Porto Alegre RS (Get to know the city and main sights)

The Porto Alegre RS metropolis is full of activities to do that appeal to all ages. Well, the city as a whole is part of the main historical events in Brazil. Thus, the museums, historic center, and centuries-old buildings house the culture of the Gauchos.

About the city

Certainly, if you've made it this far, you're curious to discover more about this wonderful destination in southern Brazil and, of course, prepare your bags!

Also known as “Capital of the Gauchos” It is “POA”, Porto Alegre RS is the main gateway to discovering the entire Serra Gaúcha.

Natural beauty takes over the streets and main tourist attractions in the region. In fact, it is considered one of the most wooded cities in our country.

Owner of a diverse culture, POA has a great historical heritage, full of centuries-old buildings and museums. The capital of Rio Grande do Sul was officially founded on March 26, 1772.

However, the settlement of the region began much earlier, in 1752. That was the time when 60 Portuguese Azorean couples were brought through the Madrid Treaty.

Thus, over time, Porto Alegre began to receive immigrants from all over the world.

In this way, the mixture of Germans, Spanish, Italians, Africans, Jews, Lebanese and Poles are part of the history and tradition. In fact, it is the union of the customs of these people that transform POA into a multicultural city.

In fact, it was in the lands of the capital that the gaucho figure, fearless men who took part in the battles during the period of disputes between Portugal and Spain over the borders.

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What is the weather like in Porto Alegre RS

Another common question that tourists have when preparing their trip is regarding the weather in the Capital of Gauchos. The city's climate is damp It is sutropical, so summer days are hot and rainy.

According to meteorological data, it can be said that the maximum temperature is at average of 30°C and the annual average of 19.5°C.

Plus, it's worth it plan your trip during the spring season. Well, in addition to the pleasant climate, the streets are full of flowers.

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What is winter like in Porto Alegre RS?

Porto Alegre is not one of the coldest regions like the rest of the Serra Gaúcha. Thus, the winter season takes place between the months of June and September, a time when temperatures reach minimum of 2°C and maximum of 30°C.

What to do in POA?

Before exploring the beautiful cities in the interior It's worth taking a few days to stroll around Porto Alegre RS. The city as a whole is full of attractions, curiosities and beautiful places to enjoy nature. Check it out!

Guaíba Lake in Porto Alegre RS

The first suggestion for a trip to the capital is Lake Guaíba, which in the late afternoon produces one of the most beautiful spectacles of mother nature.

Furthermore, it is one of the busiest tourist spots, with boat excursions to discover the region's waters.

Mário Quintana House of Culture

A Mário Quintana House of Culture today it is installed on one of the main Brazilian historical buildings. Well, in the past, the famous Hotel Majestic, which hosted big names in the country's history and politics.

Thus, the beginning of the “house” was in 1980 with the purchase of the property by Barisul and then, in 1982, the government acquired the building, listed as historical heritage of Rio Grande do Sul.

Today, the cultural center has a large space dedicated to music, art, dance, cinema, theater and literature.

It also houses part of the Museum's collections of contemporary art and is equipped with cafes and candy bars to enjoy the entire tour.

Farroupilha Park (Redenção)

There are approximately 40 hectares of area that are part of the Farroupilha Park, also well known in the region as "Redemption". In fact, it is one of the main tourist attractions in the metropolitan region.

Take advantage of the place to admire the landscape, take a walk on the park's trails and ride pedal boats while sunbathing.

French font

Still inside Farroupilha Park is a famous monument that is part of history, the “Imperial Fountain”.

Created from cast iron and was sculpted by famous artist Carrier Belleuse.

Thus, the piece was made in France and imported to Porto Alegre along with six others.

However, they mysteriously disappeared at the end of the 19th century and There was only one exclusive unit left, which is now at the European Reencounter in Parque da Farroupilha.

Public Market in Porto Alegre RS

The fourth suggestion for a tour around Rio Grande do Sul is the Public Market in Porto Alegre RS. O century-old building It is recognized as the city's supply center.

The building was opened in 1869 and is still in use today. with around 106 establishments. Also works as a demonstration space cultural aspects of POA.

In fact, you can find everything there, including a variety of fish, natural products, herbs, flowers, agricultural products, among others.

Furthermore, the market is well equipped with great cafes, bars and restaurants.

PUCRS Science and Technology Museum

Opened in 1998, the Science and Technology Museum succeeds the museum created there in 1967. Currently, it is the highlight of the metropolitan city and also throughout Latin America.

After all, there are approximately 5 million pieces distributed in fossil collections, pieces from archaeological excavations that They are used as research objects for master's and doctoral studies, in Brazil and abroad.

Moinho de Vento Park (Parcão) in Porto Alegre RS

Also known as Parcão, Moinho de Vento is a space dedicated to leisure and sports for all ages.

The place has a good infrastructure with jogging, a football court, volleyball, tennis, as well as a space for recreation and a children's library.

It even has the replica and a african mill with an artificial lake full of fish, turtles, geese, teals and tortoises!

