City Tour
Botanical Garden
Hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Curitiba's most visited attraction. Beyond the greenhouse inspired by London's historic Crystal Palace, geometric gardens, and native forest, the site also houses the Botanical Museum — a national reference for plant species. Also on site: the Garden of the Senses, a 200-metre trail where visitors are blindfolded and guided through plants and landscapes using only their other senses.
Municipal Market
Hours: Tue–Sat 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Sun 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Municipal Market is a vibrant shopping destination featuring restaurants and stalls selling delicacies from around the world. The food court is shared with the Organic Market — the first of its kind in Brazil — which sells certified food products free from pesticides and chemical additives, produced with environmental responsibility.
Federal University of Paraná
Hours: UFPR: Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Brazil's oldest university, founded in 1912, is considered a neoclassical architectural monument. Across Praça Santos Andrade stands the Teatro Guaíra — one of Latin America's largest theatres. Originally inaugurated in 1884, it was rebuilt in 1952. The complex features three auditoriums, the largest seating 2,173, with a striking bas-relief panel by artist Poty Lazzarotto at the main entrance.
Paço da Liberdade
Hours: Tue–Fri 10 AM–9 PM, Sat 10 AM–5:45 PM, Sun 11 AM–5 PM
Built in 1916 with neoclassical and art nouveau details, this was once the seat of Curitiba's city hall. Carefully restored to preserve its original character, the interior reveals original paintwork and glimpses of the old water drainage system through glass floor panels. Today it is a cultural space housing a café, bookshop, library, auditorium, and exhibition rooms. Listed by Brazil's National Heritage Institute (IPHAN).
Passeio Público
Hours: Tue–Sun 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Inaugurated in 1886, the Passeio Público was the city's first park and its first major sanitation project — a swamp transformed into a leisure space with lakes, bridges, and islands. Its gate is a replica of the famous Dog Cemetery gate in Paris.
Arab Memorial
Hours Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Sat 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
The Arab Memorial, built in tribute to Middle Eastern culture, functions as a specialist library with moorish architectural elements — domes, columns, arches, and stained glass — and houses a sculpture of writer Gibran Khalil Gibran.
Civic Centre
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Home to all three branches of Paraná state government — Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary — the Civic Centre was established in 1953 to mark the centenary of Paraná's political independence. Curitiba's current city hall is also located nearby.
Pope Forest & Polish Memorial
Hours: Tue–Sun 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Inaugurated in December 1980, shortly after Pope John Paul II's visit to Curitiba that July, the 46,000 m² park was once part of the old Estearina candle factory grounds. Seven log houses stand as a living tribute to the faith and resilience of Polish immigrants — containing objects such as an old cart, a vinegar barrel, a head of cabbage, and an image of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa. Polish immigration to Curitiba began in 1871.
Oscar Niemeyer Museum
Hours: Tue-Sun 10 AM - 6 PM
Known as the MON, this is one of Latin America's largest museums, housing over 2,200 works by nationally and internationally recognised artists. Designed by the legendary architect Oscar Niemeyer, the 35,000 m² structure stands within 144,000 m² of green space. The complex features the original 1967 building alongside a striking 2001 annex inspired by the araucária tree — a Paraná icon — whose elliptical form and glass walls have earned it the affectionate nickname "Eye Museum."
German Forest
Hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
One of the city's most beautiful public spaces, honouring German immigrants and their cultural legacy. A replica of an old Presbyterian church houses a concert hall. Other attractions include the Hansel and Gretel trail narrating the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, a children's library, the Philosophers' Tower — a wooden lookout with panoramic views of the city and Serra do Mar — and the Germanic Poetry Square, featuring a replica façade of an early 20th-century building. Note: currently undergoing works.
Zaninelli Forest
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Set within the green expanse of Bosque Zaninelli — once a quarry site — the Municipal School of Sustainability offers a fascinating architectural experience. The building was designed using rustic materials and represents, through its form and colours, the four elements of nature: earth, fire, water, and air.
São Lourenço Park
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
This park beautifully unites nature, art, and culture. One of the city's oldest, it was established in 1972 to restore an area damaged by the bursting of the Rio Belém dam. Today it also features the Paranista Memorial and the João Turin Sculpture Garden — works by the great sculptor João Turin, considered the pioneer of sculpture in Paraná. Ideal for walking, go-kart rides, and enjoying native green spaces.
Wire Opera House
Hours: Tue–Sun 10 AM – 6 PM
With its tubular steel structure and transparent roof, the Ópera de Arame is one of Curitiba's most iconic symbols. Inaugurated in 1992, it hosts performances ranging from popular to classical for up to 1,572 spectators. Set amid lakes, native vegetation, and waterfalls, it forms part of the Pedreiras Park alongside the Paulo Leminski Quarry — an open-air venue for major events since 1989, capable of hosting 20,000 people.
Tanguá Park
Hours: Daily 6 AM – 10 PM
Inaugurated in 1996 as part of the Barigui River conservation project, the park features two former quarries connected by a 45-metre tunnel that visitors can cross on foot via a walkway over the water. Amenities include a jogging track, cycle path, viewpoint, snack bar, and the Poty Lazzarotto Garden. Widely regarded as one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Curitiba.
