Campinas Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Campinas featuring heritage elements and street scenes as well as a small group of people
Castle Tower showing night scenes and a city
Planetarium
Museum of Image and Sound showing heritage elements and street scenes as well as a small group of people
Municipal Market which includes markets, interior views and food
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

Campinas showing a city and landscape views

Cambuí

Cambuí is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Museum of Contemporary Art and Museu do Negro.

Cambuí
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Barão Geraldo

While Barão Geraldo may 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.

Barão Geraldo
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Cidade Universitária

While there might not be top attractions in Cidade Universitária, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Unicamp Observatory and Parque Dom Pedro Shopping Mall.

Cidade Universitária
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Vila Rialto

While Vila Rialto may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Culture Station and Metropolitan Cathedral of Campinas.

Vila Rialto
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Campinas Center

While visiting Campinas Center, you might make a stop by sights like Municipal Market and Metropolitan Cathedral of Campinas.

Campinas Center
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Jardim Planalto

When in Jardim Planalto, you can plan a visit to Jequitibas Forest and Museum of Contemporary Art, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Jardim Planalto
Hotel Golden Park Campinas Viracopos By Nacional Inn
Hotel Golden Park Campinas Viracopos By Nacional Inn
3 out of 5
Rua Antonio Luchiari, 900/8, Distrito Industrial, Campinas, SP
The price is AU$83 per night from 1 May to 2 May
AU$83
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Campinas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Great hotel to spend the night when you have a layover in Campinas. The food from the restaurant was pretty good."

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2025

Hotel Golden Park Campinas Viracopos By Nacional Inn
Vitória Hotel Concept Campinas
Vitória Hotel Concept Campinas
4 out of 5
Av José De Souza Campos, 425, Cambui, Campinas, SP
The price is AU$145 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
AU$145
includes taxes & fees
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Campinas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Vitória Hotel Summary
"The hotel was excellent. Primarily, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Very responsive to any needs or requests. Took the time to help with whatever they could. The hotel and rooms were very clean."

Reviewed on 31 Jan. 2025

Vitória Hotel Concept Campinas
ibis budget Campinas Aquidaban
ibis budget Campinas Aquidaban
2.5 out of 5
Rua Jose Paulino 229, Campinas, SP
The price is AU$59 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
AU$59
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Campinas. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on 31 Oct. 2024

ibis budget Campinas Aquidaban
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.
 I am Design Hotel Campinas by Hotelaria Brasil
I am Design Hotel Campinas 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! (417 reviews)
"Amazing facilities and location. Staff extra helpful."

Reviewed on 8 Jan. 2025

I am Design Hotel Campinas by Hotelaria Brasil
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 helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (627 reviews)
Excelente custo x benefício
"Muito bom , camas confortáveis, banheiros bons, silencioso, bom café da manhã"

Reviewed on 11 Feb. 2025

Occitano Apart Hotel
Chácara Sorriso 1
Chácara Sorriso 1
4 out of 5
Estrada Brasilia, 207, Atibaia, SP
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly vacation home in Atibaia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 indoor pools.
Chácara Sorriso 1
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

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Cities near Campinas