Botanical Garden

There are 39 hectares of land that are part of the Botanical Garden, where visitors can have access to go hiking, picnics and enjoy nature.

The landscape is beautiful, full of lakes, native vegetation and flower beds. Thus, the establishment houses several species of plants and carries out research and preservation activities.

Another important point is that there is also a possibility of purchasing seedlings. In total there are around 100 species of fruit and ornamental vegetation.

Tupã Lighthouse in Porto Alegre RS

Farol Tupã is part of a historical landmark in Rio Grande do Sul, as it was scene of several battles in the Farroupilha Revolution.

The work was completed in 1860 and is actually part of the city of Viamão, about 50km away.

Thus, Farol Tupã de Porto Alegre RS is located within the Itapuã State Park.

The site is an integral conservation unit and today houses the latest samples from the POA metropolitan region.

The tourist spot also draws attention for its natural beauty, surrounded by one of the most beautiful landscapes in the state and surrounded by beaches with calm waters.

Rio Grande do Sul Art Museum

The monument is the main Art Museum in the state of RS and one of the most important in Brazil. In fact, the collection is made up of more than 5,000 works of art.

When visiting you will come across several paintings from the mid-19th century to the present day. In fact, the highlight is works of Brazilian art, especially those produced by artists from Rio Grande do Sul.

Iberê Camargo Foundation

The space is recent and was created in 1995 with the aim of preserving and promoting the work of Iberê Camargo, in the country and abroad. This is the great name of art in 20th century Brazil and includes paintings, drawings and engravings.

In 1950, the artist won several awards and participated in several international exhibitions. In fact, only his drawings and gouaches in the museum have more than 3,700 works of art.

In addition, exhibitions, seminars and other activities related to art are held every year. In fact, tourists who love this universe will greatly appreciate the Capital of the Gauchos.

Morro do Osso Natural Park

From the highest part of the hill, about 143 meters high, the visitor can have a panoramic view of the capital and it is one of the most beautiful views of the city.

In fact, from above it is possible to see the Guaíba Lake, Ipanema Beach and the Porto Alegre Cultural Center. Ideal environment for hiking and enjoying nature, away from the traffic and noise of the big city.

Part of Morro do Osso is part of the Natural Park, so there are approximately 127 hectares of fauna and flora to explore and contemplate its natural beauty.

Praça da Matriz (Praça Marechal Deodoro in Porto Alegre RS)

Just like the entire center of the metropolis, Praça da Matriz is a historic region of the city.

In fact, there are several remarkable facts from Brazil's past, among them we can mention the Acclamation of the Republic in 1889 and the deposition de Julho Castilho in 1891.

Marechal Deodoro is also the stage where various artistic and religious events take place. In this way, the place became a cultural center for gauchos and tourists.

In fact, very close are the main points of POA, such as the São Pedro Theater, Piratini Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Brique da Redenção Porto Alegre RS

During your visit to the capital, take a few hours out of your day to visit Brique da Redenção. Space is a open air craft fair and has 300 exhibitors.

Thus, the categories are divided into crafts, artists, antique shops and food courts. In fact, Brique da Redenção has been operating since 1978 and is symbol of citizenship and culture.

The space has become such an important center of the city's identity that since 2005 it has been part of the State's Cultural Heritage.

Metropolitan Cathedral

Still within the center at Praça Marechal Deodoro, there is another much-visited tourist attraction, the Metropolitan Cathedral. After all, there are many years of history, involving religion, art and culture.

Construction of the religious temple began in 1921 and ended in 1972. With the Renaissance style, credits for the work are given to the architect John Baptist Giovenale.

The building measures around 80 meters long and the towers reach 50 meters high, with 6 bells inside. Its infrastructure has space to accommodate around 1,100 people seated.

The religious scenes inside the temple are works of art by the Italian painter Miguelangelo Bedini.

Piratini Palace

The monument today is thirst of the Executive Branch of RS and has great importance in the past of Porto Alegre. After all, the centuries-old space is preserved to this day and It has been the seat of government for 38 governors.

The heritage is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city, so much so that it was listed by the State Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute and the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute.

Furthermore, the place is open for public visitation accompanied by Guides who tell the main historical facts in Portuguese, English and French.

Customs Square

Continuing the tour through the Historic Center of Porto Alegre, take the opportunity to visit Praça da Alfândega. A old Senador Florêncio Square It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the region.

In fact, every year since 1955 there has been a book Fair on site. Thus, the event is full of music, theater and dance shows. In fact, it is full of monuments and sculptures.

Among them, the monuments of the Baron Rio Branco and General Osório. In addition to the sculptures of Mário Quitanda and Carlos Drummond de Andrade.

Germania Park

Also known as Park Germany The tourist attraction has been located in the Jardim Europa neighborhood since 2006. There are approximately 15.11 hectares with lakes, fauna, flora and courts for playing sports.

In addition to security and parking, the region is equipped with 460 banks to rest and admire the landscape. The park lands are part of the environmental preservation area, with approximately 1,200 species of native vegetation present on site.

