Things To Do
in Joinvile
Joinville is a mid-sized industrial and cultural city in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, known for its strong German immigrant heritage and the world-famous Joinville Dance Festival. The city blends tree-lined boulevards, well-kept parks and a compact historic center with a growing craft-beer and foodie scene. Surrounded by rolling hills and within easy reach of beaches and mountain ranges, Joinville is a convenient base for day trips to the coast or nearby national parks.
Visitors will find a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere, good infrastructure and friendly locals who value festivals, arts and outdoor activities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a stroll through Joinville's charming Historic Center, where you'll admire the well-preserved architecture from the 19th century. Visit the charming Praça da Bandeira, a central square that hosts beautiful gardens and fountains, perfect for a leisurely morning. Stop by a local café to enjoy a traditional Brazilian breakfast of pão de queijo and fresh coffee.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Museu Nacional de Imigração e Colonização, where you can learn about the rich history of European immigration to Joinville. Afterwards, explore the vibrant streets lined with shops and boutiques, where you can pick up unique souvenirs and local handicrafts. Make sure to grab lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring local cuisine, such as barreado or seafood dishes.
As the sun sets, head to the theater district to catch a performance at the Teatro Juarez Machado, a stunning venue that hosts various cultural events. After the show, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling regional favorites and perhaps indulging in a caipirinha. End your day with a relaxing walk along the waterfront of the Cachoeira River, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
Start your day at the Parque Zoobotânico, where you can immerse yourself in nature while observing the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the trails, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the sounds of birds chirping. Make sure to visit the small zoo within the park to see native animals like capybaras and monkeys.
After a morning in nature, head to the Parque da Expoville, where you can explore the extensive gardens and enjoy various recreational activities. Rent a bike or paddle a kayak on the lagoon, taking in the beautiful scenery around you. Pause for a picnic lunch in one of the park's designated areas, surrounded by lush greenery.
In the evening, visit the local artisan market that often takes place in the park, where you can find handmade crafts and local delicacies. Enjoy a light dinner at a food stall, sampling regional snacks while listening to live music. As night falls, take a moment to relax and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the park.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee (espresso) at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (5 km) | $4-8 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel (per night) | $50-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong cultural scene (notably the Joinville Dance Festival) and friendly local communities.
- Good base for day trips to beaches and nearby mountain parks; compact and green urban areas.
- Solid infrastructure, varied dining options and growing craft-beer scene.
- Limited international flight options — often requires connections through larger airports.
- Smaller nightlife and tourist infrastructure compared with bigger Brazilian cities; some services close earlier.
- "Olá / Oi" - Hello / Hi
- "Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Não falo português" - I don't speak Portuguese
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Joinvile
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic viewpoints overlooking the city and surrounding hills—ideal at sunrise or sunset for cityscape shots and soft light.
Charming squares, historic facades and tree-lined avenues that capture Joinville’s urban character and immigrant architecture.
Botanical and zoo areas with native flora, small animal exhibits and landscaped paths—good for nature and macro photography.
Scenic mountain-road overlooks with sweeping valley and ridge views—excellent for landscape and panorama shots, especially on clear days.
Riverbank scenes, bridges and everyday life—great for candid street and reflective water images.
Food in Joinvile
Joinvile Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Brazilian-style barbecue with various cuts of grilled meat; widely available in churrascarias and rodízios throughout the city.
Must-Try!
Cheese bread and German-origin sweet breads/cakes (cuca) are common in cafés and bakeries—great for breakfast or snack; try local bakeries in the Centro.
Closer to the coast expect fresh fish, shrimp and seafood stews; many Joinville restaurants serve coastal specialties sourced from nearby ports like São Francisco do Sul.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local markets and periodic street fairs sell fresh produce, snacks and baked goods; seek out pastel, coxinha and other Brazilian street snacks and regional pastries.
Evenings and weekends often feature food-truck gatherings and plazas near cultural centers that serve burgers, regional sandwiches and craft beers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Handshakes are common in formal settings; friends and acquaintances often greet with one or two cheek kisses. Use 'senhor'/'senhora' with last names in formal situations.
Brazilians are often warm and conversational—brief friendly small talk before business or service interactions is normal. Respect personal space but be prepared for a more tactile culture than some countries.
Casual smart dress is standard in most places; wear more formal attire for upscale restaurants or events. At religious sites, dress modestly.
Social events may start a little late; business meetings usually follow scheduled times—confirm arrangements and be on time for formal appointments.
Safety
Tipping in Joinvile
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants often include a 10% service charge on the bill; if not included, leaving around 10% is customary for good service. Round up fares for taxis or leave small change; tipping for small services (hotel staff, guides) is appreciated but not mandatory.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. PIX (instant bank transfer) is very popular for local payments, and contactless cards/mobile payments are increasingly common. Carry some cash (BRL) for small vendors and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February: warm to hot and humid, frequent afternoon showers and thunderstorms; ideal for beach trips and outdoor festivals, but pack lightweight rain gear and sunscreen.
March–May: milder temperatures, less rain and pleasant days—great for hiking, sightseeing and fewer crowds than summer.
June–August: cooler (especially at night) with crisp mornings—rarely freezing in the city but chilly in higher elevations; bring layers for evenings and early mornings.
September–November: warming temperatures and blooming vegetation, occasional rain—good season for outdoor photography and cultural events.
Joinvile at Night
Hiking in Joinvile
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic ridgeline drives and short trails with panoramic views of valleys and the coastline — good for day hikes and photography.
Part of a larger mountain range offering more challenging hikes and trails in protected areas; day-trip access from Joinville is possible with a vehicle or guided tour.
Easy, family-friendly walking paths inside the local botanical zoo and park—good for short nature walks and birdwatching without leaving the city.
Combination of beach walks and coastal trails near the historic port town, suitable for scenic seaside hikes and exploring maritime landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Joinvile by plane.
Local airport with domestic connections to major Brazilian cities; convenient and close to the city center for domestic flights and regional services.
About 40–70 km south of Joinville (depending on route): more flight options and a common choice for visitors combining Joinville with nearby coastal destinations; reachable by bus, shuttle or car.
Larger airport (roughly 120–180 km away) with more domestic routes and some international flights; good option if flying internationally or seeking more schedule flexibility.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Joinville has a substantial population descended from German, Swiss and other European immigrants—visible in architecture, festivals and culinary traditions.
A diverse mix of people from other regions of Brazil, including descendants of Portuguese, Italian and other immigrant groups, contributing to a multicultural local identity.
Joinville has a strong industrial base and is home to many families, tradespeople and professionals employed in manufacturing and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Brazil’s dominant sport—local clubs and community leagues are popular, and people follow regional and national matches closely.
Volleyball and futsal are commonly played recreationally and competitively, with sports centers catering to youth and adults.
With river promenades and park paths, cycling and running are popular activities among locals for exercise and leisure.
While not a sport per se, dance is a significant cultural pursuit in Joinville—home to the large Joinville Dance Festival and many schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Joinvile.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common in cafés and modern restaurants but can be limited in traditional churrascarias—look for bistrôs, vegetarian-friendly menus and markets; mention 'sou vegetariano(a)' when ordering.
Specialty options exist but are less widespread; bigger restaurants and cafés in central Joinville can accommodate requests if informed in advance; carry snacks if you have strict needs.
Portuguese is the main language—carry a translated note explaining your allergy and say 'sou alérgico(a) a...' to staff; many places will try to help but cross-contamination can occur.