Things To Do
in Londrina

Londrina is a dynamic university city in Paraná, Brazil, set in the fertile hinterlands of northern Paraná. It blends modern streets with green parks, historic neighborhoods, and a lively cultural calendar. The city is known for its coffee culture, fairs, and a diverse culinary scene shaped by immigrant influences.

Visitors will find a friendly, student-driven energy and easy access to nearby countryside and waterways.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Catedral Metropolitana de Londrina, an architectural wonder that showcases stunning stained glass and intricate designs. After soaking in the beauty of the cathedral, stroll through the Praça Tomi Nakagawa, where you can enjoy the lush greenery and perhaps grab a coffee from a local café. The morning sun will provide a perfect backdrop as you explore the surrounding historical buildings that tell the story of Londrina's rich heritage.

afternoon
:

For lunch, head to a traditional Brazilian restaurant to savor local dishes like feijoada or a delicious picanha steak. Afterward, visit the Museu Histórico de Londrina, where you can delve deeper into the region's history through engaging exhibitions and artifacts. Take a leisurely walk along the vibrant Rua Sergipe, dotted with shops and local art galleries, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. Later, immerse yourself in Londrina's vibrant nightlife by visiting a local bar or live music venue, where you can listen to Brazilian rhythms and dance the night away. Wrap up the evening with a leisurely stroll in the illuminated Praça da Bandeira, taking in the ambiance and mingling with locals.

day 2
Nature Retreat at Parque Ambiental
morning
:

Kick off your day at Parque Ambiental, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a morning walk or jog. Enjoy the serene paths lined with trees and vibrant flowers, and take a moment to appreciate the tranquil lake. Bring along a picnic breakfast to enjoy while watching the local wildlife, including birds and small animals.

afternoon
:

After your morning in nature, head to the on-site café for a light lunch, followed by an exploration of the park's ecological exhibits that highlight the region's biodiversity. Spend the afternoon biking or hiking along the park's trails, feeling the fresh air and connecting with nature. If you're lucky, you might spot local artists painting the picturesque landscapes.

evening
:

As evening approaches, find a cozy spot in the park to unwind and watch the sunset over the lake, creating a picturesque setting. Consider bringing a book or journal to reflect on your day surrounded by nature's beauty. Afterward, treat yourself to a dinner at a nearby restaurant featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee$2-4
🚎One-way ticket (local transit)$0.80-1.50
🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night)$30-70
🏠Rent (1-bedroom apartment in city center)$350-650

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Vibrant university-town energy with parks and green spaces
  • Strong coffee culture and diverse food scene
  • Good access to natural areas and easy day trips
  • Relatively affordable compared to many Brazilian capitals
  • Spread-out city, requiring transit for some sights
  • Some areas can be quiet at night; nightlife is concentrated
  • Language barriers in less touristy places
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much is this?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Não falo muito bem o português" - I don't speak Portuguese well

Places to Visit in Londrina

Visit one of these nice places.

Lago Igapó I and II

Scenic lakefronts with boardwalks, reflections at golden hours, and plenty of photo opportunities along the water and trees.

Catedral Metropolitana de Londrina

A striking architectural landmark in the historic center, offering clean lines and interior lighting for architecture shots.

Parque Arthur Thomas

Lush green space with ponds, bridges, and paths ideal for tranquil portraits and nature photography.

Jardim Botânico de Londrina

A quiet garden with curated plant collections and natural textures perfect for macro and landscape photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Londrina

Londrina’s cuisine blends Southern Brazilian staples with coffee culture and influences from immigrant communities. Expect hearty, comforting fare alongside modern takes on regional dishes, plus abundant bakery and café options throughout the city.

Londrina Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Polenta com Ragù

Polenta served with a slow-simmered meat ragù—popular in Paraná and a staple comfort dish in casual Londrina eateries.

Must-Try!

Feijoada

A rich bean and pork stew traditionally served with rice, farofa, and orange slices.

Pão de Queijo com Café

Brazilian cheese bread paired with a robust cup of local coffee for a classic morning or afternoon combo.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Central de Londrina

Historic market offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and ready-to-eat bites from stalls around the hall.