São Pedro Theater in Porto Alegre RS

The project to create Theatro São Pedro began in 1833 with the donation of land by President Manoel Antônio Galvão. Thus, some time later the building was inaugurated in 1858.

Since then it has been the stage for various cultural events until today. Recently, in 2008, a memorial was opened inside the monument to house and display relics that are part of POA's history.

There are several photographs and journalistic records that report past events from the land of Rio Grande do Sul.. The Theatro de São Pedro memorial is open for visits from Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

José Batista Pereira Planetarium

The José Batista Pereira Planetarium delights audiences of all ages, in addition to being one of the first existing in Brazil and in the world. In the 1970s, few countries had this type of infrastructure.

Then, in the same decade, the Ministry of Education and Culture gave the Space Master projector, manufactured in Germany, to UFRS. In this way, the city hall and the Universities worked together to carry out the project.

Construction of the attraction began in 1971 and in 1972, when the site was ready, two important visits were received that are part of the history of the world: astronauts James Lorell and Donald Slayton.

The official inauguration of the planetarium was on November 11, 1972. In fact, the dome is 12.5m in diameter and shows the planets and more than 8 thousand stars designed.

Thus, it is possible to see the sky from any part of the world, whether in the past or present.

Maurício Sirotski Sobrinho Park

Also known as ancient “Harmony Park”, the region has 65 hectares located in the Praia de Belas neighborhood. Initially, the place was called Porto dos Casais.

The name “Harmonia” was given by municipal law in 1981, but it was only in 1987 that it was officially recognized as “Parque Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho.

Harmony Resort

Within the Park's lands is the famous Estância Harmonia, opened in 1981. This POA tourist spot is a replica aimed at the practice of Gaucho culture.

Visitors will find several barbecue grills and tables for the public. In addition to a bocce ball court and rodeo ring. In fact, the event takes place every month of September. “Camp Farroupilha”.

At this time, there are several tents and barbecues to remember the Farroupilha revolution. In the months of March, the “Porto Rodeo Happy", lasting approximately one week.

Pintada Island Porto Alegre RS

Ilha da Pintada Porto Alegre RS is part of the Delta do Jacuí State Park and the city's archipelago.

One of the highlights is the tree-lined streets that cover the main entrance and the local cuisine.

Because, in the fishermen's colony, exclusive dishes are served that gave the region its name, the painted soaked and the mullet in bamboo.

Saint'Hilare Municipal Natural Park

Saint'Hilare is part of the Integral Protection Conservation Unit and it houses more than 50 springs that form the capital's hydrography. This, in fact, is one of the main reasons that play an important role in the River Basin.

In fact, there are approximately 120 hectares of eucalyptus trees and 56 species of vegetables. In addition to housing several types of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and birds.

The region is widely explored by researchers and visitors alike. In fact, entry to the site is free.

Varig Experience

Have you ever thought about having an experience in one of the most famous models of the former aviation company? This is an incredible activity to enjoy a bit of Brazilian aviation.

External and internal visits to the building are open to the public. plane DC-3 PP-ANU, the first model manufactured in the world, in addition to a curious engine exhibition.

The Varig Experience attraction is located on Boulevard Laçador, in Porto Alegre. The space is also full of gastronomic options.

Lagoa do Cocão Municipal Park

On the banks of the Guaíba River you will find one of the most beautiful and well-known spots in the capital. Lagoa do Cocão Municipal Park is surrounded by bars and restaurants.

Furthermore, it is a perfect place to go hiking, take a shower and watch the sunset. The length of the beach is around 1000 square meters and is freshwater.

In fact, it is well equipped to welcome tourists, with cycle paths, barbecue areas, showers, benches and exercise equipment spread throughout the region.

White Swan Boat Tour

Finally, the last tour suggestion when visiting the Capital of the Gauchos is the famous Cisne Branco boat trip. Well, it is a reference for river tourism in the state.

The entrance to the tour is located at the Central Gate of the Porto Pier, which was a milestone in the state’s history. Since it was where the ships and immigrants responsible for forming the culture of the mountain region arrived.

The boat has the capacity to accommodate 300 passengers and 20 crew with great comfort and safety. In fact, there are several types of tours available, check it out!

Tour Options on the White Cisne Boat in Porto Alegre RS

Guaíba: lasting one hour, this tour takes visitors to visit the main islands of Guaíba.

happy hour: on Sundays there is a “river party”, as there is a sunset led by DJs. The tour lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, heading towards the south zone.

Tour with lunch: ideal for enjoying with the family, there are two hours of sailing on the waters of POA, including a delicious lunch.

City lights: the night is also lively on the Cisne Branco boat. This option is a night tour and bar services with several dinner options, snacks and drinks (not included in the ticket).

Santa Cruz do Sul hydro-road: This is the most complete tour and includes a daily rate with breakfast at the hotel. In addition to having delicious meals on the boat.

In summary, this is the main information about POA. Now that you know, prepare your bags and pack your bags. Also read about 20 cities in Rio Grande do Sul to visit!