Things to do in  Curitiba

The Botanical Garden of Curitiba (Jardim Botânico de Curitiba), in the middle of the city, provides a tranquil respite for locals and visitors alike. Designed in the style of French royal gardens, the park’s crown jewel is the 4,844-square-foot (450-square-meter) art nouveau, metal and glass greenhouse that sits against the Curitiba skyline.

One of Curitiba’s most recognizable landmarks is the Oscar Niemeyer Museum (Museu Oscar Niemeyer), built by and for the famous architect. It highlights his modern designs that are prominent in many of his buildings around Brazil. The museum’s rotating exhibits showcase both national and international artists from the 20th and 21st centuries.

In the middle of bustling Curitiba sits the expansive, green Tanguá Park (Parque Tanguá). It is built around two rock quarries joined by a 150-foot (46-meter) tunnel as well as lakes and an artificial waterfall. Stroll around the park on foot, pedal around the quarries by bike, or simply relax and catch a beautiful sunset over the city.

The Wire Opera House (Ópera de Arame) is one of Curitiba’s most recognizable buildings and an excellent example of modern architecture. Built entirely of glass and steel pipes, the theater is nestled in a lush green space surrounded by a lake. It can seat up to 2,400 spectators and hosts performances ranging from classical to popular.

One of Curitiba’s most important historical and religious landmarks, Curitiba Cathedral (Catedral Basílica Menor de Nossa Senhora de la Luz) was inaugurated in 1893, although a church has stood on site since the 17th century. The architecturally impressive Catholic church boasts neo-Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows.

In the heart of Curitiba, Tiradentes Square (Praça Tiradentes) is one of the city's major hubs. Both the Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica Minor of Our Lady of Light and a "ground zero" monument mark the spot as the very heart of the city.

The former palace and city hall of Curitiba, the Palace of Liberty (Paço da Liberdade), is today a cultural center with public exhibition spaces and the fashionable Café do Paço. The building, which lies on a public square in the center of Curitiba, is also home to a bookstore, library, screening room, and classrooms.

Surrounded by the bustling city of Curitiba and set deep in Zaninelli Park sits Free University of the Environment (UNILIVRE), a higher learning institution that offers courses related to the environment and a sustainable world. The school is often visited and admired on walking tours. Located in what was once an old granite quarry, the area that houses Unilivre has been totally reforested with native vegetation. Strolling along the park’s many paths, visitors will observe various types of native and regional birds that share the area with students. With a main building that has a 49‐foot‐tall (15‐meter‐tall) wooden tower, the structure’s architecture blends well with the surrounding nature. The huge spiraling stairs that lead to the tower wrap around the entire building and provide views overlooking the natural landscape. There is also an open‐air auditorium on campus and a 24‐foot‐deep (8‐meter‐deep) lake, home to swans, ducks and various types of fish.

Curitiba’s oldest park, Passeio Público, opened in 1886 and boasts abundant forested space along with many species of native vegetation. The location is considered an ecological sanctuary, housing a lake with islands, a cave, a suspension bridge, and a floating stage. Locals and visitors alike visit this public park to rent bikes and paddle boats and enjoy the natural beauty of Brazil.

Home to the renowned Atlético Paranaense soccer team, Arena da Baixada—also known as Estádio Atlético Paranaense—is located in Curitiba, the state capital of Paraná. The first football match was played here in 1914, making this stadium an important part of Brazil’s world-renowned football legacy.

In the heart of the historic part of Curitiba, Garibaldi Square is a great place to get your bearings or take a break between sightseeing visits. The square also has a "flower clock," a fully functional, 26-foot (8-meter) timepiece made of shrubs and flowers, complete with fiberglass hands.

The Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) is one of the oldest educational institutions in Brazil. The school occupies an entire block of Curitiba’s town center on one end of Santos Andrade Square (Praça Santos Andrade). Originally a private institution that began in the early 1900s, it became a federal, tuition-free university in 1950. It’s also home to two museums.

Located in the foothills of the Serra do Mar mountains—and within easy day tripping distance of Curitiba—Aguas Claras Water Park is one of the region’s largest water parks. The family-friendly destination has an attraction for travelers of all ages; highlights include high-speed water slides, wave pools, a boating lake, and a zipline course.

A scenic green space, an open-air museum that commemorates the Polish immigrants that have helped shape Curitiba for more than 150 years, and a memorial to Pope John Paul II, the Pope’s Woods and Polish Immigration Memorial (Bosque do Papa Joao Paulo II) is a multi-part attraction. Known for its cultural festivals, it’s also peaceful and tranquil.

In the heart of Curitiba, Santos Andrade Square (Praça Santos Andrade) is a central hub for transportation, culture, and just hanging out. Brazil's first university—the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR)—is right by the square, which means you're likely to run into students, as is the celebrated Guaira Theatre.