Curitiba

From Halal Explorer

Curitiba banner.jpg Curitiba-botanical-garden - The botanical garden in Curitiba, Brazil

Curitiba is the capital of Paraná, Brazil. If you're heading for Iguaçu Falls from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, it's worth stopping by for a day or two.

Curitiba Halal Travel Guide

Curitiba is one of the largest cities in the prosperous Southern region, and its population is largely descended from (German), Ukrainian, Russian, Italian and Polish immigrants. The city is known to urban planners worldwide for its innovative public transit system.

There is a great cidade velha (old city) in the center which is in a very good state, considering the fact that it's been around for over 3 centuries. There is a huge arts and crafts fair every Sunday in the old city that is well worth visiting.

How is the Climate in Curitiba

Many visitors from outside Brazil are not prepared to feel cold in this mainly tropical country. However, Curitiba, though close to the Tropic of Capricorn, is at an elevation of almost 1,000 meters above the sea level. These factors mean that winters (June - Sep) can reach freezing temperatures, especially at night, making coats and other protection from the cold necessary. Even in the other seasons, cold nights are not unusual, though it rarely descends to 0 °C except during the winter. Summers (Dec-Mar) tend to be mild, with some hotter days of maximum through 30s °C or 90' °F, but occasional nights of 10s °C or 50s °F.

Curitiba receives ample rain and there's no dry season, and it is common to go more than 5 days without showers. Periods of a steady light rain or drizzle may last several weeks, typically foggy and grey, somewhat similar to London weather.

Snow is very rare, with the last occurrence in 2013 and before that, 1975. But there are many places within 3-4 hours by vehicle with snows every year, specially Palmas (300 km) and São Joaquim (400 km). Frost, nevertheless, is very common within the city limits and produces painting-like landscapes in the urban parks, notably Barigui Park and Jardim Botânico (until 8AM, before the sunlight starts to melt the frost).

How to travel to Curitiba

Travel on a Bus in Curitiba

Curitiba's Bus & Train Station (Estaçao Rodoferroviária) is a large station with 3 terminals (train terminal, interstate bus terminal and intrastate bus terminal) provides scheduled bus service from Curitiba to all over Brazil, as well as locations in Argentina, Chile and Paraguay.

The bus is the best way to come from or go through São Paulo and Florianópolis, since the travel doesn't last too long and the bus terminals are downtown in these cities (avoiding traffic jams and long transfers to distant airports). São Paulo Station is not exactly downtown but is nearby, and has a subway station inside the terminal. Curitiba-São Paulo: travel duration 6 hr, R$60–80, departures every hour (there's no need to book in advance). Curitiba-Florianopolis: travel duration 4 hours 30 min, R$50–70, lots of departures every day (although not so widespread than to São Paulo).

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Curitiba

  • Aeroporto Afonso Pena IATA Flight Code: CWB -25.531111, -49.175556 in the nearby city of São José dos Pinhais and about kilometers 17 from Curitiba downtown - Afonso Pena International Airport - Afonsopenaairport - A80464 There are daily scheduled departures to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, Brasília and other major cities. It also serves Flights to other Paraná State cities, such as Foz do Iguaçu, Londrina and Maringá. International destinations with scheduled Flights from Curitiba are Buenos Aires (Ezeiza International Airport|Ezeiza), although other destinations may be eventually served on a non-scheduled basis. Major airlines such as Gol, Pluna and LATAM provide scheduled services to other cities, including those in Paraná State, and international destinations. Other minor airlines, such as Passaredo and TRIP, also serve Curitiba in scheduled and non-scheduled basis.

On winter months (June-August), fog often causes the airport to close in the morning. Flights will then be cancelled or rerouted to nearby Joinville (130 km away) and Navegantes (230 km away) airports. If you want to avoid any trouble, during winter months choose flights landing or taking off after 9AM.

There are different options of ground transportation between Afonso Pena Airport and Curitiba downtown. Regular city buses depart every 20–30 minutes on business days to Terminal Boqueirão, from where it's feasible to transfer free of charge to buses going downtown. To find the bus stop, on the arrivals floor walk on the same direction of cars until you see the tube-like structure. The R$ 4.30 fee can be paid in cash on the spot. The Airport Shuttle departs every 20 minutes on business days and is quicker than the city buses and much more comfortable, but its fare is R$ 15. Taxis are available 24 hours per day, plan on roughly R$ 60 to go downtown. There are more than 4 rental companies on site.

Travel by train to Curitiba

Curitiba has no scheduled passenger train service. However and there is a touristic train route that goes to Paraná State's ocean coast, reaching its end in Paranaguá. It is definitely a worthwhile ride for those wanting to see natural and Atlantic Forest scenery, with many waterfalls, cliffs, peaks and historic sites. For more information see the Curitiba#Do|Do section

By car

Coming from São Paulo use BR-116 South. From Florianópolis use BR-101. From Porto Alegre use BR-116 North.

