Things to see in Curitiba
The inhabitants of Curitiba say: "Our parks are our beaches". Curitiba , known as the Green Capital of Brazil , is located on the high plateaus, 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 to be the most viable in Brazil with public transport and bike paths models that connect parks to local attractions. Curitiba is also famous for its outdoor markets where you can enjoy local cuisine from the many immigrants who have settled in the city, especially Polish, Italian, Japanese and other South Americans. Often forgotten in the south for the benefit of the Iguaçu Falls, Curitiba a lot has offered, and risk to make sensation during the 2014 World Football Championship, despite winter temperatures (8-18°C) in June. Here are the Things to see , to visit and to to during your stay in Curitiba :
1. Explore the Jardim Botânico
Flickr – Radamés Manosso
Inaugurated in 1991 and inspired by French gardens, it is the most visited place in Curitiba. The garden has a total 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 metal glass structure where you can see many varieties of plants. You will also find the "garden of sensations" ( Jardim das Sensações ) – which offers direct contact with plants of different textures, shapes and odors.
2. Be subjugated by the Ópera de Arame
With a different and special structure, and located on a lake in an old career, Ópera de Arame Print all visitors! It was opened 1992 and in addition to being a tourist venue, it is also a theatre that hosts performances, music festivals and graduation ceremonies. At nightfall, it is even more impressive because of its lighting.
Flickr – Ana_Cotta
3. The Parque Tanguá
The park was created to protect the waters of the Barigui River and it is today a special tourist attraction. Located in an area of old quarries, the park dating from 1996 occupies an area of approximately 450,000 m2. It features pitches with barbecues, a beautiful garden, lakes and an artificial waterfall, a tunnel through the old career and an incredible view. The sunset is a great time to enjoy the place!
4. La Praça Tiradentes and the Historical Center
Considered as Curitiba's zero point, the place Tiradentes is the place where the first European inhabitants settled. Thousands of people cross the square every day because of its location in the center. Here you can also see the Cathedral Nossa Senhora da Luz built in 1893 and renovated recently and a few meters away, you can reach the old town ( Largo da Ordem ). After a complete renovation in 2008, the square was equipped with new benches, lights and a glass floor leaving the old pavement.
5. The Parque Tingui
This park was also built to preserve the waters of the Barigui River and spread along the river. It also welcomes Ukrainian Memorial a copy of an Orthodox church in Mallet, a small town colonized by the Ukrainians at 3 o’clock on the way to Curitiba. The place hosts exhibitions on Ukraine and on the “pysankas” (of pretty typical colourful eggs). The park also has a bike path, a playground, lakes and a large green space. You may have the chance to see some capybaras who live there!
Flickr – Hector Garcia
6. The Parque Barigui
One of the largest and oldest parks in Curitiba, the Barigui is one of the absolute favorites of Curitibanos . The place is ideal for sports such as jogging, bicycle, rollerblading or simply to enjoy free family time or to drink a beer with friends. The park has a very good infrastructure. Nearby you can visit the Automobile Museum ( Museu do Automóvel ).
7. View from Torre Panorâmica
With a height of 109 m, the Panoramic Tower (Torre Panorâmica) offers a magnificent 360-degree Curitiba view. Opened in 1991, it is managed by Oi (telephone company) and the local tourist office. In the tower there are also video sessions and tourist information, in addition to the Telephone Museum. It is an ideal place to visit during sunny days.
8. Visit the Museu Oscar Niemeyer
The Oscar Niemeyer Museum It's another place. It is a contemporary art museum designed by the great Brazilian architect. In addition to its interesting architecture, the place hosts numerous exhibitions and has a wide outdoor space, where you can easily enjoy a sunny day. In 2012, he celebrated his 10th anniversary and was elected as one of the 20 most beautiful museums in the world by the magazine Flavorwire . To complete your visit, take a break at the museum café.
Flickr – Ric e Ette
9. The Bosque Alemão (German wood)
Built in 1996 in honour of German culture and traditions, it 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 will see the "witch house" with a library specializing in fairy tales where children come to listen to stories. In the upper part of the park, there is the Tour des Philosophes, from which you will have a magnificent view of Curitiba and also the café “ Deutsche Ecke”, with delicious German and Brazilian specialities.
Wikimedia – Adelano Lázaro
10. Markets
The most famous markets are: Feira do Batel (Tuesday on Rua Alexandre Gutierrez), Praça da Ucrânia (Friday) and Feira do Largo da Ordem (Sun).
11. Take the train to Morretes
Curitiba is the starting point of the most famous (and unique) railway in Brazil. The journey with Serra Verde Express is a beautiful trip of three hours, through mountains covered with tropical forest, to the old colonial town of Morretes . The city itself offers great opportunities for cycling, hiking and kayaking. A short additional boat ride takes you to the Ilha do Mel where cars are forbidden. With its pristine beaches and fishing villages, it is an ideal place to relax away from the big city. If you have more time, enjoy a few days in one lodge in the jungle of one of the wildest and remote regions of southern Brazil: Lagamar .
How to get to Curitiba?
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Where to stay in Curitiba?
A welcoming city, Curitiba has no choice in terms of accommodation. Stay to know in which district ? If the city centre is undeniably the best option anywhere in the city you travel, Curitiba has several small areas close to the city's attractions, in which you will find comfortable accommodation. To find a cheap hotel in Curitiba, don’t hesitate to take a look at this Compare hotels who will offer you the best offers of the moment.
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