Curitiba Garibaldi Square (Praça Garibaldi)

The basics

Historic buildings surround the square, many painted in vibrant or pastel shades, but its most notable building is the Garibaldi Palace, a 19th-century stone structure with a massive gate that now serves as a wedding venue and meeting space. It’s an excellent place for a stroll, and while most Curitiba tours forego this little square in favor of the nearby Tiradentes Square (Praça Tiradentes) instead, it’s worth stopping by to check out the scenery.

Things to know before you go

• Garibaldi Square is a must-visit for fans of floral design and horology.

• The square’s flower clock is generally accurate to about 30 seconds.

• The square is wheelchair-accessible, but many shops around it have narrow entryways and small steps up.

How to get there

The square is located in the historic center of Curitiba, about a 5-minute walk from Tiradentes Square and only two minutes from the Ruínas de São Francisco. You can easily get here on foot if you're already in the area. If you're coming from further away, you can catch one of many busses to the nearby Travessa Nestor de Castro.

When to get there

The square is a year-round attraction, accessible day and night, so come when the mood strikes. Just note that rainfall in the summer months can create less-than-ideal circumstances for hanging out at the square. If you come in spring, you’ll be able to see the flower clock in full bloom.

Curitiba Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico)

If you love flowers and plants, visit Curitiba Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico), a sprawling garden showcasing all sorts of flowers and shrubs from Brazil and beyond. Highlights include a 4,844-square-foot (450-square-meter) greenhouse built in the art nouveau style and a special exhibit, "The Garden of Sensations," which invites guests to interact with plants using only their senses of touch and smell.