Porto Alegre

The neighborhood is home to attractions such as the Piratini Palace, which serves as the state government’s seat of government, the Porto Alegre Botanical Garden, the Moinhos de Vento Park, the Public Market, and Farroupilha Park.

In Brazil, Porto Alegre is well-known for its eclectic nightlife. The city’s clubs, pubs, bars, and restaurants cater to a variety of tastes and budgets, ranging from inexpensive, typical beer-and-bite at a corner bar to all-night raves and nightclubs. A block of pubs, restaurants, and clubs is located in Porto Alegre’s “SoHo” neighborhood.

Numerous bars, some with live music, are located across and next to the Parque Farroupilha and near the Federal University. The various Centros do Tradiço Gacha in Porto Alegre host traditional meals, music, and dance events throughout the year.

Because Porto Alegre is situated in the subtropical zone, it has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa). Precipitation is abundant and consistent throughout the year. Summer temperatures often exceed 32 °C (90 °F), and the season is quite uncomfortable due to excessive humidity. A subtropical climatic zone is defined by summers that are hot and humid and winters that are moderate. Precipitation occurs in significant volumes throughout the year in the majority of places. Summer rainfall is mostly caused by thunderstorms and the rare tropical cyclone.

The city has the most seasonal variation and temperature extremes of any Brazilian capital. The highest latitude is one explanation for this, as is the presence of 14 hours of daylight in December and 10 hours in June. Occasionally, the population is dangerously exposed to exceptionally high levels of UV radiation.

Winter is warm, windy, wet, and highly variable, all of which are characteristics of this time of year. Winter temperatures typically vary between 10 °C (50 °F) to 19 °C (66 °F). On the coldest days of the year, the temperature may go slightly below zero, as it did in 2012, when it reached 3 degrees Celsius (27 degrees Fahrenheit) (according to AccuWeather; unofficial). Snow is very infrequent and is often mistaken with sleet.

Porto Alegre is situated in southeastern Brazil near the northern end of the vast coastal lagoon, Lagoa dos Patos. The settlement is located on the east bank of the Rio Guaiba, whose estuary produces the massive freshwater lagoon known as Lagoa dos Patos. Additionally, it serves as the state capital of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s southernmost state.

Porto Alegre has a lengthy beachfront along the Guaba Lake and a landscape marked by 40 hills. In the lake, a wide body of water, a labyrinth of islands facing the city forms an archipelago with a unique environment that provides habitat for an abundance of animals. The metropolitan area has 28% of Rio Grande do Sul’s natural vegetation, with 9,288 species. Among them are several trees that are remnants of the Atlantic Forest. Fauna is very diverse, particularly on islands and in the highlands. The Portoalegrense surrounds are densely forested, with several parks, squares, and woodland lanes.

Located at the confluence of five rivers, it has developed into a significant alluvial port as well as one of Brazil’s primary industrial and economic hubs. Porto Alegre exports products from the fertile agricultural and pastoral hinterland, including soybeans, leather, canned beef, and rice, to destinations as far afield as Africa and Japan.

According to SENAES (National Office of Solidarity Economy), a solidarity economy is defined as an ensemble of economic activities characterized by collaboration, self-management, economic viability, and solidarity. The office recognized 14,954 solidary firms in Brazil in 2005, including 85 in Porto Alegre.

Gerdau, Petroleo Ipiranga, Zaffari, and RBS are just a few of the major businesses in Porto Alegre. General Motors (GM) has been operating in Gravata, in the Metropolitan Region, since 2000. There is also a Petrochemical Pool in this Region, but in Triunfo, and Dell Computers has constructed a facility in Eldorado do Sul. In the health sector, three hospitals are regarded to be among the greatest in Latin America: Hospital Moinhos de Vento, a private, JCAH-accredited facility; Santa Casa de Misericordia Hospital; and Clinicas Hospital, a public facility. The latter are university-affiliated referral hospitals serving the Brazilian southeastern region. Commerce is a significant economic activity, with several shopping complexes (like Praia de Belas Shopping, Shopping Iguatemi and the smaller though posh Shopping Moinhos). The Porto Alegre Metropolitan Region is centered on shoe manufacturing (near Novo Hamburgo) and petrochemical sectors, as well as services.

