'''Porto Alegre'''[http://www.portoalegre.rs.gov.br/] is the capital city of Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil.

Understand

Porto Alegre is the state capital of Rio Grande do Sul and the biggest urban agglomeration of south Brazil. The perfect blend of Brazilian-Portuguese and Platinian-Spanish cultures, added to a strong European heritage gives the city a unique background within Brazil. The city is one of the richest metropolis in the country, the state capital with the highest life quality and literacy rate (97%), the book capital of Brazil, and is widely known in Brazil as the city with the most beautiful women in the country.

The gauchos are very proud of their land and culture. In 1835 a revolution which declared Rio Grande do Sul independent from Brazil ecloded, the most significant national conflict of the Brazilian Empire (1822-1889), named the Farroupilha Revolution or Farrapos War. This war wreaked havoc across the entire state during 10 bloody years, killing nearly 20% of the gauchos and ultimately leading to a peace treaty where the Republica Riograndense once again became part of Brazil. Another major Brazilian revolution also began in Rio Grande do Sul. The Federalist Revolution of 1893 defended the decentralization of powers and greater autonomy for the states, and only finished in 1895, after spreading to two other states. It was also in Rio Grande do Sul (Porto Alegre) where the 1930 Revolution which overthrew the president Washington Luis began, and so was from Rio Grande do Sul the most important Brazilian communist revolutionary of all times: Luis Carlos Prestes, who led the nation-wide communist upheaval in 1935. For such reasons, among many others, the Gauchos (Riograndenses) are particularly proud of their mother state, many considering themselves as gauchos rather than Brazilians.

Currently, Porto Alegre is a service centered city in between the industrial part of the state (north-east) and the rural part (south). It is also called the "Mercosul Capital".

Getting in

By plane

Porto Alegre's International Airport is Salgado Filho (POA), located 4.3 miles (7km) from downtown. Flights come from and go to cities such as Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, Montevideo and Buenos Aires. It's served by all major Brazilian airlines ([http://www.varig.com.br Varig], [http://www.tam.com.br TAM], [http://www.voegol.com.br Gol], [http://www.webjet.com.br Webjet], [http://www.oceanair.com.br Oceanair]), regional ones ( [http://www.voenht.com.br NHT] and [http://www.voetrip.com.br Trip]) and [http://www.aerolineas.com Aerolineas Argentinas].

There is a train station (known as ''trensurb'' by locals) and bus stops near the airport. However, it is recommended to take a cab ("taxi" for locals) in order to leave the airport, because the nearby ''trensurb'' station is not exactly close to the airport facility and available buses don't take you downtown. Cab rides can be a little pricey.

The airport facility is modern (built in 2001) and has a shopping-like structure, with restaurants, shops and even movie theaters.

  • [http://www.infraero.gov.br/usa/aero_prev_home.php?ai=226 Salgado Filho International Airport (POA)]
  • By train

    Trains serve only the metropolitan area. Locals call it ''trensurb'' and services are limited, with only one line connecting Downtown to some metropolitan cities (Canoas, Esteio, Sapucaia do Sul and Sao Leopoldo).

    By car

    Coming from the North (Florianopolis, Curitiba, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro), one may reach Porto Alegre by two ways. BR-116 is shorter, but much more dangerous. This road is used to reach other destinations in Rio Grande do Sul, such as Caxias do Sul, Gramado and Canela. BR-116 also connects all major metropolitan cities and traffic jams are frequent during rush hours in weekdays. The other way to get to Porto Alegre from the North is using BR-101 to Osorio and then BR-290. The first connects Curitiba, Florianopolis and Osorio, and is being upgraded to highway standards; the latter crosses Rio Grande do Sul from Osorio to Uruguaiana, through Porto Alegre. The section between Osorio and Porto Alegre is called ''free-way'' by locals, and is a very well-mantained 6-lane toll-road.

    Also, in neighbouring Canoas, BR-386 begins, connecting the metropolitan area with other major cities in the countryside, such as Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Maria and Passo Fundo. It has 4 lanes up to Tabai and it is in decent conditions.

    From the South, coming from cities such as Pelotas, Rio Grande, and Chui, one would use BR-116.

    From the East, Porto Alegre is reachable by BR-290 from Uruguaiana and Argentina. Using this road, it's possible to reach southern cities such as Bage and Santana do Livramento. This section of BR-290 shares a stretch with BR-116, from Guaiba's Bridge up to Eldorado do Sul interchange.

