Porto Alegre is the capital city of Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil. With 4.2 million people in its metropolitan area, 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.
Porto Alegre is the state capital of Rio Grande do Sul and the biggest urban agglomeration of Southern Brazil. Situated geographically and culturally midway between São Paulo and Buenos Aires, Porto Alegre developed its distinct flavor of Portuguese heritage under the influence of other European immigrants and a variety of other ethnic groups. It is one of the richest cities in the country, the state capital with the highest life quality and literacy rate (97%), and the book capital of Brazil.
Gaúchos, as natives of Rio Grande do Sul state are known, are very proud of their land and culture. In 1835 a revolution which declared Rio Grande do Sul independent from Brazil broke out, the most significant national conflict of the Brazilian Empire (1822-1889), named the Farroupilha Revolution or Farrapos War. This war wreaked havoc across the entire state during 10 bloody years, killing nearly 20% of Gaúchos and ultimately leading to a peace treaty where the República Riograndense once again became part of Brazil. Another major Brazilian revolution also began in Rio Grande do Sul. The Federalist Revolution of 1893 defended the decentralization of powers and greater autonomy for the states, and only finished in 1895, after spreading to two other states. It was also in Rio Grande do Sul (Porto Alegre) where the 1930 Revolution which overthrew the president Washington Luis began, and so was from Rio Grande do Sul the most important Brazilian communist revolutionary of all times: Luis Carlos Prestes, who led the nation-wide communist upheaval in 1935. For such reasons, among many others, Gaúchos are particularly proud of their mother state, many considering themselves different from other Brazilians.
Porto Alegre is now a service-centered city in between the industrial part of the state (north-east) and the rural part (south). It is also called the "Mercosul Capital".
Rio Grande do Sul has come to be the champion in armed civil population. There is a culture of gun glorification in Porto Alegre, fruited in a past rural mentality.
Porto Alegre has a very variable humid subtropical climate, but it has very well defined seasons and regular rainfall. Summer is usually hot, humid and very stuffy, and winter is milder. Maximum temperatures can range from an average of 32ºC in the summer months to 15ºC in the winter months, while minimum temperatures are between an average of 23ºC in the summer and 10ºC in the winter, although it is not uncommon for years where there may be days in the winter with temperatures up to 30ºC. This phenomenon is locally called "veranico" (Indian summer).
Rainfall is well distributed throughout the year, and the months with relatively less rainfall are March to May, while the wettest months are July to September. Unlike the cities located in the Serra Gaúchas region, where there is the highest altitude, in Porto Alegre there is rarely snow. The last times this phenomenon occurred were in 1984, 1994, 2000 and 2006.
Linha Turismo is a tourist bus line that rides through 11 neighbourhoods and shows the main attractions of the city (parks, trees, statues, hospitals, churches, etc.), with audio guides in three languages. The trip is 28 km long and lasts for about 1hr 20min, and the arrival is at the same departure address. From Tuesdays to Sundays (holidays included), at 9AM, 10:30AM, 1:30PM, 3PM and 4:30PM (winter) or 10:30AM, 1:30PM, 3PM, 4:30PM and 6PM (summer). The tickets cost R$5 for the lower floor and R$7 for the superior one (which has no ceiling). Travessa do Carmo Street 84, phones +55 51 3213-3464 and +55 51 3212-1628:
- Monumento aos Açorianos (Monument to the Azoreans) - 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.
- Santuário Mãe de Deus, Rua do Santuário 400, Bairro Cascata (accessible from Av. Oscar Pereira): 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, it has a modern architecture and engineering, designed to support the strong winds of the location. It is somewhat difficult to get to this place, for there are no buses near and a cab ride from downtown would be pricey. However, if you rent a car in Porto Alegre, it's worth trying.
- Usina do Gasômetro: 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 Rio Guaíba (Guaiba river).
- Fundação Iberê Camargo, Av. Padre Cacique, 2000, +55 51 3247-8000. Tu-Su noon-7PM; Th until 9PM. Free. Contemporary art museum in an award-winning building by Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza.
- MARGS, Praça da Alfândega, Downtown, +55 51 3227-2311. Tu-Su 10AM-7PM. 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. Free.