Tingui Park
Hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Named in tribute to the indigenous peoples who once inhabited this region, Tingui Park was created in 1994 along the Barigui River conservation corridor. It offers walking trails, a playground, and outdoor gym equipment — an excellent spot for exercise and nature appreciation alike.
Ukrainian Memorial
Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
A replica of the São Miguel Church located in Mallet in the Paraná interior, the Ukrainian Memorial is built according to Orthodox religious principles: an octagonal copper-clad dome, columns, arches, and pine roofing with the altar facing east. Inside, visitors will find an exhibition of pyssanky (decorated Easter eggs) and icons — a celebration of Ukrainian spiritual and artistic heritage.
Italian Portal
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The Italian Portal marks the entrance to the Santa Felicidade neighbourhood and reproduces the typical architectural style of the Italian immigrant community that settled the area. A striking gateway to one of Curitiba's most beloved and flavourful districts.
Santa Felicidade
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Curitiba's first Italian colony, formed by immigrants from the Veneto region who arrived in Brazil in 1878. Their traditions gave birth to the neighbourhood's defining attractions: a wealth of traditional restaurants, wineries, and craft and wicker furniture shops. The century-old church is a testament to Italian religiosity, while the Santa Felicidade Cemetery features an extraordinary pantheon of 18 neoclassical chapels, listed by Brazil's heritage authority. Architecturally noteworthy buildings include the Casa dos Gerânios, Casa dos Pintura, Casa das Arcos, and Casa Culpi.
Barigui Park
Hours: Open daily
Created in 1972, this 1.4 million m² park is a refuge for numerous native and migratory animals — and Curitiba's most frequented park. It’s especially known for its large population of capybaras, which can often be seen relaxing by the lake or grazing on the lawns, making them one of the park’s most iconic attractions.
Panoramic Tower
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Inaugurated in 1991, this telecommunications tower rises 109.5 metres and offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the city and the silhouette of the Serra do Mar mountain range. A relief map on the observation deck floor marks Curitiba's key points of interest, while a panel by artist Poty Lazzarotto illustrates the capital's development. The Telephone Museum is located at its entrance.
Historic District
Sunday Fair: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
An unmissable journey through the past of the old Vila Nossa Senhora da Luz. Along cobblestone streets, preserved colonial buildings stand alongside the Igreja da Ordem and Igreja do Rosário churches, an old drinking fountain, the Memorial de Curitiba, the Palacete Wolf, the Garibaldi Society, the São Francisco Ruins, and the Paraná Museum. A lively evening meeting point with various bars, and a traditional craft fair on Sunday mornings — over 1,000 artisans, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Praça Tiradentes
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The zero point of Curitiba, renamed Praça Tiradentes in 1889. A statue of the Brazilian independence hero stands alongside two obelisks — one marking distances, one marking the Portuguese presence in the city. A glass floor panel reveals the square's original cobblestones uncovered during a 2008 renovation. The square is also home to the Basílica Menor Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Luz, over a century old, built in neo-Gothic style and dedicated to the patron saint of Curitiba.
Rua das Flores
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Brazil's first pedestrian street. Its vocation for commerce, services, and street cafés has made it a true open-air shopping district. Of particular note is the Boca Maldita — a free-speech tribune where locals gather to debate everything from football to politics. Adjacent to Rua das Flores is Avenida Luiz Xavier, officially the world's shortest avenue, and the Palácio Avenida, the traditional venue for Curitiba's Christmas celebrations.
Rua 24 Horas
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Inaugurated in 1991 and reopened in November 2011, the 24-Hour Street has become a landmark and meeting point for anyone looking for great food, gifts, books, and entertainment right in the heart of the city.
Praça Rui Barbosa
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First urbanized in 1913, this square in the heart of Curitiba serves as both a leisure space and a major public transit hub. It houses the Central Market and is surrounded by historic buildings including the Santa Casa da Misericórdia hospital and the Igreja Bom Jesus church. Named in honour of Brazil's foremost jurist, Ruy Barbosa — patron of the Senate, known as the "Eagle of The Hague."
Railway Museum
Hours: Tue–Sat 10AM – 6 PM · Sun 12 PM – 7 PM
The old train station building has been renovated and now houses a museum telling the story of the historic railway line linking the coastal city of Paranaguá to Curitiba. The museum is attached to Estação Shopping, which also features the Dr. Botica Puppet Theatre and the Teatro Regina Vogue.
Teatro Paiol
Hours: Tue–Fri 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM · Sat–Sun 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
The original structure, built in 1906 as a gunpowder storehouse, was restored by architect Abrão Assad, who preserved its circular Roman architectural lines. In 1971 it became an arena theatre — a symbol of Curitiba's cultural renaissance. It was inaugurated with a concert by Vinícius de Moraes, Toquinho, and Marília Medalha, who later penned "Paiol de Pólvora" in its honour.