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Curitiba, the charming capital of Paraná, proudly holds the title of “Green City” for good reason. Surrounded by a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, this southern metropolis offers a wealth of experiences to enchant its visitors, boasting 53 parks catering to all tastes.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or a gastronomic explorer, Curitiba has something special for you. Get ready to be amazed by world-class museums, lush parks, innovative architecture, diverse culinary delights, and a rich cultural agenda that thrives in every corner of the city.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce you to the best attractions, must-visit restaurants, and tailor-made itineraries for every type of traveler. Discover how to make the most of your 1, 2, or 3 days in Paraná’s capital!

Where is Curitiba?

Curitiba is the capital of the state of Paraná, located in southern Brazil. Strategically positioned, it serves as a gateway to iconic destinations like the Iguaçu Falls and the coast of Paraná, with its beautiful beaches and the picturesque Ilha do Mel (Honey Island).

The city is about 400 km (250 miles) from São Paulo, 300 km (186 miles) from Florianópolis, and 1,300 km (807 miles) from Rio de Janeiro. Thanks to its well-developed infrastructure, Curitiba is easily accessible by air, bus, or car, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the region.

Curitiba’s unique location also contributes to its mild climate, with well-defined seasons and occasional chilly days, perfect for enjoying its parks, museums, and cozy restaurants.

Curitiba is included among the Top 30 Best Destinations to Visit in 2025. The capital of Paraná was the only Brazilian city to make it into Lonely Planet’s ranking, the renowned international travel guide.

What should I not miss in Curitiba?

Curitiba is undoubtedly the city of parks! It’s almost guaranteed you’ll include at least the most famous ones in your itinerary. The Botanical Garden is the city’s most iconic landmark and a must-visit destination. Another favorite is Barigui Park, located near the Oi Panoramic Tower, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from above.

Another green space worth exploring is the Ópera de Arame (Wire Opera House) in the Parque das Pedreiras (Quarry Park). If you have the chance, catch a show at the Opera House, but it’s also worth visiting just to admire its unique design. It is part of the Jaime Lerner Park, alongside the Cultural Space Pedreira Paulo Leminski.

To visit the Wire Opera House, you need to purchase a ticket for R$15 (US$ 2,50 / € 2,37) for adults and R$7.50 for children, students, and seniors. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5:50 PM. The ticket includes access to the gift shop, the Opera House itself, the Vale da Música Festival (with daily performances on the Floating Stage), the Ópera Arte Restaurant, exhibitions, and the Caminho da Mata nature trail.

Curitiba is also home to amazing museums. The most famous is the Oscar Niemeyer Museum (MON), often called the “Eye Museum” due to its unique shape. This museum hosts short- and long-term exhibitions and is the largest art museum in Latin America!

If you’re interested in natural history, the Natural History Museum boasts one of the largest collections of Brazilian fauna and flora. For a dive into the history of Curitiba and Paraná, visit the Paraná Museum and the Curitiba Memorial.

Lastly, don’t miss the chance to explore Curitiba’s Historic Center! Admire colonial architecture as you stroll through the streets, visiting attractions like Rua XV de Novembro (November 15th Street), various museums, gastronomic spots, and even some charming parks along the way.

What to do in Curitiba in 1 day?

I visited Curitiba in March 2024 with my partner. Since we only had one day in the city, everything had to be well-planned to make the most of our time! When choosing our destinations, I focused on the most famous spots that matched my travel preferences.

If you only have one or two days in Curitiba, here’s my first tip: pick places that truly interest you. You don’t have to visit somewhere just for the sake of it.

We arrived early at Curitiba’s bus station, so we took the opportunity to have breakfast at the Municipal Market, conveniently located right across the street. It’s an excellent option for breakfast or lunch, offering various restaurants, coffee shops, stalls selling fruits, cheeses, wines, and even souvenirs.

We enjoyed delicious Caprese and Spanish sandwiches at The Bootleggers and bought souvenir magnets at Kotobuki, a shop with a variety of Japanese items. The market, founded in 1958, is famous for its many Asian stores!

From there, we took an Uber to the Botanical Garden, as the weather was rainy and we wanted to take advantage of a brief dry spell. A quick note: Curitiba’s weather is quite unpredictable, so be prepared for sudden changes and check out the section ahead on “What to Do in Curitiba on a Rainy Day.”

When we arrived at the Botanical Garden, we were amazed! Honestly, I didn’t have high expectations, but it was truly stunning. In addition to its magnificent French-style gardens, the site features two greenhouses and a bistro. The main and most famous greenhouse houses various plant species, and from its upper level, you can enjoy a privileged view of the garden.