How to get around in Curitiba

Curitiba is a household name among transit geeks worldwide and has for a time been a "pilgrimage site" for fans and proponents of "Bus Rapid Transit" (BRT). The idea behind the concept which originated here in the 1970s is to give buses many of the aspects of rapid transit without relying on rail vehicles. As such and the system features dedicated grade separated busways, bi-articulated and articulated buses with higher capacities than normal buses, express and "local" services that can overtake each other along the way, dedicated stations instead of mere "stops" and pre boarding payment to make passenger able get on and off at all doors. The system has been widely praised for its success, emulated throughout the Americas, and has spurred transit oriented development near many stations, but it has in a sense been a victim of its own success with overcrowding making it difficult to handle the increase in population over the last years. Thus the city is supplementing the busiest routes with a rail-based underground metro system.

Driving can be difficult for those who are not used to the traffic in Curitiba, especially for first comers. In the central area and there are many one-way streets, parking restrictions as well as pedestrian-only and bus-only streets. Bus lanes are very common in Curitiba, as the city has over 60 km (38 miles) of them. Most avenues are wide and have spacious sidewalks and they are mostly laid out in a grid system in the downtown area.

Public transportation is probably the best option for those visiting the city. The fare is R$2.60 and R$1.00 on Sundays, and you can connect for free between the bus routes if you connect inside the bus depots or the tube stations. There are also special services, like the Downtown Circulator, which costs only R$1.50 and the Touristic Route, which serves more than 20 attractions and allows each rider visit 4 of them paying only one fare, although expensive (R$27), and the Airport Shuttle, operated with mini-buses between Curitiba downtown and Afonso Pena Airport (R$8).

Actually the best way to come from the airport to downtown is a city bus lane called "aeroporto", which final stop is on the tube just next to the airport's main entrance. The fare is R$2.60, cheaper than the Airport Shuttle (R$10) and way cheaper than by taxi (R$50).

The public bus system is generally good in comparison with other Brazilian capitals, but overcrowded in rush hours.

Due to safety concerns, after 22:00, passengers can ask for bus drivers to stop anywhere along the route, not just in the designated bus stops. Thit is only valid for buses that are not part of the BRT system. After midnight, most buses stop circulating. From 01:00-05:00, buses known as "madrugueiros" circulate on an hourly basis. Bus schedules and itineraries can be consulted either from Google Maps or the city website (machine-translated into English).

What to see in Curitiba

Brazil, parana, curitiba, botanical garden - Botanical Garden

Many tourist attractions are closed on Monday. The tourist bus is not running on that day either.

Municipal libraries, located at schools or public places, with a reference collection of five thousand Books inspired by two ancient monuments: the library and the lighthouse from Alexandria. The modular building, with a metallic structure, has a height of 17 meters and 98 square meters of built area. The internal division is simple: the ground floor – where the Books are, a hall and a spiral staircase, leading to the top of the tower, where there is a lair, covered with a metallic vault and above it a rooster. The Farol das Cidades, João Gava Street, s/n° - Abranches. Monday to Friday 09:00-21:00, and on Saturday 09:00-13:00. The only one of its kind, is different from the others because of its collection, made of videos and CD-ROMs, equipped with computers and connected to the Internet and to the City Hall geoprocessing, with free access to the population.

