With the arrival of spring in September, the city of Holambra hosts another edition of Expoflora, the largest flower and ornamental plant fair in Latin America. So if you’re looking for ideas to enjoy the weekend, how about a day trip to the city of flowers?
In addition to the event, our tip is to take the opportunity to get to know all the charms of Holambra, a city that began as a colony of immigrants from the Netherlands. That’s why the city is now a kind of “Brazilian Holland“, with several trips that will make you feel like you’re in Europe.
In other words, in addition to the famous flower fields, Holambra has many interesting attractions for you to discover. All this just 130 km from the capital, or about a 2-hour drive. Check out our itinerary below, and get your bags ready now!
What to do in Holambra?
Expoflora de Holambra
First of all, we can’t stop talking about the famous Expoflora. The event, which began in 1981, returns to the city every spring with an immensity of flowers of various varieties, welcoming the most colorful and fragrant season of the year.
One of the most eagerly awaited attractions is the Parade of Flowers, a daily presentation that features floats decorated with thousands of roses, orchids and other species, taking visitors to the Petal Rain. In the latter, the public is thrilled by a “rain” of no less than 150 kilos of petals, removed one by one, by hand, from 18,000 rosebuds.
The fair will take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until September 29, from 9am to 7pm, and will feature thousands of flowers and vases of the most different species, varieties and colors. Tickets cost from R$39 (half-price) and are on sale via the official website. More information here
Bloemen Park
Spring or not, it’s impossible to talk about Holambra and not talk about flowers. In addition to Expoflora, the Bloemen Park (Dutch for “flower park”) is a must for anyone who wants to visit the city’s famous flowering fields. The space covers 40,000 m² and features hundreds of types of ornamental plants, native or exotic trees and flowers, including 30 different varieties of roses.
The space has a gastronomic area, children’s area and leisure area for visitors, and is pet friendly. Tickets cost from R$20 and are available on the official website.
📍 Sítio Laguna: Estrada Municipal HBR-155 – Alegre, Holambra/SP
United Peoples Path
Who hasn’t heard of the famous Dutch mills? Well, you can visit them right here in the state of São Paulo. The United Peoples Mill is 38.5 meters high, the tallest in Latin America, and was built by Dutch architect Jan Heijdra, one of the world’s few specialists in this type of building.
The space is available for visits from Wednesday to Sunday, including public holidays, with tickets starting at R$8. This is your chance to visit a faithful replica of 17th century Dutch buildings!
📍 Alameda Maurício de Nasau, 249 – Centro, Holambra/SP
Deck of Love
Next, our tip is for those in love. The most romantic place in the city of flowers is certainly the Deck of Love, an extension of the Vitória Régia square. Here, couples can honor their love by leaving a padlock with their initials, overlooking the city’s beautiful lake.
📍 Alameda Maurício de Nasau, 54-84 – Holambra/SP
Holambra’s colorful umbrellas
In all, 365 umbrellas make up this attraction, adding more color to the streets of Holambra. They are located in the city center, an area full of life and with many bars for you to enjoy the local bohemian life!
📍 Alameda Maurício de Nasau – Holambra/SP
Van Gogh Park
Inspired by one of the world’s most famous painters, the Van Gogh Park is a must-see for art and nature lovers. As well as checking out the beautiful chalets and replicas of the artist’s most famous paintings, visitors can have fun with pedaloes on a large lake that is located there. The more adventurous can try the tirolesa or the climb.
The park has free admission and travelers can visit it from Friday to Monday and holidays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m..
📍 Avenida das Tulípas, 461 – Holambra/SP
The Old Dutch
Next, this Dutch food restaurant is a great choice for those who are curious to try the country’s cuisine. The house specialty is the pork knee with sauerkraut, but if you don’t like pork, the Pepersteak (filet mignon with green peppercorn sauce, paprika and sour cream) is also a great option.
The Old Dutch is available from Tuesday to Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information here.
📍 Estrada do Fundão, 200 – Centro, Holambra/SP
Zoet en Zout
To finish, how about a sweet treat? The confectionery Zoet en Zout brings the taste of Holland to your table, with typical pies, ice creams, snacks and sweets. Our tip is the Stroopwafel, a cookie filled with caramel that you have to try! Other options are the Oranje Bloem (orange blossom jam) and the apple pie, called Appeltaart.
The house is open every day from 9am to 6pm. Make the most of your visit to try some unique and tasty sweets!
📍 Viela Lantanas, 90 – Centro, Holambra/SP