- Museu de Ciências e Tecnologia da PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Building #40, +55 51 3320-3597 (in portuguese). Tu-Su 9AM-5PM. R$10 (R$7 for children under 12, seniors, university students and professors).
Fundação Iberê Camargo, Av. Padre Cacique, 2000, +55 51 3247-8000. Tu-Su noon-7PM; Th until 9PM. Free. Contemporary art museum in an award-winning building by Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza.
MARGS, Praça da Alfândega, Downtown, +55 51 3227-2311. Tu-Su 10AM-7PM. 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. Free.
Museu de Ciências e Tecnologia da PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Building #40, +55 51 3320-3597 (in portuguese). Tu-Su 9AM-5PM. R$10 (R$7 for children under 12, seniors, university students and professors).
- Parque Moinhos de Vento (Moinhos de Vento Park) - Known by locals as Parcão, this is a pleasant park with a neat lake and jogging runways.
- Parque Farroupilha (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.
- Parque Marinha do Brasil (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.
- Parque Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho - Known by locals as Parque da Harmonia (Harmony Park), home of the yearly Acampamento Farroupilha (Farroupilha Camp), a three week long regionalist event to celebrate the Farroupilha revolution and display the gaúcho culture. It is usually empty however. Some people visit the site on weekends and also have lunch at the famous churrascaria Galpão Crioulo there.
- Parque Germânia (Germânia Park) - situated near Iguatemi Shopping at the core of the affluent East zone (Zona Leste), 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.
Parque Moinhos de Vento (Moinhos de Vento Park) - Known by locals as Parcão, this is a pleasant park with a neat lake and jogging runways.
Parque Farroupilha (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.
Parque Marinha do Brasil (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.
Parque Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho - Known by locals as Parque da Harmonia (Harmony Park), home of the yearly Acampamento Farroupilha (Farroupilha Camp), a three week long regionalist event to celebrate the Farroupilha revolution and display the gaúcho culture. It is usually empty however. Some people visit the site on weekends and also have lunch at the famous churrascaria Galpão Crioulo there.
Parque Germânia (Germânia Park) - situated near Iguatemi Shopping at the core of the affluent East zone (Zona Leste), 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.
Monumento aos Açorianos (Monument to the Azoreans) - 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.
Santuário Mãe de Deus, Rua do Santuário 400, Bairro Cascata (accessible from Av. Oscar Pereira): 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, it has a modern architecture and engineering, designed to support the strong winds of the location. It is somewhat difficult to get to this place, for there are no buses near and a cab ride from downtown would be pricey. However, if you rent a car in Porto Alegre, it's worth trying.
Usina do Gasômetro: 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 Rio Guaíba (Guaiba river).
- Watch the sunset: Porto Alegre has a beautiful sunset over its main river, Guaíba. Best enjoyed on the western side at places like Gasômetro and Ipanema. This event lasts about five minutes only. If you go up to level 5 of Gasômetro building, you can have a broader view of the sunset. During the winter (around July), it is recommended to take additional clothes, because the wind can be very strong.
- Cisne Branco Boat, +55 51 3224-5222. Mauá Avenue, 1050, (in portuguese).
- Catamaran to Guaiba: commuter ferry service connecting downtown and Barra Shopping Sul to the neighbour city Guaiba. Nice panoramic views of the city, best at sunrise and sunset. You can even bring a bike aboard and spend some time exploring Guaiba's walkway, whose views are even prettier than Porto Alegre's Ipanema beach walkway. You can also walk around, as the walkway has several restaurants alongside. Checking the schedule beforehand is recommended. (in portuguese)
- Feira do Livro (Book Fair) - Every October, hundreds of publishing editors sell books on Praça da Alfândega. It's possible to find rare books and cheap prices.
- Semana Farroupilha, Acampamento Farroupilha, Parque da Harmonia. A gaúcho festival held every year in September. Gaúchos (South American cowboys) come from all over Rio Grande do Sul and build a temporary complex of old-fashioned wooden buildings to commemorate a failed revolution from the 1800s and celebrate the state's traditional culture. Come to experience the food, music, dancing, and culture of the southern Brazilian countryside. If you're in the area at the time, this is definitely not to be missed.
