Things To Do
in Maringá

Maringá is a mid-sized planned city in the state of Paraná in southern Brazil, known for broad tree-lined avenues, abundant parks and modernist architecture. The city's striking Catedral Basílica Menor de Nossa Senhora da Glória — with its conical shape — is an iconic skyline landmark surrounded by green public spaces. Maringá balances a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a lively university scene (Universidade Estadual de Maringá) and a diverse immigrant heritage that influences food and culture.

It’s a convenient base for exploring northern Paraná’s lakes, small towns and agricultural landscapes while offering good services and infrastructure for visitors.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pão de queijo and coffee. Afterward, stroll through the picturesque streets of Maringá's Historic Center, admiring the stunning architecture of the Cathedral of Maringá. Stop by the nearby Praça Napoleão Moreira da Silva to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and lush greenery.

afternoon
:

For lunch, indulge in traditional Brazilian cuisine at a local restaurant, relishing dishes like feijoada or a hearty steak. After your meal, visit the Museu Histórico de Maringá to dive into the region's rich cultural heritage and history. Spend the afternoon exploring the local artisan shops, where you can find unique crafts and souvenirs.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a lively bar or restaurant in the center for a taste of Maringá's nightlife. Sample local craft beers or caipirinhas while enjoying live music from local artists. End the night with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, taking in the charm of the city after dark.

day 2
Nature and Relaxation at Parque do Ingá
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing walk in Parque do Ingá, surrounded by beautiful native trees and wildlife. Enjoy a picnic breakfast under the shade while listening to the sounds of nature. Take time to appreciate the serene lake and perhaps catch a glimpse of local birds.

afternoon
:

After your morning stroll, visit the nearby botanical garden to learn about Brazil's diverse flora. Grab lunch at a nearby eatery known for its fresh salads and regional dishes. Spend your afternoon leisurely exploring the park, taking photographs, and enjoying the peaceful ambiance.

evening
:

As evening approaches, find a cozy spot in the park to watch the sunset over the lake. Consider dining at a local restaurant specializing in international cuisine, enjoying dishes inspired by global flavors. After dinner, take a peaceful walk back through the park to reflect on the day's experiences.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Regular coffee (cafe)$1.50-3
🚕Short taxi ride (within city)$3-7
🍺Domestic beer (bar)$2-4
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$50-90

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Green, well-planned city with many parks and good urban design
  • Safe compared to larger Brazilian metropolises and comfortable for families
  • Good regional cuisine, coffee culture and local markets
  • Convenient services, healthcare options and a lively university influence
  • Limited international flight connections—most visitors connect through larger hubs
  • Smaller nightlife and cultural scene compared with São Paulo or Rio
  • Summer humidity and seasonal rains can disrupt outdoor plans
  • Fewer tourist-focused amenities outside the city center
  • "Olá / Oi" - Hello / Hi
  • "Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
  • "Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Maringá

Visit one of these nice places.

Catedral Basílica Menor de Nossa Senhora da Glória

The dramatic conical cathedral is Maringá’s most recognizable landmark—best photographed at sunrise or sunset from the surrounding park for framed skyline shots.

Lago Igapó I

A scenic urban lake with walking paths, fountains and reflections of city greenery—excellent for golden-hour landscape and bird photography.

Parque do Ingá

Green reserve with trails, interesting rock formations and native flora; good for nature macro, birds and tranquil forest compositions.

Bosque das Grevíleas

Smaller wooded park with tree-lined paths and seasonal colors—pleasant for close-up nature shots and candid photos of locals enjoying outdoor life.

Praças centrais and Avenida Mandacaru

Tree-lined avenues, modernist buildings and street life create opportunities for urban and street photography capturing everyday scenes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Maringá

Maringá’s food scene is a mix of traditional southern Brazilian fare (notably churrasco and hearty meat dishes), Italian and Polish influences from immigrant communities, plus an increasing number of cafés, health-food spots and contemporary restaurants. Fresh coffee, regional cheeses and grilled meats are staples, while municipal markets and street stalls offer convenient tasting opportunities.

Maringá Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Churrasco

Brazilian barbecue with various cuts of grilled beef, pork and sausages; best experienced at a local churrascaria where waiters bring skewers to the table.

Must-Try!

Linguiça artesanal / embutidos

Artisanal sausages reflecting Italian and Polish traditions; try them at local delis or at the Mercado Municipal.

Pão de queijo and coxinha

Popular Brazilian snacks—cheese buns (pão de queijo) and savory fried dough (coxinha) — widely available at bakeries and cafés.

Pratos com polenta e massas

Polenta and homemade pastas appear in many family-run restaurants due to Italian immigrant influence; look for daily specials in neighborhood bodegas.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Maringá

Central market offering fresh produce, cheeses, sausages, snack stalls and a chance to try regional specialties and buy local products.

Feiras e food trucks (weekend fairs)

Weekend food fairs and food-truck gatherings serve varied options from grilled meats to vegan bowls and craft desserts—great for sampling many flavors in one place.

Climate Guide

Weather

Maringá has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Rainfall is highest in the summer months (November–March), while winter (June–August) tends to be drier and cooler, with occasional cold fronts that lower temperatures for a short time. Temperatures rarely reach extreme highs seen in northern Brazil, and frosts are uncommon but possible in the coldest winters inland.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Handshakes are common in formal situations; friends and acquaintances often exchange one or two cheek kisses (right cheek first). Use 'senhor/senhora' for older people or formal address until invited to use first names.

Personal Space and Warmth

Brazilians are generally warm and tactile—close conversation distance and friendly physical contact are normal; smiling and being expressive are appreciated.