    Be advised that some of these roads are dangerous due to their poor signaling/conditions and lots of trucks. Most of them are toll-roads and have electronic speed traps. Schedule your travels by car during the day; it is simply safer.

    By bus

    The long distance bus station is located downtown and is served by state, national and international lines. Daily services connects Porto Alegre with several cities inside the country and also Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay. It is also connected to a ''trensurb'' station and several municipal bus lines.

  • [http://www.rodoviaria-poa.com.br/ Rodoviaria de Porto Alegre] (in portuguese). Information on interstate lines and schedules.
  • By boat

    Although Porto Alegre has decent port facilities, those are used for cargo transportation only.

    Get around

    The city is roughly a semi-circle that expanded outward in a concentric manner, beginning from the historical city center, right next to the promontory and the harbor. Avenues going from the center to the outer areas of the semi-circle are the ''radiais'' (radials) and are crossed by avenues named ''perimetrais'' (perimeters). Hence, to go to and from downtown one will use mostly the former, whereas to go from one neighborhood to another, one uses the latter.

    Buses

    To understand the bus system, one must consider the above description. All lines are identified as "(prefix)-number name/neighborhood". Currently, almost all lines are radial, that is, they connect an outer neighborhood to the various downtown terminals. Those lines have no prefix. It is quite common to switch buses at downtown but, considering there is a myriad of lines there, it can be challenging to find the right terminal to hop on the next bus. '''Transversal''' lines (prefix "T" - T1, T2, ..., T11), connect different neighborhood without going through the downtown area, effectively eliminating the need of changing buses for the most common trips. '''Circular''' lines (prefix "C" - C1, C2, C3), as the name indicates, run in a circular manner, usually connecting parts of the downtown area to the nearest neighborhoods.

    Unfortunately, it is very hard to find bus stops with indication of lines' destinations or timetables. Hence, when in doubt, the easiest way is to ask the locals which bus will get you to you destination. Porto Alegre's buses are, in most cases, clean, safe and fast, specially when the line uses the ''bus corridor'', a reserved lane with special stops in main avenues, effectively avoiding traffic jams. In order to use the bus, you must be at a bus stop and signal or wave your hand to the arriving bus you want to ride (they will not stop unless waved upon!).

    The fare must be paid to the ''cobrador'' before crossing the turnstile located inside the bus. Fares may be paid either in cash or using a smartcard system named ''TRI''. ''TRI''-users get discounts in consecutive trips - currently, a fifty percent discount is granted to the second trip within half an hour. Current fares are listed below:

    {| class="wikitable" !class !! fare !! remarks

    Lotacao

    The ''lotacao'' is an alternative system, with fewer lines, smaller cars (up to 20 people), where one can hop on and off at any point (i.e. outside designated stops) of the trip. The fare is usually more expensive.

    Taxis

    There are plenty of taxis. They can be pricey, if compared to other towns, but they are also an easier, safer and more dependable option than buses in some cases. To ride a cab, one can walk to the nearest "taxi stop" (usually in crowded areas or points of interest), wave for an empty passing cab or call a tele-taxi service. Tele-taxi may charge extra for this service. The price of the fare is determined by a machine called ''taximetro'', usually in front of the passenger seat. There is always a minimum price, which is shown when the machine is reset for the trip. Next to the value, there is a "flag" indicator that shows the level of price being paid, always according to the service. Usually there is a table inside of the cab explaining each level of service. It is recommended to check if the correct level is being charged in the beggining of the trip, in order to avoid problems when you reach your destination.

    Walking

    Walking around is a reasonable idea only inside a given neighborhood or downtown, as opposed to from one neighborhood to another, as they are usually too far apart. Walking during the night in most parts of the city is outright dangerous. During the day, it is recommended to pay attention to your belongings at all times, due to activity of pickpockets and other thieves. Avoid parks at night. Porto Alegre is a dangerous city at global levels. Be advised that pedestrian crossings, most of the time, are '''completely ignored''' by the vast majority of drivers; never rely on them without looking or making sure the driver will stop. It is also not recommended to cross the street outside the proper crossing areas in traffic jams: motorbike riders usually split between stopped cars, causing a great risk to pedestrians.