Watch the sunset: Porto Alegre has a beautiful sunset over its main river, Guaíba. Best enjoyed on the western side at places like Gasômetro and Ipanema. This event lasts about five minutes only. If you go up to level 5 of Gasômetro building, you can have a broader view of the sunset. During the winter (around July), it is recommended to take additional clothes, because the wind can be very strong.
Cisne Branco Boat, +55 51 3224-5222. Mauá Avenue, 1050, (in portuguese).
Catamaran to Guaiba: commuter ferry service connecting downtown and Barra Shopping Sul to the neighbour city Guaiba. Nice panoramic views of the city, best at sunrise and sunset. You can even bring a bike aboard and spend some time exploring Guaiba's walkway, whose views are even prettier than Porto Alegre's Ipanema beach walkway. You can also walk around, as the walkway has several restaurants alongside. Checking the schedule beforehand is recommended. (in portuguese)
Feira do Livro (Book Fair) - Every October, hundreds of publishing editors sell books on Praça da Alfândega. It's possible to find rare books and cheap prices.
Semana Farroupilha, Acampamento Farroupilha, Parque da Harmonia. A gaúcho festival held every year in September. Gaúchos (South American cowboys) come from all over Rio Grande do Sul and build a temporary complex of old-fashioned wooden buildings to commemorate a failed revolution from the 1800s and celebrate the state's traditional culture. Come to experience the food, music, dancing, and culture of the southern Brazilian countryside. If you're in the area at the time, this is definitely not to be missed.
- Central Market, +55 51 3333-1873. M-F 7:30AM-7:30PM, Sa 7:30AM-6:30PM. The market, built in 1869 and later renovated, has more than 100 stalls selling local produce, products and spices, as well as several restaurants. Free.
- Brique da Redenção: A large flea market near Parque da Redenção with lots of authentic gaúcho art, crafts, furniture and hand-made stuff. It happens every Sunday, from 9AM to 6PM.
- Barra Shopping Sul: It has an 8-room movie theater inside, and many good restaurants with an incredible view of Lake Guaiba. Av. Diário de Notícias, 300. You can get more info here: (in Portuguese)
- Shopping Iguatemi: in the north side of the city, Av João Wallig 1800, it's the biggest Shopping Mall of Porto Alegre. You can get more info on their website (in Portuguese)
- Shopping Praia de Belas: Next to the Marinha do Brasil Park, it's a very good mall
- Shopping Total: Built in the place of an old beer factory, it has a supermarket and a lot of stores. It has very good restaurants outside in the parking lot.
- Shopping Moinhos de Vento: Has a Sheraton hotel inside of it.
- Bourbon Shopping Country: One of the biggest shopping malls in town. Av Tulio de Rose, 100. It has a large variety of stores and restaurants.
- Bourbon Shopping Ipiranga: Av. Ipiranga, one of the most important avenues of Porto Alegre.
- Bourbon Shopping Wallig: The largest mall in Latin America and the newest mall in Porto Alegre
- Shopping Paseo Zona Sul: A small open air mall at the heart of the beautiful sourthern neighbourhoods. Somewhat popular with locals for dining.
Barra Shopping Sul: It has an 8-room movie theater inside, and many good restaurants with an incredible view of Lake Guaiba. Av. Diário de Notícias, 300. You can get more info here: (in Portuguese)
Shopping Iguatemi: in the north side of the city, Av João Wallig 1800, it's the biggest Shopping Mall of Porto Alegre. You can get more info on their website (in Portuguese)
Shopping Praia de Belas: Next to the Marinha do Brasil Park, it's a very good mall
Shopping Total: Built in the place of an old beer factory, it has a supermarket and a lot of stores. It has very good restaurants outside in the parking lot.
Shopping Moinhos de Vento: Has a Sheraton hotel inside of it.
Bourbon Shopping Country: One of the biggest shopping malls in town. Av Tulio de Rose, 100. It has a large variety of stores and restaurants.
Bourbon Shopping Ipiranga: Av. Ipiranga, one of the most important avenues of Porto Alegre.
Bourbon Shopping Wallig: The largest mall in Latin America and the newest mall in Porto Alegre
Shopping Paseo Zona Sul: A small open air mall at the heart of the beautiful sourthern neighbourhoods. Somewhat popular with locals for dining.