Feirinha do Centro

Evening street market near the city center with snacks like pastel, churros, and acai bowls, plus small bites from local vendors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Londrina has a subtropical highland climate with warm summers and cooler winters. Rain is most common in the warmer months, while winter evenings can feel brisk but are rarely severe. The city experiences distinct seasonal variation, but extreme temperatures are uncommon due to elevation and latitude.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and respect

A firm handshake is common in formal settings; close friends may greet with a light hug or cheek kisses. Address people with courtesy and a friendly tone.

Punctuality and conversation

Times are relatively relaxed socially; being friendly and patient in conversations goes a long way. Use polite phrases like por favor and obrigado/obrigada.

Language

Portuguese is the primary language; learning a few phrases helps, though many younger people in urban areas may have basic English.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petty crime can occur in crowded areas and at night; keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings. Use reputable transportation, especially after dark, and stick to well-lit, populated areas. Most tourist areas are reasonably safe during the day with normal street-smarts.

Tipping in Londrina

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is common if service is not included; if service is included, you may leave a smaller tip or round up. For bars and cafes, rounding up the bill is common.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards (debit/credit) are widely accepted. Mobile payment apps and contactless payments are increasingly popular; some small vendors may accept only cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and often humid with frequent afternoon showers. Carry water, use sun protection, and plan outdoor visits for early morning or late afternoon.

Autumn

Mild temperatures and comfortable humidity; pleasant for outdoor walking, with less rain than summer.

Winter

Cooler evenings and mornings; days are generally dry with crisp air. Layered clothing is recommended.

Spring

Warm days with a mix of sun and showers; great for park strolls and outdoor activities as nature blooms.

Nightlife Guide

Londrina at Night

Londrina’s nightlife centers around casual bars, student-friendly pubs, and live music venues in the Centro and university-adjacent districts. Expect craft beer spots, pizza and grill joints, and occasional small concerts or open-mic nights. Safe, sociable environments with a relaxed pace make it easy to hop between venues. Late-night options are plentiful but vary by neighborhood; plan transport accordingly.

Hiking in Londrina

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Lago Igapó scenic walks

Short, easy hikes and loop trails around the lagoons, ideal for day trips and photography.

Parque Arthur Thomas trails

Gentle forested trails within the park offering shaded routes and nature viewing.

Jardim Botânico de Londrina nature paths

Easy nature trails through curated flora and botanical displays with opportunities for peaceful hikes.

Airports

How to reach Londrina by plane.

Londrina – Governador José Richa Airport (LDB)

Primary regional airport serving Londrina with domestic connections; convenient for travelers arriving to the city.

Aeroporto Internacional de Curitiba – Afonso Pena (CWB)

Major international hub about a few hours’ drive away; offers extensive connections and onward travel options.

São Paulo – Guarulhos International (GRU)

Large international gateway offering numerous global connections; accessible for long-haul travel with onward domestic flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

The city center and historic core are fairly walkable, with pleasant streets and parks. Outside the core, distances increase and public transit or ridesharing is more convenient. Overall, you can comfortably explore major sights on foot in a day or two, but a car or bike makes longer trips easier.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Students

A large student population due to several universities and colleges contributes to a lively, youthful energy.

Local residents

Diverse mix of families and professionals who live throughout the city.

Immigrant communities

Historically home to Italian, German, Polish, and Japanese communities; this heritage influences cuisine and neighborhoods.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport; local matches and community leagues are common during weekends.

Basketball

Active school and community leagues; indoor courts are common in parks and recreation centers.

Athletics and track

Running and track events occur in schools, universities, and public parks.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally manageable in the city center, with peak congestion during rush hours on main corridors. Public transport is available, and ride-hailing is widely used. Parking can be challenging in busy areas, so plan extra time for arrivals and departures near popular spots.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Londrina.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for fresh vegetables, polenta, grains, beans, and cheese-based dishes; many places will accommodate requests for meat-free options with advanced notice.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Londrina has several public and private healthcare facilities. SUS (public health system) is available, and there are private hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff in some places. It’s wise to carry health insurance for international travelers or rely on private services when possible.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide