Things To Do
in Curitiba
Curitiba is the capital of the state of Paraná in southern Brazil, known for its innovative urban planning, extensive parks and green spaces, and high quality of life. The city blends strong European immigrant influences (Polish, German, Italian, Ukrainian) with Brazilian culture, visible in neighborhoods, cuisine and festivals. Curitiba's compact city center, efficient bus rapid transit system, and emphasis on sustainability make it a practical base for exploring nearby Serra do Mar and coastal towns like Morretes.
Architecture ranges from modernist landmarks to well-kept historic districts, offering a relaxed yet culturally rich urban experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Largo da Ordem, where you can admire the charming colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Enjoy a breakfast of pão de queijo and fresh coffee from a local café, soaking in the lively atmosphere. Don't forget to stop by the weekly artisan market if you're there on a Sunday for unique local crafts.
Wander through the Museu Paranaense, where you can learn about the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Afterward, head to the historic Rua XV de Novembro, lined with shops and eateries, to sample traditional dishes like barreado. Take your time exploring the area, enjoying street performers and the eclectic mix of modern and colonial influences.
As the sun sets, make your way to the Opera de Arame, an architectural marvel set against a picturesque backdrop. Enjoy a performance if available, or simply explore the beautiful park surrounding the venue. Wrap up your day with dinner at a nearby restaurant, savoring local specialties while taking in the nighttime ambiance.
Begin your day at the Jardim Botânico, where stunning botanical gardens and a striking glass greenhouse await. Stroll through the blooming flower beds and lush greenery, taking time to appreciate the diverse plant life. Capture some beautiful photos in this serene environment before heading out for the next adventure.
Spend your afternoon at the Parque Barigui, one of the largest parks in Curitiba. Here, you can rent a bike or simply walk the trails, watching for wildlife such as capybaras and birds. Enjoy a leisurely picnic by the lake, surrounded by the natural beauty and tranquility of the park.
As evening approaches, visit the nearby Barigui Food Park for a casual dining experience with a variety of food trucks offering delicious local and international cuisine. Savor a fresh acai bowl or indulge in traditional Brazilian street food while enjoying live music. Conclude your day with a relaxing stroll through the park as the stars begin to twinkle above.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee in café | $2-4 |
| 🚌Public transport (one-way bus) | $0.70-1.50 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $2.50-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $50-110 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent urban parks and green planning make the city pleasant for walking and outdoor activities.
- Efficient public transport (BRT) and compact city center facilitate sightseeing.
- Strong European cultural influences offering varied cuisine and festivals.
- Good base for scenic day trips into the Serra do Mar and coastal towns (Morretes, Antonina).
- Weather can be changeable, with frequent rain and significant day-to-night temperature swings.
- Some attractions and day trips require a car or booked tours; public transit is good within the city but less convenient for remote areas.
- Not as lively as Brazil’s biggest party cities for late-night scenes in certain seasons.
- "Olá / Oi" - Hello / Hi
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male speaker / female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Curitiba
Visit one of these nice places.
The glass-and-iron greenhouse, symmetrical gardens and tree-lined paths make for classic, postcard-ready shots — best in the morning light.
A striking steel-and-wire concert hall set over a lake with lush backdrop; dramatic at sunrise or when lit at night.
Modernist architecture with curved concrete shapes and reflective pools — great for architectural photography and exhibitions.
Reservoirs, tunnels and viewpoints provide layered compositions, especially around golden hour.
Historic streets, colorful facades, street market scenes and colonial details — best on Sunday market days for lively shots.
City skyline views from the observation deck give a broad perspective of Curitiba’s urban grid and green belts.
Food in Curitiba
Curitiba Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked meat stew typical of Paraná, rich and served with rice and farinha; try it at traditional restaurants and specialty spots that serve regional Paraná cuisine.
Must-Try!
Brazilian barbecue — grilled cuts of beef, pork and chicken; widely available in rodízio-style steakhouses and mid-range churrascarias across the city.