Central Market, +55 51 3333-1873. M-F 7:30AM-7:30PM, Sa 7:30AM-6:30PM. The market, built in 1869 and later renovated, has more than 100 stalls selling local produce, products and spices, as well as several restaurants. Free.
Brique da Redenção: A large flea market near Parque da Redenção with lots of authentic gaúcho art, crafts, furniture and hand-made stuff. It happens every Sunday, from 9AM to 6PM.
- Churrascaria Giovanaz, Venâncio Aires. An inexpensive churrascaria in the Cidade Baixa. You can eat as much meat (and side dishes) as you like for less than R$ 15 (US$ 7.50)
- Lancheria do Parque, Avenida Osvaldo Aranha, 1086 (Bairro Bom Fim, across from the Parque Redençao, +55 51 3311-8321. 6AM-midnight. 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 soap. Risotto. Everything is good, much better than most lancherias. Despite what your Brazilian friends might say, the staff does appreciate a ten percent tip, even though they rarely receive it. For the great service you will receive they will certainly deserve it! Buffet from R$6, juices from R$2.
- Reçaka Bar, José do Patrocínio, 531 (lunch time) or 495 (dinner time) (Cidade Baixa, +55 51 3072-3249. Steaks, fillets, fries, salads and whatever you ask them to prepare.
- Tudo Pelo Social, Rua João Alfredo 448, Cidade Baixa, +55 51 3226-4405. Serves simple dishes, such as beef and fries, but the quality is awesome and the prices are unbelievable. Buffet self-service on lunch hour. Expect lines during lunch and dinner time.
- X Speed, Cidade Baixa, Av. Lima e Silva. Typical sandwich of Porto Alegre; it's a cheap option..
Churrascaria Giovanaz, Venâncio Aires. An inexpensive churrascaria in the Cidade Baixa. You can eat as much meat (and side dishes) as you like for less than R$ 15 (US$ 7.50)
Lancheria do Parque, Avenida Osvaldo Aranha, 1086 (Bairro Bom Fim, across from the Parque Redençao, +55 51 3311-8321. 6AM-midnight. 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 soap. Risotto. Everything is good, much better than most lancherias. Despite what your Brazilian friends might say, the staff does appreciate a ten percent tip, even though they rarely receive it. For the great service you will receive they will certainly deserve it! Buffet from R$6, juices from R$2.
Reçaka Bar, José do Patrocínio, 531 (lunch time) or 495 (dinner time) (Cidade Baixa, +55 51 3072-3249. Steaks, fillets, fries, salads and whatever you ask them to prepare.
Tudo Pelo Social, Rua João Alfredo 448, Cidade Baixa, +55 51 3226-4405. 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.
X Speed, Cidade Baixa, Av. Lima e Silva. Typical sandwich of Porto Alegre; it's a cheap option..
- Bar do Beto, Rua Sarmento Leite, Cidade Baixa. 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.
- Veganista, Rua Paulino Teixeira, 415, +55 51 3557-7710. Vegan buffet. R$20.
Bar do Beto, Rua Sarmento Leite, Cidade Baixa. 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.
Veganista, Rua Paulino Teixeira, 415, +55 51 3557-7710. Vegan buffet. R$20.
- Agridoce, Rua Sarmento Leite 1024, +55 51 3392 7746. Tu–Su 12:00–22:00. 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.
- Churrascaria Galpão Crioulo, Otávio Francisco Caruso da Rocha, s/n - Parque Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho, +55 51 3226-8194. Excellent gaucho barbecue, served using the traditional gaucho way with skewers. You can taste more than 20 different meat cuts such as: rump steak, top sirloin, bottom sirloin, lamb, pork ribs and French rack. Offers live music and dance shows all nights from 8:20PM and also during lunch time on weekends. Around R$65 per person.
- Na Brasa, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 389 - Floresta, +55 51 3225-2205. Typical gaúcho barbecue, serves all kinds of meat - cow, chicken, pork, sheep and wild boar. Has also a good-quality salad buffet and wines. Prices are around R$35 per person.
- Steinhaus, Rua Coronel Paulino Teixeira 415, Rio Branco. 51 33308661. German restaurant.
Agridoce, Rua Sarmento Leite 1024, +55 51 3392 7746. Tu–Su 12:00–22:00. 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.