  • Jerusalem Fountain, Sete de Setembro Avenue, corner with Arthur Bernardes Avenue – Seminário. Pays homage to the 3,000 years of Occupied Jerusalem. The construction in concrete and masonry has a height of 14.5 meters and was designed by the architect Fernando Canalli. At the top there are three bronze angels, of roughly 600 kilos each, sculpted by the artist Lys Áurea Buzzi, representing the three main monotheistic religions in the world, who believe in the existence of angels and for which Jerusalem is a sacred city: Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
  • Memory Fountain, at Garibaldi Plaza – São Francisco. authored by Ricardo Tod and the horse head in bronze characterizing the fountain pays homage to the old immigrant colonists, who with their carts would come from their small farms at the city's outskirts to sell their agricultural products at the center.
  • Maria Lata D'Água Fountain,Generoso Marques Plaza - Center, at the vicinity of the Paranaense Museum. Together with the historic houses, it was inaugurated on May 15, 1996. Structured in concrete, it occupies an area of roughly 36 square meters and has a 60 centimeters deep water mirror. The highlight from the fountain is a reproduction of the sculpture "Água pro Morro", from the beginning of the 1940s, from Erbo Stenzel, one of the most important artists from Paraná.
  • Arab Memorial, at Claudino dos Santos Street – São Francisco. Opens from Monday to Friday 09:00-18:00, and on Saturdays 09:00-13:00. paying homage to the Middle-Eastern culture, it works as a specialized library. The building reminds of the architectural style of the Moorish buildings, with elements such as the vault and the columns and the arches and the stained glass windows. With just over 140 square meters of built area and the Memorial has a cube shape and is placed over a water mirror. Inside the building, over a marble base is a sculpture representing the writer Gibran Kalil Gibran. It is at Gibran Khalil Gibran Plaza - Center.
  • Curitiba Memorial - a space for art and folklore, information and memory and the past and the future. Built on an irregular land and the architectural project allows the creation of spaces and functional and creative installations. The dome, resembling a painting, makes evident the work's role of cultural origin.
  • Mocinhas da Cidade Fountain, at the crossing of Cruz Machado and Alameda Cabral. pays homage to the couple and country music duo Nhô Belarmino e Nhá Gabriela. With drawings from Fernando Canalli, it has columns with rods, which frame tiled pictures showing the verses of the song "Mocinhas da Cidade", immortalized by the duo and recorded for the first time at the beginning of the 1950s.
  • Capão da Imbuia Wood/Natural History Museum,Benedito Conceição Street, 407 / Prof. Nivaldo Braga Street, 1225 – Capão da Imbuia. Opens Tuesday - Sunday 09:00-17:30. With an internal exhibition of dioramas, stuffed animals and dehydrated vegetables. At the external area is the "Araucarias Path", a wood remnant from the Araucaria Forest, where an elevated pathway goes trough a 400 meters long path, with 12 windows and panels showing the inter-relations of the natural elements found at the Araucaria Forest and also the different products from this vegetable formation, obtained and used by Man.

File:Ópera de Arame - Curitiba - Ópera de Arame (Wire Opera)

  • Ópera de Arame/Pedreiras Park, João Gava Street, s/n°. – Abranches. Tuesday - Sunday 08:00-22:00. one of the emblematic symbols of Curitiba, with tubular structure and transparent ceiling, of great beauty. Inaugurated in 1992, it caters for all types of shows, between lakes, typical vegetation and cascades, on a unique landscape. The Opera is part of the Pedreiras Park, together with the Paulo Leminski Cultural Space, where the Passion of Christ was enacted, and hosted many other big events since 1989, and can receive, in open air, 10 thousand people seating or 50 thousand standing.

Brazil, parana, curitiba, japan square - Japan square

  • Japan Plaza, Sete de Setembro Avenue, junction with Rep. Argentina Avenue – Água Verde. Opens – Culture House – Tuesday - Sunday 09:00 to 18:00; Tea Ceremony – Thursdays from 09:00 to 16:00. homage to the sons of the "Rising Sun", who settled there dedicating themselves to agriculture. Scattered around the square are 30 cherry trees sent from Japan by the Nipponese empire and artificial lakes Japanese style. In 1993 the Japanese Portal and the Culture House and the Tea House were built.

Brazil, parana, curitiba, tiradentes square - Metropolitan Gothic Church at Tiradentes plaza

  • Tiradentes Plaza the main square in Curitiba and also its birthplace. On the north end of this square, lies Basilica Gothic Church Minor of Our Lady of Light, centennial in 1993. Anciently known as Largo da Matriz and the square is the city's initial landmark. In 1880, because of the emperor D. Pedro II visit to Paraná and the Plaza became known as D. Pedro II. Nine years later, at the Republic, it has received the current name of Tiradentes Plaza. It is an important public bus terminal. It is a permanent meeting point, bringing fond memories to the common curitibano memory.
  • 24 Horas Street, between Visconde de Nácar and Visconde do Rio Branco Streets – Center. The Street that never sleeps is the synthesis of a city which also never sleeps. It is 120 meters long and 12 meters wide. It is composed by 32 arches in metallic tubular structure, trademark of the modern curitibana architecture. There are 34 shops that are open eternally, from the daybreak sandwiches to the bank withdrawal; from the pharmacy to the florist; from Books to milk for the children. Great meeting point for tourists and curitibanos seeking leisure, pastimes, night life and good eating options. At 24 Horas street it also feasible to have free Internet access, day and night. The user just has to schedule a time.
  • Santa Felicidade, Along Manoel Ribas Avenue. The neighborhood where some of the first Italian immigrants arriving in Paraná settled, where they dedicated themselves to the agricultural production, planting herbs, and Cheese making and willow tress. Almost in front of the church is the cemetery, with the unique pantheon made of 18 chapels in neo-classic style, which became legacy through the Historic and Artistic Heritage. Standing out for their architecture and the Geraniums House and the Panels House and the Arcades House and the Culpi House. The greatest attraction in Santa Felicidade is to be the gastronomic neighborhood of Curitiba, with a large number of Halal restaurants offering typical food and from the colony. There are also Cafes and bars, craft stores and willow furniture.
  • São Cristóvão/Italian Wood, Margarida Ângela Zardo Miranda Street, s/n°. Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00. A place for the typical parties of the Italian community in the neighborhood, such as the Grape Party and the Wine Party and the 4 Giorni in Italy. It has structure for food stalls, space for shows and folkloric presentations and a polenta pot.
  • Historic Area, Largo da Ordem / Praça Coronel Enéas, Praça Garibaldi – São Francisco. Complex with the oldest buildings in the city. Among these buildings are the Romário Martins House, from the 18th century and the Church of the Third Order of Saint Francis, from 1737, as well as the architectural examples inspired by the Germans, from the second half of the 19th century. On Sunday mornings and the old stones at the Largo da Ordem and the pavement giving access to Garibaldi Plaza, with the Rosário Church and the Flowers Clock and the Memory Fountain and the Società Giuseppe Garibaldi make the setting for the Crafts Fair, an exciting meeting point with live music.
  • Guaíra Theater, XV de Novembro Street, s/n, Santos Andrade Plaza – Centro. Live memory from the multi-faceted culture of the curitibanos, it is one of the biggest theaters in Latin America. It used to be called Theatro São Theodoro, inaugurated in 1884 at Dr. Muricy Street and rebaptized in 1900 as Guaíra Theater. It was demolished in 1930 and the rebuilding, in 1952, already at the current location, was linked to the celebrations of the Centenary of Political Emancipation of Paraná (19 December 1953). It was not finished until the 1970s. There are three auditoriums and the biggest of them with 2173 seats.

