Curitiba Brazil Travel Guide: Uncover Green Havens and Urban Wonders

Curitiba TRAVEL GUIDE

Curitiba Brazil: A Quick Look

Curitiba is one of the main cities in Brazil and one of the best places to visit. Located in the country’s southern region, Curitiba is the capital of Paraná state and attracts visitors from many places. In this Curitiba travel guide, you will find everything you need to know, from pre-planning your trip to staying safe to visit the city and enjoy all it offers.

You will get a feel for everything you need to pack and the most popular areas to stay in. Curitiba is one of the most famous Brazilian destinations for national and foreign tourists due to the natural and culinary attractions found in the city. In addition, the favorable climate, historical monuments, and contact with nature are some of the reasons to visit the city known as the Ecological City of Brazil.

Curitiba’s green reputation is leveling up with eco-friendly attractions drawing curious travelers. Parks now host open-air markets with organic treats, while bike-sharing programs weave through the city’s sleek design. Pop-up events like rooftop yoga sessions add a fresh twist to its urban charm. It’s a model of sustainability with a cool edge.

Side note: One of the main questions we get when planning a trip to our country is “when is the best time to visit Brazil”, which you can read later. Now back to Curitiba!

As a native Brazilian, I guarantee that if you are looking for a place to relax and have fun while enjoying good food, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit Curitiba. In addition to having contact with nature, the options of activities found in the city are varied with parks, tours, museums, restaurants, fairs, markets, nightclubs, and more.

We Brazilians love good food, meetings with friends, and parties, and Curitiba is undoubtedly a place where you can find all of this. So if you want a place to enjoy with your friends or relax with family, Curitiba is the right destination. Below you will find the best areas to stay in per your goal for the trip, in addition to all the things to do.

Related article: For a more in-depth country guide, see our complete Brazil travel guide.

this …

Curitiba Brazil: Quick Travel Tips Before You Go

🛫 Airport: The airport in Curitiba, Brazil, is called Afonso Pena International Airport. The code used to identify this airport is CWB.

🤑 Currency: The currency of Brazil is known as the Brazilian Real, and the symbol R$ represents it.

🗣️ Language: In Brazil, people speak Portuguese as their primary language. However, English is often used in places where tourists visit, like hotels and tourist spots.

🕰️ Time Zone: Brasilia Standard Time (GMT-3). One hour ahead of EST and 4 hours ahead of PST. 

💵 Cost: Reasonable if you are arriving with stronger currencies like the US dollar, Euro, or Yen.

🛜 Internet: The city is fully covered with 5G internet. The internet speed isn’t super quick, but it’s not bad. It’s somewhere in the middle.

📄 Brazil Visa: As of now, If you are traveling from the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan, then NO. This could change as of October 1, 2023. Track the status and details here. For EU Nationals, you do NOT need a visa, and you may not be affected by the Oct 1, 2023 change. You can see the details here.

🔌 Power Outlets: In Brazil, you’ll encounter two types of plugs: Types C and N. Plug Type C features a pair of round pins, while plug Type N includes two round pins and a larger grounding pin. It’s essential to bring a universal travel adapter to ensure compatibility with various outlets during your travels.

🔋 Power Grid: In Brazil, the power grid runs on a supply voltage of 127/220V and operates at 60 Hz. While a few newer hotels might have 220V, it’s not guaranteed everywhere. 

📳 Brazil SIM Card: If you are thinking, do I need a SIM card for Brazil? The answer is for sure, yes. They are inexpensive, and having one in any country you travel to is safer.  

🚘 Car Rentals: Getting a car rental in Brazil might seem a bit confusing, and some people might feel a little anxious about driving in a foreign place. Nevertheless, it might be the top way to move around, depending on your trip. 

Curitiba Brazil: Safety Travel Tips (Use Common Sense)

🍏 Food safety: Food is secure. However, it’s important to use your best judgment and avoid some street foods that might not appear appetizing.

💧Water safety: Avoid tap water except for brushing your teeth. Filtered water and ice are perfectly fine alternatives. Most restaurants also use filters. Stick with filtered water or opt for bottled water to ensure your hydration needs are met. Consider using a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for convenient access to clean and safe drinking water on the go.