The Electronics Technology Center (CEITEC) in the city, which is focused on the research and manufacture of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), announced the establishment of Latin America’s first integrated circuit design center today. To develop cutting-edge semiconductor products for high-volume markets in Latin America and beyond. CEITEC S.A. will propel Latin America’s electronics sector forward by capitalizing on Brazil’s regional influence, leadership, and economic power. The business plans to hire 60 engineers to build RFID, digital media, and wireless communication chips for its manufacturing plant, which is now ramping up for production. The Brazilian government has invested around US$210 million in total. The business is pursuing a fab-lite approach, with the goal of manufacturing analog/digital chips at its Porto Alegre plant. The company’s in-house design center, which employs over 100 engineers.

The rural hinterland produces a diverse range of agricultural and pastoral goods, including beef and skins, wool, rice, beans, cashews, avocados, wheat, grapes, and tobacco. Lumber is harvested from forests. The city’s industries are mostly focused on processing these items, including meat packing, lard refining, leather tanning, shipbuilding, and the manufacture of textiles, metallurgical goods, electrical and communications equipment, plastics, medicines, perfume, beer, and chemicals. Additionally, there are steel mills, an oil port, and a petrochemical complex located here. Electricity is generated by a coal mine in adjacent So Jerônimo and a hydroelectric facility in Salto. The city is home to several corporate and financial enterprises, as well as an educational institution.

The city’s GDP was R$30,116,002,000 (2006). The city’s per capita income was R$20,900 (2006).

Salgado Filho (POA), Porto Alegre’s international airport, lies 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) from the city center. Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Curitiba, Florianópolis, Foz do Iguaçu, Montevideo, Cordoba, Rosario, Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile, Lima, Panama City, and Lisbon are just a few of the locations from where flights originate and depart. All the main Brazilian airlines, including TAP Portugal, Copa Carriers, Avianca, Pluna, and Aerolineas Argentinas, as well as smaller airlines NHT and Trip, service the area.

The airport is close to a railway station (referred to as trensurbby by locals) and bus stations. To exit the airport, it is advised to use a taxi (“taxi” for locals), as the nearest train station is not quite close by and the available buses do not take you downtown. Since taxi fares might be a bit high, you may want to consider taking a bus to a location close to your destination and then hailing a cab from there.

Modern (constructed in 2001), the airport complex features a shopping-like layout with restaurants, stores, and even movie theaters.

Only the metropolitan region is served by trains. There is just one line linking Downtown to certain major communities (Canoas, Esteio, Sapucaia do Sul, and So Leopoldo), and services are restricted. Locals refer to this area as trensurb. There is a station close to the Rodoviaria (central bus terminal) and the airport, and the price is R$1,85. Walking from Rodoviaria or the airport to the stations throughout the day is largely safe. The local railway station and the first level of the terminal are connected by an automatic people mover.

State, international, and national lines all stop at the downtown long-distance bus station. Daily services link Porto Alegre to a number of domestic destinations as well as Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Paraguay. A trensurb station and many municipal bus routes are also connected to it.

There are two methods to get to Porto Alegre if you’re coming from the north (Florianópolis, Curitiba, So Paulo, Rio de Janeiro). BR-116 is less long, but it’s significantly riskier. Other locations in Rio Grande do Sul, such Caxias do Sul, Gramado, and Canela, are accessible along this road. All major urban areas are connected by BR-116, and rush hour traffic on weekdays is common. Using BR-101 to Osório and BR-290 from there is the other route from the North to Porto Alegre. The former crosses the Rio Grande do Sul from Osorio to Uruguaiana through Porto Alegre, while the latter links Curitiba, Florianópolis, and Osório. Locals refer to the 6-lane toll road between Osório and Porto Alegre, which is extremely well-maintained, as the “freeway.”

Additionally, BR-386, which connects the urban region to other significant rural communities like Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Maria, and Passo Fundo, starts in the neighboring Canoas. Up till Taba, it has 4 lanes and is in fair shape.