Brazil, parana, curitiba, paiol theatre - Paiol theatre

  • Paiol Theater, Chile Street, corner with Reynaldo Machado Street – Prado Velho. Opens daily, from 08:30–12:00 and 13:00-21:00. Symbol of the cultural change in Curitiba in the 1970s, it inaugurated the process of recycling the use of buildings which are valuable for the city's collective memory. Built in 1906 and the old gunpowder barn was restored and recycled in the 1970s, becoming an arena theater. Its inauguration on December 27, 1971, was baptized by the poet Vinícius de Moraes, with and a song specially composed for the occasion, "Paiol de Pólvora". In the inauguration show, besides the "poetinha", Toquinho and Marília Medalha also took part.
  • Mercês Tower, Prof. Lycio Grein de Castro Vellozo Street, corner with Jacarezinho Street – Mercês. Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-19:00. The highest point in Curitiba, allowing a 360-degree vision of the city, from a height of 95 meters. It is managed by Telepar and Curitiba City Hall, which promote video sessions and tourism guidance. Also there is the Telephone Museum.

Churches

  • Rosicrucian Order 2641 Nicarágua Street . – Bacacheri. Monday to Friday 08:30-12:00, Saturday 14:30-17:00. the Grand Lodge for Brazil of the Rosicrucian Order implemented in 1956 in Rio de Janeiro was transferred to Curitiba in 1960. The temple is part of an architectural complex of six buildings in Egyptian style, an homage to the first members who would get together in the secret chambers of the great pyramid. In the other buildings are the general administration and the Auditorium H. Spencer Lewis, a memorial with a pyramid and the Curitiba Lodge, where the library and museum are found, with reproductions of Egyptian pieces from various dynasties, including papyrus and mommies.
  • São Francisco Ruins - a space surrounded by fables, at João Cândido Plaza. The ruins are made of stone, of what should have been the São Francisco de Paula church, never finished. In 1811 the chapel and the sacristy were finished, but in 1860 the stones that would finish the construction were used to finish the old Matriz tower, now the Basilica Gothic Church Minor of Our Lady of Light. Stories of tunnels and pirates live in the place, today filled with leisure and business spaces, stage and grandstand, forming the "Ruins' Arcades".

