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Londrina offers a fascinating blend of urban energy and lush, green landscapes. Often overlooked in favor of larger Brazilian cities, it quietly thrives as a hub of culture, commerce, and natural beauty.
This post covers Londrina, when to visit, getting around, where to stay, safety, and attractions. We’ll also delve into considerations for those seeking to remain long-term, like living costs and healthcare.
Overview
Founded in the 1930s by British settlers, Londrina’s roots in agriculture remain strong, particularly in coffee production. The city’s name, which translates to “Little London,” reflects its British heritage, although the influence of Italian and Japanese immigrants is equally prominent today.
Londrina’s history gives it a unique character distinct from Brazil’s more commonly visited cities. Whether wandering through its expansive parks, savoring a meal at a local café, or exploring its rich coffee-growing history, the city’s relaxed charm makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a more laid-back Brazilian experience.
One of Londrina’s standout features is its green spaces. The Igapó Lake is a serene escape in the city’s heart, offering jogging paths, picnic areas, and stunning sunset views. For those looking to explore nature further, the Mata dos Godoy State Park offers lush forests outside the city, perfect for hiking and spotting local wildlife.
Beyond its parks and outdoor activities, Londrina is also home to a thriving cultural scene. The city boasts numerous art galleries, theaters, and music festivals, including the renowned Festival Internacional de Londrina (FILO), which attracts artists and performers from across Brazil and beyond.
Londrina may not have the glamour of Rio or São Paulo, but its charm lies in its authenticity, simplicity, and high quality of life.
Londrina
- State: Paraná
- Population: 560,000
- Official language(s): Brazilian Portuguese
- Currency: Real/reais (R$)
- Climate: Cfa (humid subtropical)
- Safe to visit: Yes
- Cost of living: Low
When to Visit
While summertime draws sizable crowds to Londrina, venturing there in the shoulder seasons allows visitors to uncover its hidden charm without crowds of travelers. From March through May or August until October, mild temperatures and light tourism make enjoying the city’s allure much easier.
One can experience various outdoor activities and blooming flora between summer and autumn or winter and spring. Additionally, these in-between months sidestep the rainy season’s deluges from December to February, granting ample opportunity to leisurely explore Londrina’s scenic parks nestled around shimmering lakes and notable sites steeped in tradition without soggy frustration dampening the fun.
Getting Around
Londrina–Gov. José Richa Airport (LDB) is Londrina’s main airport. LATAM Brazil, Azul, and GOL lead Brazil’s airline sector and serve Latin America, North America, the Caribbean, Oceania, Asia, and Europe.
Rental car options include Hertz, National, Alamo, Enterprise, and Localiza. Consider getting an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to ensure that local authorities in the foreign country where you will drive understand your domestic driving license. An IDP will certify and translate your home country’s license to use abroad. That will be incredibly convenient in Brazil, where English speakers aren’t widespread.
Londrina’s central bus terminal is at Avenida Dez de Dezembro, 1830. You may need a bus pass to take local buses.
Uber, inDrive, BlaBlaCar, and taxis are available in Londrina.
Where to Stay
The best neighborhoods in Londrina include Gleba Palhano, Aurora, Centro (Downtown), Igapó, and Jardim Bela Suíça.
Londrina offers various accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to affordable hotels.
Airbnb is available in Londrina. For long-term stays, you can book one to three months through the platform and then deal with the host privately. Many homeowners and travelers prefer private arrangements to avoid Airbnb’s high fees. You can also search Vrbo for vacation rentals and private homes.
Things to Do
The top things to do in Londrina include:
Igapó Lake: This is Londrina’s most iconic spot. Surrounded by greenery, the lake offers walking and cycling paths, picnic areas, and stunning sunset views. It’s perfect for a stroll, relaxing by the water, or grabbing a snack.
Londrina Historical Museum: Located in a former railway station, this museum offers insight into Londrina’s development, including its British-founded origins and the role of agriculture, especially coffee, in shaping the city.
Zerão Park: This large park, known for its distinctive “zero” shape, is popular for jogging, walking, and outdoor sports. The park hosts cultural events and has a peaceful atmosphere perfect for family outings.
Catedral Metropolitana de Londrina: This beautiful modernist cathedral is a landmark downtown. It’s a peaceful place to visit, and the architecture makes it worth exploring.
Museu de Arte de Londrina: Located in a striking Art Deco building, this museum showcases contemporary Brazilian art and offers temporary exhibitions highlighting the region’s cultural creativity.
Relógio de Sol: Situated in a small park near the Cathedral, this sundial is a fascinating historical landmark that marks Londrina’s connection to science and timekeeping.
Jardim Botânico: Londrina’s botanical garden is a tranquil escape for those interested in the local flora. It offers beautiful gardens, a lake, and trails, making it a peaceful spot to unwind and explore.
Lastly, to experience local life, you can grab a coffee in the center, Aurora neighborhood, or Catuaí Londrina Shopping Mall.
Discover more things to do, attractions, and tours in Londrina and surrounding areas.
Shopping and Gyms
The best shopping malls in Londrina are Catuaí Shopping Londrina, Aurora Shopping, and Boulevard Shopping Londrina.
Londrina’s best gyms include Iron Infinity Gym Academia, Academia Smart Fit, and Academia Life Sport.
The best supermarkets in Londrina are Super Muffato, Angeloni, and Carrefour.
Safety and Crime
Londrina is safe to visit. Petty or violent crimes against tourists are rare, and police are present in the city’s center and main tourist areas.
Certain parts of the city, particularly on the outskirts or in more impoverished neighborhoods, may have higher crime rates. Avoid wandering into unfamiliar areas late at night. Stick to well-lit streets, especially after dark.
Consult your government’s travel advisories for more details.
Cost of Living
Londrina’s living costs are low, with accommodation, food, and transportation well below the prices of other major cities.
Dallas, Texas, is a good representation of the average cost of living in the U.S.; it is neither extremely expensive like New York or San Francisco nor particularly cheap like Mississippi or Arkansas.
Londrina’s living costs are about 72% lower than Dallas’s.
- Rent prices in Londrina are 86% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Restaurant prices in Londrina are 67% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Groceries prices in Londrina are 63% lower than in Dallas, TX.
Healthcare
Brazil’s healthcare system includes public and private hospitals. Public hospitals suffer from supply shortages, overcrowding, and long wait times. Private hospitals charge a premium and provide better care, equipment, and services.
The best hospitals and medical centers in Londrina include Hospital do Cancer de Londrina and Hospital Dr. Eulalino Ignácio De Andrade. Pharmacies are plentiful and include independents and chains, including Farmácias Nissei, Droga Raia, and Farmácia Vale Verde.
Health insurance providers are available nationally and locally. They operate in Portuguese, so you might consider getting insurance from a company that operates globally, like SafetyWing or WorldTrips. That will make policy and claim management much easier should a medical concern or incident arise.
Explore Londrina’s other quality of life factors.
Mobile and Internet
Vivo, Claro, and TIM dominate Brazil’s mobile, T.V., and internet sectors.
If you’re planning a short visit to Brazil, consider buying an eSim to save on roaming fees. Nomad and Jetpac offer the best rates and plans.
Real Estate
Visit REMAX Brazil and Century21 Brazil for Brazilian real estate and rentals.
Read: How to Open a Bank Account in Brazil.
Nearby Cities
- Cambé
- Maringá
- Cascavel
- Ponta Grossa
- Apucarana
Updated: October 17, 2024