20 Cities in Rio Grande do Sul to visit

The cities in Rio Grande do Sul focused on tourism are not limited to just Canela and Gramado. Well, the entire state is surrounded by culture, history and landscape. In fact, some places have already been the setting for several productions for the Globo network.

Therefore, if you are a lover of ecotourism, cold weather, culture and good wines, continue reading. We have put together a list of 20 cities in Rio Grande do Sul to visit!

1 – Lawn

Firstly is Lawn, one of the most popular destinations among tourists, especially in December. The small town of Serra Gaúcha was colonized by Germans, Italians and Portuguese.

Therefore, to this day, the presence and culture still continues among the residents. Because, customs are directly reflected in architecture, gastronomy and dialect.

2 – Cinnamon

In second place is Canela, just as Gramado is a favorite destination for visitors. But one of the points that draws the most attention is the region is home to the highest waterfall in Rio Grande do Sul.

Furthermore, the municipality is surrounded by flowers and bucolic landscape, with lots of greenery, hills and valleys. Indeed, Barbecue and homemade chocolate are specialties of the Gaucho countryside.

3 – Porto Alegre

Despite being a metropolis, Porto Alegre is full of tourist attractions to see. The capital of Rio Grande do Sul is modern, full of tree-lined streets and beautiful parks.

In fact, the nightlife in the capital is very popular, with good restaurants and bars spread across the city. Furthermore, the region also draws attention for its culture and leisure. Then, there are several free attractions to enjoy your trip, such as the Mário Quitanda Culture House and Shiga Prefecture Square.

4 – Nova Petrópolis

When visiting the state, take advantage and take a few days to get to know Nova Petrópolis. The interior of RS, also called Jardim da Serra Gaúcha, is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in our country.

The mountains create a beautiful landscape and tranquility in the interior. Furthermore, this destination is also part of the Romantic Route!

Another point to highlight are the flowers in the garden that remain throughout the 4 seasons. Unlike other cities, where this beautiful landscape is only found in spring.

Nova Petrópolis brings together a strong German culture, this is shown annually at the Folklore Festival. In fact, it is the most important event in Jardim da Serra Gaúcha, as it shows the tradition that remains from generation to generation.

5 – Caxias do Sul – One of the cities in Rio Grande do Sul that has a large presence of Italian culture!

Caxias do Sul is the largest city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and is an important region in the industrial hub. Furthermore, it is one of the cities in Rio Grande do Sul that has a large presence of Italian culture.

The municipality is home to several wineries, waterfalls, caves, museums and even castles. Therefore, if you enjoy ecotourism and culture, it is essential to put this city on your itinerary!

6 – Bento Gonçalves

In sixth place on our list of cities in Rio Grande do Sul to visit is Bento Gonçalves. The municipality is located close to Caxias do Sul and Porto Alegre.

Also known in history as “Cruzadinha” and “Colônia Roma Isabel”, this destination houses on its lands the largest production and wines in the country: the “Vale dos Vinhedos”.

Furthermore, the lands are surrounded by valleys, cliffs and are 600 meters above sea level. Another important point to highlight is the cheese production and the Maria Fumaça tourist tour.

In fact, on the train ride, tourists enjoy a delicious wine tasting.

Take advantage and visit the “Caminhos da Colônia”

Caminhos da Colônia is part of the lands of Bento Gonçalves. However, they are located between Caxias do Sul and Flores da Cunha. The region is full of wineries and a strong presence of Italian cuisine.

Mark your presence at the Grape Festival

The Grape Festival is the most important event in the city and lasts 15 days. However, it only takes place every 2 years. Therefore, the celebration remembers the colonization of the Italians, keeping the culture and history of the people alive.

7 – Garibaldi

Also known as “Land of sparkling wines” and “National Capital of Sparkling Wine”, Garibaldi's main tourist attraction is its wineries and landscapes.

In fact, the municipality encompasses typical European architecture surrounded by hills. Furthermore, regional cuisine is a great highlight and the city receives thousands of tourists annually.

Therefore, when planning your trip to the South, include the Sparkling Capital and the main tourist places in your itinerary:

• Sparkling Wine Route;
• Flavor road;
• Religious route;

Fenachamp

Every odd year the “National Sparkling Wine Festival” takes place, the event is held in September and October. Therefore, take advantage of this period to plan your trip.

8 – Farroupilha

The eighth nomination is Farroupilha, the third largest city in Serra Gaúcha, 107 km away from Porto Alegre. The municipality draws attention in the tourism sector due to its wineries and waterfalls.

So, take a day to visit Salto Ventoso Park, where there is a 56-meter-high waterfall, and take a tour of the Casa Perini wineries. Also take the opportunity to taste Italian cuisine in the beautiful restaurants spread across the city.

9 – New Silver

The city of Nova Prata is well known as the “National Capital of Basalt”, as the land is privileged by the presence of these stones. On the other hand, the municipality is remembered for its thermal waters.

The main tourist attraction in the region is the “Caldas de Prata Hydrothermal Complex”, located in the center of the Municipal Forest. An establishment full of open and covered swimming pools with warm waters that reach 41 degrees Celsius.

In fact, the main event is the “International Folklore Festival”! The party always takes place in the second half of the year.

city tour

Take the opportunity to take a City Tour in the city and visit the 20th century houses and visit the basalt stone extraction quarry. This tour is one of the main tourist attractions that covers the history of the region.

