Joinville Travel Guide

Joinville Travel Guide - Discover the best tourist attractions, activities, restaurants, hotels, shopping, culture, transportation, and more in Joinville, Brazil.


Introduction to Joinville

Joinville is a beautiful city located in the northern region of Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil. It offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, history, and modern amenities. The city is known for its strong cultural heritage, hosting various festivals throughout the year, including the Joinville Dance Festival and the Joinville Festival of Flowers.

List of Places to Visit in Joinville

Joinville has a wide array of attractions, from beautiful natural scenery to historical landmarks and cultural institutions.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The city is home to a range of museums and historic sites, including:

  • Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology: showcases the indigenous people and their culture of Joinville and the coastal region of Santa Catarina.
  • Joinville National Immigration Museum: discover the history of German immigration in Joinville and learn about the customs of the German community.
  • Museum of Contemporary Art: showcases the works of local and national contemporary artists.

Natural Attractions of Joinville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Joinville boasts some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in Brazil. Here are some of the top outdoor attractions in and around the city:

  • Serra do Mar: a mountain range with rich flora and fauna., perfect for trekking and enjoying stunning views.
  • Morro da Boa Vista: the highest point in Joinville with a view of the city and nearby mountains.
  • Piraí Falls: a beautiful waterfall with crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming, hiking, and photo opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Joinville

Joinville has many hiking and biking routes, which showcase the gorgeous natural beauty of northern Santa Catarina. The Piraí Loop Trail, which is about 7 km long, offers stunning views of the Piraí waterfall, as well as panoramic city views. Another popular trail is the Espinheiros Ecological Trail, which is about 5 km long and takes hikers through thick Atlantic Forest vegetation, with sights of native animals like monkeys and birds.

Best Things to Do in Joinville: Activities and Tours

Joinville offers a range of activities and tours for all ages and interests. Here are some of the top things to do:

  • Joinville Dance Festival: a world-renowned dance festival that takes place annually in July, when the city comes alive with dance performances from around the world.
  • Joinville Festival of Flowers: a colorful festival that takes place in November and features a stunning array of flowers.
  • Joinville Zoo: a family-friendly destination, which is home to more than 600 animals, including exotic species like lions, tigers, and giraffes.
  • Maria Winckler’s home: built in 1867, this large wooden house was the former home of the family of one of Joinville’s pioneers. Now it functions as a museum that displays its original furnishings and decorations.

Week-Long Itinerary for Joinville

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long stay in Joinville:

Day Activity
1 Check out Joinville’s historic city center
2 Visit the National Immigration Museum and the Zoo
3 Visit the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology and hike the Espinheiros Trail
4 Explore the city’s parks and gardens, including the Joinville Botanical Garden
5 Visit the Contemporary Art Museum and enjoy the local nightlife
6 Day trip to the Piraí Falls and enjoy activities like hiking and swimming
7 Visit Maria Winckler’s home and enjoy shopping at the Joinville Market

Food and Drink Scene of Joinville

Joinville has a rich culinary scene with many local dishes and regional specialties. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Churrasco: a Brazilian barbecue dish consisting of grilled meat, typically beef, chicken, or pork.
  • Marreco com Repolho Roxo: roast duck with purple cabbage, a typical dish of the German cuisine heritage in Joinville.
  • Fandango: a traditional dance from Joinville done while eating the delicious jarrete (braised shin of beef).

Local Beverages

  • Beer: Joinville is known for its traditional German beer festivals, and August is the month of the Stammtisch parties.
  • Cachaça: a local distilled spirit similar to rum, often used in cocktails like the famous caipirinha.

Where to Stay in Joinville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Joinville has many accommodation options to fit all budgets and preferences.

  • Hotel Bourbon Joinville: a modern five-star hotel located close to shopping centers.
  • Ibis Joinville: a comfortable three-star hotel located in the city center.
  • Hostel do Pivete: a great budget option for backpackers and small groups.

What to Buy in Joinville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Joinville is a city of artisans and produces a wide variety of handicrafts. Here are some suggestions for souvenirs and local products:

  • Porcelain: Joinville is the main producer of porcelain in the country, and it’s recognized worldwide.
  • Hand-made Guitars: Joinville is the birthplace of the Hand-made Brazilian guitar; you can buy the most valuable classical and electric guitars, which are often exported to Europe.

Local Culture and Customs of Joinville

Joinville has a strong cultural heritage. It’s a city that values education and music, and it is particularly known for its German heritage, which is reflected in its architecture, language, and customs. Some key customs to keep in mind when visiting Joinville include:

  • Greetings: while welcoming someone in Joinville, use a formal address like “Senhor” or “Senhora,” and a more informal one for younger people ”Moço” or “Moça”.
  • Punctuality: It is important in Joinville’s culture to arrive on time, and it’s considered rude to be late.
  • Music fest on weekends: Joinville values a good weekend party, check out the Stammtisch parties to enjoy a good German beer festival with live music!

Best Time to Visit Joinville

The best time to visit Joinville is during the summer months from December to February, when the weather is warm and sunny. The Joinville Dance Festival and the Festival of Flowers also take place during this period.

Do’s and Don’ts of Joinville

Do:

  • Greet locals politely
  • Try local dishes
  • Attend local events and festivals

Don’t:

  • Be late for appointments
  • Speak loudly in public places
  • Express disrespect to the cultural heritage of the town

Safety and Health

Safety in Joinville

Joinville is generally a safe city, but visitors should take normal precautions, especially at night or in isolated areas. Make sure to keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings.

Health in Joinville

Joinville has many hospitals, including public and private options. Visitors should have travel insurance in case of medical emergencies.

Getting to Joinville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Joinville is conveniently located 120 km north of the state capital, Florianópolis. It has easy access to several transportation options:

Airports Near Joinville

  • Joinville-Lauro Carneiro de Loyola Airport: offers domestic flights from major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Bus Stations Near Joinville

  • Joinville Bus Station: has regular services to major cities in southern Brazil.
  • Rio Negro Bus Station: close to downtown Joinville, with connections to some nearby destinations.

Other Options

  • Car rental: rent a car and enjoy the scenic routes around Santa Catarina.
  • Ride-sharing apps: companies such as Uber, Lyft, and Cabify are also available in Joinville.

How to Get Around in Joinville

The city has a public bus system, with several routes covering different areas of the city. You can either use the paper ticket or the transport card that you can recharge easily, offering a discount on the paper ticket fare. Taxis are also available throughout the city.

Where to Go Next from Joinville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bombinhas: one hour’s drive from Joinville, it is known for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.
  • Florianópolis: the state capital is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive south of Joinville, and it’s worth the trip for its colonial architecture and beautiful beaches.
  • Blumenau: about 70 km from Joinville, this city is known for its strong German heritage and hosts a popular Oktoberfest festival.

Conclusion

Joinville offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty, history, culture, and modern amenities. Its numerous attractions and activities make it an ideal destination for tourists seeking a unique Brazilian experience. Whether you’re interested in hiking, exploring museums and historical sites, or just enjoying the music and dance festivals, Joinville has something for everyone.

Downtown Joinville Downtown Joinville Rua das Palmeiras in front of the National Museum of Immigration and Colonization. Rua das Palmeiras in front of the National Museum of Immigration and Colonization. A presentation by the Bolshoi Ballet Company during the 2006 Joinville Dance Festival. A presentation by the Bolshoi Ballet Company during the 2006 Joinville Dance Festival.