    See

  • '''Sunset''': Porto Alegre has a beautiful sunset over its main river, Guaiba. Best enjoyed on the western side at places like Gasometro and Ipanema. Beware that this event lasts about five minutes only. If you go up to level 5 of Gasometro building, you can have a broader view of the sunset. During the winter (around July), it is recommended to take additional clothes, because the wind can be very strong.
  • '''Santuario Mae de Deus''', Rua do Santuario 400, Bairro Cascata (''accessible from Av. Oscar Pereira''): A beautiful church almost unknown by most ''porto-alegrenses''. It is placed in an great location, with nice views of Porto Alegre and nearby cities landscapes. Built in 1992, it has a modern architecture and engineering, designed to support the strong winds of the location. It is somewhat difficult to get to this place, for there are no buses near and a cab ride from downtown would be pricey. However, if you rent a car in Porto Alegre, it's worth trying.
  • '''Usina do Gasometro''': is a old powerplant built in 1928 which was refurnished recently and now hosts movie theaters and art expositions. During the sunset, lots of people get together in front of the Usina to watch the sun diving into Rio Guaiba (Guaiba river).
  • '''MARGS''', Praca da Alfandega, Downtown, phone (51) 3227-2311, (''fax (51) 3221-2646'', ''e-mail museu.margs@terra.com.br''), [http://www.margs.org.br/] (''in portuguese''): The local Museum of Art. Open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10am to 7pm. There's a permanent collection and an area that is often receiving new exhibitions. There's also a ''bistro'' and a store that sells art books and souvenirs. Admission is free.
  • '''Museu de Ciencias e Tecnologia da PUC''', Av. Ipiranga 6681, Building #40, phone (51) 3320.3597 [http://www.mct.pucrs.br/] (''in portuguese''): It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9am to 5pm. Admission is 10 reais (7 reais for children under 12, seniors, university students and professors).
  • '''Parque Moinhos de Vento''' (Moinhos de Vento Park) - Known by locals as ''Parcao'', this is a pleasant park with a neat lake and jogging runways.
  • '''Parque Farroupilha''' (Farroupilha Park) - Known by locals as ''Redencao'', where is located the Araujo Viana Auditorium, which has hosted several political acts and music concerts. Also on Sundays, a antique-fair happens in a side street and is called by locals as ''Brique da Redencao''.
  • '''Monumento aos Acorianos''' (Acorianos monument) - It is a 17m high momument in the memory of the people from the island of Azores, who were the first to settle in Porto Alegre.
  • '''Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra''' (Monkey Canyons)- 120 miles from Porto Alegre going on BR101 by Praia Grande/SC or RS-020 by Cambara. Thousands of square miles of exuberant nature teeming with life. Miles of escarpments, innumerable waterfalls, rushing streams in an area absolutely undisturbed by human intervention--comprising not only tropical forest zones, but also the coastal, high plateau. And the coast--visible from the canyon_fs rim. The unforgettable landscape is the result of immense volcanic eruptions more than 130 million years ago. For travel information, contact the RS Tourist Bureau or planitbrazil.com (US)925-270-4190
  • Do

  • '''Linha Turismo'''. Travessa do Carmo Street 84, phones (51) 3213-3464 and (51) 3212-1628: a tourist bus line that rides through 11 neighbourhoods and shows the main attractions of the city (parks, trees, statues, hospitals, churches, etc), with audio guides in three languages. The trip is 28km long and lasts for about 1h20min, and the arrival is at the same departure address. From Tuesdays to Sundays (holidays included), at 9am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, 3pm and 4:30m (winter) or 10:30am, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4:30pm and 6pm (summer). The tickets cost 5 reais for the lower floor and 7 reais for the superior one (which has no ceiling).
  • '''Planetario'''
  • '''Cisne Branco Boat''', Maua Avenue, 1050, phone (51) 3224-5222, [http://www.barcocisnebranco.com.br/] (''in portuguese'').
  • '''Feira do Livro''' (Book Fair) - Every october, hundreds of publishing editors sell books on Praca da Alfandega. It's possible to find rare books and cheap prices.
  • Learn