Churrascaria Galpão Crioulo, Otávio Francisco Caruso da Rocha, s/n - Parque Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho, +55 51 3226-8194. Excellent gaucho barbecue, served using the traditional gaucho way with skewers. You can taste more than 20 different meat cuts such as: rump steak, top sirloin, bottom sirloin, lamb, pork ribs and French rack. Offers live music and dance shows all nights from 8:20PM and also during lunch time on weekends. Around R$65 per person.
Na Brasa, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 389 - Floresta, +55 51 3225-2205. Typical gaúcho barbecue, serves all kinds of meat - cow, chicken, pork, sheep and wild boar. Has also a good-quality salad buffet and wines. Prices are around R$35 per person.
Steinhaus, Rua Coronel Paulino Teixeira 415, Rio Branco. 51 33308661. German restaurant.
Porto Alegre's nightlife is basically divided onto two neighborhoods: Cidade Baixa and Moinhos de Vento. Although, several pubs and clubs are located throughout the city.
Cidade Baixa is an old neighborhood, filled with historical buildings and oldfashioned mansions. Most of the popular and cheap bars are located in Lima e Silva Street; they are the traditional xis (cheeseburgers) places, such as Speed and Cavanhas. In República Street, pubs and bars are fancier and more expensive too. Inside the old mansions of João Alfredo Street, several dance clubs party every night. The places are perfect to dance Brazilian popular music (called MPB) and samba.
- Bar Opinião, Rua José do Patrocínio, 834. 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.
Bar Opinião, Rua José do Patrocínio, 834. 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.
Moinhos de Vento is one of the richest neighborhoods in town. Its bars and clubs are more likely to be fashionable. Expect bars to be pricey. Along Padre Chagas Street you can find typical Irish pubs and cafes.
Other options are:
- Shamrock Irish Pub, Rua Vieira de Castro, 32. Typical Irish pub, 1 km from Cidade Baixa area. Opens from Tuesdays to Sundays at 6PM (on Saturdays at 7PM).
- Bar do Beto. Venâncio Aires Avenue, 876. Opens every day from 5PM to 3AM. The beer is always really cold, there is a good variety of dishes and snacks and the food is aways delicious. It's a good place to flirt too.
- Manara, Av. Goethe, 200. The place has different environments and gathers a varied public. On the first floor, a bar and a dancefloor. A stage for shows is also available. On the mezzanine, some tables and chairs to make the attendance feel comfortable. The Sundays are specially agitated. The band Maria Bonita puts the public to dance to the sound of 'forró' music. Offers private parking lot.
- República de Madras, Shopping Total, Av. Cristóvão Colombo, 545. Inspired on the Indian culture, specially on the old city of Madras, the club has four floors and an outside terrace. On Thursdays, some of the top DJs in town usually play there. Friday and Saturday, the club offers pop music and pagode.
- John Bull Pub, Shopping Total, Av. Cristóvão Colombo, 545. The place has a stage for shows where usually rock and roll cover bands performe.
- Dissonante, website. The bar encourages the alternative rock porto-alegrense, offering an excellent space for the exposition of independent bands of the most varied styles - from instrumental rock to punk rock. Basically almost everything that involves a distorted guitar.
- Bar do Nito, Lucas de Oliveira, 105, +55 3333-6221. 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.
- Logom Brewpub,website Rua Bento Figueiredo, 72 is Porto Alegre's first artisinal brew pub. Expect much stronger and more flavorful beers than the standard Pilsner. Popular with many technology workers and beer aficionados alike. Barrio Bom Fim, but close to Moinhos de Vento.
Shamrock Irish Pub, Rua Vieira de Castro, 32. Typical Irish pub, 1 km from Cidade Baixa area. Opens from Tuesdays to Sundays at 6PM (on Saturdays at 7PM).
Bar do Beto. Venâncio Aires Avenue, 876. Opens every day from 5PM to 3AM. The beer is always really cold, there is a good variety of dishes and snacks and the food is aways delicious. It's a good place to flirt too.
Manara, Av. Goethe, 200. The place has different environments and gathers a varied public. On the first floor, a bar and a dancefloor. A stage for shows is also available. On the mezzanine, some tables and chairs to make the attendance feel comfortable. The Sundays are specially agitated. The band Maria Bonita puts the public to dance to the sound of 'forró' music. Offers private parking lot.
