Marjolein Dilven
Before you plan your Brazilian itinerary, let’s kick off your adventure with this introduction to Porto Alegre Brazil.
What’s so special about this “Happy Harbor” city that has attracted millions of inhabitants and charms visitors alike? We’ll let you know. Keep reading for more information on how to make the most of your visit to Porto Alegre Brazil.
20 Things To Do in Porto Alegre Brazil
1. A Boat Trip Around the Guaiba River
Guaiba River is actually a lake that forms a junction of 5 major rivers. Rio Guaiba is one of the most visited areas of Brazil. You can buy a ticket for the boat and enjoy your trip on the river.
You can have mind-blowing views of Porto Alegre and see boats sailing the deep waters of the river. The best part of the trip is seeing the city’s beautiful sunset reflecting off the waters.
2. Enjoy a Performance at the Theatro São Pedro
Theatro São Pedro is one of the oldest theaters in Brazil. The theater follows an Italian-themed infrastructure, and the theater interiors are mind-blowing. If you are traveling to Porto Alegre, make sure that you visit the theater once and enjoy the show.
If you aren’t interested in the show, you can walk around the theater and observe the architectural mind applied to the theater’s construction.
3. Dine at the 360 POA Gastrobar
The Gasometro is one of the most extraordinary buildings in Brazil. The building used to be a power generation plant which was closed and then reopened as an activity center for public concerts and exhibitions.
You can go there and drink while viewing the great Guaiba Lake.
4. Visit the Porto Alegre Public Market
The oldest city market is located downtown and has many restaurants and coffee shops that you can visit. It has over 100 shops selling fresh produce and baked goods to locally raised meats and dairy products.
5. Enjoy Nightlife at Moinhos de Vento
You can spend one of the most memorable nights at Moinhos de Vento. There are several bars and restaurants where you can crash in and nightclubs and dance parties that you can enjoy all night.
The food will cost 90 – 150 Brazilian reals (18 – 30 US dollars).
6. Visit the PUCRS Science and Technology Museum
One of the busiest places during the tourist season, the Science and Technology Museum of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) shows mind-blowing scientific exhibits you might never have seen.
There is a zero-gravity room where you can feel like you are in space!
7. Eat at a Churrascaria
Churrasco is a famous South American dish of delectable beef steak grilled on charcoal. Porto Alegre has churrascaria restaurants where you can have this delicious steak.
One of the famous churrascaria in Porto Alegre is Churrascaria Galpão Crioulo.
8. Walk Around the Centro Historico
The Centro Historico is a perfect place to stroll around and learn about Brazilian culture and history.
Centro Historico has a beautiful building, so you can have aesthetic pictures while strolling.
9. Visit Rio Grande do Sul Museum of Art
The Rio Grande do Sul Museum of Art is famous for its unique architecture. The museum has around 3,000 historical objects covering all kinds of visual arts. If you are interested in arts, you should visit this art museum in Porto Alegre Downtown.
The museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Entrance is free of charge.
10. Enjoy the Farroupilha Park
Visiting Farroupilha Park is one of the popular activities in Porto Alegre. This park is the perfect place to spend your evening. It has many gardens and long patches of green grass where you can picnic or play different sports.
In the evenings, you can see many people and their kids around at the lively and peaceful park.
11. Party in the Cidade Baixa District
Cidade Baixa is the liveliest place in Porto Alegre, especially at night. It is next to Farroupilha Park, so you can enjoy a beautiful green view for free.
If you are in Porto Alegre, you can have the best night of your life in Cidade Baixa.
12. Witness A Big Event in the Grêmio Stadium
Grêmio Stadium is famous throughout South America. It can hold 55,000 people, and it has been used for home and away football matches. So, if you are lucky, you might witness a football match at the stadium.
The stadium is also used for international concerts or sports activities. Whenever you are traveling to Porto Alegre, there is a fair chance that you will witness an event at the Grêmio Stadium.
A ticket to a big event will cost you around 35 – 75 BRL ($7 to $15).
13. Visit the Mario Quintana Cultural House
Mario Quintana was a famous poet who lived in Porto Alegre. To honor his poetry, the Mario Quintana Cultural House was dedicated to him. This cultural complex has various activities in cinemas, theaters, cafes, libraries, and gardens.
You can enjoy live music and dance performances and participate in workshops. The best part is that admission is completely free. So, everyone can experience the vibrant arts scene at the Mario Quintana Cultural House.
14. Drink a Cocktail on Padre Chagas Street
Padre Chagas is a famous street in Porto Alegre known for its trees and peaceful environment. Vendors provide drinks and cocktails.
Tourists will enjoy the cocktails while walking on a lovely and serene street.
15. Enjoy Art at Iberê Camargo Foundation
The city houses several galleries and museums where you can marvel at beautiful art. Amongst the ancient and historical places of art is the Iberê Camargo Foundation, which was built in 1995 and dedicated to the Brazilian painter Iberê Camargo.
The foundation showcases the unique work of the famous painter.
16. Visit the Botanical Garden of Porto Alegre
Porto Alegre’s Botanical Garden is unique. It covers around 99 acres (40 hectares) and features various rare plants and trees.
The entry ticket to the botanical garden will cost you less than 5 BRL ($1).
17. Capture the Nossa Senhora das Dores Church
Almost everything in Porto Alegre is worth capturing in photographs. Still, if you want something historical and aesthetic, you should view and take pictures of the Nossa Senhora das Dores Church.
The church was built in 1813 and is all white, giving it a radiant, immaculate look.
18. Walk Around the Alfândega Square
The historical Alfandega Square, located at the center of Porto Alegre, is famous for the purple flowers of the jacaranda tree surrounding it.
