The Charming “Happy Harbor”: 20 Best Things To Do in 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. So, before you plan your Brazilian itinerary, let’s kick off your adventure with this introduction to Porto Alegre Brazil.

Located along the Guaiba River, Porto Alegre is the largest city in the southern part of Brazil and the capital of its southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul. As such, Porto Alegre has been a trading hub and one of the country’s wealthiest and life-quality cities. 

The city is blessed with magnificent sights, both constructed and natural. Its churches, museums, plazas, and other structures were done in various styles—from Portuguese colonial, Renaissance, neoclassical, and modernist to eclectic. Nature’s wonders are seen daily from its rolling hills, scattered islands, diverse flora and fauna, numerous parks, and spectacular sunsets over Rio Guaiba.

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

This section will discuss 20 things that are a must when visiting Porto Alegre, Brazil. These activities include:

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 you mind-blowing scientific stuff you might have never 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 for you to stroll around. While walking around the area, you can 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 to do in Porto Alegre. This park is the perfect place for you 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

The liveliest place in Porto Alegre, especially at night, is Cidade Baixa. It is next to Farroupilha Park, so you can have 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 the stadium has been used in 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 pieces, and amongst the ancient and historical places of art is the Iberê Camargo Foundation. It 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 one of a kind. It covers around 99 acres (40 hectares) of land 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. 

The locals and visitors can stroll and chill while listening to street performers, gazing at the historical buildings enclosing 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

You can find the best pizzas in Porto Cara de Mau in Porto Alegre. The pizzas are made fresh and delicious. 

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 large city with plenty of ways to travel and visit places all over the city. There are different transportation options like the Porto Alegre Metro (train), buses, vans, ferries, taxis, and cars for rent. You can also use the Metro from one end of the city to another.

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, free high-speed Wi-Fi, breakfast, gym facilities, swimming, and spacious master bedrooms. However, these hotels are costly and may not be suitable for everyone. Luxury hotels include Hilton Porto Alegre, DoubleTree, and Hotel Deville Prime.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

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.

Is Porto Alegre Safe?

Yes, Porto Alegre is safe for any traveler because the police system is well-established in the city. The people of Porto Alegre are also friendly and helpful, so you can freely enjoy your trip. As anywhere, don’t flash your belongings, and be mindful of your surroundings.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Conclusion – Porto Alegre Brazil

There are a lot of fun things to do in Brazil, including frolicking on its world-class beaches. However, the more popular major cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are not the only destinations in the country worth visiting. 

Discovering Porto Alegre with its spectacular landmarks, wondrous natural attractions, cultural diversity, and warm people, will also be a delightful and memorable experience for travelers of every stripe. 

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