The smaller greenhouse serves as an exhibition space, and during our visit, it showcased Brazilian bromeliad species. Two artists were painting on-site, and we purchased one of their pieces to decorate our home.

From the Botanical Garden, we took an Uber to the city center, setting our destination as the Passeio Público. We chose this location because it’s an excellent starting point to explore other attractions on foot. Passeio Público is Curitiba’s oldest park, established in 1886.

The park is calm and serene, home to various bird species that date back to its time as a zoo. The larger animals have since been relocated to the newer Municipal Zoo of Curitiba.

From there, we headed to Rua XV de Novembro, Brazil’s first pedestrian-only street. Today, it is filled with shops and businesses, but it’s worth strolling along until you reach the part known as “Rua das Flores” (Street of Flowers).

Next, we visited Praça Tiradentes, the birthplace of Curitiba. It is the city’s oldest square and was formerly known as Largo da Matriz, as it is home to the Cathedral. Beneath a glass structure in the square, you can see part of its 19th-century cobblestone pavement. The square also features Curitiba’s Zero Mile Marker, along with statues of Getúlio Vargas, Cacique Tindiquera, Tiradentes, and a Monument to the Republic.

We passed by the Metropolitan Cathedral and arrived at the Paço da Liberdade, which now serves as a SESC Cultural Center and houses the Café do Paço. This neoclassical and art nouveau-style building is listed as a municipal heritage site, recognized by the Paraná State Government’s Department of Culture, and is also part of the National Historical Heritage.

Another stunning building in the area is the Federal University of Paraná, located at Praça Santos Andrade. Formerly known as the “Palácio da Luz”, the building celebrated its centenary in 2024.

We then headed to Largo da Ordem, a place full of historical and gastronomic attractions. Our first stop was the Curitiba Memorial, which hosts various exhibitions about Curitiba’s history, from prehistoric times to the present. It also features the Mirante do Morumbi, an auditorium, and spaces for diverse activities. Don’t miss the Himeji Room, which houses a model of Himeji Castle in Japan, a sister city of Curitiba.

Next, we visited the Museum of Sacred Art, located in the annex of the Church of the Third Order of St. Francis of Chagas, the oldest building in Curitiba. The museum boasts a collection of over 1,500 historical and religious artifacts.

Right across the street, you’ll find the Romário Martins House, considered the last example of colonial architecture and the second oldest building in the city. Today, it hosts exhibitions by local Curitiba artists and offers a true journey back in time!

Largo da Ordem also features several traditional restaurants and bars. We chose to have lunch at A Caiçara, a restaurant specializing in the coastal cuisine of Curitiba, with dishes featuring fish, cassava flour, plantains, and more. We tried one of their signature dishes, barreado. Here’s how the restaurant describes it:

“A seasoned meat dish with bacon and cumin, cooked over low heat for hours and hours until it nearly falls apart, creating a deliciously rich broth. At A Caiçara, in Curitiba, it’s served with rice, banana, and the typical cassava flour from Morretes – a city on Paraná’s coast.”

After lunch, we called an Uber in front of the Fonte da Memória, a fountain also known as Cavalo Babão (Drooling Horse), located in front of the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Black People of Saint Benedict.

We then took an Uber to the Oscar Niemeyer Museum (MON), where I was captivated by the exhibition “Asia: The Land, The People, The Gods”. This exhibit explores the influence of colonialism in the region and delves into the history, culture, and struggles of Asian peoples, connecting them with religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and others.

To end our day, we returned to Largo da Ordem for dinner at the famous Bar do Alemão, a well-known German restaurant in Curitiba that has been in operation since 1979. They serve traditional German dishes and the iconic submarine beers, which come with a little mug of Steinhäger, a type of distilled drink.

Each little mug features a Curitiba landmark or commemorative dates, making them perfect for collectors! The restaurant’s decor mimics a traditional German tavern, and the experience is definitely worth it.

We ended the day longing for more! Several attractions are already on our list for our next visit to Curitiba, and I’ll share them here as inspiration for you.

What to do in 2 days in Curitiba?

With an extra day in Curitiba, it’s worth exploring more of the city’s famous parks. The list is extensive, so take some time to research each one and find which suits your style best. The most popular options include:

• Parque Tanguá
• Parque São Lourenço
• Parque Tingui
• Parque Barigui and Oi Torre Panorâmica
• Bosque do Alemão
• Bosque do Papa
• Bosque Zaninelli

We didn’t visit the Ópera de Arame, but it’s high on our list for next time! If you have an extra day, make sure to include this stunning attraction in your itinerary.