One would utilize BR-116 arriving from the South, from places like Pelotas, Rio Grande, and Chu.

Argentina and Uruguay may be reached by the BR-290 from the east, where Porto Alegre is located. You may use this road to go to southern cities like Bagé and Santana do Livramento. From Guaba’s Bridge to the Eldorado do Sul intersection, this segment of BR-290 and BR-116 share a road.

Please be aware that some of these routes are hazardous owing to the numerous trucks, inadequate signaling, and road conditions. The majority of them contain electronic speed traps and are toll highways. Plan your automobile trips throughout the day; it’s just safer.

A boat service connects the city’s center and Barra Shopping Sul to Guaiba, a neighboring city across the Guaiba Estuary known as Rio Guaiba, in addition to the port’s respectable cargo capabilities. The 20-minute crossing costs R$ 7.35 each way. It is advised to check the schedule beforehand.

The city, which is generally shaped like a semicircle, grew outward in a concentric pattern, starting with the old city center, which is situated immediately next to the promontory and the port. The radiais (radials), which connect the semi-inner circle’s and outer regions, are divided by the perimetrais (perimeters). Therefore, one will mostly utilize the former to get to and from downtown while using the latter to move from one area to another.

One must take into account the preceding information in order to comprehend the bus system. Every line has the prefix “(prefix)-number name/neighborhood” in it. Almost all lines now connect an outside neighborhood to several city destinations through radial routes. There’s no prefix on those lines. It is extremely typical to change buses in the downtown area, however because there are so many different routes there, it might be difficult to locate the correct terminal to board the next bus. The majority of trips don’t require changing buses since transversal lines (prefix “T” – T1, T2,…, T11) connect different neighborhoods without passing through the downtown area. As their name suggests, circular lines (prefix “C” – C1, C2, C3) go in a circle, typically linking various portions of the downtown area to the surrounding communities.

There is a map with all the buses online: http://lproweb.procempa.com.br/pmpa/prefpoa/eptc/usu_doc/mapa_linhas.pdf

Also all stops are listed here: http://www.eptc.com.br/EPTC_Itinerarios/linha.asp

Together with google maps this can give you a clue.

Unfortunately, it is often difficult to locate bus stations that display the schedules or destinations of their respective lines. So, if in doubt, the simplest course of action is to ask a local which bus will take you there. The majority of Porto Alegre’s buses are hygienic, secure, and swift, particularly when the line utilizes the bus corridor, a designated lane with specific stops in major streets that efficiently avoids traffic bottlenecks. You must be at a bus stop and wave your hand or signal to the approaching bus that you want to board (they won’t stop unless you do!).

Before passing through the turnstile inside the bus, the fare must be paid to the cobrador. Cash or the TRI smartcard system may be used to pay fares. TRI customers receive discounts on subsequent journeys; at the moment, the second trip within 30 minutes is eligible for a 50% discount. Here are the prices:

The Lotação is a less congested alternate mode of transportation that allows riders to board and exit at any time (i.e., outside of specified stops) during their journey. Everyone must pay R$4.25 for the fare. The “red and blue” color scheme of the vans makes them simple to identify. If you’re unsure whether a lotaço goes where you want to go, just wave your hand, wait until it stops, and ask the driver FROM THE STREET if it goes there (for example, to go to Iguatemi Mall, just say Iguatemi?). Don’t go inside the lotaço to ask, as the driver might ask you to pay the fare since the counter is located on the stairs near the door.

There are several taxis available. They can be expensive when compared to other places, but they can occasionally be a quicker, safer, and more dependable alternative to buses. One can either go to the closest “taxi station” (often in busy locations or popular destinations), wave for an empty passing cab, or dial a tele-táxi service to get a ride. For this service, Tele-Taxi may charge an additional fee. Taximeter machines, which are often located in front of the passenger seat, calculate the fare. The trip’s minimum price, which is always R$3,50 as of 2011, is displayed when the machine is reset. There is a “flag” sign next to the value that displays the amount being paid, always in accordance with the service. Usually, a table describing each level of service is located inside the taxi. It is advised to confirm that the right level is being charged at the start of the journey to prevent issues once you get at your destination.

