Porto Alegre
The sunset over the capital of Rio Grande do Sul is one of the most beautiful in the country, not to mention the city’s busy cultural agenda and exciting nightlife. Visiting Porto Alegre is truly an unforgettable experience.
Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul State, is a multicultural metropolis that was colonized by immigrants of several European countries. This wonderful mixture gave rise to rich history and local culture with centuries-old traditions, including peculiar cuisine and curious clothing and accents that are very typical of the south of the country.
Located 120 km from Serra Gaúcha, Porto Alegre is the gateway to several popular southern destinations, such as Gramado, Canela, and Bento Gonçalves. Even if you are just passing through Porto Alegre to go to these places, it’s worth taking a couple of days to enjoy the attractions that the capital has to offer. The city is home to more than 50 museums and memorials, 13 cultural centers, over 30 theaters, not to mention all the environmental protection areas.
official event links below.
Metropolitan Cathedral
The city’s downtown area is where most of the historic and cultural attractions are located. You can visit, for example, the Metropolitan Cathedral, an Italian-Renaissance-style church, the Gasometer, a former thermoelectric plant that became a cultural center, and the Rio Grande do Sul Memorial, which contains a large collection on the history of the State and offers local wine tasting. The Mário Quintana Culture House is also an attraction that everyone must visit. On a different subject, but still downtown, you can go shopping on Rua da Praia and take a stroll along the Guaíba River while enjoying the beautiful sunset. The view from there is incredible and you will surely fall in love with the capital of Rio Grande do Sul.
If you are into beautiful landscapes, let us tell you that Porto Alegre is one of the cities with the most trees in the country. The huge Farroupilha Park is one of the favorite local sanctuaries for socializing, leisure, and sports.
If you’re looking for excitement, Cidade Baixa is the neighborhood where you’ll find most bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. As far as local food goes, the gaucho-style barbecue is famous all over the country. But there is nothing more emblematic of southerners than chimarrão, a hot drink made with yerba-mate and served in a gourd cup, and pine nuts, seeds of the moriche palm tree (locally called araucaria) used in several local recipes.
Make sure you pay a visit to Porto Alegre’s Public Market. The place opened in 1869 and is one of the main food markets in the capital. When you go, you will be able to try out one of the oldest restaurants in Brazil.
Another attraction everyone must try out is the White Swan Boat Ride (Cisne Branco). Described as a floating cultural space, the boat will take you to the main islands on Guaíba Lake, and you will learn a little more about the city’s history at the same time.
Porto Alegre is the kind of city that will amaze you with every one of its features. It’s totally worth your visit.
By Plane
+55 (51) 3358-2000
Porto Alegre International Airport operates international flights from Buenos Aires, Miami, Lima, Lisbon, Montevideo, and Panama City.
By Bus
+55 (51) 3210-0101
The Porto Alegre Bus Terminal is located in the central region of the city and operates intercity, interstate, and international routes (from Mercosur member states). It is located at 70, Largo Vespasiano Júlio Veppo, in downtown Porto Alegre.
By Bus
You can visit several attractions in the city with the city tour bus service, which offers two routes: the Historic Center and the South Zone of Porto Alegre. More information through email address [email protected].
By Bicycle
It is possible to rent bikes in different parts of the city using the Bike POA app, available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, for IOS and Android users.
Personal Vehicles and Rentals
A great way to get around the city or to visit nearby destinations in the state of Rio Grande do Sul is to rent a car.
Taxis and Ridesharing Companies
Taxis and ridesharing companies are a comfortable way to get around the city.
Useful Numbers
Tourist Information Center:
+55 (51) 3289-6765 or 156
Tourist Information Center – Bus Station:
+55 (51) 3225-0677
Military Police: 190
Paramedics: 192
Fire Department: 193
Power Voltage
110V
Local Weather
The best period to visit the city is between the months of March and May, and between September and December. During these months, the weather is more pleasant and there are fewer cloudy or rainy days.