Reflecting Curitiba's Polish community — dumplings and baked goods found in bakeries and Polish restaurants, especially in Santa Felicidade.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively arts-and-crafts market on Sundays with food stalls selling pastries, regional snacks, fresh juices and local sweets — great for sampling street food and artisanal products.
Market with fresh produce, cheeses, deli counters and small eateries where you can try local ingredients and quick meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People commonly greet with a handshake among men and one cheek kiss (or air kiss) between women or mixed pairs who know each other — be warm but gauge formality by the context.
Curitibanos are friendly and conversational; be prepared for closer personal distance than in some cultures and engage politely about food, culture and travel rather than politics.
Casual-smart dress is common; for business or finer restaurants, dress more formally. Social events may run slightly later than the scheduled time, but punctuality for business is recommended.
Safety
Tipping in Curitiba
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge is commonly added to restaurant bills; if service charge is not included, leaving around 10% is customary for good service. For taxis, rounding up or adding small change is common. For guides, tipping is appreciated based on service quality.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and stores; carry cash (Brazilian reais) for small markets, street vendors, and some taxis. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February: Warm to hot days (20–30°C / 68–86°F) with higher humidity and occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms; bring a light rain jacket and dress in layers for variable conditions.
March–May: Mild temperatures and drier weather with pleasant days and cooler evenings; ideal for outdoor activities and photography as foliage tones change slightly.
June–August: Cool to cold nights and mild days (often 5–18°C / 41–64°F) with frost possible on cold nights — pack a warm jacket, especially for early mornings and higher-elevation excursions.
September–November: Variable weather with warming temperatures and blooming parks; occasional rain but generally comfortable for sightseeing and hikes.
Curitiba at Night
Hiking in Curitiba
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The highest peak in southern Brazil; a challenging multi-day trek with technical sections and spectacular mountain scenery — recommended only for experienced hikers with a guide.
Hiking and nature routes near the coastal side of the Serra do Mar, often combined with the Serra Verde Express train to Morretes; great for waterfalls, Atlantic Forest and rivers.
Protected area offering trails through native forest and viewpoints within a few hours' drive of Curitiba — accessible for day hiking and wildlife observation.
Historic route with scenic stops and short hikes along the way through the Serra do Mar, popular for scenic drives combined with walking sections and viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Curitiba by plane.
Main airport serving Curitiba located in São José dos Pinhais, about 18–25 km from downtown (30–50 minutes by car depending on traffic); domestic and limited international flights; taxis, ride-share and shuttle options available.
Smaller airport used for general aviation and some regional flights; closer to the city but with limited commercial service — useful for private flights or specific regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large populations of Polish, German, Italian and Ukrainian descent have shaped neighborhoods, cuisine and cultural festivals in Curitiba.
Afro-Brazilian communities contribute to Curitiba’s cultural fabric, music and cuisine, though their presence is smaller proportionally than in some other Brazilian cities.
Curitiba hosts universities and a growing tech and services sector, bringing students and young professionals to the city and energizing cultural life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport: local clubs like Club Athletico Paranaense, Coritiba FC and Paraná Clube have passionate followings; attending a match provides an authentic local experience.
Indoor sports are widely practiced at community and school levels; futsal is popular as a fast, skill-focused variant of football and volleyball has strong local participation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Curitiba.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available in Curitiba’s cafés and mid-range restaurants; look for menu items marked 'vegetariano' and use words like 'sem carne' (without meat). Specialty vegetarian and vegan restaurants are present in central neighborhoods.
Vegan choices exist but can be limited in traditional churrascarias; larger neighborhoods and health-food cafés in Batel and Centro offer vegan bowls, burgers and desserts — carry a translation card if needed.
Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing; many bakeries and restaurants can accommodate requests, but always ask ('sem glúten') and prefer cafés that explicitly list options.