10 – Flores da Cunha

Flores da Cunha is named after former governor José Antônio Flores da Cunha. The political figure while in office promised the construction of a railway to connect the city with the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

In the tourism sector, the highlights are the wineries and natural beauty full of greenery. Therefore, when visiting the city, take the opportunity to go to Parque da Gruta and Mirante do Gaio.

At the top of the viewpoint, tourists can see where the Tigre River meets the Rio das Antas, in addition to enjoying the peace of nature.

11 – Nova Roma do Sul

Bathed by the Antas and Pratas rivers, Nova Roma do Sul owns lands full of waterfalls and deep valleys. The colonization of Italians and culture is reflected in the centuries-old buildings.

Furthermore, the municipality is full of grape vines, rivers and cliffs. Perfect place to enjoy nature and practice extreme sports, such as rafting and rappelling.

12 – Antônio Prado – One of the most Italian cities in Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil

Antônio Prado is considered the most Italian city in Brazil. Well, there are around 48 buildings that tell the story of colonization. In fact, these monuments are part of the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN).

The region is close to Caxias do Sul and approximately 185 km from the Capital of Serra Gaúcha.

The historic center is one of the most important tourist attractions. Located in the central square, the houses show a culture that has survived in Antônio Prado for more than 100 years.

Furthermore, another attraction is the “Cascatas da Usina”, located on the Júlio de Castilho road!

13 – São Francisco de Paula

In thirteenth place, São Francisco de Paula is one of the cities in Rio Grande do Sul that is part of the “Romantic Route” of State.

Despite being small, the small town in the interior has many natural attractions that attract attention in the tourism sector. Mainly, to groups of people who enjoy ecotourism.

Saint Bernard Lake

Schedule a day on your itinerary at Lake São Bernardo to rest and enjoy nature. Because this region is very empty and is close to the Cavalinho Branco Hotel.

8 Waterfalls Park

The 8 waterfalls park, in São Francisco de Paula, is perfect for hiking and camping. Additionally, pets are allowed. However, access to the waterfalls is through trails.

14 – Cambará do Sul

Also known as “The land of canyons” and “City of Honey”, Cambará do Sul is full of outdoor activities to have fun. Furthermore, the beautiful natural landscapes have been the setting for Globo, in the series “A casa das 7 Mulheres”.

When visiting the place in the winter season, be prepared, as the region is one of the coldest in Brazil.

Aparados da Serra National Park

The park is located on the border of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina and the main attraction is the Itaimbezinho Canyon, which is 700 meters deep and 5.8 km long.

15 – Bom Jesus – one of the coldest cities in Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil

Just like Cambará do Sul, Bom Jesus is also among the coldest cities in our country. In fact, the southern region of Brazil is part of the “Campos de Cima Tourist Route”.

Furthermore, the municipality is surrounded by waterfalls, mountains and apple orchards!

In the past, Bom Jesus was populated by indigenous people and traces of their presence still appear today in the farmlands and caves.

Waterfall Route

The Cascade Route is undoubtedly the city's tourist attraction that deserves to be highlighted. Well, it passes through a set of waterfalls accessible only by trails.

16 – Torres – One of the cities in Rio Grande do Sul on the coast with beautiful beaches.

Next, Torres is one of the cities in Rio Grande do Sul that is part of the Atlantic Coast. The most charming beach in Serra Gaúcha is surrounded by mountains on the seafront, very reminiscent of medieval scenes.

Furthermore, in front is the only island in RS, Ilha dos Lobos!

The city of Torres borders Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. In fact, it is very close to Gramado, about 2 hours by car and has a good structure to receive tourists.

17 – São José dos Ausentes

São José dos Ausentes is the coldest city in Serra Gaúcha! In the center there is a mercury thermometer that records the lowest temperatures in the region. Winter is harsh, always filled with frost and sometimes even snow.

The Peak and Canyons are the most visited tourist attractions, having an altitude of 1403 meters. Furthermore, it was once the setting for Rede Globo.

Take the opportunity to enjoy the place between July and August, with luck you can have fun in the snow!

18 – Three Crowns

The municipality of Três Coroas is charming, as the region is located in a valley, bathed by the Paranhana River and mountains. In fact, the small and quiet city in the interior is close to Gramado.

Chgdud Gonoa Khadro Ling

The monument that draws the most attention in Três Coroas is the Buddhist temple. In fact, it is the first built in Latin America and intended for the culture, art and religion of Tibetan Buddhism.

19 – São Miguel das Missões

The city originated from a Jesuit town and is home to one of the country's main monuments: the São Miguel Church, from the Baroque period.

In fact, the religious temple took 10 years to complete and was destroyed in 1828, during the Cisplatine War. However, the ruins are still visited today and are located in the São Miguel Arcanjo Archaeological Site.

Furthermore, the site also houses the “missions museum” and the remaining pieces of the Church are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

20 – Pellets

Last but not least is the city of Pelotas in Rio Grande do Sul. The municipality is also called “Princess of the South” and is recognized for its manufacture of sweets and old houses.

Located on the banks of São Gonçalo, the region is approximately 261 km away from the capital. Furthermore, the city has 3 museums that showcase the history and culture of the people.

In fact, the monuments and landscapes of the interior have been the setting for several Globo network productions. Another interesting point to highlight are the events, the most important of which is the National Sweets Fair. In fact, the fair brings together several sweet recipes of Portuguese origins.

In short, these are the 20 cities in Rio Grande do Sul to visit. When you arrive, don't just limit yourself to Gramado and Canela, the southern region of Brazil, in addition to being charming, is full of activities, culture and leisure.