Porto Alegre, Brazil: travel guide
Gaúcho culture, riverside sunsets and churrasco in the far south
Capital of Rio Grande do Sul and heart of gaúcho culture. European immigrant heritage, Brazil's finest churrascos, thriving Cidade Baixa bar scene, and gateway to Serra Gaúcha wine country.
About Porto Alegre
Porto Alegre is the capital of Rio Grande do Sul and the heart of gaúcho culture, where cattle country shapes the food and the traditions. It sits on the Guaíba, a broad river-lake, and the sunsets across the water are a local ritual.
The Mercado Público is the place for local flavours, Parque Farroupilya is the city's central green space, and the Fundação Iberê Camargo is a striking art museum by the river. Churrasco steakhouses and a lively bar scene in Cidade Baixa round out a visit. The city is also the starting point for the wine and German- and Italian-influenced towns of the Serra Gaúcha.
It suits food lovers and those exploring the south. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable.
- Country
- Brazil
- Currency
- BRL
- Time zone
- America/Sao_Paulo
- Nearest airport
- POA
Last updated
Top places to visit in Porto Alegre
Parque Farroupilha
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Porto Alegre's beloved 37-hectare park — antique market on Sundays, swan lake, churrasco areas. Scene of the city's Carnival blocos and the Acampamento Farroupilha gaucho festival.
Mercado Público de Porto Alegre
Market · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Historic 1869 iron market with 135 stalls — traditional erva-mate stalls, Portuguese pastries, botecos and a food hall. Gaúcho culture in concentrated form.
Fundação Iberê Camargo
Museum · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · entry R$20 (≈ ₹380)
Álvaro Siza's striking white modernist museum (2008) on the banks of the Guaíba River — the only South American museum to win the Mies van der Rohe Award.
Things to do
- Guaíba Lake Sunset Cruise Nature · 1.5 h · from 120 per person
- Bento Gonçalves Wine Country Day Trip Cultural · 8 h · from 250 per person
Where to stay in Porto Alegre
Hotels
- Laghetto Vivace Moinhos 5-star · BRL 480 to BRL 1,200 per night
Where to eat
- Chalé da Praça XV brazilian, bar, regional · about BRL 40 per person
- Barranco contemporary-brazilian, regional, wine · about BRL 130 per person
- Koh Pee Pee thai, asian-fusion · about BRL 120 per person
Getting to Porto Alegre
Airport: Porto Alegre (Salgado Filho Intl) (POA)
Getting around
- Bus
- Car Rental Self
- Ride Hail
- Walking