Locals and visitors can stroll and chill while listening to street performers, gazing at the historical buildings surrounding the area, or shopping at the square’s regular flea markets for arts and crafts.
19. Dine at Raven Restaurant
The Raven restaurant is known for its premium décor and outstanding food at a fair price. Anything you order will be of high quality and taste.
The restaurant serves Mediterranean haute cuisine between 40 – 139 BRL ($8 – $28).
20. Enjoy Dinner at Pizzaria Porto Cara de Mau
The best pizzas are made fresh and delicious in Porto Cara de Mau in Porto Alegre.
So, if you are hungry and looking for a place to dine in, try their pizzas for 74 BRL ($15).
Porto Alegre – Transportation
Porto Alegre is a big city with lots of ways to get around. You’ve got the Metro (train), buses, vans, ferries, taxis, and rental cars. The Metro is handy if you want to go from one end of the city to the other without getting stuck in traffic. It’s not exactly the Hogwarts Express, but it gets the job done.
Where To Stay in Porto Alegre
There are numerous hotels where you can crash in Porto Alegre, but they all are according to price range.
The 3 types of hotels where you can crash in are:
Budget Hotels
Prices of these hotels are relatively low, but they provide you with everything you need for a long trip, be it free Wi-Fi, food services, air conditioner, and a conveniently-sized room. These budget hotels include Radisson Porto Alegre, Master Express Dom Pedro, and Master Grande Hotel.
Mid-Range Hotels
Mid-range hotels are somewhere between budget and luxury hotels. They provide you with all the facilities budget hotels provide, but they might have a gym facility or a better location with bigger rooms.
Mid-range hotels include Blue Tree Towers, Hotel Laghetto Viverone Moinhos, and Intercity Porto Alegre Aeroporto.
Luxury Hotels
Luxury hotels have everything you can dream of: fast Wi-Fi, breakfast buffets that never end, gyms, pools, and bedrooms bigger than my first apartment. But let’s be real, they’re expensive and not for everyone.
If you’re feeling fancy, check out Hilton Porto Alegre, DoubleTree, or Hotel Deville Prime. Just remember, your wallet might cry a little.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
How To Stay Safe in Porto Alegre
Porto Alegre is pretty safe for travelers. The police do a good job, and the locals are friendly and helpful. Just use common sense—don’t wave your expensive stuff around, and stay aware of your surroundings.
Also, think about getting travel insurance like SafetyWing. It can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unexpected situations. Check out the widget below to find the right policy for you. It’s like having a safety net for your adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Porto Alegre Brazil
Is Porto Alegre Worth Visiting?
Yes, Porto Alegre is worth visiting because it has many tourist attractions where you can have a great time. There are plenty of sights to visit and activities to do. The city offers many sights to explore and activities to engage in.
Some popular recommendations include taking a boat trip along the Guaiba River, savoring the culinary delights of a traditional churrascaria, and relishing the beauty of Farroupilha Park.
With so much to offer, Porto Alegre is an enticing destination for tourists seeking a memorable experience.
What Language Do They Speak in Porto Alegre?
Portuguese is spoken in Porto Alegre; many descriptions in museums and art galleries are in Portuguese.
It will be convenient if you know the language or at least some basic phrases.
Which State Is Porto Alegre in?
Porto Alegre is in Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul, with the Atlantic Ocean in the east and Uruguay in the south.
Porto Alegre is one of the most visited cities in Brazil.
Conclusion – Porto Alegre Brazil
Brazil is full of fun stuff to do, and it’s not just about Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. Ever heard of Porto Alegre? It’s awesome. You get to see amazing landmarks and beautiful nature and meet super friendly people. It’s definitely worth a visit!
Visiting Porto Alegre in Brazil – Best Booking Resources
I use a couple of favorite companies every time I travel. They have the best prices, great value, and customer service you can wish for. They’re much better than the competition, and I use them a lot. Every time I travel, these are the companies I go for:
Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my go-to platform for booking flights. It’s so easy to use. Skyscanner also searches the smaller websites and airlines that are often skipped, which means more savings in your pocket. They are hands down the number one place I book my flights.
Booking.com – Looking for the cheapest and lowest rates? Booking.com is the best platform out there. They have the widest selection and availability worldwide, ideal for travelers on a budget. I book 90% of my travels through Booking.com because they always have the lowest rates
Hostelworld – If you’re into hostels, Hostelworld is the best site to compare hostel accommodation. It’s easy to use, has many options, and has the best availability.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is an online marketplace where you can book tours and excursions. They have tour options worldwide, with any experience you wish for. This includes walking tours, cooking classes, street art lessons, and more unique experiences.
12Go Asia – This platform is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights. The platform is easy to use and I have used it extensively when I traveled through Southeast Asia.
Rome2Rio – Rome2Rio is a convenient website where you can see how to get to your destination the quickest and cheapest. It gives you options for train, bus, plane, or even boat routes and tells you exactly how often they operate and how expensive they are.
SafetyWing – If you’re looking for affordable travel insurance, Safety Wing has you covered. It’s ideal if you’re traveling often or for the long term. I never travel anywhere without travel insurance, and I’ve used it often while on the road. So, I can recommend you look into Safety Wing. They have good monthly prices, the best customer service, and a convenient, easy-to-use process to make claims on the road.
LifeStraw – I love LifeStraw, and it’s been my go-to reusable water bottle with built-in filters for 10 years now. With their bottles, you make sure your drinking water is always clean and safe. I’ve used it everywhere, from South America to Southeast Asia, and I’ve always been perfectly safe drinking the local tap water.
Related Reads:
- A Guide To 17 Best Hikes in South America – For New & Experienced Hikers
- Guide To An Amazing Natural Wonder: Iguazu Falls Argentina and Iguazu Falls Brazil
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.