Porto Alegre
Porto Alegre[1] is the capital city of Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil.
Culture and History
Porto Alegre is the state capital of Rio Grande do Sul and the biggest urban agglomeration of south Brazil. It is important to understand that the culture of the city isn't a "Brazilian culture", but almost an Argentinian or Uruguayan. These people are called "gaúchos", the same word that identify Argentina and Uruguay. So, this can be bad if you are searching for a typical Brazilian city, but it can be good if you speak Spanish, because the locals typically understand the language well. The perfect blend of Brazilian-Portuguese and Platinian-Spanish cultures, added to a strong European heritage gives the city a unique background within Brazil. The city is one of the richest metropolis in the country, the state capital with the highest life quality and literacy rate (97%), the book capital of Brazil, and is widely known in Brazil as the city with the most beautiful women in the country.
The gaúchos are very proud of their land and culture. In 1835 a revolution which declared Rio Grande do Sul independent from Brazil ecloded, 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 the gaúchos and ultimately leading to a peace treaty where the Republica 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, the Gaúchos (Riograndenses) are particularly proud of their mother state, many considering themselves as gauchos rather than Brazilians.
Currently, Porto Alegre is 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".
Getting in
Flights to Porto Alegre, airtickets
Porto Alegre's international airport is Salgado Filho (POA), located 4.3 miles (7km) from downtown. It's served by all major Brazilian airlines (VARIG, TAM, GOL, BRA, Webjet) and some foreign ones (AEROLINEAS ARGENTINAS, OCEANAIR, PLUNA, UAIR). There is a train station (known as trensurb by locals) and bus stops near the airport. However, it is recommended to take a cab ("taxi" for locals) in order to leave the airport, because the nearby trensurb station is not exactly close to the airport facility and the available buses don't take you downtown and the cab rides are not very expensive.
The airport facility is modern (built in 2001) and has a shopping-like structure, with restaurants, shops and even movie theaters.
By car
Porto Alegre is served by two major highways: BR-116, crossing it North-South and BR-290, crossing it East-West. The first can be used to visit destinations like Gramado and Canela (both North); the latter gives access to/from Rio Grande do Sul's litoral (East) and to/from Argentina (West).
Be advised that some of these roads are dangerous, for they have poor signaling/conditions and lots of trucks. Keep your travels by car on these roads to the duplicated ones and, if possible, during the day.
Buses to Porto Alegre
The long distance bus station ("rodoviária") is located downtown and is served by several national and international lines (UNESUL, TTL, EGA, PLUMA, FLECHABUS, CHILEBUS). It is also connected to a trensurb station and several municipal bus lines.
- Rodoviária de Porto Alegre (in portuguese). Information on lines and schedules.
Get around
The local bus system is widely spread, but hard to understand if you are not a local. The lines connect, in most of the cases, the neighborhoods to downtown. There are no maps available, neither signs and schedules at the bus stops. The best way to find out a certain line or route is to ask people at the stops or bus drivers. That's what local people do when they don't know which bus to take. But don´t worry, because the buses are clean, safe and fast.
There are plenty of taxis. They can be pricey, if compared to other towns, but they are also an easier and safer option to buses.
Walking around is a reasonable idea only downtown, not to other parts of the city, which can be very far. Walking during the night in downtown or even in other parts of city can be dangerous. During the day, it is recommended to pay attention to other people to avoid problems. Avoid parks at night. Porto Alegre is a dangerous city at global levels, but a very safe big city in Brazil levels.
Porto Alegre attractions and sightseeing
- Sunset: Porto Alegre has a beautiful sunset over its main river, GuaÃba. Best enjoyed on the western side at places like Gasômetro and Ipanema. Beware that 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 stronger.
- 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 an 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
- MARGS, Praça da Alfândega, Downtown, phone (51) 3227-2311, (fax (51) 3221-2646, e-mail museu.margs@terra.com.br), [2] (in portuguese): The local Museum of Art. Open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10am to 7pm. 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. Admission is free.