Walking around is a good idea just inside a certain area or downtown; neighborhoods are typically too far apart for this. In the majority of the city, it is downright unsafe to walk at night. Due to the activities of pickpockets and other criminals during the day, it is advised to always be aware of your possessions. Avoid visiting parks after dark. Globally speaking, Porto Alegre is a risky city. Be aware that the great majority of automobiles frequently totally ignore pedestrian crossings; never rely on them without first checking to see if the motorist will stop. Additionally, it is not advised to cross the street amid a traffic congestion outside of the designated crossing locations since motorbike riders frequently divert between stopped automobiles, putting pedestrians at serious risk.

MARKET / SUPERMARKET

RESTAURANTS

ENTERTAINMENT

TRANSPORTATION

With audio tours in three languages, Linha Turismo is a tourist bus service that travels through 11 neighborhoods and highlights the city’s top sights (parks, trees, monuments, hospitals, churches, etc.). The journey is 28 kilometres long, takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, and ends at the same starting point. Tuesday through Sunday (including holidays) at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3 PM, and 4:30 PM (winter) or 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3 PM, 4:30 PM, and 6 PM (summer). 5 reals for the lower floor and 7 reals for the upper floor are the prices for the tickets (which has no ceiling). Phone numbers: +55 51 3213-3464 and +55 51 3212-1628, Travessa do Carmo Street 84:

• Monumento aos Açorianos (Açorianos monument) – It is a 17m high monument in the memory of the people from the island of Azores, who were the first to settle in Porto Alegre.
• Santuário Mãe de Deus, Rua do Santuário 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 Gasômetro: is an 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 Guaíba (Guaiba river).

• Parque Moinhos de Vento(Moinhos de Vento Park) – Known by locals as Parcão, this is a pleasant park with a neat lake and jogging runways.
• Parque Farroupilha (Farroupilha Park) – Known by locals as Redenção, where is located the Araujo Viana Auditorium, which has hosted several political acts and music concerts. Also on Sundays, an antique-fair happens in a side street and is called by locals as Brique da Redenção.
• Parque Marinha (Marinha park) – Known simply as Marinha, a linear park with a skateboarding rink, several sports and public fitness amenities, and also several modern art sculptures from Mercosur artists. Good for a bit of nature during the day. Popular on weekend late afternoons.
• Parque Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho – Known by locals as Parque da Harmonia (Harmony Park), home of the yearly Acampamento Farroupilha(Farroupilha Camp), a three week long regionalist event to celebrate the Farroupilha revolution and display the gaúcho culture. It is usually empty however. Some people visit the site on weekends and also have lunch at the famous churrascaria Galpão Crioulo there.
• Parque Germânia (Germania park) – situated near Iguatemi Shopping at the core of the affluent East zone (Zona Leste), differs from others by having little tree cover and by closing at night. It does have some sports amenities though. Popular with locals on weekend afternoons. The park is named as a dedication to German immigrants.

• Fundação Iberê Camargo, Av. Padre Cacique, 2000, +55 51 3247-8000, e-mail: [email protected]. Tue-Sun noon-7PM; Thurs until 9PM. Free. editContemporary art museum in an award-winning building by Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza.

• MARGS,  +55 51 3227-2311, fax: +55 51 3221-2646, e-mail: [email protected]. Praça da Alfândega, Downtown, , ), (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 Ciências e Tecnologia da PUC,  +55 51 3320-3597 (in portuguese). Av. Ipiranga 6681, Building #40: 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).

• Watch the sunset: Porto Alegre has a beautiful sunset over its main river, Guaíba. Best enjoyed on the western side at places like Gasômetro and Ipanema. Beware that this event lasts about five minutes only. If you go up to level 5 of Gasômetro 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.
• Cisne Branco Boat,  +55 51 3224-5222. Mauá Avenue, 1050, (in portuguese).
• Catamaran to Guaiba: commuter ferry service connecting downtown and Barra Shopping Sul to the neighbour city Guaiba. Nice panoramic views of the city, best at sunrise and sunset. You can even bring a bike aboard and spend some time exploring Guaiba’s walkway, whose views are even prettier than Porto Alegre’s Ipanema beach walkway. You can also walk around, as the walkway has several restaurants alongside. Checking the schedule beforehand is recommended. [www] (in portuguese)
• Feira do Livro (Book Fair) – Every October, hundreds of publishing editors sell books on Praça da Alfândega. It’s possible to find rare books and cheap prices.