👷‍♀️ Daytime safety: The most usual issue in tourist spots is small theft. Here are some tips. Forget about fancy outfits, bags, and accessories, especially jewelry. Keep your eyes up and not just on your phone. Only use your phone when you actually need to.

🦺 Nighttime safety: Use common sense like in any big city you visit. Keep valuable items out of your pockets, avoid walking alone at night, don’t take out your phone in public, skip jewelry, watches, and costly bags, and avoid using the subway during nighttime.  

👺 Avoiding scams: Safeguard your precious items. Get your sightseeing and concert tickets online, not from vendors on the street. Reserve cabs or Uber rides straight from your apps or hotel. Be mindful of where you take out money; do it at banks and not inside stores or subway stations. Always keep an eye on your drink.

Curitiba Brazil Travel Tips: A Locals Perspective

🏨 Best neighborhoods for tourists:  Santa Felicidade (Known for its restaurants, bars, and stores), Centro Histórico (Historic city center with monuments, churches, and street fairs), Batel (Noble neighborhood of the city, with accommodation options, restaurants, bars and commerce in general) Mercês (Historic residential neighborhood), Some other neighborhoods with fewer leisure options but worth a visit are Jardim Botânico and the Água Verde neighborhood

🎄Top Brazilian holidays and traditions: Carnival, Festa Junina (June Festival), Independence Day (Sete de Setembro), Dia de Finados (Day of the Dead), Christmas, Tiradentes Day (Brazilian hero who fought for the independence of the country), Proclamation of the Republic

🍜 Local food to try: Carne de onça (Typical Curitiba food prepared with raw ground beef, garlic, onions, peppers and served with chives and mustard accompanied by black bread), cachorro quente, brigadeiro, coxinha, feijoada, pão de queijo, barreado, churrasco, joelho de porco (pork knee), pinhão, pierogi, pastel 

🍹 Local drinks to try (alcoholic): Cachaça, caipirinha, Catuaba, Chope (Brazilian beer style based on the German drink), Quentão (a drink widely consumed in Brazil, especially at June festivals, it is traditionally made with red wine and spices, also known as mulled wine. Some recipes are made with cachaça, with other types of wine, or even without alcohol)

🧉 Local drinks to try (non-alcoholic): Chimarrão (hot) and terere (cold), coconut water, guarana, acai juice, garapa or caldo de cana, Gengibirra (typical drink of the state of Paraná made from ginger, being marketed as a soda)

🚶‍♂️Walkability: As Curitiba is a big city, it is easier to walk in the historic city center, where there is the XV de Novembro Street, the first exclusive pedestrian street in Brazil

🎉 Nightlife: The nightlife in Curitiba is excellent. The bars and clubs in Curitiba are considered one of Brazil’s best, with several exciting options to suit the city’s local population and tourists. They are mainly found in neighborhoods such as Batel and Largo da Ordem, which will be better covered in this Curitiba travel guide later on

😀 Friendly to foreigners: Yes, very welcoming.

🏥 Hospitals: As one of Brazil’s main capitals, Curitiba is home to some of the best hospitals in the country

🇺🇸 English speaking: In some places, mainly tourist spots, not everywhere.

Curitiba TRAVEL GUIDE

Where is Curitiba Brazil Located?

Curitiba Map 

Curitiba is located in Brazil’s southern region, the capital of the State of Paraná. It is the most populous city in the southern region and is well known for its well-organized urban structure with direct contact with nature.

For this reason, the city has become known as the most ecological city in Brazil, also earning nicknames such as Cidade Sorriso (Smile City), Cidade Modelo (Model City), and Capital of Araucárias (type of tree symbol of the city).

What State is Curitiba In? 

Curitiba is located in the southern region of Brazil, in the state of Paraná. Its state borders the states of São Paulo, Santa Catarina, and Mato Grosso do Sul, as well as Argentina and Paraguay. 

Paraná is a state known for being a major grain producer, having the fifth largest economy in Brazil, and being one of Brazil’s most complete tourist destinations with rivers, mountains, parks, waterfalls, and coastline. Paraná is also home to the famous city of Foz do Iguaçu, where we find the equally famous Iguaçu Falls. 

