Visit Porto Alegre: what are the best things to do and see in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul?
Porto Alegre is a city of more than one million inhabitants, located in the extreme south of Brazil, close to the border with the Uruguay . It is not bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, but water is omnipresent because it closes the Guaiba River. Porto Alegre is therefore a port city that enjoys its privileged position along the river, below the delta of the Jacui. As a result, it has an important place in the economy of this region through river transport.
Although it is open to the world and very dynamic, Porto Alegre is not really a tourist city in Brazil. It is rather a passage between two stages of a journey. It must be said that the city does not have the typical profile of the Brazilian cities, close to beautiful stretches of sand and sun.
Despite everything, Porto Alegre is full of points of interest to discover if you take the time to stop there. It is a cosmopolitan, festive metropolis that has a very important vegetation, which gives it a lot of charm. The city is pleasant to visit and you feel safe.
Do you want to know what to do in Porto Alegre? Here are the 7 essentials not to miss during your trip.
1. The historic centre
Photo credit: Flickr – Aline Rebelo
To start visiting Porto Alegre, you must first go to the city center. This is where the soul of the city is concentrated. You can find the main points of interest such as its museums and monuments. Don't miss, especially Paço Municipal and his fountain Talavera de la Reina. This building, built in 1901, is the former town hall of Porto Alegre. Coloured and adorned with superb statues, he testifies to the history of Brazil and now houses the seat of the executive power.
If you’re looking for what to do in Porto Alegre to discover the city’s history, don’t miss stopping yourself in front of her Metropolitan Cathedral . The old building was built in 1794 but had to be replaced in the 20th century. Its black-colored dome and its stained-glass windows enhance the exterior of this Renaissance-style building. The interior also deserves a visit.
On the other hand, although the level of security is rather good in the city compared to the other Brazilian metropolises, it is not advisable to go out partying in the historic centre. Other neighbourhoods in Porto Alegre will lend themselves more, as I mentioned below.
2. Redemption Park
Photo credit: Flickr – Eliezer Pedroso
The Parque Farroupilha or Parque da Redençao is a space of 37 hectares located in the heart of the city. It is composed of a lake, a zoo, a park of attractions but also thousands of different trees and lush vegetation. This park is the ideal place to land and enjoy the sweetness of Brazilian life. It is an obligatory passage to visit Porto Alegre as it should be.
3. Get in a boteco
Photo credit: Facebook – Boteco Do Joaquim
Porto Alegre is a city where tourists are few, which is a huge advantage to enjoy local culture and understand the way of life of its inhabitants. In fact, the city is heavily impregnated with the culture of « gauchos ». These peoples who once raised cattle in the Brazilian countryside. Botecos, small local bars, are the typical place for a drink and enjoy local specialties such as the Picanha d’Angus.
These Brazilian bars are real places of life and exchanges where the atmosphere is tinted with human warmth. You will find it especially in the area Cidade Baixa which is full of places to celebrate until the early morning. If you are looking for what to do in Porto Alegre for your evening, know that Cidade Baixa is also a neighborhood of the city where you can return late safely.
During your stay, you will not be able to miss the tasting of maté which is a kind of local infusion savoured in group to celebrate friendship and sharing.
4. Museum Iberê Camargo
Photo credit: Flickr – Felipe Barradas
This is museum-fondation was built by Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza in 2008, during an architectural competition. This five-storey ultra-modern building, made of white concrete, has been hosting creative exhibitions and workshops. The construction, in addition to winning a prize to its creator, has respected certain values, especially ecological. For example, rainwater is harvested for the use of certain indoor facilities.
The Iberê Camargo Museum is located by the Guaiba River and is a nice place to watch the sunset from its terrace. It houses the works of the artist Iberê Camargo a Brazilian expressionist painter.
5. See a football match
Photo credit: Flickr – Roberto Vinicius
The city of Porto Alegre has two football teams and has almost as many supporters as inhabitants. Attending a game of the Grêmio or the Sport Club International is therefore a must-see stage during a trip to the city. Sings, music, overvolting atmosphere... If you don't know what to do in Porto Alegre, go to the Arena do Grêmio or Beira-Rio stage . You will necessarily spend a good time facing so much energy.
6. See also in Porto Alegre
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Lechatjaune
The capital of Rio Grande do Sul could not be summed up in just a few lines.... So, if your stay lasts several days and you're still looking for what to do in Porto Alegre, here are some extra visits:
- Visit museums
Porto Alegre has many museums worth a visit, depending on the duration of your visit to the city. For example, the Musée des sciences et technologies, the Musée d’art de Rio Grande do Sul, the Julio de Castilhos Museum or the Musée d’art contemporain.
- Take the road Caminhos Rurais
From Porto Alegre you can follow a route that allows you to visit the surrounding countryside.
- Explore Jacui Delta
Enjoy a passage through the city to discover the Delta de Jacui and its formation of islets, trodden by canals and ponds.
- Windmill district
This lively neighborhood is one of the visitors’ favourites in Porto Alegre. Her park , in particular, is one of the most beautiful in the city.
How to get to Porto Alegre?
To get to Porto Alegre from France, you will have to take a flight by making one to two stops in another large city of Brazil like Rio or Sao Paulo before joining the city. It is known that other European cities such as Lisbon offer the direct route to Porto Alegre. To find the most advantageous offer for your flight tickets, head to our partner’s website Skyscanner , you will undoubtedly find your happiness there.
In addition, many bus companies serve Porto Alegre from other cities in Brazil. So you can integrate this city into a circuit during a trip to the south of Brazil, especially in renting a car as soon as you arrive.
Where to stay in Porto Alegre?
Whether you prefer the lively Moinhos de Ventos area or the proximity of Farroupilha Park, you will find many offers to stay in Porto Alegre at a lower cost during your stay. To make your choice in terms of sector, you can take a look at our article " In which quarter house in Port Alegre? » . Also, don't miss out on this. Compare hotels which will help you find the most advantageous offer according to your desires. You can also find an apartment or room at the home in the best area of Porto Alegre thanks to the site Airbnb .
You now know more to visit Porto Alegre, so, ready for departure?
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