AnnaPorto Alegre is a cultural gem often overlooked in favor of Brazil’s coastal tourist spots. This southern Brazilian capital blends European heritage, gaucho traditions, scenic riverfronts, vibrant parks, thriving art scenes, and a cozy, laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring parks brimming with local life, winding through historic markets, discovering museums housed in stunning architecture, or sipping chimarrão by the river, Porto Alegre welcomes you with warmth, variety, and authenticity. In this article, we recommend 15 cool things to do in Porto Alegre to experience the city in full.
1. Stroll Through Parque Moinhos de Vento (Parcão)
A beloved city park with sports facilities, a playground, and a charming replica windmill nodding to the area’s agricultural past. Great for sporty or relaxed afternoons. The park is centrally located and free to enter, making it a popular gathering spot at all times of the day.
2. Relax at Parque da Redenção (Farroupilha)
Porto Alegre’s biggest open park is a hive of weekend activity—families, street markets, artisan fairs like the Sunday Brique (or Brique da Redenção, the weekly open-air flea market), and cultural events abound. Located in the historical center, the park is easily accessible on foot or by bus, and free to enjoy.
3. Visit the Porto Alegre Public Market (Mercado Público)
This historic market dates back to 1869 and houses over 100 shops. It’s a foodie’s paradise—try regional gaucho treats at Banca 40, Gambrinus restaurant, or the century-old Bar Naval. Taste chimarrão erva-mate; charque – a traditional sun-dried, salted beef that has been part of Rio Grande do Sul cuisine for centuries; colonial cheeses – especially queijo colonial, a semi-soft farmhouse cheese, often sold fresh or matured; doce de leite – rich, caramel-like milk sweet, sometimes sold in jars or used in pastries; cuca – German-inspired crumb cake with fruit topping, also very common in bakeries inside the market; empadas & salgados – small savory pies with fillings like chicken or heart of palm; freshwater fish like dourado and jundiá. The market is open daily except Sundays, it’s a bustling place where you can shop for souvenirs, groceries, or enjoy a hearty lunch.
4. Admire Praça da Alfândega (Alfândega Square)
A heritage-protected square surrounded by cultural landmarks like MARGS (Rio Grande do Sul Museum of Art), Santander Cultural, and the traditional Book Fair each October, complete with performances and jacaranda (a tree with beautiful purple flowers) blooms. The square is located downtown, very central.
5. Explore the Rio Grande do Sul Museum of Art (MARGS)
Located right on Praça da Alfândega, this is the state’s main art museum. It features both classical regional works and contemporary art, housed in a stunning early 20th-century eclectic-style building. Entrance is free, and guided tours are sometimes available, making it one of the best cultural stops in the city. Check the museum’s website for temporary exhibitions and practical info.
6. Explore the Iberê Camargo Foundation / Museum
Designed by architect Álvaro Siza, this museum sits by the Guaíba and showcases the expressionist works of Iberê Camargo and others. Entry is usually free or low-cost, and the building itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture worth the visit. For exhibitions and practical info, visit the museum’s website.
7. Sail the Guaíba River or Lake
Boat tours offer serene, scenic views—especially at sunset—from the water that frames the city. Tours can be booked at the waterfront and often include local snacks and drinks; prices vary but are generally affordable.
8. Relax at the Beaches of the Guaíba Lake
While Porto Alegre is not on the ocean, its lakefront offers sandy and grassy beaches like Parque Moacyr Scliar (Orla do Guaíba), Parque Jaime Lerner, and Prainha do Iberê. Locals sunbathe, jog, cycle, and gather to watch the spectacular sunsets here. They are free to enjoy and easily accessible from downtown.
9. Wander Cidade Baixa at Night
This bohemian neighborhood buzzes with life after dark—bars, pubs, live music from samba to rock, and students mixing with artists in a welcoming social scene. It’s safe to walk around in groups, and most venues have no cover charge, making it an easy night out. Avoid walking around at night alone, though – if needed, take a rideshare or taxi.
10. Visit the Science and Technology Museum (PUCRS)
Located at the PUC campus, this interactive museum is ideal for families or curious minds—it blends fun exhibits with learning and occasionally even a zero-gravity experience. Tickets are moderately priced, and the museum is easily reached by taxi or rideshare from the center. For practical info, check the museum’s website.
11. Stop at the Júlio de Castilhos Museum
The oldest museum in the state, harboring over 10,000 artifacts—from Ragamuffin War relics to Jesuit-era sculptures—offering deep insight into regional history. Admission is free, and it’s located in a historic mansion downtown, making it a convenient cultural stop. Before you go, check out the museum’s website for practical info. (At the time of writing this article, the museum is temporarily closed for renovation.)
12. Catch a Show or Tour at Theatro São Pedro
This 19th-century theatre hosts operas, plays, and concerts on multiple stages (named differently). Even without attending a show, its neoclassical architecture and guided tours are worth the visit. Tickets for performances can be purchased in advance online, and guided tours are offered on selected days. Visit the theatre’s website for the programme.
13. Watch the Sunset at Usina do Gasômetro and Embarcadouro
This converted power plant turned cultural center hosts events, and its riverside plaza is perfect for catching a sunset by the statue of Elis Regina. Entrance is free, and it’s a short walk from downtown—popular with both locals and visitors in the evenings.
14. Visit the Porto Alegre Botanical Garden
A serene green space featuring diverse flora, themed nurseries, and a natural sciences museum with fossils from the nearby geopark. It is located slightly outside the city center, best reached by taxi or bus, and charges a small entrance fee.
15. Tour Beira-Rio or Arena do Grêmio Stadiums
Football (soccer) fans can explore behind-the-scenes at these iconic stadiums (Beira-Rio hosted 2014 World Cup matches), immersing themselves in Brazil’s beloved sport. Both stadiums offer guided tours with tickets available online or at the venue.
We visited Porto Alegre, and were absolutely enchanted. Read in our post, why we liked so much in Porto Alegre, in Brazil.