Parks

  • German Wood, Niccolò Paganini Street, corner with Franz Schubert – Vista Alegre (Jardim Schaffer). The Wood opens daily 06:00-20:00; the Library from 09:00-17:00; Story Time Saturday Sunday 14:00. Has various features to celebrate and promote the (German) traditions. There are 38 thousand square meters of native forest, which was part of the old farm from the Schaffer family. The replica of an old wooden church, built in 1933 at the Seminário neighborhood, with neo-gothich decorative elements, shelters a concert hall called Bach's Oratorium. Other attractions are the John and Mary path, which tells the Grimm brothers tale, a children's library and the Philosophers Tower, a wooden observatory allowing a panoramic view of the city and the Ocean Ridge, and the (German) Poetry Plaza, with a reproduction of the Casa Mila façade, a (German) building from the beginning of the last century, which used to be in the downtown.
  • Barigüi Park,BR-277 – Rodovia do Café, Km 0 – Bigorrilho. With an area of 1.4 million m², it is one of the biggest parks of the city and definitely the most visited. Not only the city residents and the tourists seek rest in the park. Guinea pigs, night herons, white herons, skunks, crown sparrows, song-thrushes and dozens of other native animals make Barigüi their home. Among the features available in the Park there are: barbeques, kiosks, cycle and model airplanes tracks, multi-sports courts, gym equipment, vehicle park, restaurant, playground, Automobile Museum, Exhibition and Convention Center, Steam Train Station and the Environment Municipal Council headquarters.
  • Barreirinha Park 6010 Anita Garibaldi Avenue, Barreirinha Opening Hours: Daily 06:00-18:00 - – The most beautiful park of the city, one can appreciate araucarias, cinnamon, bracatingas, Paraguay tea plants and other native species. The green area, serving as an important regulator of the air quality in the region, is used by students and university teachers in practical Botanic lessons. The Municipal Forest, next to the park, has a scientific and educational role – it is responsible for the research and production of vegetable species. Among its features there are woods with over 200,000 m² of typical vegetation, children's library, playground, rustic cabin, Snacks bar, barbeques and vehicle park.
  • Botanical Garden of Curitiba, Eng. Ostoja Roguski Street, s/n°. Opens from 06:00-21:00 during summertime; and from 06:00-20:00 during the rest of the year. Curitiba's trademark, created to resemble French gardens, rolls out its flower carpet to the visitors right at the entrance. The greenhouse, with a metallic structure, has botanic species that are national reference, and also a water fountain. The native forest is filled with paths for hiking. The Botanic Museum attracts researchers from all over the world. There is a space for exhibitions, library and a theater.
  • Gutierrez Wood/Chico Mendes Memorial/Dolls Theater, Albino Raschendorfer Street, s/n°. – Vista Alegre. Opens daily, from 06:00-18:00. Installed in the wood on 22 March, 1989 and the Chico Mendes Memorial pays homage to the amazonian rubber extraction leader, who was killed in Xapuri, Acre. It comprises 18,000 m² of green area, with paths and a natural spring, supplying 1,350 liters of mineral water hourly. It is home to the Amazônica School and the Dadá Dolls Theater.
  • Iguaçu Park/ Zoo, Mal. Floriano Avenue, s/n°. – Alto Boqueirão. Opens from Tuesday to Friday from 08:30-16:00; Saturday Sunday and public holidays, from 08:30 to 17:00. The largest urban park in Brazil, with 8 million m². Equipped with vehicle parks, kiosks, and Snacks and the park offers many attractions, divided in seven different areas: sports, nautics, fishing, natural wood, public orchards, ecologic sanctuaries and zoo. Here, over one thousand animals from 80 species can be seen: birds from all over South America, reptiles and animals from many different origins, kept in an environment as close as feasible to their natural habitat.
  • Passaúna Park, Eduardo Sprada Street, s/n° – Augusta. Opens daily. almost 6.5 million m² are within the Passaúna Basin, West of Curitiba. Almost 3.5 million m² belong to the lake created by the reservoir of the Water Supply Station. A lot of Nature can be seen from above, from the observatory, where a panoramic view surprises with its beauty and grandiosity. Ecologic trails and the Biological Station, an old brickyard, are worth visiting.
  • Pope's Wood, Wellington Oliveira Vianna Street, s/n°.- Centro Cívico. Opens daily from 06:00-20:00; Memorial Tuesday - Sunday 09:00-18:30. Polish immigration memorial, inaugurated on 13 December 1980, following the visit from Pop John Paul II to Curitiba, on the previous July. The area of 46,337 m² was part of the dispossession involving the old Estearina candle factory. The seven log houses composing the memorial are a live remembrance of the faith and battle of the Polish immigrants, with objects such as the old cart and the sour cabbage pipe and the image of the patron saint and the Black Virgin of Czestochowa. In Curitiba and the Polish immigration started in 1871.
  • Portugal Wood, Ozório Duque Estrada Street, s/n°. – Jardim Social. Opens daily. An homage to the Portuguese-Brazilian bonds, this space is highlighted by a track following a small brook, where one can see, written on tiles which mimic traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles, excerpts from famous Portuguese-language poets, as well as a tribute to the great Portuguese navigators and their discoveries.
  • Public Promenade, Luiz Leão Street, s/n – Center. Tuesday - Su, from 06:00-20:00; the aquarium works from 09:00-17:00, also from Tuesday - Su. used to be called Botanic Garden. The first public park in Curitiba, it was inaugurated by the president of the Paraná province, Alfredo d'Escragnolle Taunay, on 2 May 1886. It was the first big sanitation work in the city, transforming a marsh in a leisure area, with lakes, bridges and islands within the green area. A Pioneer zoo in Curitiba, even today it shelters small animals. The gate is a copy of what existed at the Paris Dog Cemetery.
  • Reinhard Maack Wood 70 André Ferreira Camargo Street - Vl Hauer. Opens on weekends and public holidays from 08:00 to 17:00. inaugurated in 1989 and the wood is an homage from the city to the (German) geologist and researcher based in Paraná, whose work has contributed to the preservation of the environment in the State. The Wood has an area of remnant araucaria forest, with unique species in the whole region; an adventure trail with educational and ecologic toys for children; recreational equipment; and an environmental education house.