Dress and Behavior

Dress neatly in urban settings; remove hats when entering churches. Avoid loud political debates with strangers and be respectful when photographing people—ask permission when in doubt.

Punctuality

Social events can start slightly later than scheduled, but business meetings expect reasonable punctuality—confirm times and be communicative if delayed.

Safety Guide

Safety

Maringá is generally safer than many larger Brazilian cities, with a relatively low violent crime rate, but petty theft and bag-snatching can occur—be vigilant in crowded areas and at night. Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps after dark, avoid poorly lit streets, keep valuables secure and photocopy important documents. Carry emergency numbers and consider travel insurance for health and trip protection.

Tipping in Maringá

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A 10% service charge is common in restaurants and is often included on the bill; if service is not included, a 10% tip is customary. For taxis and casual services, rounding up or leaving small change is normal. Tip hotel porters and cleaning staff a small amount for good service.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels; contactless payments and digital wallets are increasingly common. Cash (Brazilian real) is useful for small vendor stalls, markets and buses—ATMs are widely available but carry modest withdrawal fees.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; dress light, carry rain protection and schedule outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heavy rain and heat.

Autumn (Mar–May)

Milder temperatures and decreasing rain—pleasant for walking and outdoor sightseeing; early autumn can still be warm while later weeks cool down.

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Cooler, drier weather with chilly mornings and comfortable afternoons; nights can be brisk so bring a light jacket, especially for early morning and evening outings.

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Warming temperatures and blooming parks—beautiful for botanical photography and outdoor festivals, but showers can increase toward late spring.

Nightlife Guide

Maringá at Night

Maringá’s nightlife is relaxed but lively—expect neighborhood bars, live-music venues, small clubs and breweries rather than mega-clubs. Zona 7, Avenida Tiradentes and certain squares host restaurants and bars that stay open late; weekends bring more live bands, samba nights and student-driven gatherings. The scene skews toward casual dining, craft beer and intimate concerts rather than high-energy metropolitan nightlife.

Hiking in Maringá

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Parque do Ingá Trails

Local trails through native vegetation with short hikes suitable for families and birdwatchers; it's within the city and good for half-day outings.

Horto Florestal (Parque Horto Florestal)

A forested area with several marked paths for easy to moderate walks, picnic spots and nature observation close to the city.

Circuit around Lago Igapó

Mostly flat walking and running circuit with lakeside views—ideal for long, easy hikes and sunrise/sunset walks.

Day-trip hikes to regional nature reserves

Longer drives (1–3 hours) reach larger conservation areas and state parks in northern Paraná for more challenging trails and scenic landscapes—best arranged as guided day trips.

Airports

How to reach Maringá by plane.

Maringá–Silvio Name Júnior Regional Airport (MGF)

The city’s main airport with domestic flights to major Brazilian hubs; convenient taxi and shuttle connections to the city center (roughly 10–20 minutes by car).

Londrina Airport (LDB)

About a 1.5–2 hour drive northeast of Maringá; offers additional domestic flight options and is reachable by car or regional bus services.

Afonso Pena International Airport (Curitiba - CWB)

The largest international airport in Paraná, around a 3.5–4 hour drive from Maringá; useful if connecting to international flights or larger national routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Central Maringá is highly walkable, especially around the cathedral, Praça Raposo Tavares, Lago Igapó and major avenues with wide sidewalks and tree cover. Parks and lakeside promenades are designed for pedestrians and cyclists. For suburban areas and attractions farther out, a car or taxi is more practical.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Descendentes de imigrantes europeus

Large communities with Italian, Polish and German ancestry influence local cuisine, festivals and family-run businesses.

Comunidade japonesa-brasileira

A notable Japanese-Brazilian presence contributes to cultural diversity, cuisine and agriculture in the region.

Estudantes universitários

A sizable student population from the Universidade Estadual de Maringá energizes the cultural scene and local services.

Populações afro-brasileiras e indígenas

Afro-Brazilian and indigenous communities are present and contribute to the broader cultural tapestry of the region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

By far the most popular sport—local clubs like Maringá FC draw community support and matches are an important social event.

Futsal and Volleyball

Futsal is widely played indoors, and volleyball is common in schools and community centers across the city.

Running and Cycling

Lakeside paths and park trails attract runners and cyclists, with a growing recreational and competitive amateur scene.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Maringá is generally lighter than in Brazil’s major cities, though there are rush-hour delays on main arteries and near commercial districts. The city has an organized municipal bus network that covers most neighborhoods; ride-hailing apps (Uber, 99) are widely available and often the most convenient option for visitors. Driving is straightforward but watch for one-way streets and peak-time congestion.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Maringá.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are increasingly common in Maringá’s cafés and contemporary restaurants, but traditional eateries focus on meat. Look for vegetarian menus in the city center, health-food cafes and weekend fairs; it helps to ask for 'sem carne' or 'prato vegetariano'.

Vegan / Gluten-free

Vegan and gluten-free choices exist but are less widespread—specialty cafes and some bakeries cater to these diets; communicate restrictions clearly and use apps to find dedicated places.

Food allergies

Staff in tourist-facing restaurants usually understand common allergies, but always state the allergy in Portuguese (e.g., 'Tenho alergia a amendoim') and double-check ingredients.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Maringá has good healthcare infrastructure for a regional city, including public hospitals and private clinics; notable facilities include the regional university hospital and several private hospitals and emergency clinics. Pharmacies are common and some operate 24 hours. Travelers should carry health insurance and bring any prescription medications with the original prescription.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide