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Curitiba is the capital of Paraná in southern Brazil and is often hailed as a model city for urban planning, sustainability, and a high quality of life. Thanks to its history of German, Italian, Polish, and Ukrainian immigration, it offers visitors a unique blend of Brazilian culture with European influences.
This post covers Curitiba, when to visit, getting around, where to stay, safety, and attractions. We’ll also delve into considerations for those seeking to remain long-term, like living costs and healthcare.
Overview
Curitiba is home to over 30 parks and forests, making it a haven for nature lovers. The famous Botanical Garden, with its iconic greenhouse inspired by French architecture, is the crown jewel. Strolling through the meticulously landscaped gardens, visitors can soak in the serene atmosphere while learning about Brazil’s native flora.
For food enthusiasts, Curitiba offers a delightful mix of traditional Brazilian cuisine and dishes influenced by its immigrant heritage. A visit to one of the city’s many markets or restaurants reveals a world of flavors. From the hearty German-inspired dishes in Santa Felicidade to the fresh seafood of local markets, Curitiba’s culinary scene is diverse and satisfying. Don’t forget to try the barreado, a slow-cooked beef stew that’s a regional specialty!
Curitiba is known for its efficient public transport system, which has been a model for cities worldwide. The city introduced the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in the 1970s, and it remains one of the best ways to navigate its streets. With dedicated bus lanes and express routes, getting around is a breeze, allowing you to explore everything from the historic downtown to the vibrant neighborhoods without the hassle of traffic jams.
What truly makes Curitiba unique, though, is its cultural vibrancy. The city boasts an impressive array of museums, theaters, and cultural centers. Highlights include the futuristic Oscar Niemeyer Museum, dedicated to art and architecture, and the vibrant Largo da Ordem, where local artisans showcase their crafts every Sunday.
Curitiba
- State: Paraná
- Population: 1,774,000
- Official language(s): Brazilian Portuguese
- Currency: Real/reais (R$)
- Climate: Cfb (temperate oceanic)
- Safe to visit: Yes
- Cost of living: Low
When to Visit
The best time to visit Curitiba is during the shoulder seasons, particularly from March to May in the fall or September to November in the spring. During those months, you’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures ranging from 12°C to 23°C (54°F to 73°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities like exploring parks and cultural sites. These periods offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and a more relaxed experience.
Getting Around
Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB) is Curitiba’s main airport. LATAM Brazil, Azul, and GOL lead Brazil’s airline sector and serve Latin America, North America, the Caribbean, Oceania, Asia, and Europe.
Rental car options include Hertz, National, Alamo, Enterprise, and Localiza. Consider getting an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to ensure that local authorities in the foreign country where you will drive understand your domestic driving license. An IDP will certify and translate your home country’s license to use abroad. That will be incredibly convenient in Brazil, where English speakers aren’t widespread.
Curitiba’s central bus terminal is at Av. Presidente Affonso Camargo 330. You may need a bus pass to take local buses.
Uber, inDrive, BlaBlaCar, and taxis are available in Curitiba.
Where to Stay
The best neighborhoods in Curitiba include Batel, known for its upscale restaurants, bars, and vibrant nightlife. The Centro offers easy access to major attractions like Rua XV de Novembro and the Curitiba Cathedral. For a quieter, more residential feel, Jardim das Américas is an excellent option and is close to parks and green spaces.
Curitiba offers various accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to affordable hotels.
Airbnb is available in Curitiba. For long-term stays, you can book one to three months through the platform and then deal with the host privately. Many homeowners and travelers prefer private arrangements to avoid Airbnb’s high fees. You can also search Vrbo for vacation rentals and private homes.
Things to Do
The top things to do in Curitiba include:
Jardim Botânico: Explore the stunning greenhouse and lush gardens, a signature city landmark.
Oscar Niemeyer Museum: Visit this futuristic museum designed by the famous Brazilian architect. It is dedicated to modern art and architecture.
Barigui Park is a popular park perfect for walking, cycling, or spotting capybaras while relaxing by the lake.
Largo da Ordem: Stroll through this historic district, home to artisan markets, colonial buildings, and cultural events.
