Key Takeaways:
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Maringá is a green, modern city in southern Brazil known for its parks, cultural landmarks, and laid-back lifestyle.
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With its mix of architectural beauty, music festivals, and family-friendly nature spots, Maringá has something for every type of traveler.
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This year-round guide explores what to see, taste, and experience in one of Brazil’s most livable cities.
Located in the state of Paraná, Maringá is often called one of Brazil’s greenest cities thanks to its careful urban planning and countless tree-lined streets. Designed in the 1940s with garden-city principles, it blends modern infrastructure with abundant green spaces, making it ideal for walking, biking, and outdoor activities. The city is also a hub for culture and commerce in southern Brazil, offering museums, music, food festivals, and architectural gems.
People love Maringá for its calm rhythm, clean streets, and high quality of life. Whether you’re into art and architecture or prefer open-air markets and botanical gardens, the city offers accessible and enjoyable experiences year-round. Let’s dive into 10 must-do activities that show off Maringá’s charm.
Table of Contents
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Visit the Cathedral of Maringá
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Stroll Through Parque do Ingá
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Explore the Japanese Garden at Parque do JapĂŁo
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Discover Local Flavors at Feira do Produtor
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Attend the Expoingá Agricultural & Cultural Fair
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Hike and Picnic in Horto Florestal
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Tour the Municipal Market for Local Goods
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Catch a Show at Calil Haddad Theater
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Cycle the City’s Bike Paths and Greenways
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Experience Maringá’s Vibrant Food Truck Scene
1. Visit the Cathedral of Maringá
The Cathedral of Maringá, also known as the Catedral BasĂlica Menor Nossa Senhora da GlĂłria, is one of the tallest churches in South America and the city’s most iconic landmark. Its striking conical design, inspired by the Soviet Sputnik satellite, makes it a modern architectural marvel. Towering over 120 meters high, the cathedral can be seen from nearly any point in the city and offers panoramic views from its observation deck.
Inside, the peaceful ambiance and modern stained-glass windows add a spiritual touch to your visit. The surrounding plaza is a popular place for locals to gather, especially in the evenings when street performers and vendors bring it to life. Whether you’re interested in architecture, photography, or just soaking in the local vibe, this cathedral is a perfect starting point for exploring Maringá. It’s open daily, and entry is free.
2. Stroll Through Parque do Ingá
Parque do Ingá is a lush urban park in the heart of Maringá, offering walking trails, paddle boats, wildlife, and plenty of shade. It wraps around a tranquil lake where turtles, ducks, and fish swim freely, and the surrounding trails are popular for morning jogs or relaxing afternoon strolls. The park covers over 47 acres, and it’s a favorite spot for both exercise and peaceful reflection.
Kids can enjoy the playgrounds, and nature lovers will appreciate the forested paths that feel worlds away from the city despite being centrally located. Local snack stands often sell coconut water and traditional Brazilian treats, making it a great spot for an impromptu picnic. The park is open year-round and remains cool even during summer, thanks to its thick canopy of trees. It’s one of the most visited spots in the city for good reason.
3. Explore the Japanese Garden at Parque do JapĂŁo
Parque do Japão, or Japan Park, is a stunning space dedicated to celebrating the cultural ties between Brazil and Japan. Maringá has a large Japanese-descendant population, and this park honors that heritage with manicured gardens, koi ponds, arched bridges, and traditional architecture. Visitors can walk through zen-like trails, visit the cultural center, or simply relax under a cherry blossom tree in bloom.
It’s a year-round destination for families, photographers, and anyone looking to escape into a calm and scenic setting. The tea house and gift shop add cultural depth to the experience, with occasional workshops or performances scheduled throughout the month. Even if you’re not familiar with Japanese culture, the beauty and peaceful energy of the park offer a universally enjoyable escape. It’s a great spot for reflective moments and learning something new.
4. Discover Local Flavors at Feira do Produtor
If you’re in Maringá on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, don’t miss the Feira do Produtor—one of the city’s most vibrant farmer’s markets. Located in the Zona 7 district, this open-air market is packed with local producers selling everything from organic fruits and vegetables to cheese, honey, baked goods, and fresh juices. The atmosphere is lively with music, friendly chatter, and the aroma of street food.
It’s an ideal place to try local flavors and support small-scale farmers and artisans. During the cooler months, vendors offer hot corn cakes and seasonal sweets, while summertime brings chilled juices and tropical fruits. The market is both a social hub and a culinary adventure, with something new to try on every visit. Be sure to go early for the freshest finds and to beat the crowds.
5. Attend the Expoingá Agricultural & Cultural Fair
Expoingá is one of the largest and most anticipated events in Maringá, typically held in May. This annual fair combines agricultural exhibitions with concerts, food vendors, amusement rides, and craft stalls—drawing visitors from across the state. It’s an exciting way to experience Maringá’s agricultural roots and community spirit in one energetic venue.