República de Madras, Shopping Total, Av. Cristóvão Colombo, 545. Inspired on the Indian culture, specially on the old city of Madras, the club has four floors and an outside terrace. On Thursdays, some of the top DJs in town usually play there. Friday and Saturday, the club offers pop music and pagode.
John Bull Pub, Shopping Total, Av. Cristóvão Colombo, 545. The place has a stage for shows where usually rock and roll cover bands performe.
Dissonante, website. The bar encourages the alternative rock porto-alegrense, offering an excellent space for the exposition of independent bands of the most varied styles - from instrumental rock to punk rock. Basically almost everything that involves a distorted guitar.
Bar do Nito, Lucas de Oliveira, 105, +55 3333-6221. 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.
Logom Brewpub,website Rua Bento Figueiredo, 72 is Porto Alegre's first artisinal brew pub. Expect much stronger and more flavorful beers than the standard Pilsner. Popular with many technology workers and beer aficionados alike. Barrio Bom Fim, but close to Moinhos de Vento.
The area code for Porto Alegre is 51.
For national calls, press 0+ operator code + area code (DDD) + telephone number -For national cover calls, press 90+ operator code + area code (DDD) + telephone number -For international calls, press 00 + operator code + country code + city code + telephone number
To make phone calls, the Integration Phone Station is also available (Avenida Borges de Medeiros 332 – Centro) from Monday to Friday, 8AM til 8PM, and Saturday, 9AM til 6PM.
The cellphone companies that serve Rio Grande do Sul are: Vivo, Claro, TIM and Brasil Telecom (OI). Recharging cards for these carriers can be found in a variety of places like supermarkets and pharmacies.
Brasil Telecom (Oi) frees up public phones throughout the city. They operate through special cards that can be acquired at the company’s store or in newsstands.
At any time:
- avoid poor areas, which present some risk of violence due to socioeconomic contrasts (see a map here)
- watch out for pickpockets within the Historic Centre, particularly on rua dos Andradas (also known as rua da Praia) and near the bus station — watch your backpack, pockets and wristwatch
After sunset, you should stay away from:
- very dangerous hard drug dealing spots, which include (as of October 2013):
- the inside and the surroundings of Farroupilha park (also known as Redenção park, the largest drug dealing spot of the city)
- (Historic Centre) near the UFRGS Centro university campus (right next to Farroupilha park), particularly along rua Sarmento Leite and under Imperatriz Leopoldina viaduct and its tight poorly-lit foot passages
- (Historic Centre) a crackland at rua Marechal Floriano Peixoto between Salgado Filho and rua Riachuelo
- (Historic Centre) Praça Conde de Porto Alegre, which sits right between the former crackland and Farroupilha park, and perhaps also the nearby parks Praça Raul Pilla and Praça Argentina
- (Historic Centre) Conceição tunnel and under Conceição viaduct
- the surroundings of the Police Palace (Palácio da Polícia) police station, at avenida Ipiranga and avenida João Pessoa
- reasonably dangerous drug dealing spots, which include:
- the southern unlit half of Marinha park
- Harmonia park (officially called Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho park): surveilled but there may be some spillover from Marinha park
- the red light district on rua Voluntários da Pátria (from the Historic Centre up to and including rua Almirante Barroso ) due to pushy prostitutes and some drug dealing
Because not many Brazilians report crime to authorities, it is recommended that you check this live, informal, self-reported crime map. Please note that poor areas seem empty (thus, safer) due to fewer Internet users.
