Want your next escape to be a perfect 10? Curitiba, Brazil, is often called a model city thanks to its urban planning, excellent public transportation (there’s a Tourist Bus!), tons of green space and a beautifully preserved historic district.
But all those compliments don’t even do it justice—you’ll just have to take a Curitiba holiday and see for yourself.
The saying "our parks are our beaches" is a local favourite, and the Curitiba Botanical Gardens, created in 1991, is most of the reason why. The gardens transport you to the Palace of Versailles (their inspiration), with the art nouveau-style greenhouse providing an equally stunning backdrop for your future profile picture. For a different dose of nature, book Curitiba package deals near Barigui Park. Where else in the world can you hang out with families of giant guinea pigs? This park’s got tons of capybaras, plus birds and alligators. Just don’t get too close for that selfie!
All right, we admit that parks aren’t beaches. Luckily, you can check out our awesome Curitiba car rental options and book it 100 km west to Ilha do Mel, an easy day trip. Translating to “Honey Island”, this beach retreat really is sweet as honey. Sip caipirinhas on the beach ’til you can tell yourself your hips don’t lie, then dance it off to live samba music. Yep, you’re definitely in Brazil.
Need a giant wooden bird or a 50-year-old bonsai tree? You’re in the right place on holiday in Curitiba. Find all that and more at Feirinha do Largo da Ordem, or the Handcraft Market. For snaps almost as memorable as your souvenirs, head to the creepy horse-head fountain and do your best impression. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants (not to mention mimes and living statues) on Rua XV de Novembro.
The markets are good for more than just unsettling statues and street performers. Holidays to Curitiba are famous for open-air food markets serving up cuisine from all over the world. Try the Praca da Ucrania food truck festivals despite the name (which means “Ukraine Square”) you’ll find everything from bratwurst to tacos. Jump on the organic, vegan bandwagon at the Municipal Market downtown, or go classic Brazil with pasteles de carne and a pint of lager at Feirinha do Largo da Ordem.
Curitiba is known as one of Brazil’s cultural capitals, so if you’re looking for classy pursuits, you’re in the right place. Put on your bowtie and head downtown to take in a ballet, opera or play at the Guaira Theatre, or get your groove on to a little musica antiqua at the Brazilian Popular Music Conservatory. Your night doesn’t have to end there, though. You know your outfit is on fleek, so show it off in the bars and clubs of the Batel neighbourhood, west of Centro.
Your next getaway can be a “model” of awesomeness when you book on lastminute.com.au. From luxurious digs to cheap Curitiba holidays, you can always find what you’re looking for—fine Brazilian men and women not necessarily included, but not lacking either.
Reviewed on 29 Mar. 2024
Reviewed on 13 Oct. 2023
Reviewed on 6 Jan. 2023
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit 24 Hours Street, a favourite shopping spot in Curitiba. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.
Explore the great outdoors at Barigui Park, a lovely green space in Curitiba. Experience the area's theatre scene and entertainment choices.
You can find out about the history of Curitiba when you stop by Japan Square. While in the area, you can find time to visit its shops.
^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on lastminute.com.au from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.