An interesting fact is that the state was once the largest coffee producer in the world.

The southern region of Brazil is the coldest in the country, with occasional snowfall in some cities during the winter. In other seasons of the year, temperatures in the region tend to be high, with a lot of humidity, as we’ll see later in this Curitiba travel guide.

What’s the Closest Airport to Curitiba Brazil?

The closest airport in Curitiba is Afonso Pena International Airport (Code: CWB). The airport is about 30 minutes from downtown Curitiba, so it is easy to get there. When flying in, you usually have a connection in either Sao Paulo or Rio De Janeiro.  

What is the Best Way to Get to Your Curitiba Hotel?

In this Curitiba travel guide, you’ll find some tips to get to your hotel quickly and safely. After arriving at Curitiba’s Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB), you have a few choices to reach your hotel.

The most straightforward and convenient approach to kick off your trip smoothly is to arrange a personal shuttle to your hotel. This way, you won’t need to worry about it when you land. 

Pro Tip: If you plan on using Uber, ensure you have a Brazil SIM card for your phone to work correctly. As a local Brazilian resident, I can guarantee that relying on free public WIFI for ride-share apps might not be ideal. 

You can opt for a taxi, but always verify that the meter is running to avoid scams. It’s a step you must take in every foreign country, and it’s not different here. 

Renting a car in Curitiba is also a good choice. Car rentals are available at the airport, making pickup easy. This is a good option if you plan on driving extensively around the city and nearby areas. For family trips, this works well too. However, if your plan involves spending the day drinking, private shuttles, and Ubers are a wiser choice.

Curitiba TRAVEL GUIDE

How to Get Around Curitiba?

Ride Sharing (top choice): Ride-sharing services like Uber are popular in Curitiba. They are cheap and convenient. They’re perfect for navigating the city with the least amount of hassle. 

Rent a Car (top choice): Hiring a car offers ultimate freedom for your Curitiba adventure. This way, you can explore the city’s main attractions, such as parks, woods, museums, bars, restaurants, and art galleries. A rental car offers much more trip flexibility. Remember to bring your valid driver’s license and be prepared for right-side driving.

Take a Taxi:  In Curitiba, they are abundant and provide a hassle-free way to get around, though they may cost more. Always make sure the meter is on to prevent getting overcharged.

Get on a Bike: Curitiba has become a reference in urban mobility in Brazil, with several bike lanes to make it easier to get around the city on a bike. If you are interested, the website of the Municipal Institute of Tourism of the city offers a free guide with tours to be done passing through important points of the city. The website also has guidance in English (Curta Curitiba Pedalando – Turismo Curitiba).

Using a bike can be a great way to get to know the city’s beauties. However, unlike other cities in Brazil, Curitiba does not offer many bike rental options. Still, finding a place in the city center to rent a bike for a few hours to ride around the city and have fun is not difficult.

Tour by bus of the Tourism Line: Another option to get to know Curitiba is using one of the double-decker buses of the Linha Turismo (Tourism Line). This bus makes a tour of the city, passing by the main tourist attractions, among them parks, food districts, museums, historical architecture, theaters, viewpoints, and more.

You can purchase a bus boarding pass for unlimited boarding for 24 hours. With this, the visitor can disembark and enjoy the place of his choice, reboarding the next bus, available every 30 minutes. This card is purchased on the bus itself.

Public transportation (last choice): Curitiba has a good public transportation system, and it is less expensive, but unless you have to, this may not be the best choice for you.

Curitiba TRAVEL GUIDE

When to Go to Curitiba?

In this Curitiba travel guide, we’ll help you decide when to go to Curitiba. Choosing the right time to visit Curitiba depends on your trip’s purpose. Keep in mind the seasons are different from those in the US and Europe, so be careful not to get confused when planning your visit.

As a Brazilian native of the southern region who visits the city frequently, I can say that predicting the weather is difficult for anyone visiting Curitiba. We say around here that it is possible to see all four seasons in one day in Curitiba. It is not difficult to see a beautiful sunny day with blue skies quickly turn into a stormy day. Not to mention the constant temperature change of hot and cold.

Curitiba Brazil Summer (December to March): If you want sun and festivals, this is your time to go. January and February are the hottest months in Curitiba. This is the best season for nightlife.

