Brazil's Southern Region
Porto Alegre Travel Guide
Experience the cultural heartbeat of Southern Brazil
Porto Alegre, the capital of the Rio Grande do Sul state, offers a rich cultural experience combining history, art, and a lively urban atmosphere. Nestled along the Guaiba River, the city is known for its diverse architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and strong local traditions like chimarrão, the famous gaucho tea. Porto Alegre is also a key cultural hub, with its museums, theaters, and art galleries showcasing the region's artistic spirit.
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Porto Alegre
Visit the São Pedro Theater
Shop for local foods and crafts at Mercado Público
Explore the Iberê Camargo Museum
Take a sunset boat tour on the Guaíba River
Relax at Parque Farroupilha (Redenção Park)
Where is Porto Alegre, Brazil
Closest airport
Salgado Filho International Airport (POA)
Main bus terminal
Rodoviária de Porto Alegre
Porto de Porto Alegre
Main ports
How to get to Porto Alegre
Salgado Filho International Airport is the main entry point, offering direct flights from major Brazilian cities like Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília, as well as some international destinations.
Porto Alegre is well connected by bus, with routes from Sao Paulo, Curitiba, Florianopolis, and other southern cities. The bus station, Rodoviária de Porto Alegre, is located in the city center and offers frequent services. Click here to see available tickets and timetables for busses to and from Porto Alegre.
How to get to Porto Alegre from Florianopolis
Florianopolis is well connected to Porto Alegre by both air and road. If you choose to travel by bus, the trip from the Florianopolis bus terminal, Rodoviária Rita Maria, takes around 6 to 7 hours. Buses run frequently throughout the day.
How to get to Porto Alegre from Foz do Iguacu
Head to the Rodoviária Internacional de Foz do Iguacu. There are long-distance buses to Porto Alegre, with the journey taking approximately 18+ hours.
How to get to Porto Alegre from Curitiba
Buses from Curitiba’s main terminal, Rodoviária de Curitiba, take about 12+ hours to reach Porto Alegre. Several companies operate overnight services, making this a convenient option if you want to save on accommodation.
How to get to Porto Alegre from São Paulo
While it is possible to travel to Porto Alegre by bus from Sao Paulo, this trip is long and it is more efficient to take a flight. Buses depart from São Paulo's Tietê Bus Terminal to Porto Alegre, and the journey takes 20+ hours.
How to get around Porto Alegre
The city has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses and an urban train service called Trensurb. Both taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and 99 are widely available. Uber is often cheaper and more convenient than taxis for tourists, especially for trips to and from the airport or bus station.
How to get around Porto Alegre By Bus
Local buses are the most common way to get around. Tickets are purchased onboard for R$5.20 (2024 prices), and the city's main bus terminal connects to various parts of Porto Alegre and beyond.
How to get around Porto Alegre By Train (Trensurb)
The Trensurb urban train runs through the metropolitan area, making it an efficient way to reach some outer neighborhoods and nearby cities like Novo Hamburgo. The main station is connected to the bus terminal.
Things to know before you go
Best Time to Visit: The best months to visit Porto Alegre are from March to May and September to November when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. Summer (December to February) can be hot and humid, while winter (June to August) is cool but pleasant for sightseeing.
Weather: Porto Alegre has a subtropical climate, with hot summers reaching over 30°C (86°F) and mild winters, where temperatures can drop to 10°C (50°F). Be sure to pack accordingly depending on the season of your visit.
Safety Tips: Like any large city, Porto Alegre has areas where extra caution is advised. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially after dark, and use Uber or official taxis instead of walking at night. The historic center is generally safe during the day, but always be aware of your surroundings.
Chimarrão: Gauchos (residents of Rio Grande do Sul) are known for their warm hospitality and deep-rooted traditions. One such custom is chimarrão, a type of mate tea that is often shared among friends. Don't be surprised if you're offered a sip – it's a sign of friendship!
Sample gaucho cuisine: Don't miss out on trying traditional Brazilian barbecue (churrasco) at a local churrascaria
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