Brazil, parana, curitiba, tangua park - Tanguá Park

  • Tanguá Park, Dr. Bemben Street, s/n° - Pilarzinho. inaugurated in November 1996, it has a total area of ft2|450,000}}. Highlights of the park are two quarries linked by a 45 m long tunnel, which could be crossed by walk, on a pathway over the water. The park also features a jogging track, cycle track, observatory, Snacks and Poty Lazzarotto Garden.
  • Tingüi Park, Fredolin Wolf Avenue, s/n° / José Casagrande Street, s/n° - São João. Park – daily; Memorial – Tuesday - Sunday 09:00-18:00; Crafts Shop – Tuesday - Sunday 14:30 to 18:00. part of the biggest linear environmental park in the Country, established at the Barigüi river margins, it reminds us of the Indians who used to live there, with the statue of Tindiqüera Chieftain. The Ukrainian Memorial is also there, homage to the immigrants, in a replica of an orthodox church, originally built in inland Paraná State, hosting a pêssankas and icons exhibition.
  • Tropeiros Park, Maria Lúcia Locher de Athayde Street, 10,000 – Cidade Industrial. It is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, from 08:00-19:00. Here the gaucho culture is preserved, brought by the cattle drivers who would pass near Curitiba, conducting the troops towards the Sorocaba Fair, which gave origin to various cities in the State. The park is equipped with installations suitable for rodeos and typical dances.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Curitiba

Curitiba Trainride with the Serra Verde Express - View from the Serra Verde Express

  • The Serra Verde Express, a train to the coastal town of Morretes, makes an excellent day trip and is for many visitors the main reason to visit Curitiba. The views from the train are unforgettable. The ride departs daily at 08:15 in the morning, descends through some of last remaining Atlantic rainforest and offers some spectacular views (not to mention it is one of the few train rides in Brazil). On Sundays the train continues to Paranaguá, although the last bit between Morretes and Paranaguá is not very scenic. There are three price levels of the tickets claiming to offer different levels of luxury: one-way tickets are R$28 for econômico class (hard to come by), R$53 for turistico and R$84 for executivo class. Buy the cheapest ticket you can get since there really is not much difference between the cars. The return ticket is about 30% cheaper. In addition to the regular train and there's a special tourist train and the litorina, which only runs on weekends. The one-way fare for the litorina costs R$126.

One fun day trip is to leave the train in Morretes, and hitch a ride upstream by taxi or farmer's cart along the Nhundiaquara river. There is a bridge a few miles upstream in a municipality called 'Porto de cima' where you can rent an innertube (boia cross in Portuguese), and get a ride a few miles upstream on dirt roads. A fun float down the river through the tropical jungle is spectacular, refreshing, and you won't find a cleaner place in Brazil. An unforgettable day, especially if it is not a holiday time or weekend when it may be more crowded. Look for the bottle-hotel near the tube take-out point - that would be a memorable place to stay if it is open (seasonally).

Study in Curitiba

Foreigners interested in learning Portuguese will likely find Celin the most affordable course for its good educational standard. It is maintained by the Federal University of Paraná.

Shopping

  • Feira do Largo da Ordem - Largo da Ordem's Street Fair - It is an open market, happens on all Sunday mornings and there you can find craftmanship, paintings, sculptures, typical foods, street artists, ecological pencils (Natural de Curitiba), old vehicle exhibition and a lot more.

Feira da Praça da Espanha Spain Plaza's Fair - Hours: Open on Saturdays, from 10:00-17:00. It is a fair with many antiquities and book dealers, placed at the Spain Plaza.

Some of the best places to go shopping in Curitiba, just like in any other place in Brazil, are the Shopping Malls. There are 6 main shopping malls in Curitiba: Mueller (www.shoppingmueller.com.br), Estação (www.shoppingestacao.com.br), Curitiba (www.shoppingcuritiba.com.br), Crystal (www.shoppingcrystal.com.br) e Park Barigüi (www.parkshoppingbarigui.com.br), Palladium (www.shoppingpalladium.com.br), besides several other smaller ones, such as Jardim das Américas and Itália.

If you like to walk outside and there are some nice places in Batel. Walk along Carlos de Carvalho street and its crossing streets. If you are looking for something from well-known international brands like Prada, Dior, Armani, D&G and Diesel, you might like "Maison Capoani" a boutique at end of Comendador Araújo Street on Batel, near the Crystal Shopping Center.

Halal Restaurants

Curitiba has a good variety of restaurants, ranging from modest to upscale restaurants.