Summer Carnival: Carnival is one of the most popular festivals in the world. It falls in the Brazilian summer, usually in late February or early March. Curitiba can be an excellent option if you want to experience the craziness of it but not be in a big city like Rio. The town has parades of samba schools on the street and several other options for the most varied tastes, including rock festivals, geek festivals, and food spots.

Curitiba Brazil Fall (April and May): If you want a slower pace, autumn/fall offers nice weather and is less crowded. April is one of the best months to visit Curitiba.

Curitiba Brazil Winter (June to August): June and July are the coldest months of the year in Curitiba. Despite this, at this time of year, the capital becomes a great attraction for travelers who love the cold with several attractions. Among them are the numerous cafes and the most varied restaurants scattered throughout the city. For nature lovers, in Curitiba, the parks, gardens, and woods gain a unique charm due to the frost that covers the grass, a beautiful setting for photos.  In addition, the city offers winter festivals that unite music, food, and culture typical of the region.

Curitiba Brazil Spring (September to November):  I guarantee that if there is a Brazilian city worth visiting at this time of year, that city is Curitiba. With the blossoming of flowers, the various parks and woods in the town become a spectacle to admire. The main attractions during this year’s season are certainly the Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico) and Barigui Park (Parque Barigui).

Just to remind you and make your schedule easier. January and February are the warmest months, while the coldest months in Curitiba are June and July. Also, the driest months are between July and August, and the rainiest are between October and March.

Despite all this, you can’t go wrong with Curitiba regardless of when you choose to go. The city is a beautiful destination regardless of the time of year, as you’ll see in this Curitiba travel guide.

Curitiba TRAVEL GUIDE

Where to Stay in Curitiba Brazil (By Neighborhood)

In this Curitiba travel guide, we’ll show you where to stay in town. There are a few different areas to stay in Curitiba, Brazil. The city has well-defined neighborhoods with accommodation options. 

Taking into account the location, the proximity to most tourist attractions, and the ease of finding bars and restaurants, the most suitable neighborhoods to stay in Curitiba are the Centro Histórico (families, couples, and solo travelers), Batel (solo travelers, families, and groups of friends), Centro Cívico (families, couples and solo travelers), Mercês (solo travelers, families, and groups of friends) and Santa Felicidade (solo travelers and families). The choice will depend on what kind of trip you are planning.

Identify the purpose of your trip based on who will be with you, and then use this Curitiba travel guide to find options that best suit your needs.

Centro Histórico  (Best for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers) 

Centro Histórico (Historical Center) in Curitiba is ideal for families and solo travelers seeking a more relaxed experience. 

Staying downtown in Curitiba is more attractive for those who want a relaxing trip, knowing historical, architectural, and cultural sites and the various tourist attractions. This region is divided into an older part and a more modern and commercial part.

One of the highlights of this area is Largo da Ordem, known for its richness and cultural diversity, with museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars, and shops. On Sundays, Largo da Ordem hosts the famous Feirinha do Largo, a street fair where clothing, food, handicrafts, antiques, art, and more are sold.

However, the negative point is that the region does not inspire security at night, something common in other Brazilian capitals.

Batel (Best for Solo Travelers, Families, and Groups of Friends) 

Batel is a great area of Curitiba with exciting attractions both for those traveling alone and for those traveling with family or a group of friends, depending on what you are looking for.

Batel is an upper-class neighborhood of the city with the most expensive hotels. Still, it is a pleasant, safe area and close to the historical center, the location of various city sights. 

For those looking for a quiet trip, there are several stores and restaurants in this neighborhood, as well as beautiful squares and two large shopping malls.  

However, for those looking for parties, it is in the Batel neighborhood where you will find the best clubs and parties with a busy nightlife.

Centro Cívico (Best for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers) 

Centro Cívico (Civic Center) is the neighborhood located north of the city downtown. It is an area where municipal and state government buildings are located, as well as important tourist spots such as the Oscar Niemeyer Museum, Iguaçu Palace, and the Holocaust Museum. 

This area is more geared towards walks, whether alone, as a couple, or with the family, with several squares, parks, and cafes.

