Porto Alegre Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Porto Alegre featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people
Santander Cultural Center which includes modern architecture and interior views
Porto Alegre which includes heritage architecture, a square or plaza and a fountain
Porto Alegre which includes a statue or sculpture
Porto Alegre

Years of progressive leadership and high levels of education have produced one of Brazil’s most dynamic cultural cities, a base for musicians, artists and actors.

The affluent Brazilian city of Porto Alegre is known for its charming mix of cultures and modern infrastructure. Straddling the banks of Lagoa dos Patos, the largest lagoon in Brazil, Porto Alegre is one of the country’s major transportation hubs. Its port is among the biggest in the nation. Strong academic facilities, forward-thinking leaders and a stable economic climate have helped shape its reputation as a center for the arts, culture and global business.

Begin your stay in the city by acquainting yourself with its many neighborhoods. Hop aboard the Linha Turismo scenic bus to see the city from the open-air top deck. The trip takes about 80 minutes and meanders past all the major sites in Porto Alegre. Snap a photo of the Santuáriu Mãe de Deus, a church known for its modern architecture. Learn about the original people of Porto Alegre as you pass the Monumento aos Açorianos.

Visit the city’s prominent cultural institutions to discover the creative works from locals. Explore the Fundação Iberê Camargo, the city’s key contemporary art gallery. Spend a half-day at MARGS (Museu de Arte do Rio Grande do Sul), the local museum of art, before heading to the banks of the Rio Guaía in time for sunset. Here you’ll find the Usina do Gasômetro, a converted 1920s power plant that hosts theater and art events. Mingle with locals gathered on the grass outside to watch the sun go down.

Be aware that the city struggles with multiple types of crime. Take appropriate cautions, such as using the Lotação network of public vans or the Linha Turismo sightseeing buses as primary modes of transportation.

Plan for mild winter or hot, humid summer weather. Travel by bus, plane or boat to the nearby city of Guaiba and then rent a car or take the bus to Porto Alegre. You can also reach the city by flying into Salgado Filho International Airport, located about 5 miles (8 kilometers) northeast of downtown.

Where to stay in Porto Alegre

Moinhos de Vento Park featuring hiking or walking and a garden as well as a small group of people

Moinhos de Vento

Moinhos de Vento is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Walk of Fame and Moinhos Shopping Center.

Moinhos de Vento
Metropolitan Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and religious aspects

Centro Historico

You might enjoy the historical sites while in Centro Historico. Post and Telegraph Offices is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Mercado Station or Rodoviaria Station to see more of the city.

Centro Historico
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Praia de Belas

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Praia de Belas. You might want to make time for a stop at Praia de Belas Shopping or Beira-Rio Stadium.

Praia de Belas
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Cidade Baixa

You'll enjoy the museums and theatres in Cidade Baixa. You might want to make time for a stop at Camara Tulio Piva Theater or Joaquim Jose Felizardo Museum.

Cidade Baixa
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Partenon

You'll enjoy the museums and theatres in Partenon. You might want to make time for a stop at Museum of Science and Technology PUCRS or AMRIGS Theater.

Partenon
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Menino Deus

Travellers like the theatres in Menino Deus, and Nilton Filho Theater is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Menino Deus
Hotel Moov Porto Alegre
Hotel Moov Porto Alegre
3 out of 5
Benjamin Constant, 1891, Porto Alegre, RS
The price is £32 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
£32
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Porto Alegre. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (912 reviews)
"Recepcionistas muito atenciosos. Café da manhã com bastante variedade. Não gostei do cheiro do quarto (cheiro de dedetizador) e lençóis não me pareciam completamente limpos. O chuveiro é maravilhoso com ótima pressão."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Hotel Moov Porto Alegre
ibis Porto Alegre Aeroporto
ibis Porto Alegre Aeroporto
3 out of 5
Avenida Das Industrias 1342, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul
The price is £42 per night from 4 Jul to 5 Jul
£42
4 Jul - 5 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Porto Alegre. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Lacador Statue ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Small room limited breakfast"

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

ibis Porto Alegre Aeroporto
ibis budget Porto Alegre - Supereconômico
ibis budget Porto Alegre - Supereconômico
3 out of 5
Avenida Julio de Castilhos 516, Porto Alegre
The price is £26 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
£26
18 Jul - 19 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Porto Alegre. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
Noise
"good, but walls with little sound insulation."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

ibis budget Porto Alegre - Supereconômico
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charlie Porto Alegre Moinhos
Charlie Porto Alegre Moinhos
3 out of 5
Rua Tenente Coronel Fabricio Pillar, 311, Mont'Serrat, Porto Alegre, RS
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Porto Alegre. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an in-room espresso maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Moinhos de Vento Park and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (103 reviews)
Safe place to stay.
"Great location, safe place to stay, clean with lift,"

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

Charlie Porto Alegre Moinhos
Eko Residence Hotel
Eko Residence Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Av. Desembargador André da Rocha, 131, Centro Histórico, Porto Alegre, RS
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Porto Alegre. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Julio ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,140 reviews)
Porto Alegre Jem
"Amazing stay for family. Reserved the king suite. Which has two separate spaces and a small kitchen. Very large bathroom and comfortable bedding. Wonderful breakfast. Great walking distance to restaurants and attractions. Or very fair Uber ride. A little piece of history in a charming location."

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2022

Eko Residence Hotel
Xtay Porto Alegre Cais Rooftop
Xtay Porto Alegre Cais Rooftop
3.5 out of 5
R. Caldas Júnior, 11, Porto Alegre, RS
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Porto Alegre. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Museu de ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Surpreendente
"Xtay Porto Alegre Cais Rooftop é surpreendente. Tudo novo, tudo perfeito, enormes habitações, cama e roupa de cama e banho de excelência, perto de bares, restaurantes e do mercado público. Facilidades como mini-mercado, academia. Espaço interno equivalente a um hotel 5 estrelas. Recomendo."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2025

Xtay Porto Alegre Cais Rooftop
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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