    Work

    Buy

  • '''Barra Shopping Sul''': New shopping in the city, it has an 8-room cinemark cinema theater inside, and many good restaurants with a incredible view to the Guaiba Lake. Located in "Av. Diario de Noticias, 300". You can get more info on their [http://www.barrashoppingsul.com.br] (in portuguese)
  • '''Brique da Redencao''': It is a large flea market near ''Parque da Redencao'' with lots of authentic ''gaucho'' art, crafts, furniture and hand-made stuff. It happens every Sunday, from 9am to 6pm.
  • '''Shopping Iguatemi''': Located in the north side of the city, ''Av Joao Wallig 1800'', it's the biggest Shopping Mall of Porto Alegre. You can get more info on their [http://ww2.iguatemiportoalegre.com.br/website] (in portuguese)
  • '''Shopping Praia de Belas''': Next to the Marinha do Brasil Park, it's a very good mall
  • '''Shopping Total''': Built in the place of the old beer factory, it has a supermarket a lot of stores. It has very good restaurants outside in the parking lot.
  • '''Shopping Moinhos de Vento''': Has a Sheraton hotel inside it.
  • '''Bourbon Shopping Country''': One of the biggest Shopping Malls in town, located in ''Av Tulio de Rose, 100''. It has a large variety of stores and restaurants.
  • Eat

  • '''X Speed''' (Cidade Baixa, Av. Lima e Silva)- Typical sandwich of Porto Alegre; it's a cheap option, but they don't care too much for cleaning.
  • Budget

  • '''Tudo Pelo Social''', Rua Joao Alfredo 448, Cidade Baixa. 51 3226-4405. Serves simple dishes, such as beef and fries, but the quality is awesome and the prices are unbelievable. Buffet self-service on lunch hour. Expect lines during lunch and dinner time.
  • '''Lancheria do Parque''', Avenida Osvaldo Aranha, 1086, Bairro Bom Fim, across from the Parque Redencao, has possibly the best cheap eats in Porto Alegre. Lunch is a very good buffet where the offerings are always fresh and tasty, for about 5 reais. The menu, available from 6 am until midnight, offers incredible fresh juices and vitaminas for 2 reais, and they are big. Sandwiches include the traditional Bauru: steak or chicken with egg, cheese, lettuce and tomato on a special bun (meal size). X~s with excellent ingredients. Plates--steaks mostly. A great chicken soap. Risotto. Everything is good, much better than most lancherias. Despite what your Brazilian friends might say, the staff does appreciate a ten percent tip, even though they rarely receive it. For the great service you will receive they will certainly deserve it!
  • '''Recaka Bar''', at Lima & Silva streets, is the perfect place to drink some beer after a long, stressful and busy day! There are delicious dishes, steaks, fries, salads and whatever you ask them to prepare especially for you, offered by Jorge and family. They have run the place personally since it's opening and know almost all of their clients by name. There, it is possible to find ''gremistas'' and ''colorados'' rooting at the same place while watching a football game, an extraordinary and unbelievable event in Porto Alegre. Very attractive prices.
  • Mid-range

  • '''Bar do Beto''', Rua Sarmento Leite, Cidade Baixa. Delicious options including typical Italian plates such as ''Fillet a parmeggiana'' (bovine meat covered with tomato sauce, cheese and ham). You can also ask for snacks or sandwiches.
  • Splurge

  • '''Na Brasa''', Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 389, Floresta, 51 3225-2205. [http://www.churrascarianabrasa.com.br/] Typical ''gaucho'' barbecue, serves all kinds of meat - cow, chicken, pork, sheep and wild boar. Has also a good-quality salad buffet and wines. Prices are around R$ 35 per person.
  • '''Steinhaus''', Rua Coronel Paulino Teixeira 415, Rio Branco. 51 33308661. German restaurant.
  • Drink

    Porto Alegre's nightlife is basically divided onto two neighborhoods: Cidade Baixa and Moinhos de Vento. Although, several pubs and clubs are located throughout the city.

    Cidade Baixa

    '''Cidade Baixa''' is an old neighborhood, filled with historical buildings and oldfashioned mansions. Most of the popular and cheap bars are located in Lima e Silva Street; they are the traditional ''xis'' (cheeseburgers) places, such as ''Speed'' and ''Cavanhas''. In Republica Street, pubs and bars are fancier and more expensive too. Inside the old mansions of Joao Alfredo Street, several dance clubs party every night. The places are perfect to dance Brazilian popular music (called ''MPB'') and samba.