Mercês (Best for Solo Travelers, Families, and Groups of Friends) 

Mercês is a calm part of Curitiba, perfect if you want a peaceful and restful experience. In this neighborhood, you will find good options for restaurants and cafes, besides having one of the city’s main tourist attractions, the Panoramic Tower, where you can see the city from above. 

It is also a neighborhood close to downtown. Also, there are good hostels in this area for those traveling in groups of friends.

Santa Felicidade (Best for Solo Travelers and Families) 

Santa Felicidade is a neighborhood of Italian descent in Curitiba. It is a calm place further away from downtown, famous for its Italian culture, with beautiful buildings, tree-lined streets, and great restaurants. 

A great food center in Curitiba is a good place to buy wines, cheeses, chocolates, etc.

Curitiba TRAVEL GUIDE

Best Things to Do in Curitiba Brazil

With this Curitiba travel guide, discover and enjoy the best things the city has to offer:

• Tour of the Tourism Line (Linha Turismo): The Linha Turismo is a panoramic bus that travels around the main tourist attractions in the city. Starting with this tour is a great way to begin discovering Curitiba.
• Discover the parks of Curitiba: A great way to enjoy and get to know Curitiba is to go to one of the more than 30 parks and forests in the city. I can assure you that they are beautiful and worth visiting. Some of the main points are the Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico), where you will find a beautiful glass dome, and Barigui Park (Parque Barigui), where you can see charismatic capybaras sunbathing or playing. 
• Get to know the Historical Center and visit the Museums of Curitiba: In the historic center of Curitiba, you will find the historical buildings that are part of the city’s identity. The main point here is Largo da Ordem. As for museums, anyone visiting Curitiba cannot miss the Museu Paranaense and the Museu Oscar Niemeyer, also known as MON. 
• Ópera de Arame and Pedreira Paulo Leminski: Those looking for shows and musical concerts can’t miss Opera de Arame and Pedreira Paulo Leminski.
• Train ride to the city of Morretes: In Curitiba, it is possible to find several tours, one of which is the train ride to the neighboring town of Morretes. The tour lasts 3 hours and passes through lush landscapes with lots of greenery and mountains.
• Go shopping: Between one tour and another, take the opportunity to go shopping in the city. Living in the region and knowing the climatic instability of Curitiba, I guarantee that the city specializes in offering excellent commercial spaces with fairs, shopping malls, and the Municipal Market.
• Nightlife in Curitiba: Curitiba offers many options for the night. With many bars and clubs, what’s not lacking in Curitiba is fun, especially in neighborhoods like Batel.
• Try the Restaurants in Curitiba: Something you cannot miss is the local cuisine for those visiting Curitiba. Due to its European heritage, mainly Italian, the city’s food is quite diverse and delicious. Restaurants with Italian food, such as the well-known Madalosso restaurant in the Santa Felicidade neighborhood, are an excellent choice.
• Visit the panoramic tower: This 109-meter-high tower allows visitors to see the city of Curitiba from above. I recommend going to the tower in the late afternoon so as not to miss the sunset seen from the heights.
• Visit Japan Square (Praça do Japão): It’s a small square, but beautiful and charming. The square has a Japanese memorial, a Buddha monument, lakes, a lantern carved in stone, a house inspired by Japanese architecture, and a souvenir shop.

Curitiba TRAVEL GUIDE

Best Curitiba Tours

There are several tours to do in Curitiba, which are a great way to get to know the city. A tour is the easiest and most cost-effective option unless you intend to rent a car in Curitiba. You don’t want to take Uber or taxis to see all this stuff as it adds up. 

💡 Pro tip: If having a car in Curitiba seems like a good fit for you, don’t forget another great option is renting a car. 

Below, you’ll find the best tours in Curitiba and its surrounding regions. The varied tours are a fast way to get a feel for the neighborhoods.

💡Pro Tip:  When visiting Curitiba, consider starting with a tour of the city (on a day with good weather, I would recommend the Linha Turismo bus tour, it’s a unique experience) to get to know the neighborhoods and the main tourist attractions in the city. This way, you will be able to plan better how you want to enjoy your trip. 

💡Pro Tip: Avoid booking tours from street vendors. Choose to book online instead, and it will be more budget-friendly for you.

