Campinas – the city located in São Paulo state around 100 kilometres from its capital. It was founded at the end of the 18th century. It is known under names The Princess of the West or the city of swallows. From its very beginnings coffee growing has been an important part of its economy. If you want to drink coffee, step by café Marie Antoinette at Rua Coronel Quirino 1239 or by Café Container at Rua Antonio Lapa 1080 – you can try there unique mixes of beans and different types of brewing. For hungry tourists, locals recommend a visit in Thai restaurant Lagundri, by Rua Sampainho 58. Are you vegetarian? There will be something for you in the menu as well. Another highly recommended place is Theo Medeiros restaurant, situated by Rua Doutor Sampaio Ferraz 175, offering food from all over the world.
If you fancy sport and spending time outside – go to Parque do Taquaral (Parque Portugal) – it is a lovely place for jogging, exercising, cycling. The park has its own pond, where you can sail on a boat during week-ends. Enthusiasts of cosmos might be interested in visiting a planetarium located in the park.
If you feel like trying some regional products, pay a visit to Old Market (Mercadão), where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local providers. To catch a panorama of the whole city, go to Water Tower Castelo.
The most popular city’s journal, Correio Popular, created a list of the most beautiful and interesting places in the city, calling it the seven wonders of Campinas. Aside from already mentioned Parque Portugal, Old Market and Tower Castelo, also the old railway station – the symbol of the city, where local events and gigs take place – make it to the list. The cathedral, headquarters of the Jockey Club and the Cadet’s School completed the list.