The fairgrounds come alive with live music, rodeos, farm equipment displays, and pop-up food courts offering everything from churrasco (Brazilian barbecue) to pastel. While it’s a seasonal event, its impact lasts all year—many locals plan their social calendar around it. Even if you’re not in town for Expoingá, the venue often hosts smaller festivals and shows throughout the year. It’s a must-see if your visit lines up with the festivities.
6. Hike and Picnic in Horto Florestal
Horto Florestal, also known as the Maringá Forest Reserve, is a green escape ideal for hiking, jogging, or simply breathing fresh air among native trees. The trails here wind through preserved forestland and are perfect for spotting birds, butterflies, and even small mammals. Benches, picnic tables, and covered areas make it an easy place to spend a full afternoon surrounded by nature.
While it’s especially popular during weekends, the park remains peaceful on weekdays and is open year-round. Families love the wide-open spaces and shaded picnic zones, while fitness lovers enjoy the natural terrain for workouts. It’s a good idea to bring snacks, water, and mosquito repellent for a more comfortable visit. If you’re looking for a quiet recharge without leaving the city, Horto Florestal delivers.
7. Tour the Municipal Market for Local Goods
Maringá’s Municipal Market, or Mercado Municipal, is the city’s go-to spot for everything from regional ingredients to artisanal gifts. Located centrally, it’s easy to access and full of colorful stalls offering cheeses, spices, dried fruits, local sweets, and more. This is the kind of place where you can chat with vendors, discover new ingredients, and pick up authentic souvenirs.
Food lovers will appreciate the market’s diversity, especially in the snack bars serving traditional Brazilian meals like feijoada or coxinha. It’s also a cultural experience—each stall reflects a slice of the region’s identity and culinary heritage. The market stays open throughout the year and often adds special themes around holidays. Don’t forget to grab a cup of freshly brewed Brazilian coffee while you browse.
8. Catch a Show at Calil Haddad Theater
For a dose of Maringá’s cultural side, head to the Calil Haddad Theater—one of Paraná’s largest and most active cultural venues. The theater hosts a wide variety of performances year-round, including music concerts, plays, dance shows, and film screenings. The building itself is modern and comfortable, with great acoustics and seating arrangements for a quality viewing experience.
Many shows feature local artists or traveling acts from around Brazil, so there’s always something fresh on the lineup. Even if you’re not fluent in Portuguese, the energy and performance quality make many events enjoyable for visitors. Check the theater’s calendar in advance for updated programming—you might catch a jazz night, a children’s play, or a classical recital during your visit. It’s a wonderful way to wind down an evening in the city.
9. Cycle the City’s Bike Paths and Greenways
Maringá is a cyclist-friendly city with an impressive network of bike paths, many of which run alongside major avenues and through green corridors. Renting a bike (or using a local app) allows you to explore at your own pace while enjoying the city’s lush scenery. Riders can coast through parks, residential areas, and even to nearby attractions like Parque do Japão or the Cathedral.
The city’s flat layout makes biking accessible for all ages and skill levels. With a generally mild climate, it’s a great activity year-round—just remember sun protection and water during warmer months. Locals often use biking as both transportation and a leisure activity, and it’s one of the best ways to get a feel for Maringá’s relaxed, healthy lifestyle. Whether solo or with a group, cycling lets you see more in less time.
10. Experience Maringá’s Vibrant Food Truck Scene
In the evenings, Maringá’s food truck parks come alive with lights, music, and a wide array of street food. Located in spots like Vila OlĂmpica or Avenida Herval, these informal food courts serve up burgers, crepes, açaĂ bowls, and international dishes with a Brazilian twist. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, with outdoor seating and occasional live music performances.
Open nearly every night of the week, food truck hubs are a great alternative to restaurants and give you a taste of local nightlife. Many vendors rotate their menus, so you’ll always find something new to try. Families, students, and tourists all mingle in these spaces, creating an easygoing social atmosphere. If you’re craving an authentic, budget-friendly dinner with a side of people-watching, this is the place.
What to do if you have kids?
Maringá is an excellent destination for families traveling with kids thanks to its abundance of safe parks, bike trails, and kid-friendly attractions. Spots like Parque do Ingá and Parque do Japão have open lawns, playgrounds, and wildlife to keep young visitors engaged. The city also offers family-focused cafes and occasional children’s theater shows at Calil Haddad. With clean streets and a calm pace, Maringá makes it easy to explore without stress.
Where can I find free events in Maringa Brazil taking place this weekend?
To discover free events happening in Maringá this weekend—from open-air concerts to food fairs and cultural festivals—use PlanMyWeekend.ai. This tool helps you find things to do that don’t involve clubs or nightlife, making it ideal for families and casual travelers. Updated weekly, it highlights concerts, markets, fitness meetups, and local gatherings so you never miss out on what’s going on.
Final Thoughts
Maringá is a city that quietly impresses with its blend of green space, culture, and year-round livability. Whether you’re wandering through a Japanese garden, sampling produce at a farmer’s market, or catching a sunset in one of its many parks, there’s a calm and charm that stays with you. It’s ideal for slow travel, cultural exploration, and reconnecting with nature in an urban setting. Plan a few days here—you’ll likely wish you had more.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