Tours are a great and easy way for you to have a first contact with the city’s diversity, culture, and history, and in this Curitiba travel guide, we’ll show you the top tours in the town. 

Here are the top tours for Curitiba: 

• Linha Turismo (Tourism Line) Tour: In this Curitiba travel guide, we first recommend a tour by the Linha Turismo bus. This double-decker bus is open at the top so visitors can enjoy the ride with a panoramic view while passing by some of the main tourist attractions in Curitiba. 
• City Tour in Curitiba: With this tour, you can visit places and points of interest in Curitiba with the convenience of having the tour vehicle pick you up at your hotel. It is an excellent way to get to know the city.
• By Night Tour: This tour will take you to discover Curitiba’s night activities, with its restaurants, pubs, galleries, and typical pastry shops that form a riot of colors and movement at night. In addition, the tour passes through typical landscapes and specific locations in the city.
• Coffee Bike Tour: This tour made with bicycles takes the visitor to the best coffee shops in Curitiba. So if you like to ride a bike, this tour is for you.
• Curitiba Free Walking Tour: This tour is free, and it is up to the visitor to contribute any amount. It was created by tourism professionals in Curitiba to take the visitor to a deeper understanding of the city’s history with its habits and customs. 
• Kuritibike: The bike rental company also offers itineraries to get to know the city in a different and fun way.
• Train Tour: This is a train ride that departs from the city of Curitiba to the town of Morretes, passing through beautiful landscapes in the middle of the Atlantic Forest.
• Comida de Boteco (bar food) Tour: This tour cannot be missing from your travel itinerary. The tour is on foot, passing by bars knowing and trying the best local culinary specialties.
• Private Custom Tours: Sometimes, creating a private tour with your own itinerary can be better. This approach lets you move at your preferred speed without concerns about being in a group. 

More Details on Tours in Curitiba:

Curitiba TRAVEL GUIDE

Is Curitiba Safe for Tourists?

Yes, Curitiba is considered one of the safest cities in Brazil. That doesn’t mean that crime doesn’t happen like in any big city or tourist destination, and you must use common sense.

In this Curitiba travel guide, you will find some tips to help you stay safe during your visit.

Your biggest concern here is the typical petty crime (like theft) in the busy season and around the more popular landmarks. This situation could occur in any big city, and the likelihood of encountering this issue remains the same. 

The more pre-planning you do, the less of a target you are. 

💡Curitiba Travel Guide Pro Safety Tips: 

• Avoid the actions of criminals, not sporting chains, watches, medals, bracelets, and other jewelry. 
• Avoid walking through poorly lit streets or squares. 
• Separate in advance the money needed for small expenses, such as coffee, driving, etc. 
• If you think you are being followed, cross the street or enter a busy establishment to seek help.
• Avoid shopping alone.
• Prefer to pay by credit or debit card. So you don’t need to carry large amounts of cash. 
• Never publicly show money, especially in bars, restaurants, stores, cinemas, etc.
• Purses, wallets, or shopping bags must be carried close to the body and far from the edge of the sidewalk.

It’s always important to take normal precautions. Curitiba is one of the safest cities in the country, but it is always good to be careful. 

Its neighborhoods are well-patrolled, and residents are welcoming toward tourists. That said, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or when visiting crowded tourist areas. 

Keep an eye on your stuff and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas. It’s always a good idea to check with locals or your hotel staff about any areas to avoid. 

Remember, your safety largely depends on being aware of your surroundings and making smart, PRE PLANNED decisions.

What is the Best Travel Insurance for Brazil?

This is a question that I get a lot, as travel insurance can get confusing. This is a critical part of your trip though so that you do not have to worry when visiting Curitiba or any other part of the world. 

Figuring out travel insurance can be overwhelming. However, having the right travel insurance coverage is essential for a stress-free trip to Curitiba, Brazil. The key is to make sure it is simple and flexible. 

To streamline this, we have broken down the best travel insurance companies out there in the industry that are all great but also serve different needs.  

Let’s explore what each of them brings to the table: 

✅ World Nomads: Best for comprehensive coverage, flexibility, AND adventure sports. Covers trip cancellation, emergency medical costs, and emergency medical transportation and protects your travel gear. 