- Museu de Ciências e Tecnologia da PUC, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Building #40, phone (51) 3320.3597 [3] (in portuguese): It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9am to 5pm. Admission is 10 reais (7 reais for children under 12, seniors, university students and professors).
- Praça de Shiga:
- Moinhos de Vento Park - Known by locals as Parcão, this is a pleasant park with a neat lake and jogging runways.
- The Açorianos Monument
City tours
- Parque da Redenção. Also known as Parque Farroupilha (the official name). A nice gathering place at sunny weekends, when porto-alegrenses meet their friends to drink chimarrão (a typical tea-like drink) and walk.
- Linha Turismo. Travessa do Carmo Street 84, phones (51) 3213-3464 and (51) 3212-1628: 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 28km long and lasts for about 1h20min, and the arrival is at the same departure address. From Tuesdays to Sundays (holidays included), at 9am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, 3pm and 4:30m (winter) or 10:30am, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4:30pm and 6pm (summer). The tickets cost 5 reais for the lower floor and 7 reais for the superior one (which has no ceiling).
- Planetário
- Cisne Branco Boat, Mauá Avenue, 1050, phone (51) 3224-5222, [4] (in portuguese).
- Feira do Livro, on october. Don´t miss the beautiful purple tree flowers. Praça da Alfândega
Learn
Work
Shopping, Porto Alegre souvenirs
- Brique da Redenção: It is 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.
- Shopping Iguatemi: Located 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)
- Bourbon Shopping Country: One of the biggest Shopping Malls in town, located in Av Tulio de Rose, 100. It has a large variety of stores and restaurants.
Good restaurants and cheap meals
Budget
Mid-range
- Dado Tambor: Av. Túlio de Rose , 100
- Le Bistrot: on winter try the excellent soups. But don´t miss the "nuttela crêpe". Fernando Gomes, 58 - Phone: 3346-3812
- Bistrô Torta de Sorvete: For taking a snack in the afternoon. Try the delicious and famous ice cream pie, the one that give its name to the house. Padre Cahgas, 217 - Phone: 3346-1616
Splurge
Porto Alegre nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Probably the most touristic aspect of Porto Alegre is the city's night life. There are 3 neighborhoods full of bars and places to dance.
- Manara: The place has different environments and gethers 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 attendence feel comfortable. On the second floor, there is also a place for shows and a dancefloor, with a bar. The Sundays are specially agitated. The band Maria Bonita puts the public to dance to the sound of 'forró' music. Manara has a private parking lot. Av. Goethe , 200
There are other bars in the city:
- Shamrock Irish Pub, Vieira de Castro Street, 32, [5] (in portuguese): Opens from Tuesdays to Sundays at 6pm (on Saturdays at 7pm).
- Bar do Beto, Venâncio Aires Avenue, 876 [6] (in portuguese): 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.
- John Bull Pub
- Dissonante: 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. Basicly almost everything that involves a distorted guitar. Check out their website
- Bar Opinião: Opened in 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. There is also a cybercafé, opened in 2001. In its menu, different drinks and tidbits. R. José do PatrocÃnio , 834
- Bar do Nito: The owner plays every night old songs from Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). Every 29th day of the month you could enjoy the excellent and tradicional nhoque. Lucas de Oliveira, 105. Phone: 3333-6221
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Budget
Mid-range
- Ibis Hotel
Splurge
- The Sheraton Hotel
- Caesar Park Hotel
- Swan Tower Hotel
- Plaza San Rafael Hotel
Contact
Stay safe
Be aware when walking around downtown, specifically on Rua dos Andradas (commonly known as Rua da Praia), during daylight, pickpockets may wander about. Nightlife at Cidade Baixa might be dangerous as well. Be aware of possible robbery and auto theft.
Cope
Get out
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