• Churrascaria Giovanaz, Venâncio Aires. An inexpensive churrascaria in the Cidade Baixa. You can eat as much meat (and side dishes) as you like for less than R$ 15 (US$ 7.50) 

• Lancheria do Parque, Avenida Osvaldo Aranha, 1086 (Bairro Bom Fim, across from the Parque Redençao),  +55 51 3311-8321. 6AM-midnight. Has possibly the best cheap eats in Porto Alegre. Lunch is a very good buffet where the offerings are always fresh and tasty. The menu offers incredible fresh juices and vitaminas 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! Buffet from R$ 6, juices from R$ 2. 

• Reçaka Bar, José do Patrocínio, 531 (lunch time) or 495 (dinner time)(Cidade Baixa),  +55 51 3072-3249. Steaks, fillets, fries, salads and whatever you ask them to prepare. 

• Tudo Pelo Social, Rua João Alfredo 448, Cidade Baixa,  +55 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 

• X Speed, Cidade Baixa, Av. Lima e Silva. Typical sandwich of Porto Alegre; it’s a cheap option. 

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

• Churrascaria Galpão Crioulo, Otávio Francisco Caruso da Rocha, s/n – Parque Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho,  +55 51 3226-8194. Excellent gaucho barbecue, served using the traditional gaucho way with skewers. You can taste more than 20 different meat cuts such as: rump steak, top sirloin, bottom sirloin, lamb, pork ribs and French rack. Offers live music and dance shows all nights from 8:20 PM and also during lunch time on weekends.Prices around R$ 65,00 (U$ 27,00) per person. 

• Na Brasa, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 389 – Floresta,  +55 51 3225-2205. Typical gaúcho 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.

• Central Market (Mercado Público Central) (Between the Julio de Castilhos and Borges de Medeiros avenues), +55 51 3333-1873, e-mail: [email protected]. Mon-Fri 7:30AM-7:30PM, Sat 7:30AM-6:30PM. The market, built in 1869 and recently renovated, has more than 100 stalls selling local produce, products and spices, as well as several restaurants. Free. 
• Brique da Redenção: A large flea market near Parque da Redenção with lots of authentic gaúcho art, crafts, furniture and hand-made stuff. It happens every Sunday, from 9AM to 6PM.

• Barra Shopping Sul: It has an 8-room cinemark cinema theater inside, and many good restaurants with an incredible view to the Guaiba Lake. Located in “Av. Diário de Notícias, 300”.
• Shopping Iguatemi: Located in the north side of the city, Av João Wallig 1800, it’s the biggest Shopping Mall of Porto Alegre.
• 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.
• Bourbon Shopping Ipiranga: Is located at Av. Ipiranga, one of the most important avenues of Porto Alegre.
• Bourbon Shopping Wallig: Is the largest mall in Latin America and the newest mall in Porto Alegre
• Shopping Paseo Zona Sul: A small open air mall at the heart of the beautiful sourthern neighbourhoods. Somewhat popular with locals for dining.

In Porto Alegre, a variety of cultural events are hosted. A broad range of events are planned at Porto Alegre over the various seasons in addition to the customary celebrations.

