Curitiba is one of Brazil's most organized, sustainable, and welcoming cities—and if you haven't added it to your bucket list yet, maybe it's time to reconsider. Known as Brazil's "ecological capital," it stands out for its parks, smart urban planning, and commitment to the environment, but it also charms visitors with its cultural life, cuisine, and hospitality.

In 2022, Curitiba welcomed more than 7 million tourists—a figure higher than that of famous destinations such as Foz do Iguaçu. And that’s no coincidence. The city offers attractions for all types of travelers: from museums with bold architecture, such as the MON (Oscar Niemeyer Museum), to sensory experiences like the Garden of Sensations, located within the Botanical Garden.

If you enjoy music, art, and local cuisine, the city has plenty to offer. If you value safety, wide sidewalks, and efficient public transportation, it has plenty to offer as well. There are even Afro-centered tourist routes, such as the Linha Preta, which highlights Black history and its contribution to the social development of Curitiba.

A key highlight is the Ligga Arena, the home stadium of Athletico Paranaense. It is the only stadium in Latin America with a retractable roof and operates with a focus on sustainability, reusing more than 80% of its water and generating part of its energy from renewable sources.

In addition to its urban attractions, Curitiba serves as a starting point for exploring the coast and other destinations in Paraná: Morretes, Ilha do Mel, Antonina, Pico Paraná, Colombo, and you can even combine your trip with a visit to Foz do Iguaçu.

Even though it’s a capital city, Curitiba gives the impression of being a city designed for comfortable living—and that is perhaps its greatest asset as a destination. After all, as the author of the article said: “A city is only a good place to visit if it’s first a good place to live.”