  • '''Bar Opiniao''', Rua Jose do Patrocinio , 834. Since 1983, the Bar Opiniao is a reference in the port-alegrense nightlife. With its newly extended physical space, the house can receive up to 2,300 people. The bar has had major improvements and offers a more comfortable structure now. In its menu, different drinks and tidbits.
  • Moinhos de Vento

    '''Moinhos de Vento''' is one of the richiest neighborhoods in town. Its bars and clubs are more likely to be fashionable. Except bars to be pricey. Along Padre Chagas Street you can find typical Irish pubs and cafes.

    elsewhere

    Other options are:
  • '''Shamrock Irish Pub''', Rua Vieira de Castro, 32 [http://www.shamrockpub.com.br/] (''in portuguese''). Typical Irish pub, 1km from Cidade Baixa area. Opens from Tuesdays to Sundays at 6pm (on Saturdays at 7pm).
  • '''Bar do Beto''', Venancio Aires Avenue, 876 [http://www.bardobeto.com.br/] (''in portuguese''). Opens every day from 5pm to 3am. The beer is always really cold, there is a good variety of dishes and snacks and the food is aways delicious. It's a good place to flirt too.
  • '''Manara''', Av. Goethe, 200. The place has different environments and gathers a varied public. On the first floor, a bar and a dancefloor. A stage for shows is also available. On the mezzanine, some tables and chairs to make the attendence feel comfortable. The Sundays are specially agitated. The band ''Maria Bonita'' puts the public to dance to the sound of 'forro' music. Offers private parking lot.
  • '''Republica de Madras''', Shopping Total, Av. Cristovao Colombo, 545. Inspired on the Indian culture, specially on the old city of Madras, the club has four floors and an outside terrace. On Thursdays, some of the top DJs in town usually play there. Friday and Saturday, the club offers pop music and pagode.
  • '''John Bull Pub''', Shopping Total, Av. Cristovao Colombo, 545. The place has a stage for shows where usually rock and roll cover bands performe.
  • '''Dissonante''', [http://www.dissonante.com.br/ website]. The bar encourages the alternative rock ''porto-alegrense'', offering an excellent space for the exposition of independent bands of the most varied styles - from instrumental rock to punk rock. Basically almost everything that involves a distorted guitar.
  • '''Bar do Nito''', Lucas de Oliveira, 105, Phone: 3333-6221. The owner plays every night old songs from Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). Every 29th day of the month you could enjoy the excellent and tradicional nhoque.
  • Sleep

    Budget

  • Hotel Ritz. ua Des. Andre da Rocha 225. 55 51 3255 3423. orm bed R$ 18, also singles and doubles. . Quite a few students, and some others, living here permanently.

  • '''Marechal Hotel''', Rua Andrade Neves 123, Centro. Cep. 90010-210, Phone/Fax 51 3061 3076. Comfortable little hostel right in the middle of town. Singles from R$ 16. [http://www.hotelmarechal.com.br/]
  • '''Master Executivo''', Alberto Bins Avenue, 618, ''51'' 3025-4000, e-mail: reservas@master-hoteis.com.br [http://www.master-hoteis.com.br]
  • '''Arvoredo Residence''', Fernando Machado St., 347, ''51'' 3027-5199, e-mail: reservas@master-hoteis.com.br [http://www.master-hoteis.com.br]
  • Mid-range

  • Ibis Hotel
  • '''Master Express''', Rua Sarmento Leite, 865, ''51'' 3018-3636, e-mail: reservas@master-hoteis.com.br [http://www.master-hoteis.com.br]
  • '''Master Express Perimetral''', Av. Loreiro da Silva, 1840, ''51'' 3023-9503, e-mail: reservas@master-hoteis.com.br [http://www.master-hoteis.com.br]
  • '''Grande Hotel Express''', Rua Riachuelo, 1070, ''51'' 3287-4411, e-mail: reservas@master-hoteis.com.br [http://www.master-hoteis.com.br]
  • Splurge

  • The Sheraton Hotel
  • Caesar Park Hotel
  • Swan Tower Hotel
  • Plaza San Rafael Hotel
  • Contact

    Stay safe

    Be aware when walking around downtown, specifically on Rua dos Andradas (commonly known as Rua da Praia), during daylight, since pickpockets may wander about. One should not need to be overcautious, however. Porto Alegre can be dangerous but it is still a fairly safe city on south american standards.