• World Social Forum: At several occasions (2001, 2002, 2003, 2005) the World Social Forum has been hosted in Porto Alegre. This event gathered more than 100,000 people from more than 100 countries each year. The main aim of these meetings is to discuss and deal with social issues.
• Porto Verão Alegre: during the summer, for example, the “Porto Verão Alegre” or (Porto Summer Alegre) takes place in this city. This celebration consists of a number of performances and exhibitions. In 2005 about seventy plays could be enjoyed.
• International Free Software Forum: the Fórum Internacional de Software Livre (International Free Software Forum or simply FISL) is an event sponsored by Associação Software Livre (Free Software Association), a Brazilian NGO that, among other objectives, seeks the promotion and adoption of free software.
• Farroupilha Week: this cultural celebration takes place in mid September with parades, food and musical exhibitions. The “Acampamento Farroupilha” takes place in Harmonia Park, where thousands of people set up their tents and eat typical food to commemorate the Farroupilha Revolution.
• Bookfair: Held each November at Alfândega Square. In October Porto Alegre holds the greatest Book Fair in American continent, an event that has been taking place since 1955. Each year about 2,000,000 people attend this fair.
• Worldwide Pinhole Photography: this is an international event created to promote and celebrate the art of pinhole photography. The event is held each year on the last Sunday in April.
• Mercosur Biennial Exhibition: is held in Porto Alegre every two years between October and December. This is an important art and cultural event that attracts a large number of people as well.
• Carnival: As other Brazilian cities, Porto Alegre holds extensive festivities during the period immediately preceding Lent. Among them, there is an Escola de Samba contest, featuring Academia de Samba Puro, Acadêmicos da Orgia, Bambas da Orgia, Estado Maior da Restinga, Fidalgos e Aristocratas, Império da Zona Norte, Impeadores do Samba, among others.

The entrudo, a joke that the Portuguese from the Azores brought over when people flung flour, water, and “limo de cheiro” missiles at one other, marked the start of the Porto Alegre Carnival in the 18th century. End of the 19th century saw the birth of two significant Carnival organisations. The two’s rivalry has historically dominated the city’s Carnival. The most affluent residents of the city took part in the corso, a procession of floats through Porto Alegre’s streets.

King Momo is one of the most significant Carnival figures. He gets the city’s keys at the start of Carnival, which is normally in February, from the mayor of Porto Alegre, symbolically ruling the festival for its four days. King Momo with the most followers was Vincente Rao.

The nightlife of Porto Alegre is mostly concentrated on the two areas of Cidade Baixa and Moinhos de Vento. However, there are several bars and clubs spread out over the city.

The historic district of Cidade Baixa is home to several historic structures and antebellum houses. The majority of the well-known and reasonably priced pubs are found on Lima e Silva Street; these are the classic xis (cheeseburger) joints like Speed and Cavanhas. Pubs and bars on Republica Street are finer and more costly. There are various dance clubs that host nightly parties inside the historic homes on Joo Alfredo Street. The locations are ideal for dancing to samba and Brazilian popular music, or MPB.

• Bar Opinião, Rua José do Patrocínio, 834. Since 1983, the Bar Opinião 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.

One of the wealthiest areas in the city is Moinhos de Vento. More stylish bars and clubs may be found there. Bars should be costly. You may discover classic Irish bars and cafes on Padre Chagas Street.

• Shamrock Irish Pub, Rua Vieira de Castro, 32. (in portuguese). Typical Irish pub, 1km from Cidade Baixa area. Opens from Tuesdays to Sundays at 6PM (on Saturdays at 7PM).
• Bar do Beto. Venâncio Aires Avenue, 876 (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 attendance feel comfortable. The Sundays are specially agitated. The band Maria Bonita puts the public to dance to the sound of ‘forró’ music. Offers private parking lot. 
• República de Madras, Shopping Total, Av. Cristóvão 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. Cristóvão Colombo, 545. The place has a stage for shows where usually rock and roll cover bands performe.
• Dissonante, – 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, +55 3333-6221. Lucas de Oliveira, 105. The owner plays every night old songs from Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). Every 29th day of the month you could enjoy the excellent and traditional nhoque. 
• Logom Brewpub – Rua Bento Figueiredo, 72 is Porto Alegre’s first artisinal brew pub. Expect much stronger and more flavorful beers than the standard Pilsner. Popular with many technology workers and beer aficionados alike. Barrio Bom Fim, but close to Moinhos de Vento.

