Curitiba, located in the state of Paraná, is a remarkable city known for its cleanliness, organization, and abundant greenery. The city features numerous trees lining the streets and has a lot of parks. Home to 1.7 million residents, Curitiba has a subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. The city grew to one of the most wealthier cities of Brazil and is a pioneer in terms of Urban Planning.
Short history
The region around Curitiba saw its first permanent settlers around 1630 when former residents of the nearby city of Paranaguá moved inland and established two settlements: Nossa Senhora da Luz and Bom Jesus dos Pinhais. These settlements eventually merged and, by 1693, formed the village of Curitiba. Due to the scarcity of raw materials in the area, many residents migrated to Minas Gerais, leaving the town as little more than a resting place for cowboys and their cattle traveling from Rio Grande do Sul to the markets in Minas Gerais and São Paulo. The city’s growth began for real in the 19th century with the cultivation and export of tea, the so-called erva-mate. In 1842, Curitiba was granted city rights, and 11 years later, it became the capital of the newly formed state of Paraná. Starting in 1867, Curitiba experienced waves of immigration.
The city was developed from 1867 by the coming of immigrants from Germany, Italy and later on Ukraine and Poland. The city is considered to be the hub of Polish culture in Brazil. After the early 1950 Japanese descendants moved all over Brazil and settled in Curitiba as well. The last decades more and more Syrians have settled in the city too and thus you can find a very good Syrian gastronomy.
National tree of the state Paraná
The beautiful national tree of the state is called Pinheiro de Paraná, it almost looks like a flower in the sky. This specific pine tree was almost extinct because of the exploitation of the high quality wood and the large and delicious pine nuts. Nowadays you can see them again in lots of places in Curitiba (and outside the city) and you can buy the fruits, pine nuts. You can buy them during the winter season in the supermarket, on the market and from vendors walking on the street.
When should I go?
Best time to visit Curitiba: April through September
Driest months: July and August
Coldest months: June and July
Wettest months: October through March
Warmest months: January and February
Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 10 C° or 50°F to 28 C° or 82°F and is rarely below 5 C° or 42°F or above 32 C° or 90°F.
Airport
The city of Curitiba has an airport which actually is outside of the city, in São José dos Pinhais. The airport is called Afonso Pena International Airport. The easiest way to travel to the city is by taking a bus or Uber. It is about 30 minutes by car to the city center and about an hour to travel by bus. You need to transfer to another bus at least once, depending on where you stay. See more information about the bus down below.
How to move around in the City
Omnibus
The public transport system in Curitiba is very good compared to other cities in Brazil. The clear-walled tube bus stops are all over town. Tickets are $R6. If you need to transfer you need to buy a new ticket. Even though the city is safer than most other cities in Brazil there is still a lot of crime in the city. That is why I advise you to only use the bus during the day and in the city’s center or at least until you know the city and your own neighborhood better. On Google maps you can plan your trip easily.
Uber or taxi
The other way to travel around which is safer is using an Uber. Indrive or taxi’s are driving around also but they don’t have as many safety protocols as Uber. I always use Uber with a safety code to make sure I have the right one.
Restaurants
One of my favorite Japanese restaurants is Izakaya Hyotan. The food is delicious, but be aware that some of the wall paintings are quite explicit. If that concerns you, ask for a table toward the back. Another favorite of mine is GreenGo Batel a salad restaurant. For a great buffet with a charming garden area, try Quintana Gastronomia Curitiba. If you enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine, I highly recommend the Amish Baladi restaurant. It can be a bit tricky to find as it’s inside Shopping Mueller, near the cinema. Follow the signs to the cinema and you’ll find the restaurant. Additionally, most shopping malls have food courts with plenty of good options.
Safety
Curitiba is much safer than most cities in Brazil but it’s still Brazil. Most important thing you can do, is to use your common sense. Don’t bring to many things of value with you, don’t show them and if you can keep your phone in your pocket, things like that. There are people living in the streets and they might be asking for money. You can give something but it’s better to support a local charity. They know much better what is needed.
All in all Curitiba is well worth a visit in my opinion. The city has lot to offer and is nice especially if you like an organized and clean city. I hope that when you visit you will have had something from this blog.
Is Curitiba accessible for wheelchair users?
Museums*
Good, most museum are accessible but not all of them. Other places that I mentioned in this blog are accessible too but not all of them. Compared to other museums in Brazil, the ones you have here are much better to access.
Café’s and restaurants
Not good, not bad. There are some places but you do have to look for them for sure. Your best option is to go to the shopping malls because there is always a food court and sometimes nice restaurants.
Public transport
It’s not bad but also not good. Most of the bus stops have a stairway, ramp and/or elevator. But not all of them are accessible and you need help with it. If you don’t speak Portuguese it can be quite challenging. So for a hassle free trip it’s easier to take Uber.
Toilets
In lots of places you find toilet for disabled people. Especially in shopping malls, museums and some bigger restaurants.
*And other attractions
Items I love while traveling
Baseball cap for high ponytail
One of my biggest wins in terms of sun protection are hats and baseball caps. But I have a lot of hair and with this baseball cap I can finally wear my hair in a bun or high ponytail. Win-win!
Travel utensils
This super sleek utensil sit is beautiful and practical for when you are on the road. The plastic utensils you get at airports I don’t love and the paper straws are terrible. I love that this kit comes with a brush for the straw and even has chopsticks. Ps. Put the knife and fork in your checked luggage.
XD Design roll top bag pack
My roll top backpack is almost 3 years old but I still use it every day, not only when I travel. Because of the roll top and the add lock system it is anti-theft. It’s also cut proof and water resistant. There is a separate section for your laptop and water bottle.