gaúcha, including scenic viewpoints and well-known park trails.
Airports
How to reach Campo Bom by plane.
The main regional and international airport, about 35–55 km south of Campo Bom depending on route and traffic; reachable by car or regional bus and serves most domestic and international connections.
A regional airport serving Caxias do Sul and surrounding areas (roughly 60–90 km from Campo Bom), useful for some domestic connections and closer to Serra Gaúcha destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population descends from German immigrants, influencing local culture, cuisine and festivals.
Campo Bom has a strong industrial and manufacturing workforce, particularly in footwear and related sectors.
Proximity to Novo Hamburgo and Porto Alegre means many residents commute for study or work, creating a mix of age groups and family types.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally—local amateur and youth leagues are active, and fans follow state and national teams closely.
Indoor sports like futsal and volleyball are common in schools and community centers, with many local tournaments.
Road cycling and recreational rides are popular among locals who enjoy the scenic countryside and quieter secondary roads.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Campo Bom.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but less ubiquitous than meat dishes; look for salads, polenta, egg-based dishes and cheese, and confirm broths and sauces as many contain meat. Larger restaurants and cafés increasingly offer clear vegetarian options.
Vegan choices can be limited outside larger cities—carry snacks, check bakery ingredients for dairy/eggs and ask staff to modify dishes; Porto Alegre or Novo Hamburgo have more dedicated vegan spots.
Awareness of gluten-free needs is growing, but cross-contamination at bakeries is common; ask explicitly and favor naturally gluten-free items like grilled meats, salads and some rice-based dishes.