🇧🇷 Porto Alegre, Brazil

Things to Do in Porto Alegre

Top attractions, hidden gems, and free activities. Everything you need for the perfect Porto Alegre experience.

8
Attractions
0
Free Activities
19h
Total Time
$80
Top 10 Cost

Must-See in Porto Alegre

#1
🛍️
Mercado Público

Porto Alegre's historic public market established in 1869, featuring over 100 vendors selling local produce, meats, artisanal products, spices, and traditional crafts. The beautiful 19th-century architecture creates a charming atmosphere for exploring. Don't miss Banca 40 for breakfast or Gambrinus, the city's oldest restaurant. The market is also the starting point for Guaíba boat tours and a perfect introduction to gaucho culture.

⏱️ 2.5h
#2
🏛️
Fundação Iberê Camargo

A stunning contemporary art museum designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza. The sculptural white building houses the works of renowned Brazilian painter Iberê Camargo along with rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Located on the banks of the Guaíba, the museum also offers beautiful sunset views from its terrace and the nearby Prainha do Iberê beach where locals gather to drink mate.

⏱️ 2h
#3
🌳
Parque Farroupilha (Redenção)

Porto Alegre's most beloved park spanning 40 hectares in the Cidade Baixa neighborhood. Features beautiful gardens, playgrounds, sports fields, an artificial lake with pedal boats, and coffee shops. Every Sunday the famous Brique da Redenção market takes over with artisans selling handicrafts, antiques, and art while street performers entertain visitors. A must-visit for experiencing local weekend culture.

⏱️ 3h
📅
If You Have 1 Day
The essential Porto Alegre experience
  • 1Mercado Público2.5h
  • 2Fundação Iberê Camargo2h
  • 3Parque Farroupilha (Redenção)3h
  • 4Casa de Cultura Mario Quintana2h
Total: ~9.5 hoursEst. cost: ~$40
🗓️
Weekend Itinerary
2 days of Porto Alegre highlights

Day 1

  • Mercado Público
  • Fundação Iberê Camargo
  • Parque Farroupilha (Redenção)
  • Casa de Cultura Mario Quintana

Day 2

  • Orla do Guaíba
  • Catedral Metropolitana
  • Museu de Ciências e Tecnologia da PUCRS
  • Arena do Grêmio
Total: ~18.5 hoursEst. cost: ~$80
💰

Budget Calculator

Budget Explorer
$30
0 free attractions
Standard Visitor
$50
Top 5 attractions
See Everything
$80
Top 10 attractions

* Estimates based on typical entry fees. Actual prices may vary.

All Attractions

🛍️

Mercado Público

market

Porto Alegre's historic public market established in 1869, featuring over 100 vendors selling local produce, meats, artisanal products, spices, and traditional crafts. The beautiful 19th-century architecture creates a charming atmosphere for exploring. Don't miss Banca 40 for breakfast or Gambrinus, the city's oldest restaurant. The market is also the starting point for Guaíba boat tours and a perfect introduction to gaucho culture.

⏱️ 2.5h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2.5h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🏛️

Fundação Iberê Camargo

museum

A stunning contemporary art museum designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza. The sculptural white building houses the works of renowned Brazilian painter Iberê Camargo along with rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Located on the banks of the Guaíba, the museum also offers beautiful sunset views from its terrace and the nearby Prainha do Iberê beach where locals gather to drink mate.

⏱️ 2h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🌳

Parque Farroupilha (Redenção)

park

Porto Alegre's most beloved park spanning 40 hectares in the Cidade Baixa neighborhood. Features beautiful gardens, playgrounds, sports fields, an artificial lake with pedal boats, and coffee shops. Every Sunday the famous Brique da Redenção market takes over with artisans selling handicrafts, antiques, and art while street performers entertain visitors. A must-visit for experiencing local weekend culture.

⏱️ 3h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration3h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🏛️

Casa de Cultura Mario Quintana

museum

A magnificent cultural center housed in the former Hotel Majestic where poet Mario Quintana lived for 14 years. The beautifully restored building features art galleries, theaters, cinemas, a library, and an atmospheric open-air garden with remnants from the old hotel. The third floor offers quiet spaces perfect for remote work. Regular exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events make this a hub for Porto Alegre's artistic community.

⏱️ 2h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🌄

Orla do Guaíba

viewpoint

The revitalized waterfront promenade along the Guaíba Lake, famous for spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant colors. The 1.3 km stretch features walking and cycling paths, outdoor gyms, children's playgrounds, and several restaurants and bars. Locals gather here in the late afternoon with chimarrão (mate tea) to watch the sun set over the water. The perfect spot to experience Porto Alegre's laid-back lifestyle.

⏱️ 2h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center

Catedral Metropolitana

architecture

The impressive Metropolitan Cathedral of Porto Alegre, built from 1921 featuring stunning Renaissance-style architecture with granite construction. The highlight is the spectacular façade decorated with brilliant Murano crystal mosaics in over 10,000 color shades. The interior features beautiful stained glass windows, painted murals, and replicas of Versailles chandeliers. One of the most photographed landmarks in the city.

⏱️ 1h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration1h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🏛️

Museu de Ciências e Tecnologia da PUCRS

museum

One of the best interactive science museums in Brazil, located on the PUCRS university campus. Features over 700 interactive exhibits covering physics, biology, astronomy, and technology spread across multiple floors. Popular with families and school groups, the museum makes learning fun with hands-on experiments and engaging displays. Allow several hours to fully explore all the exhibits.

⏱️ 3h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration3h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
📍

Arena do Grêmio

entertainment

Modern 55,000-seat stadium home to Grêmio Football Club, one of Brazil's most traditional and successful teams. The arena features state-of-the-art technology with impressive night lighting. Attending a match is an unforgettable experience with passionate fans creating an electric atmosphere. Stadium tours are available on non-match days, offering behind-the-scenes access to locker rooms and the pitch.

⏱️ 3h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration3h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🗺️

💡 Sightseeing Tips for Porto Alegre

1

Book popular sites in advance. Major attractions sell out weeks ahead—book online to avoid disappointment.

2

Go early or late. Major attractions are packed midday. Visit at opening time or after 5pm for smaller crowds.

3

Look for free entry days. Many museums offer free entry on certain days or evenings.

4

Get a city pass. If you're visiting multiple attractions, city passes often save money and include transport.

🔗 More About Porto Alegre

Planning a trip to Porto Alegre?

Get the complete digital nomad guide with costs, neighborhoods, and work spots

View Full Guide