At any time:

• avoid poor areas, which present some risk of violence due to socioeconomic contrasts (see a map here)
• watch out for pickpockets within the Historic Centre, particularly on rua dos Andradas (also known as rua da Praia) and near the bus station — watch your backpack, pockets and wristwatch

After sunset, you should stay away from:

• very dangerous hard drug dealing spots, which include (as of October 2013):
  • the inside and the surroundings of Farroupilha park (also known as Redenção park, the largest drug dealing spot of the city)
  • (Historic Centre) near the UFRGS Centro university campus (right next to Farroupilha park), particularly along rua Sarmento Leite and under Imperatriz Leopoldina viaduct and its tight poorly-lit foot passages
  • (Historic Centre) a crackland at rua Marechal Floriano Peixoto between Salgado Filho and rua Riachuelo
  • (Historic Centre) Praça Conde de Porto Alegre, which sits right between the former crackland and Farroupilha park, and perhaps also the nearby parks Praça Raul Pilla and Praça Argentina
  • (Historic Centre) Conceição tunnel and under Conceição viaduct
  • the surroundings of the Police Palace (Palácio da Polícia) police station, at avenida Ipiranga and avenida João Pessoa
• reasonably dangerous drug dealing spots, which include:
  • the southern unlit half of Marinha park
  • Harmonia park (officially called Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho park): surveilled but there may be some spillover from Marinha park
• the red light district on rua Voluntários da Pátria (from the Historic Centre up to and including rua Almirante Barroso due to pushy prostitutes and some drug dealing.

Check out this real-time, informal, self-reported crime map because few Brazilians report crimes to the police. Please be aware that because there are fewer Internet users, low-income regions appear unoccupied (and are therefore safer).

General precautionary measures to take (applicable both domestically and abroad in any Brazilian city)

• when dealing with beggars:
  • fake sincerity to prevent startling the beggar (which may well be a drug user): smile condescendingly and say you don’t have any money and that you’re sorry for that (know the basic Portuguese phrases to handle this swiftly)
  • to reduce chances of an assault, start/keep walking and don’t get pulled into a dialogue with the beggar
• when being followed: most stalkers will scatter if you simply keep calm and walk towards/through highly lit and open areas with lots of people.

Other general safety measures include staying away from vacant, shaded locations while alone, quietly observing people on the streets, and avoiding being flashy. Unless you observe others doing the same, stay away from wearing pricey jewelry and clothing, and utilize expensive gadgets in public places where there are plenty of people (like bus stations). This is especially crucial if you visit an underdeveloped area. If necessary, it is safer to travel with a friend, preferably a trusted city resident, and blend in. To do this, dress in unremarkable casual clothing, leave valuables at your lodging (you may bring a basic phone for emergencies), avoid speaking English and even Portuguese if your accent is not perfect, walk confidently (you won’t need a map), and refrain from overtly touristic actions like flapping open a map in a conspicuous location.

Since numerous ethnic groups are well-mixed in the South of Brazil, it is quite unusual that someone who looks European, Arab, African, Indigenous (native), Asian, or anything in between will be mistaken for a tourist based only on appearance. For those with prominent Indian (South Asian) characteristics, which are uncommon across Brazil, this is not the case. Strongly East Asian-looking individuals are uncommon in less affluent areas and may attract considerable attention there. The most prevalent skin kinds are II through V, and their distribution is nearly consistent. People with extreme skin types may anticipate some strange looks.

Although Porto Alegre has a higher per capita homicide rate than Rio and Therefore Paulo, the majority of homicides occur in less affluent areas, so be aware of these areas and steer clear of them. The most hazardous neighborhoods, according to a recent poll, include Farrapos, Jardim do Salso, Lomba do Pinheiro, Bom Jesus, and Mário Quintana. Since they are all on the outskirts of the city and have practically no attractions, you are unlikely to visit any of them. Homicides are less frequent in other middle- to upper-class neighborhoods, particularly downtown and adjacent, where the majority of crimes involve the theft or robbery of expensive items like vehicles, cell phones, and cash.

These behaviors (opening a map, wearing pricey products, and speaking a foreign language) are often safe and not unusual in upper-class neighborhoods (such Moinhos de Vento and Bela Vista). Even though they lack tourist attractions, most residential areas are rather secure.