Ópera de Arame: Check out this unique open-air opera house made of steel and glass, set in a scenic natural park.
Tanguá Park offers waterfalls, gardens, and stunning viewpoints overlooking Curitiba’s lush landscape.
Santa Felicidade: Visit this charming Italian neighborhood known for its wineries, restaurants, and cultural heritage.
Passeio Público: Curitiba’s oldest park, offering a blend of wildlife, a zoo, and serene lakes.
Rua XV de Novembro: Wander along this pedestrian street filled with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Bosque Alemão: This park celebrates Curitiba’s German heritage. It features trails, a tea house, and a fairytale-inspired library.
Discover more attractions and tours in Curitiba and surrounding areas.
Shopping and Gyms
The best shopping malls in Curitiba are Shopping Palladium, Shopping Estação, Shopping Mueller, Shopping Curitiba, ParkShopping Barigui, and Shopping Pátio Batel.
Curitiba’s best gyms include The Factory Gym, Overall Fitness Gym, World Gym Curitiba, United Gym, and Blue Fit Gym.
The best supermarkets in Curitiba are Super Muffato, Carrefour, Festval, and Supermarket Jacomar.
Safety and Crime
Curitiba is safe to visit and one of the safer large cities in Brazil. However, like any urban area, it’s essential to take precautions. While violent crime rates are lower than in many other Brazilian cities, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places like markets and public transport. Stick to well-lit areas at night, avoid flashing valuables, and stay vigilant in tourist-heavy zones.
In neighborhoods like Batel and Centro, where many visitors stay, security tends to be better, but caution is still advised. Some areas on the city’s outskirts are best avoided, especially after dark.
Consult your government’s travel advisories for more details.
Cost of Living
Curitiba’s living costs are low, with accommodation, food, and transportation well below the prices of other major cities.
Dallas, Texas, is a good representation of the average cost of living in the U.S.; it is neither extremely expensive like New York or San Francisco nor particularly cheap like Mississippi or Arkansas.
Curitiba’s living costs are roughly 67% lower than Dallas’s.
- Rent prices in Curitiba are 82% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Restaurant prices in Curitiba are 65% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Groceries prices in Curitiba are 61% lower than in Dallas, TX.
Healthcare
Brazil’s healthcare system includes public and private hospitals. Public hospitals suffer from supply shortages, overcrowding, and long wait times. Private hospitals charge a premium and provide better care, equipment, and services.
Curitiba’s best hospitals and medical centers include Hospital Erasto Gaertner and Pilar Hospital. Pharmacies are plentiful and include independents and chains, including Farmácias Nissei and Droga Raia.
Health insurance providers are available nationally and locally. They operate in Portuguese, so you might consider getting insurance from a company that operates globally, like SafetyWing or WorldTrips. That will make policy and claim management much easier should a medical concern or incident arise.
Explore Curitiba’s other quality of life factors.
Mobile and Internet
Vivo, Claro, and TIM dominate Brazil’s mobile, T.V., and internet sectors.
If you’re planning a short visit to Brazil, consider buying an eSim to save on roaming fees. Nomad and Jetpac offer the best rates and plans.
Banking and Money
Brazil’s top banks include Itaú Unibanco, Banco do Brasil, Banco Bradesco, Caixa Econômica Federal, and Banco Santander. ATMs are widely available in major cities.
Many travelers and digital nomads use Wise’s travel money card to save on transfers, currency exchange, and ATM withdrawal fees.
Foreign credit and debit cards are widely accepted. However, some merchants only accept cash.
Some merchants and individuals accept cryptos for transactions. An account with a reputable crypto company like Binance or Bybit may be helpful.
Read: How to Open a Bank Account in Brazil.
Taxes
Brazil has a worldwide tax system: residents are taxed on their global income, including domestic and foreign sources. Personal income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 7.5% to 27.5%. Foreign income is subject to taxation, but Brazil has tax treaties with some countries to avoid double taxation.
Real Estate
Visit REMAX Brazil and Century21 Brazil for Brazilian real estate and rentals.
Nearby Cities
- Colombo
- Ponta Grossa
- Paranaguá
- Joinville
- Balneario Camboriu
Updated: October 17, 2024