//
Capital and largest city of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Photo: Rhcastilhos, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Porto Alegre is the capital city and the most populous city of the state Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil. With 4.4 million people in its metropolitan area (2020), it is the 4th largest city of the country. The city is not known for its tourist attractions, although it is a frequently used entry point to the Serras Gaúchas region, a major domestic tourism destination.
The area around Lake Guaíba, where most of the tourist attractions are, such as the Usina do Gasômetro, museums, centuries-old churches and outdoor leisure areas. Central Zone is also home of Cidade Baixa, a neighboorhood with a vibrant nightlife, with its numerous pubs and nightclubs with live shows.
Less hectic than the Central Zone, the North Zone includes the Airport, FIERGS and the shopping centers Iguatemi and Bourbon Wallig. The Arena do Grêmio stadium is also there, in addition to several leisure and entertainment options.
A suburban area, East Zone is home of Santana Hill (Morro Santana), the highest point in the Porto Alegre area.
The home of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul and the Vale Campus of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, it is a largely residential area.
A suburban region with beautiful beaches around Lake Guaíba, it has several wooded parks with places to practice sports. It is the perfect place to escape the hectic city life and take refuge in the tranquility of nature.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Monumento aos Açorianos
It is a 17-m-high monument in the memory of the people from the island of Azores, who were the first to settle in Porto Alegre.
It is an old powerplant built in 1928 which was refurnished and now hosts movie theaters and art expositions. During the sunset, lots of people get together in front of the Usina to watch the sun diving into Lake Guaíba.
Fundação Iberê Camargo
Contemporary art museum in a building by Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza.
Rio Grande do Sul Arts Museum
The local museum of art. There's a permanent collection and an area that is often receiving new exhibitions. There's also a bistro and a store that sells art books and souvenirs.
Museum of Science and Technology of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul
Moinhos de Vento Park
Known by locals as Parcão, this is a pleasant park with a neat lake and jogging runways.
Farroupilha Park
Known by locals as Redenção (Redemption), where is found the Araujo Viana Auditorium, which has hosted several political acts and music concerts. Also on Sundays, an antique fair happens in a side street and is called by locals as Brique da Redenção.
Brazilian Navy Park
Known simply as Marinha, a linear park with a skateboarding rink, several sports and public fitness amenities, and also several modern art sculptures from Mercosur artists. Good for a bit of nature during the day. Popular on weekend late afternoons.
Known by locals as Parque da Harmonia (Harmony Park), home of the yearly Acampamento Farroupilha (Farroupilha Camp), a three week long regionalist event in September to celebrate the Ragamuffin War and display the gaúcho culture. It is usually empty however. Some people visit the site on weekends.
Germânia Park
This park differs from others by having little tree cover and by closing at night. It does have some sports amenities though. Popular with locals on weekend afternoons. The park is named as a dedication to German immigrants.
Catedral Metropolitana de Porto Alegre
Historic cathedral built between 1921 and 1972, this impressive Baroque-style church built from granite stones features two bell towers and a spectacular 65-metre-high dome in its nave. The church also features mosaic murals depicting biblical scenes.
Santuário Nossa Senhora Mãe de Deus
A beautiful church almost unknown by most porto-alegrenses. It is placed in a great location, with nice views of Porto Alegre and nearby cities landscapes. Built in 1992, this church is at the top of a hill with 283 meters (928 feet) of altitude, with a modern architecture and engineering, designed to support the strong winds of the location. It is somewhat difficult to get to this place, because a cab ride from downtown would be pricey. However, if you rent a car in Porto Alegre, it's worth trying.
Basílica Menor de Nossa Senhora das Dores
The oldest church in the city, it was built in 1807 and finished in 1904. It has an eclectic style, with an interior decorated in gilded woodcarving, with an altar that has numerous works of baroque sacred art. The church has undergone periodic restorations and in 2022, it received the status of a minor basilica.
Has possibly the best cheap eats in Porto Alegre. Lunch is a very good buffet where the offerings are always fresh and tasty. The menu offers incredible fresh juices and vitaminas and they are big. Sandwiches include the traditional Bauru: steak or chicken with egg, cheese, lettuce and tomato on a special bun (meal size). X~s with excellent ingredients. Plates: steaks mostly. A great chicken soup. Risotto. Everything is good, much better than most lancherias. Despite what your Brazilian friends might say, the staff does appreciate a 10% tip, even though they rarely receive it. For the great service you will receive they will certainly deserve it!
Steaks, fillets, fries, salads and whatever you ask them to prepare.
