Gay Curitiba

Almost halfway between Florianópolis and São Paulo, Curitiba understandably doesn’t get much love from tourists. It’s simply too far from everything! But if you have time for a road trip, it serves as a worthwhile prolonged stop during any southeastern Brazilian adventure.

Compared to Rio and the aforementioned (and off-mentioned) São Paulo, Curitiba is decidedly smaller. However, it’s also cleaner, safer, friendlier, and easier to navigate. You may not find beaches here, but you’ll still find fast and ultra-modern public transportation, beautiful parks, and an army of guppies waiting to be caught by tourists.

There’s also plenty to do, see, and eat, thanks to Curitiba’s reputation as a Silicon Valley of southeast Brazil. For lovers of Brazilian grilled meat dishes, there’s plenty of churrasco to be found in Curitiba. This is natural, considering Curitiba’s location in southern Brazil; however, Curitiba does it very well. Its “fogo de chão” cooking methods are recognized around the country. Additionally, Curitiba’s up-and-coming, locally-sourced gastronomical scene is bolstered by its robust coffee culture and diverse immigrant populations. You can try Polish or Ukrainian food here if you wish. That said, during the Festa Junina, or June Festival, the city also plays host to an explosion of canjica, which absolutely must be tried. It’s a delicious porridge made from milk, sugar, and cinnamon.

But Curitiba isn’t just for foodies. For architecture lovers, there’s the jaw-dropping Museo do Olho, which stimulates the senses with its hypnotic exhibit spaces. There’s also the Parque Tangua, with its lovely chateau and waterfall. Jardim Botânico is also a popular choice, thanks to its sprawling views and lush landscapes. Beyond that, the city center itself is designed for long, reflective walks. There’s plenty to see on these city streets. Of course, when you’re tired of mindlessly strolling, there’s plenty of fun to be had at night. The City Center (a.k.a. Centro), with its beloved Tiradentes Square and Cathedral of Our Lady of the Light, is the best place to stay for sightseeing and nightlife. It also has the highest concentration of gay bars and clubs. Meanwhile, hipster-friendly Batel is only a stoner’s throw away with cafés, galleries, and boutiques. Bom Retiro, on the other hand, is quieter, greener, and designed with shopping in mind. Overall, Uber is a great option for navigating these neighborhoods.

That said, while Curitiba is easily the safest city in Brazil, it’s also one of the more conservative. So, while your chances of getting robbed are much lower than in Rio, you also might get a negative comment or two. Ultimately, though, Curitiba is still a city in Brazil, so the locals will love you once they find out you're a gringo.