Porto Alegre
Brazil
Attractions & Events in Porto Alegre
Discover the top attractions, events, and festivals in Porto Alegre, Brazil
Top Attractions
Alfândega Square
A historic public square surrounded by significant buildings like the Museu de Arte do Rio Grande do Sul and the Memorial of Rio Grande do Sul.
Tips: Explore the surrounding museums and enjoy the traditional Porto Alegre Book Fair held here annually in October.
Farroupilha Park
Also known as Parque da Redenção, this expansive urban park offers walking trails, playgrounds, and hosts a popular flea market on Sundays.
Tips: Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visit on Sunday mornings to explore the flea market and enjoy local crafts and foods.
Guaíba Lake
A vast freshwater lake offering picturesque promenades and renowned for its colorful sunsets.
Tips: Perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling along the shore. Consider a catamaran cruise for panoramic views of the lake and city skyline.
Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows
The oldest standing Catholic church in Porto Alegre, featuring an eclectic facade and richly decorated Baroque interior.
Tips: A must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. Check for mass times if interested in attending a service.
Moinhos de Vento Park
Known locally as Parcão, this park features manicured gardens, a playground, sports facilities, and a replica of an Azorean windmill.
Tips: Great for a leisurely stroll or picnic. The surrounding neighborhood offers trendy boutiques and cafes for post-park relaxation.
Otávio Rocha Viaduct
An architectural landmark completed in 1932, known for its impressive design and historical significance.
Tips: Ideal for photography enthusiasts. Be cautious of traffic when exploring the area.
Porto Alegre Public Market
Established in 1869, this historic market features over 100 stalls offering fresh produce, spices, cheeses, and local specialties like churrasco and chimarrão.
Tips: Visit in the morning to experience the market at its liveliest. Don't miss the traditional ice cream parlor Banca 40 and the centenary Bar Naval.
PUCRS Museum of Science and Technology
An interactive museum located at the Pontifical Catholic University, featuring hands-on exhibits on physics, astronomy, and more.
Tips: Ideal for families and science enthusiasts. Allocate 2-3 hours to fully experience the museum's 700+ interactive experiments.
Teatro São Pedro
An elegant mid-19th-century theater inaugurated in 1858, hosting a variety of performances.
Tips: Check the schedule for current shows and book tickets in advance. The theater's architecture is also worth admiring.
Usina do Gasômetro
A former power plant transformed into a cultural center, hosting exhibitions, theater productions, and offering panoramic views of the Guaíba River.
Tips: Visit in the evening to catch stunning sunsets over the river. Check the schedule for current exhibitions and events.
Events & Festivals
Fantaspoa
An international film festival focusing on fantasy, science fiction, and horror genres.
When: April
Tips: Check the festival schedule online and purchase tickets early for popular screenings.
Festival of Our Lady of Navigators
A traditional religious festival honoring Our Lady of the Navigators, featuring processions, masses, and cultural activities.
When: February
Tips: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the procession and be prepared for large crowds.
Porto Alegre Carnival
A vibrant celebration with samba parades, elaborate costumes, and street parties.
When: February or March
Tips: Book accommodations well in advance and be ready for lively street festivities.
Porto Alegre Winter Festival
A festival featuring concerts and short courses with Brazilian and foreign artists and scholars.
When: July
Tips: Dress warmly as July is winter in Brazil, and venues may be spread across the city.
Artesanal Porto Alegre
A trade show bringing together art exhibitions, sales of raw materials and finished products, and numerous courses.
When: March
Tips: Register early for workshops and courses, and explore the various exhibitors for unique artisanal products.
Guitarras do Sul Festival
A music festival featuring performances by renowned guitarists and workshops.
When: May
Tips: Some workshops may require prior registration; check the official website for details.
Porto Alegre Jazz Festival
A festival attracting renowned jazz musicians from Brazil and beyond, offering a mix of performances in various styles.
When: November
Tips: Check the festival program for venue details and consider purchasing tickets in advance for popular performances.
Porto Alegre Book Fair
One of the largest open-air literary events in South America, featuring book launches, author talks, and cultural performances.
When: October to November
Tips: Explore the fair's various sections and attend scheduled talks and signings by renowned authors.
Acampamento Farroupilha
A traditionalist event celebrating Gaúcho culture with barbecue, traditional costumes, and dances.
When: September
Tips: Visit the various CTG booths to experience authentic Gaúcho hospitality and cuisine.
Porto Alegre Em Cena
One of the leading theatre festivals in Latin America, featuring regional, national, and international performances.
When: September
Tips: Purchase tickets in advance for popular shows and explore performances in various venues across the city.
Semana Farroupilha
A celebration of Gaúcho culture with traditional music, dance, food, and parades.
When: September
Tips: Participate in local traditions and try regional dishes like churrasco (barbecue).
Mercosur Visual Arts Biennial
An art exhibition promoting integration between Mercosur countries through Latin American art.
When: September to November
Tips: Allocate sufficient time to visit multiple venues and exhibitions throughout the city.