Whether going to Porto Alegre for tourism, work or simply passing through the city, this article will provide an overview of what to do in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, even if you only stay for a short time. Even if you are only staying for 1 day, it is worth visiting the Mercado Público in the city center and, for those interested in literature, it is worth visiting the Casa de Cultura Mário Quintana, which is located in the most beautiful building in Porto Alegre. Head straight to the Cidade Baixa area for bars, restaurants and nightlife, where some of the most well-known establishments are located.
What is the safety like in Porto Alegre?
Porto Alegre has security issues as in any metropolitan area in Brazil. To give you an idea, I feel safer there than in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro when I walk around the city center and the surrounding areas. Until 8 pm, you can walk on the streets, especially in the busiest ones. Of course, it is always worth having the common sense to not draw attention to yourself and to observe your surroundings. In downtown Porto Alegre, many beggars are living in the streets, most of whom are visibly addicted to drugs.
Walking around Cais Embarcadero
The old port in Porto Alegre now serves as a venue for events ranging from parties to business conferences. Renovated in recent years, Cais Embarcadero is now a place for locals to walk, ride their bikes, enjoy the sunset in front of the Guaíba River and drink chimarrão, as yerba mate is locally named. There is also a large space with bars and restaurants on the banks of the Guaíba after renovations made in 2020. Cais Embarcadero is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday until 10:30 pm.
Places to Go in Porto Alegre
The Cidade Baixa area is one of the oldest areas of Porto Alegre, and at night it is bustling with bars, restaurants and nightclubs located in the surrounding area. For nightlife, this is where you should take a stroll, especially on the street Rua da República. There are a variety of establishments and here I mention the ones I visited on my last trips around the area.
Tango Bar
Tango Bar is a small restaurant that serves traditional Uruguayan food, including the famous Uruguayan meat. It is worth trying the sandwich chivito and their bread cutlet milanesa. It is usually open until midnight. Located at Rua da República, 471.
Sorvetes Jóia
Open since 1978, Sorvetes Jóia is one of the most traditional ice cream shops in Porto Alegre and you can visit until midnight. An interesting flavor to try is the melão gaucho, which you’re not likely to find anywhere else. It is located on the corner of Rua da República and Rua José do Patrocínio. If you are in Porto Alegre on a hot day, you will have a reason to have an ice cream.
Urso de Varsóvia
Urso de Varsóvia is a bar that serves a variety of drinks, offering everything from caipirinha to fernet, so as pizza and burgers. It is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday. Located at Rua da República, 677.
Things to Do in Porto Alegre
During the day, downtown is the busiest area of Porto Alegre. So, it’s where you can get a feeling for what the city is like. On weekends, locals go to the public market and hang out around the building where Casa de Cultura Mário Quintana is located.
Hanging out at the Porto Alegre Public Market
Once in downtown Porto Alegre, the main place to get a feel for the city is the Public Market, which was founded in 1869. It’s where locals go to shop for everything from yerba mate to fish, as well as the variety of cafes, restaurants and stalls that are busy from Sunday to Sunday. The Public Market is also excellent for souvenirs and local products such as espadrilles, gourds, bombilla and yerba mate. I also like to buy yerba mate there.
Casa de Cultura Mário Quintana
Mário Quintana is an iconic Brazilian poet who lived in Porto Alegre during his adult life, living in the old Hotel Majestic from 1968 to 1980, which is currently the headquarters of the Casa de Cultura Mário Quintana. It is the most beautiful building in the city, and from the inside, it reminds me of some of the most beautiful views of Barcelona, as shown in the photo below.
Inside the building, you will find the Casa do Poeta, where you will find a replica of the room where Mário Quintana lived at the Hotel Majestic and examples of his poems. In the same building, there is also a collection dedicated to the singer Elis Regina, who was born in Porto Alegre, where records, newspaper clippings and her songs are on display.
Café Lola: terrace of the Casa de Cultura Mário Quintana
At the highest point of the building where the Casa de Cultura Mário Quintana is located, you will find Café Lola, where you can enjoy one of the best views of Porto Alegre from above, including the Cais Embarcadero. Prices are high, but it’s worth at least having an espresso or a drink to enjoy the view.
Second-hand bookstores and bookstores on Rua Riachuelo
For readers and literature lovers, right in front of Casa de Cultura Mário Quintana, on Rua Riachuelo, there are 3 second-hand bookstores with a wide selection of books on all subjects: Sebo Café Riachuelo, Beco dos Livros and Martins Livreiro, which are open even on Saturdays.
If you have more time to explore the state of Rio Grande do Sul, it is worth visiting the cities of Gramado, Canela, São Leopoldo and Bento Gonçalves.
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