  • Montesquieu Bar, Corner of Westphalen and Silva Jardim St. (downtown). These are probably the biggest sandwiches in Brazil - "x-montanha" is a sandwiches that one can customize with layers of bread and Meat, and it's very affordable (around R$5.50).
  • Spich Restaurant, in front of Osorio Plaza (downtown). Inexpensive downtown restaurant, very simple but will supply the daily needs of calories. A variety of food complements combined with two options of Meat - R$5.50.
  • Santa Felicidade is a neighborhood where you can find Italian food restaurants.
  • Taco El Pancho Rua Bispo Dom José, 2295 - Bairro: Batel. Good Mexican restaurant.
  • Piola Pizzeria Rua Dom Pedro II, 105 ☎ +55 41 3225-7725 Very nice Pizzas, Pastas and none-alcoholic drinks.
  • Churrascaria Curitibana Avenida Iguaçu, 1315 ☎ +55 41 3233-5287 - Rebouças. Good meat!
  • Famiglia Originale Avenida Munhoz da Rocha, 665 ☎ +55 41 3019-0909 - Cabral. Excellent Italian food and the best Strognoff Pizza!
  • Tropilha Grill Rua Emiliano Perneta, 700 ☎ +55 41 3085-5444 - Centro, great Meat and service!


  • Durski - Slavic cuisine (Ukrainian, Polish and Russian) in the Old Town.
  • Le Rechaud - Very good Swiss restaurant good for couples, with a very reserved atmosphere.
  • Saanga Grill
  • Ippon Japanese An all-you-can-eat option is offered for R$60, very worthy though (late 2011).
  • Taisho The best and most traditional Japanese in Curitiba. For around R$60, one can eat almost every speciality of this cuisine.
  • Flor da Favela Rua Buenos Aires, 80 ☎ +55 41 3232-5380 - Batel, Curitiba. A local bar inspired by Brazil's slums. Colorful decoration with graffiti and the bar attracts couples and students who get together for a glass of organic juice and nice food. Try the "Bolinho de Aipim", a cassava mini cake with Cheese.
  • Cat's Club Al. Dr. Muricy, 949 ☎ +55 41 3224 5912 - Downtown. One of the most traditional clubs in Curitiba, if not the most and the clients are a mix and it is the best place if you want to have fun, Paola Full Drag queen and Security will be in the door warning the people for what is coming inside and the public is of all styles s, woke s, pervertss and a large number of straights.
  • James Cafe Av. Vicente Machado, 894 ☎ +55 41 3222-1426 Downtown. If you want to more "alternative" club, James is an excellent option. Wednesday night rock parties and Saturdays (Indie/Electronica) are highly recommended. friendly.
  • Wonka Cafe Rua Trajano Reis, 326 ☎ +55 41 3026-6272 - São Francisco. Classic club in old downtown. Some of the best local bands play here. A plenty of good looking girls (boys) in the weekends?
  • Sheridan's Irish Pub Rua Bispo Dom José, 2315 ☎ +55 41 3343-7779 - Batel. Good place to get a pint. Don´t miss the local artesanal soft drinks.
  • Soviet Vodka Cafe Rua Bispo Dom José, 2277 ☎ +55 41 3022-2042 - Batel. Vodkas from all over world.
  • 5th Ave Manhattan Lounge Rua Angelo Sampaio 1785 ☎ +55 41 3082-2464 - Batel. New York style lounge café.
  • Sociedade Operária Beneficente 13 de Maio sociedade13@ Rua Desembargador Clotário Portugal, 274 ☎ +55 41 9198-6607 Opening Hours: Monday 20:00 - 21:30; Tuesday 20:00 - 22:30; West 20:00 - 23:00; Friday 22:30 - 04:00; Saturday 16:00 - 19:30, 23:00 - 05:00; Sunday 20:30 - 01:00 R$10-30 Founded in 1888 by former slaves and the May 13th Worker's Benificent Society holds parties that display Afro-Brazilian culture, music and dance.

The Homebrewer and Craft Fruit Juices movement in Brazil are very strong in Curitiba. If you like craft organic juice you could visit some of its breweries:

  • Bodebrown / Rua Carlos de Laet, 1015, Hauer ☎ +55 41 3082-6354 - One of the most prized brazilian craft brewerie. Try Cacau IPA, Perigosa and Wee Heavy.
  • Gauden Bier Av. Manoel Ribas, 6995, Santa Felicidade ☎ +55 41 3273-6666

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Curitiba

Curitiba - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Curitiba, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Curitiba. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Curitiba and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Curitiba. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Curitiba. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Curitiba: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Curitiba.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Curitiba: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Curitiba, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Curitiba.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Curitiba, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Curitiba, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Curitiba and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Curitiba, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Curitiba, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Curitiba without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Curitiba is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Curitiba.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Curitiba is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Curitiba, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Curitiba Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Curitiba

eHalal Group Curitiba is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Curitiba. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Curitiba.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Curitiba ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Curitiba. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Curitiba, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Curitiba are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

