Must-sees in Curitiba
As the people of Curitiba say: « Our parks are our beaches ». Curitiba, known as the Green Capital of Brazil, is located in the highlands, far from the coast (75 km), but to compensate it has 30 municipal parks as well as dozens of squares, gardens and other green spaces. The city is also known for being the most sustainable in Brazil, with model public transport and bicycle paths linking the parks to local attractions. Curitiba is also famous for its open-air markets, where you can sample the local cuisine of the many immigrants who have settled in the city, especially Poles, Italians, Japanese and other South Americans. Often forgotten in the south in favor of Iguaçu Falls, Curitiba has a lot to offer, and is likely to cause a stir during the 2014 Football World Cup, despite the winter temperatures (8-18°C) in June. Here are the things to see, visit and do during your stay in Curitiba:
1. Explore the Jardim Botânico
Flickr – Radamés Manosso
Inaugurated in 1991 and inspired by French gardens, it is Curitiba’s most visited site. The garden has a total surface area of 245,000 m² (the 4th largest botanical garden in Brazil) and enchants all visitors with its beautiful atmosphere. It is famous for its metallic glass structure, where you can see many varieties of plants. You’ll also find the « sensations garden »(Jardim das Sensações) – offering direct contact with plants of different textures, shapes and smells.
2. Be captivated by the Ópera de Arame
With a different and special structure, and standing on a lake in an old quarry, the Óperade Arame impresses all visitors! It was opened in 1992, and as well as being a tourist attraction, it’s also a theater that hosts performances, music festivals and graduation ceremonies. When night falls, it’s even more impressive thanks to its lighting.
Flickr – Ana_Cotta
3. Parque Tanguá
The park was created to protect the waters of the Barigui River and is now a special tourist attraction. Located in an area of former quarries, the park dates back to 1996 and covers an area of around 450,000 m². It features barbecue pitches, a magnificent garden, lakes and an artificial waterfall, a tunnel through the old quarry and incredible views. Sunset is a great time to enjoy the place!
4. Praça Tiradentes and the Historic Centre
Considered Curitiba’s ground zero, Tiradentes Square is where the first European inhabitants settled. Thousands of people pass through the square every day due to its central location. Here, you can also see the recently renovated Nossa Senhora da Luz Cathedral, built in 1893, and just a few metres away, you can reach the old town(Largo da Ordem). Following a complete renovation in 2008, the square now boasts new benches, lights and a glass floor revealing the old pavement.
5. Parque Tingui
This park was also built to preserve the waters of the Barigui River and extends along the river. It is also home to the Ukrainian Memorial, a copy of an Orthodox church in Mallet, a small town settled by Ukrainians 3 hours’ drive from Curitiba. The site hosts exhibitions on the Ukraine and on « pysankas » (pretty, typically coloured eggs). The park also boasts a bicycle path, playground, lakes and a large green area. You might even be lucky enough to spot the capybaras that live there!
Flickr – Hector Garcia
6. Parque Barigui
One of Curitiba’s largest and oldest parks, Barigui is an absolute favorite with Curitibanos. The area is ideal for sports such as jogging, cycling, rollerblading or simply enjoying free time with family or a beer with friends. The park boasts an excellent infrastructure. Nearby, you can visit the Automobile Museum(Museu do Automóvel).
7. View from the Torre Panorâmica
At a height of 109 m, the Panoramic Tower (Torre Panorâmica) offers a magnificent 360-degree view of Curitiba. Opened in 1991, it is managed by Oi (a telephone company) and the local tourist office. In the tower, there are also video sessions and tourist information, in addition to the Telephone Museum. An ideal place to visit on a sunny day.
8. Visit the Museu Oscar Niemeyer
The Oscar Niemeyer Museum is another must-see. It’s a museum of contemporary art designed by the great Brazilian architect. In addition to its interesting architecture, the venue hosts numerous exhibitions and boasts a large outdoor space, where you can easily enjoy a sunny day. In 2012, it celebrated its 10th anniversary and was voted one of the 20 most beautiful museums in the world by Flavorwire magazine. To round off your visit, take a break in the museum café.
Flickr – Ric e Ette
9. Bosque Alemão (German Wood)
Built in 1996 in honor of German culture and traditions, this is a beautiful and different park in Curitiba. Among the many things to do, you can follow the Hansel and Gretel trail. In the middle of the trail, you’ll see the « witch’s house », with a library specializing in fairy tales where children come to listen to stories. In the upper part of the park, there’s the Philosophers’ Tower, from where you’ll have a magnificent view of Curitiba, and also the « Deutsche Ecke » café, with delicious German and Brazilian specialities.
Wikimedia – Adelano Lázaro
10. The markets
The most famous markets are : Feira do Batel (Tuesday on Rua Alexandre Gutierrez), Praça da Ucrânia (Friday) and Feira do Largo da Ordem (Sunday).
11. Take the train to Morretes
Curitiba is the starting point for Brazil’s most famous (and only) railroad. The Serra Verde Express route is a beautiful three-hour journey through rainforest-covered mountains to the old colonial town of Morretes. The town itself offers great opportunities for cycling, hiking and kayaking. An additional short boat trip takes you to the car-freeIlha do Mel. With its pristine beaches and fishing villages, it’s an ideal place to relax away from the big city. If you have more time, enjoy a few days in a jungle lodge in one of the wildest and most remote regions of southern Brazil: Lagamar.
How to get to Curitiba
Find a cheap flight to Curitiba on the website of our partner Ulysses.
Where to stay in Curitiba?
Curitiba is a welcoming city with no shortage of accommodation options. The question is, where to stay ? While the city center is undeniably the best option, whatever city you’re traveling to, Curitiba has a number of smaller districts close to the city’s attractions, where you’ll find comfortable accommodation. To find a cheap hotel in Curitiba, don’t hesitate to take a look at this hotel comparator, which will offer you the best deals available.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Curitiba,br