To wrap up your second day, we recommend visiting the Holocaust Museum. Opened in 2011, it was the first museum in Brazil dedicated to this theme. Admission is free, but you’ll need to book your visit on their website.

What to do in 3 days in Curitiba?

With three days in Curitiba, you’ll have the chance to explore attractions beyond the usual itinerary. One great option is taking a train ride to Morretes, which often includes lunch. Another highlight is visiting the Ukrainian Memorial.

If possible, spend one evening attending a show at the Teatro Guaíra, one of the most renowned theaters in Brazil.

Where to eat in Curitiba?

Curitiba offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and cafés representing diverse cuisines. The city showcases influences from numerous cultures, including Arab, Japanese, German, and indigenous traditions, all blended into its unique culinary landscape.

Besides barreado, which we’ve mentioned earlier, here are some other typical dishes from Curitiba:

• Carne de onça (“Tiger” meat): Despite the exotic name, this dish doesn’t contain onça meat. It’s raw ground beef seasoned with spices and herbs, served on fresh bread with vinaigrette and mayonnaise.
• Pinhão (pine nuts): The seed of the Araucaria tree, an icon of Paraná. It can be boiled with salt, roasted, or used in various recipes like pies, savory snacks, and even desserts.
• Pão com bolinho (Curitiba-style meatball sandwich): A Curitiba classic! This simple yet delicious combination of fresh, crusty bread and a spiced meatball patty is a local favorite, perfect for any time of the day.
• Eisbein (Pork Knuckle): A traditional German dish that has become popular in Curitiba.

To try these and other traditional dishes, you can visit Bar do Alemão and A Caiçara, which we’ve already mentioned in the section “What to do in 1 day in Curitiba?”. Additionally, check out:

• Bek’s Bar: A classic local tavern serving a variety of traditional dishes like carne de onça, stewed tripe, stewed gizzards, and pão com bolinho.
• Hard Rock Cafe: The largest Hard Rock Cafe in Brazil! This American restaurant offers signature burgers and an unforgettable Rock ‘n’ Roll experience.
• Nayme Culinária Árabe: A cozy Arabic restaurant serving an authentic menu of traditional dishes.
• Madalosso: A legendary Italian restaurant offering dishes like pasta, risottos, and grilled meats. Founded in 1963, it’s considered the largest restaurant in Latin America, with a capacity of 4,600 guests.
• Curitiba Art Café: A charming spot for coffee lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

What to do in Curitiba on a budget

If you’re heading to Curitiba with a tight budget, don’t worry! The city offers plenty of free or affordable activities. Start with the parks, which are free to visit, including the iconic Botanical Garden!

In addition, most attractions in the Historic Center are free of charge. When it comes to museums, some are free, like the Holocaust Museum, but most require an entry fee. Check in advance for free entry days or discounts, such as half-price tickets.

What to do in Curitiba when It rains

Curitiba’s weather is highly unpredictable, and rain can surprise you at any time. It’s a good idea to plan for indoor activities just in case. Museums are a perfect option for rainy days, so here’s a list of museums in Curitiba:

• Oscar Niemeyer Museum (MON)
• Paraná State Museum
• Memorial of Curitiba
• Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC)
• Photography Museum
• Railway Museum
• Automobile Museum
• Expeditionary Museum
• Natural History Museum
• Sacred Art Museum
• Image and Sound Museum
• Tutankhamun Egyptian and Rosicrucian Museum
• Alfredo Andersen Museum
• Indigenous Art Museum (MAI)
• Polish Immigration Memorial
• Japanese Immigration Memorial
• Ukrainian Museum

Other indoor activities include attending a show at the Wire Opera House or Guaíra Theater, watching a movie at Cine Passeio, or taking a guided tour of the Arena da Baixada Stadium. You could also explore the city’s culinary delights with a food tour, enjoying the cozy atmosphere during the rain.

We loved visiting Curitiba, and we’re sure you’ll love it too! The “Green City” invites you to an unforgettable experience where lush nature meets vibrant urban culture. This welcoming destination offers a wealth of history, art, gastronomy, and endless leisure opportunities.

With an efficient public transportation system and accommodation options to suit any budget, Curitiba is an accessible and inviting destination.

Come and discover the charms of the Green City and get ready to fall in love with Curitiba!