  • Knock Knock Hostel | Rua Des. Isaías Bevilácqua 262, Mercês 10 minutes away by bus from downtown ☎ +55 41 3152 6259 8 people R$45 Breakfast included, fully-equipped kitchen at your disposal, free Wi-Fi, TV and DVD room (with home theatre), play room with acoustic guitar, table tennis, board games and books, barbeque area and terrace, luggage room, tourist info and advice, big and cozy rooms with individual lockers, bed sheets and blankets, PC with internet connection.
  • Formule 1 Curitiba | f1@ Rua Mariano Torres, 927 - Centro walking distance from the central bus/train station ☎ +55 41 3218-3838 +55 41 3218-3839 Triple R$65 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 12:00 - Formule 1 is the McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) or Ryanair of hotels, with spotless professionalism and good quality, although without charm. The rooms can accommodate 3 people but the price is the same regardless of how many are staying there. Breakfast costs extra.
  • YHI Hostel Roma | Rua Barão do Rio Branco 805 In walking distance from the Rodoferroviaria, next to the old train station. ☎ +55 41 3224-2117 Dorm R$22 for YHI members incl. breakfast A simple, clean and quiet hostel near the downtown. The breakfast is a great buffet.
  • Hotel Promenade | near the central bus station - Modern hotel.
  • Four Points by Sheraton Curitiba | Av. Sete de Setembro 4211, Agua Verde US$236-1,451
  • Hotel Deville Curitiba | Rua Comendador Araújo 99 ☎ +55 41 3883-4777 +55 41 3883-4776
  • Pestana Curitiba Hotel | Rua Comendador Araújo 499 ☎ +55 41 3017-9900 +55 41 3017-9901
  • Bourbon Curitiba Convention Hotel | Rua Cândido Lopes 102 - CEP: 80020-060 ☎ +55 41 3221-4600
  • Radisson Hotel Curitiba | Sete de Setembro 5190 ☎ +55 41 3351-2222 +1-800-967-9033 (US/Canada)

Stay Safe

Curitiba has been known for many years as a safe city thanks to its low crime rate compared to Brazilian cities of a similar size, although it's been on the rise.

As any big city, pedestrians must watch out the surroundings when walking on the streets, even by daylight. Stay away, or move yourself fast and cautiously, from streets where there are few or no people in the sidewalks, specially in the adjacencies of the Historical Center, anytime. Both residents and tourists should avoid rambling long distances after dusk. In spite of the fact that Curitibans are more reserved people compared to the average Brazilian and the lack of people in the streets at night reflects a general fear of thefts and assaults, as most people prefer to get around by car.

Crime involving tourists is generally non-violent and related to thefts and pickpocketing. It is recommended not to carry cameras and expensive cellphones with you when walking on the streets, specially at night. Such items may attract the attention of robbers and pickpocketers.

In general, neighborhoods are relatively safe, however caution should be excerted in the following (particularly, but not exclusively, at night):

  • Surroundings of the Main Bus Terminal (Rodoferroviária); if you arrive late, take a taxi even if your hotel is close.
  • Downtown squares - during the day are fairly safe, nonetheless, after 8PM and they are generally a hideaway to drug dealers and thefts - give preference to the streets on the edge of the squares instead of passing through them.
  • Historical Center/Old City.
  • Batel neighborhood - always exercise common sense.
  • Rebouças and Prado Velho, neighborhoods within a distance of 2 km from the downtown (southbound).

The neighborhoods on the south side of the city (Sitio Cercado, Fazendinha, Pinheiriho, Cidade Industrial, Tatuquara), are the poorest areas and so far the most dangerous places, albeit there are less or no attractions there to the regular tourist. Home of roughly 1/3 of the population and these places also host the majority of the city's shantytowns. More avoidable neighborhoods: Parolin (south side), Cajuru and Uberaba (east) and Campo Comprido and São Braz (west).

At night it is best to get around by taxi. The public transportation systems are almost entirely off after midnight. For more, see the Curitiba#Get around|section on transportation.

In general, a common-sense approach to personal safety is advised. Curitiba is a big city, and with it come the usual problems (poverty, homelessness, drugs, prostitution, etc.) Be cautious with your personal belongings, and avoid walking around empty areas by night.

Cope in Curitiba

Language

Portuguese is the primary language spoken by most curitibanos. Most of people don't speak English.

Water

The quality of tap water in Curitiba is considered to be good quality and safe to drink (unless you are in an old building with outdated plumbing).

News & References Curitiba


More Muslim friendly Destinations from Curitiba

  • Marumbi
  • Morretes
  • Paranaguá


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