✅ SafetyWing: This is for general travelers, frequent travelers,  and long-term digital nomads in Brazil. Provides lots of flexibility as far as start date, coverage extension, and automatic renewals. It also has limited home-country coverage. 

✅ Travel Insurance Master: Brazil travel insurance search tool, this is for people who really want to compare policies. 

Curitiba Travel Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Drink the Water in Curitiba Brazil?

The short answer is NO. 

In Curitiba, Brazil, it is best not to drink tap water, even if it is treated. And even if it has been filtered, tap water should only be used to brush your teeth, bath, etc. Other than that, prefer bottled water or a filtered water bottle you can refill for free.

In addition, most restaurants in Curitiba offer mineral water suitable for customer consumption and use it to make ice, so the water is safe to drink in these places. But, in case of doubt, consult the restaurant about the origin of the water. 

Also, remember the Brazilian sun can be intense and hot, so maintaining hydration is vital.

So Steps to Stay Safe With the Water Are: 

1. If you’re in an Airbnb, consider boiling tap water if bottled water isn’t available.
2. If you’re in a hotel, opt for bottled water, but keep in mind it could be costly.
3. Opting for a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle ensures access to clean and safe drinking water wherever you go, making your stay hassle-free and environmentally friendly.

What’s the Curitiba Weather Like?

Curitiba, Brazil, is a humid subtropical climate, which means that the summer is not so hot, it can get rainy, and the winter has low temperatures, once the city is considered the coldest capital in Brazil.

During the summer, which is from December to March, temperatures range from 16°C to 25°C (61°F to 77°F). It is humid, so be prepared for that. This is the period when it may rain a bit more. 

In the winter (it does get colder than up North), which is from June to September, the temperatures are much more mild. They are about 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F). There is less rain in the winter, but it still happens. 

During fall (April and May) and spring (October and November), the temps are much more moderate, and this can be a time to avoid the heat of the colder temperatures of the winter, even though it is still mild, especially if you are from a climate where it snows.

Curitiba’s weather, however, changes quickly, so it is always good to travel with a light jacket and an umbrella. 

Is Curitiba Expensive?

For visitors from nations with a strong currency, like Americans and Europeans, traveling to Brazil is less expensive than touring their own countries, due to conversion rates.

Other than that, some parties and luxurious places can be more expensive, as well as tourist attractions and imported products.

In Brazil, prices tend to rise during the high season when tourists and visitors tend to come to Brazil. However, Curitiba is not the type of city that attracts crowds of tourists on holidays, vacations, or weekends. Quite the opposite, as in this period, the city’s inhabitants tend to go to the beaches. Therefore, the tendency is not to see a large variation in prices than what is found in Curitiba.

Is Curitiba Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt. In this Curitiba travel guide, we show that the city is one of the main cities in Brazil, and you won’t regret visiting it.

With its mild temperatures, it is an excellent destination for those from countries with lower temperatures, such as Europe and the US, fleeing the high temperatures in other Brazilian cities, such as Rio de Janeiro.

The city has attractions for everyone, historic buildings, contact with nature, good food, and, for those looking for it, exciting nightlife with parties, events, and nightclubs.

The city’s main feature is its various food options and the numerous green areas found throughout Curitiba. The tours around the city are magnificent and show visitors the main attractions of Curitiba to become familiar with the place.

If you are looking for good food, then there are local Italian-style restaurants, traditional local Brazilian barbeque, traditional local street food, and more. 

We say in the southern region of Brazil that the locals in Curitiba don’t smile much but are very receptive and hospitable to visitors. Also, the city is relatively safe compared to other larger cities in Brazil. 

How Many Days Do I Need in Curitiba Brazil?

In order to know all the parks, forests, museums, bars, and restaurants, think about staying in Curitiba for four to six days. If you’re going to Curitiba during Carnival, you’ll definitely need seven days.

However, if you only want to visit the central area, the parks, and some restaurants, the time in Curitiba can be reduced to up to three days since the city does not have beaches. 

Think of a reasonable amount of days to travel to Curitiba, and then think about adding one or two more days so you don’t have to rush to visit the city’s charming parks and don’t miss the restaurants with the wonderful cuisine of Curitiba.