Campinas

Travel Guide
Castle Tower featuring a city and night scenes
This ambitious city is blessed with a multifaceted past, a dynamic cultural present and a number of lovely outdoor spaces.

A bustling metropolis of about 1 million inhabitants, Campinas has changed significantly since its 18th-century founding as a rural enclave. Visit this industry, technology and education hub with a vigorous cultural scene. After surviving a dreadful yellow fever outbreak in the 1800s, Campinas took as its icon the mythical phoenix, an appropriate emblem for a city on the rise. 

Stroll around the Centro district to see monuments to the deeper heritage of Campinas. Admire the Gothic façade and intricate decorations of the Basilica of Our Lady of Carmel, the city’s oldest place of worship. A few blocks south is the 19th-century Metropolitan Cathedral of Campinas, one of the world’s largest structures built using the “taipa de pilão” clay-and-rock technique.

In the Culture Station see Campinas’ modern adaptation of its industrial history. This historic railway complex, once the city’s central station, now hosts major concerts on covered train platforms and many other cultural activities throughout its varied spaces. Check listings in advance to see what’s on.

For a panoramic view of Campinas and surroundings, visit the Castle Tower north of the city. This fetching art deco structure is a functioning water reservoir and offers the highest vantage point in town. Climb the stairs to its observation deck and look out across the sprawl of Campinas, identifying landmarks with the handy information plaques provided.

To escape urban bustle, retreat to one of the many fine natural spaces in Campinas. Stroll the shaded paths of the Jequitibás Forest, a wooded urban park with native trees, a zoo, an aquarium, playgrounds and a children’s theater. Visit the Parque Portugal to enjoy recreational activities and scenic views of the lagoon.

Campinas lies in the state of São Paulo, just 56 miles (90 kilometers) north of the city. Fly into Viracopos Airport in Campinas or take the 2-hour transfer bus from São Paulo Airport. Campinas is served by urban buses, connecting most major sights in the city. Regular safety precautions apply, especially at night. 

Where to stay in Campinas

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Cambuí

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Cambuí is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Museu do Negro and Avenida José de Sousa Campos.

Cambuí
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Barão Geraldo

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Barão Geraldo and surrounding area, you can visit Unicamp Observatory and Parque Dom Pedro Shopping Mall.

Barão Geraldo
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Sousas

While Sousas might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Iguatemi Shopping Mall and Anhumas Station.

Sousas
Campinas featuring a city and landscape views

Conceicao

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Conceicao, Jequitibas Forest and Metropolitan Cathedral of Campinas are top sights worth seeing.

Conceicao
The best photos of Golden Hour you can get from the bath window in 3rd floor.

Cidade Universitária

5/5(1 area review)

While Cidade Universitária might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Unicamp Observatory and Parque Dom Pedro Shopping Mall.

Cidade Universitária
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Joaquim Egídio

If you're spending some time in Joaquim Egídio, Iguatemi Shopping Mall and Jequitibas Forest are top sights worth seeing.

Joaquim Egídio
Hotel Golden Park Campinas Viracopos
Hotel Golden Park Campinas Viracopos
3 out of 5
Rua Antonio Luchiari, 900/8, Distrito Industrial, Campinas, SP
The price is NT$1,365 per night from Apr 19 to Apr 20
NT$1,365
per night
Apr 19 - Apr 20
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Campinas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attraction Campinas Shopping Center is located ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Very nice hotel, very educated and helpful stuff"

Reviewed on 2024/2/24

Hotel Golden Park Campinas Viracopos
Vitória Hotel Concept Campinas
Vitória Hotel Concept Campinas
4 out of 5
Av José De Souza Campos, 425, Cambui, Campinas, SP
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,139 per night from Apr 26 to Apr 27
NT$3,139
per night
Apr 26 - Apr 27
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Campinas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (997 reviews)
"Overall nice. Room provided need modernizing"

Reviewed on 2023/10/27

Vitória Hotel Concept Campinas
Hotel Malibu Inn
Hotel Malibu Inn
3.5 out of 5
Rua Dr. Antonio Alvares Lobo, 590, Campinas
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$1,483 per night from Apr 26 to Apr 27
NT$1,483
per night
Apr 26 - Apr 27
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Campinas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (476 reviews)
Serviço excepcionalmente perfeito!
"Me hospedei no hotel Malibu Inn por 5 dias com a minha avó que sofre de esquizofrenia. A equipe foi excepcionalmente incrível, prestando todo o apoio e com toda a paciência e carinho do mundo! Não poderia pedir uma qualidade de serviço melhor, desde as camareiras, pessoal da limpeza, até os maravilhosos ..."

Reviewed on 2019/10/28

Hotel Malibu Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Occitano Apart Hotel
Occitano Apart Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Rua Marcelo Vacchi, 100, Morumbi, Piracicaba, SP
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Piracicaba. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (423 reviews)
"Great breakfast. The room is perfect."

Reviewed on 2023/12/17

Occitano Apart Hotel
I am Design Hotel by Hotelaria Brasil
I am Design Hotel by Hotelaria Brasil
4 out of 5
Rua Alecrins, 745, Campinas
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Campinas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (361 reviews)
"Everything was excellent 👍 but the only thing I recommend changing a little would be the daily menu for breakfast in other words more options!"

Reviewed on 2024/1/5

I am Design Hotel by Hotelaria Brasil
Aparthotel Adagio Jundiai Shopping
Aparthotel Adagio Jundiai Shopping
4 out of 5
Avenida 9 De Julho 3401, Jundiai
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Jundiai. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (153 reviews)
"A little smaller than expected but otherwise very good"

Reviewed on 2021/11/23

Aparthotel Adagio Jundiai Shopping
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Campinas

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
10
" "5 - Excellent 38.46153846153846%
4 - Good
14
" "4 - Good 53.84615384615385%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 7.6923076923076925%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 28, 2020

Explored Campinas for a day and found many things to do. Campinas is a clean city. We enjoyed it much more than Sao Paulo.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 24, 2019

Campinas has some great nightlife and restaurants, both local and adopted. It's largely safe at night, and there are fun things to do.

4/5 - Good

Ignacio
Aug 31, 2018

Nice place if you know the city and places to go.

Cities near Campinas