Curitiba is the capital of Paraná, Brazil. If you're heading for Iguaçu Falls from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, it's worth stopping by for a day or two. There is a great cidade velha (old city) in the center which is in a very good state, considering the fact that it's been around for over 3 centuries. There is a huge arts and crafts fair every Sunday in the old city that is well worth visiting.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Curitiba is one of the largest cities in the prosperous Southern region, and its population is largely descended from German, Ukrainian, Russian, Italian and Polish immigrants. The city is known to urban planners worldwide for its innovative public transit system. Many visitors from outside Brazil are not prepared to feel cold in this mainly tropical country. However, Curitiba, though close to the Tropic of Capricorn, is at an elevation of 932 meters (3,058 ft) above the sea level. These factors mean that winters (from June to September) can reach freezing temperatures, especially at night, making coats and other protection from the cold necessary.
Curitiba is a household name among transit geeks worldwide and has for a time been a "pilgrimage site" for fans and proponents of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The idea behind the concept is to give buses many of the aspects of rapid transit without relying on rail vehicles, while being implemented for much cheaper and faster than any rail alternatives. As such, the system, known as Rede Integrada de Transporte (Integrated Transportation Network) features dedicated grade separated busways, bi-articulated and articulated buses with higher capacities than normal buses (in fact, comparable to a subway in many cases), express and "local" services that can overtake each other along the way, dedicated …
Many tourist attractions are closed on Monday. The tourist bus is not running on that day either. Municipal libraries, located at schools or public places, with a reference collection of five thousand books inspired by two ancient landmarks: the library and the lighthouse from Alexandria. The modular building, with a metallic structure, has a height of 17 meters and 98 square meters of built area. The internal division is simple: the ground floor – where the books are, a hall and a spiral staircase, leading to the top of the tower, where there is a lair, covered with a metallic vault and above it a rooster. The Farol das Cidades, João Gava Street, s/n° - Abranches.
The Serra Verde Express, a train to the coastal town of Morretes (4 hours), makes an excellent day trip and is for many tourists the main reason to visit Curitiba. The views from the train are unforgettable. The ride departs daily at 08:30 in the morning, descends through some of last remaining Atlantic rainforest and offers some spectacular views (not to mention it is one of the few train rides in Brazil). Return trips from Morretes to Curitiba leave at 15:00. As of September 2025, one-way tickets start at R$199, and can be purchased on the official website.
Curitiba has a good variety of restaurants, ranging from modest to upscale restaurants. 1 Montesquieu Bar, R. Alferes Poli, 646 (Corner of Westphalen and Silva Jardim St. (downtown)). These are probably the biggest sandwiches in Brazil - "x-montanha" is a sandwich that one can customize with layers of bread and meat. it's very inexpensive (around R$5.50). (updated Jan 2025) 2 Spich Restaurant (in front of Osorio Square (downtown)). Inexpensive downtown restaurant, very simple but will supply the daily needs of calories. A variety of food complements combined with two options of meat. R$5.50.
1 James Bar, Alameda Dr. Carlos de Carvalho, 680 (Downtown), ☏ +55 41 3222-1426. If you want to more "alternative" club, James is a good option. Wednesday night rock parties and Saturdays (Indie/Electronica) are highly recommended. Gay friendly. 2 Wonka Bar, Rua Trajano Reis, 326 (São Francisco), ☏ +55 41 3026-6272. Classic club in old downtown. Some of the best local bands play here. A plenty of good looking girls (boys) in the weekends? 3 Sheridan's Irish Pub, Rua Bispo Dom José, 2293 (Batel), ☏ +55 41 99759-6000. Good place to get a pint. Don´t miss the local artesanal beers.
Curitiba has been known for many years as a safe city thanks to its low crime rate compared to Brazilian cities of a similar size, although it's been on the rise. Pedestrians must watch out the surroundings when walking on the streets, even during the daylight. Stay away, or move away fast and cautiously, from streets where there are few if any people in the sidewalks, especially around the Historical Center, anytime, and avoid rambling long distances after dusk.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Curitiba typically sees ~18°C daytime highs and 5 rainy days.
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