Top things to do in Curitiba

'Must see' in Curitiba

If you have chosen to stay at NH Curitiba The Five, get out and head to Praça Rui Barbosa. It’s worth reminding you now that you are in Brazil, and that means coffee - good quality coffee - is readily available, so at any point, you feel the need for a pick me up, pop into a café and order one of the local blends. 

Take a left turn at the top of Rua Emiliano Perneta and you´ll quickly see the Palacio Avenida, not a palace in the traditional sense of the word, but an impressive building nonetheless. If you’re fortunate enough to be visiting around the festive season, be sure to check out this corner decorated in all its splendor. If not, check out some photos before you come and consider the contrast when you see its day-to-day façade.

A little further north, there is a lovely square worth checking out, Praça Tiradentes. One of the things to do in Curitiba, is to visit its historic area surrounded by trees and flowers, and with the option to be tempted in by the bars, restaurants and street vendors close by. 

Note also the late 19th century Cathedral Basilica de Curitiba, whose neo-gothic style is worth some admiration, as is the unusual glass flooring you step across. 

With an eastwards focus, work your way along Praça Santos Andrade, passing the city’s art museum at its start, you’ll arrive at Rua XV de Novembro. Predominantly pedestrianized, the affectionately known 'Street of Flowers' (you’ll immediately realize why) connects a variety of the city’s hotspots and, as well as the glut of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, you’ll also get to enjoy an eclectic mix of street performances as you wander or sit. 

Our next target destination is the start of our journey back to the hotel, with a south-westerly bearing. You will find three different options: 

1. Museu do Expedicionário: a look at the region and nation's military history. 
2. Museu da Imagem e do Som: an exploration of the audio-visual landscape of Paraná and beyond. 
3. Museu Ferroviário: an insight into trains and railroads in the area’s past. 

Take your pick before returning to the NH Curitiba The Five hotel, which, as you’ll have noticed, is very conveniently situated within a commercial complex giving you access to a top-notch shopping mall and other amenities.

Best places to visit in Curitiba

If this short guide on things to do in Curitiba has whetted your appetite then look for other opportunities to delve further afield and see more of the city. There really is so much to do and see, and we’ll begin giving you a flavor of these with the stunning Jardim Botânico, the city’s botanical gardens.

This beautiful green space gives you a break from the bustle of the city streets and is home to a number of attractions. An image that makes up many promotional brochures of Curibita is that of the triple-domed white iron and glass conservatory that sits proudly as the park’s centerpiece. 

If magnificent vistas of your surroundings appeal, don’t miss the chance to gaze out over the city from atop the Torre Panorâmica. Standing 360 feet (that’s 110 meters) in the air, this tower gives you a wonderful 360-degree view of Curitiba and beyond from the observation deck. There is also a telephone museum on the ground floor to check out before or after your ascent. 

As you approach the peculiar looking Museu Oscar Niemeyer you will not be surprised to learn that it is a museum dedicated to the wonder of design and architecture. Named after the man responsible for its structure, it only opened at the beginning of this century and, unsurprisingly, is commonly referred to as 'The Eye'. Local artists, including Niemeyer, have their works on show here and there is a substantial area devoted solely to photography. 

One of the essential things to do in Curitiba is to book a carriage on the Serra Verde Express Train and take your creativity on the road, well, on the rails. Aboard the traditional steam engine, you’ll find yourselves amid the lush greenery of surrounding Paraná, coming up with unique plans or, alternatively, letting your mind relax to the enduring sound of the locomotive.

Curitiba gastronomy

With an abundance of restaurants, food stands, bistro bars and terraces, the capital of Paraná has an eclectic array of eateries for you to choose from. This city's gastronomy is also modern in theme so, with this in mind, let's look at a few of our favorite restaurants in town.

Best restaurant to have breakfast 

As we mentioned before, coffee is not in short supply in Curitiba, and you’ll rarely be disappointed when you stop for a caffeine top up. 

There are, however, some rather special outlets and one that we’d recommend is Café do Mercado, on Avenida Sete de Setembro. Not only is the quality of their beverages likely to have you popping back for more, the café is also located next to the city’s fish market, which you can take in while you’re there. 

Best spots for lunch

After all the places you are going to visit in Curitiba, what you will really want is to eat in a good restaurant, so we are going to recommend you the Batel Grill Churrascaria will ensure that you aren’t feeling hungry until late in the day. The meat cuts are varied and delicious, as are the pasta, rice and vegetarian selections, and due to the buffet style, everyone can control what, and how much, they desire. The bonus comes at the end of the meal when you realize the prices are very reasonable. 

Best dinner restaurants 

It may stray away from Brazilian culture but a fun place to go is Taj Bar. A vibrant atmosphere is always guaranteed in this sushi restaurant with three separate sections, each with its own ambiance. 

When the situation calls for something that little bit special, arrange a table at Manu in the lively district of Batel. Every day is different as the menu evolves under the guidance of highly regarded chef Manoella Buffara’s steady hand. 

Upon arriving at the hotel, our team is more than happy to point you in the right place depending on your tastes, so please ask. And remember that in Curitiba an alternative to sitting down for a meal is to take advantage of the delicious offerings from the street vendors that you’ll find when walking around, grilling up some special treats at all hours.

Curitiba nightlife

If at the end of the day, you have already checked out all the things to do in Curitiba, the city nightlife starts to call out to you. There is a choice of neighborhoods to keep you company for as long as you desire, however, two in particular have a name for being the perfect areas to relax and enjoy. 

First up is the very traditional vibe of Rua Itupava. From the chilled out and rustic feel of Menina Zen, to the more modern lounge bar, Forneria Copacapana, this area gives you a native experience in style with options to eat, drink and, generally, be very merry.

The district of Batel also comes with a wide selection of bars and restaurants, but here there is a real sense of the international aspect of modern life in Curitiba. You’ll find Irish pubs, burger joints, and the city’s first vodka bar, appropriately named Soviet Vodka Bar, to spice things up. But fear not, there are also several very typical Brazilian choices, pumping out some classic samba beats.

If something more sophisticated is your preference to end the day, why not reserve a seat at the Opera de Arame. Domingos Bongestabs’ iconic building comes into view as you step across the lake within the grounds of Parque das Pedreiras, and based on when you’re in town you’ll have a choice of shows or exhibitions to entertain. 

With so many things to do in Curitiba and a plethora of experiences to have, you will have fallen in love with every corner of the city and you will only want to return. We are waiting for you to offer the best stay!

Author: Rodrigo Castillo

BUAM eCommerce Manager

I am Rodrigo Castillo Orozco, eCommerce Manager of BUAM at Minor Hotels Europe & America's. I am passionate about the travel sector, about knowing and finding what characterizes the places I visit. With more than 10 years of experience in hospitality, I have been in charge of designing experiences and activities with other travel enthusiasts.