Serves simple dishes, such as beef and fries, but the quality is awesome and the prices are unbelievable. Buffet self-service on lunch hour. Expect lines during lunch and dinner time
Typical sandwich of Porto Alegre; it's a cheap option.
An inexpensive churrascaria in the Cidade Baixa. You can eat as much meat (and side dishes) as you like.
Delicious options including typical Italian plates such as Fillet à parmeggiana (bovine meat covered with tomato sauce, cheese and ham). You can also ask for snacks or sandwiches.
Vegan buffet.
Café with a strong antique, slightly quirky atmosphere and almost Alice-in-Wonderland decorations, with old chairs and curtains, dishes and suitcases adorning some of the walls, upside-down lamps on the ceiling of one room and old-fashioned keys on the menu. Tea, quiches, sandwiches, desserts, and other food, including good vegan options.
Typical gaúcho barbecue, serves all kinds of meat - cow, chicken, pork, sheep and wild boar. Has also a good-quality salad buffet and wines.
Since 1983, the Bar Opinião is a reference in the port-alegrense nightlife. With its newly extended physical space, the house can receive up to 2,300 people. The bar has had major improvements and offers a more comfortable structure now. In its menu, different drinks and tidbits.
Is a pub with a colorful decor inspired by the tale of Alice in Wonderland, with live music.
A brewery that serves a variety of beers and draft beers, as well as burgers and snacks.
Works as a regular restaurant. From night on, Ocidente is one of the trendiest alternative nightclubs in Porto Alegre. On Friday nights, parties aimed at the LGBT public.
The beer is always really cold, there is a good variety of dishes and snacks and the food is always delicious. It's a good place to flirt too.
The owner plays every night old songs from Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). Every 29th day of the month you could enjoy the excellent and traditional nhoque.
This is Porto Alegre's first artisanal brew pub. Expect much stronger and more flavorful beers than the standard Pilsner. Popular with locals and beer aficionados alike. Barrio Bom Fim, but close to Moinhos de Vento.
Eco Hostel Porto Alegre offers excellent services and accommodations. The hostel is located in Cidade Baixa, near to bars, restaurants, and all major tourist attractions. Hostel offers swimming pool, wifi internet, games room, garden and bicycle rental. Breakfast included.
(in Portuguese)
Quite a few students, and some others, living here permanently. Clean bedrooms. Internet, Wifi. Free use of kitchen. English and Spanish spoken.
Hostel with a friendly atmosphere.
Has easy access and also has an international restaurant.
Has Wi-Fi and breakfast.
By train
A commuter train service known as Trensurb, serve only the metropolitan area, with one line connecting Historic Distric to some cities in the Greater Porto Alegre such as Canoas, Esteio, Sapucaia do…
By car
Coming from the North (Florianópolis, Curitiba, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro), one may reach Porto Alegre by two ways. BR-116 is shorter, but much more dangerous.
By bus
The long distance bus station is located in the downtown and offers state, national and international lines.
By boat
Besides its decent port facilities for cargo, a commuter catamaran service connects downtown and Barra Shopping Sul to Guaíba, a neighbour city situated on the other side of Guaíba Lake.
By bus
To understand the bus system, one must consider the above description. All lines are identified as "(prefix)-number name/neighborhood".
By lotação
The Lotação is an alternative transportation system, with fewer lines, served by minibuses with up to 20 people in capacity. All minibuses are air conditioned and some of them have reclining seats.
By taxi
There are plenty of taxis. They can be pricey, if compared to other towns, but they are also an easier, safer and more dependable option than buses in some cases.
By car
Although Porto Alegre's public transport system is of good quality, renting a car can be a good option if you are traveling with a partner or prefer to explore places further away from the city.
On foot
Walking around is a reasonable idea only inside a given neighborhood or downtown, as opposed to from one neighborhood to another, as they are usually too far apart.
By e-hailing
The main e-hailing platforms in Porto Alegre are Uber and 99. Both offer cheaper rides than taxis and are very popular with locals in Porto Alegre.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Porto Alegre · International · POA
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Porto Alegre and Brazil.
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in February across snow festivals, world-famous carnivals, tropical island beaches, and polar night aurora displays.
6 min read
Travel tipsPlan your trip with our Rio Carnival 2027 guide. Compare Sambadrome tickets, street blocos, safety strategies, and neighborhood hotel recommendations.
8 min read
ItinerariesLearn how to plan a trip around major sports events in 2027, covering ticket deadlines, rooms, flights, and costs for the world's biggest tournaments.
7 min read
ItinerariesThe coast of Uruguay is where both the country's population and its tourist destinations tend to be concentrated—not to mention its many beaches.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.