Generic strategies to avoid dangerous situations (works in any Brazilian city and abroad):
- when dealing with beggars:
- fake sincerity to prevent startling the beggar (which may well be a drug user): smile condescendingly and say you don't have any money and that you're sorry for that (know the basic Portuguese phrases to handle this swiftly)
- to reduce chances of an assault, start/keep walking and don't get pulled into a dialogue with the beggar
- when being followed: most stalkers will scatter if you simply keep calm and walk towards/through highly lit and open areas with lots of people
Other general precautions include avoiding empty shady areas if alone, discreetly paying attention to nearby people on the streets and avoiding being ostentatious. Unless you see people doing the same, use expensive electronics very discreetly when surrounded by a crowd (such as in bus stops) and avoid wearing expensive jewelry and clothes. This is particularly important if you visit a poor neighbourhood, which is not encouraged. If you need to do so it is safer to bring a friend, preferably a city resident you trust, and to blend in: wear bland casual clothes, leave valuables at your accommodation (you may bring a basic phone for emergency), avoid speaking English and even Portuguese if your accent is not perfect, walk confidently (know where to go without a map) and avoid obvious indicators such as opening a map in a visible spot. Fortunately, in the South of Brazil many racial types are well mixed — if you look European, Arab, African, Indigenous (native) or Asian (or anything in between) you are unlikely to be identified as a tourist based solely on physical appearance. This is not the case for people with strong Indian (South Asian) features, which are rare anywhere in Brazil. People with a strong East Asian look are rarely seen in poorer neighbourhoods and may draw some attention there. Skin types w:Fitzpatrick_scale II to V are the most common and the distribution is almost uniform; people in the extremes may expect some curious glances.
Porto Alegre has a higher per capita homicide rate than Rio and São Paulo, but most homicides take place in poorer neighbourhoods, so learn where those are beforehand and avoid them. A survey in 2011 revealed that the most dangerous neighbourhoods are Farrapos, Jardim do Salso, Lomba do Pinheiro, Bom Jesus and Mário Quintana. You are unlikely to visit any of them since they lie on the outskirts of the city and offer almost no attractions (the exception is Farrapos, where the Arena do Grêmio soccer stadium is located). In other middle- to upper-class neighbourhoods, specially downtown and nearby, homicides are less common, most crimes involve stealing or robbery of valuable goods such as cars, mobile phones and cash (, and ).
In upper-class neighbourhoods (such as Moinhos de Vento and Bela Vista), these behaviours (opening a map, wearing expensive items and speaking a foreign language) are normally safe and not unusual. Most residential neighbourhoods are reasonably safe, though there are no tourism attractions there.
The voltage is 110 V.
Useful Phone Numbers Police (Military Brigade):190 Ambulance:192 Firefighters: 193 Civil Defense: 199 Civil Police: 197 Federal Police: 194 Transport and Circulation Public Business: 118 Telephone Assistance: 102 (To know area codes and international codes of countries)
In the case you need help, go to the Hospital Municipal de Pronto Socorro (HPS). Public, conventional, and private patient services. In the case that you need immediate help, call an ambulance at 192 (SAMU system). Located in Largo Teodora Herzl (corner of Avenida Osvaldo Aranha, Bom Fim neighborhood).
- United States United States, Av. Assis Brasil, 1889, +55 (51) 3345-6000.
United States United States, Av. Assis Brasil, 1889, +55 (51) 3345-6000.
- Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra (Monkey Canyons)- 120 miles from Porto Alegre going on BR101 by Praia Grande/SC or RS-020 by Cambará. Thousands of square miles of exuberant nature teeming with life. Miles of escarpments, innumerable waterfalls, rushing streams in an area absolutely undisturbed by human intervention--comprising not only tropical forest zones, but also the coastal, high plateau. And the coast--visible from the canyon’s rim. The unforgettable landscape is the result of immense volcanic eruptions more than 130 million years ago. For travel information, contact the RS Tourist Bureau or planitbrazil.com (US)925-270-4190
- São Miguel das Missões - Near the border with Argentina, has a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site
- Gramado - a German-themed tourist city in the Serra Gaúcha. This is a great city to visit during Christmas (November through early January).
- Caminhos de Pedra in Bento Gonçalves and Caxias do Sul - Visit original houses of Italian immigrants in the region along this road. Many of the homes have been converted into restaurants and stores selling wine, grape juice, other products derived from grapes and arts and crafts from the Serra Gaúcha region.
Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra (Monkey Canyons)- 120 miles from Porto Alegre going on BR101 by Praia Grande/SC or RS-020 by [[Cambará]]. Thousands of square miles of exuberant nature teeming with life. Miles of escarpments, innumerable waterfalls, rushing streams in an area absolutely undisturbed by human intervention--comprising not only tropical forest zones, but also the coastal, high plateau. And the coast--visible from the canyon’s rim. The unforgettable landscape is the result of immense volcanic eruptions more than 130 million years ago. For travel information, contact the RS Tourist Bureau or planitbrazil.com (US)925-270-4190