The Best Areas to Stay in Porto Alegre, Brazil
The Best Areas to Stay in Porto Alegre, Brazil

Best Areas to Stay in Porto Alegre, Brazil

Where to stay in Porto Alegre – A guide to the capital of Rio Grande do Sul

Porto Alegre is the capital of the Rio Grande do Sul state, a large industrial center and one of the most important cities in Brazil.


To move around the city, buses are the best option, with about 300 lines that run through the main attractions of this city.

Porto Alegre is home to Salgado Filho International Airport, one of the most important international airports in Brazil, located almost in the center of the city.

Among the things to see in Porto Alegre is the Laçador Statue, the Gasometer Plant and the Guaíba River, with a walk from which you can see the sunset and get take great pictures.

The City Center is the best area to stay in Porto Alegre for hosting most of the city’s tourist attractions and for having excellent public transport connections (See accommodation in Porto Alegre City Center).

Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Porto Alegre, Brazil

The best areas to stay in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul

1. Our favorite area: City Center

Porto Alegre City Center is where many of the historical and cultural attractions of the city are located.

It is the epicenter of leisure in the city, where Alfândega Square is located, which, in addition to housing some museums, has many shops, a shopping center, and craft stalls.

Here, you’ll find the Metropolitan Cathedral, with a style inspired by the Italian Renaissance, the Gasometer, an ancient thermoelectric power station that was transformed into a cultural center, and the Rio Grande do Sul Memorial.

The best place to go shopping in the City Center is Calle de la Playa and, from there, you can watch the sunset over the Guaíba, the main symbol of Porto Alegre.

In the center of Porto Alegre, you can discover the history of the city, go to the Public Market and appreciate the art on the facades of its main monuments.

The City Center is one of the best areas to stay in Porto Alegre for hosting most of its attractions, as well as having a large number of hotels of all kinds.

Where to stay in Porto Alegre - City Center
Where to stay in Porto Alegre – City Center
Accommodation in Porto Alegre City Center - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Porto Alegre City Center – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Porto Alegre, Brazil:

  • Best area for sightseeing
  • Connected by public transport
  • Near the attractions

2. Praia de Belas & Cidade Baixa

Praia de Belas, Cidade Baixa and its surroundings make up one of the luxury areas of Porto Alegre.

Here is the Praia de Belas shopping center, making it one of the best areas to stay in Porto Alegre for shopping.

Praia de Belas is part of Cidade Baixa, known for its various bars, restaurants, and nightclubs where you can discover the nightlife of Porto Alegre.

Praia de Belas & Cidade Baixa are the favorite places of the young bohemians of the city, as it has bars and nightclubs where you can enjoy musical genres such as rock, electronics, reggae and many more.

In addition, in terms of accommodation, Praia de Belas & Cidade Baixa are the best area to stay in Porto Alegre for offering hotels for all styles and budgets during the entire year.

Best areas to stay in Porto Alegre, Brazil - Praia de Belas & Cidade Baixa
Best areas to stay in Porto Alegre, Brazil – Praia de Belas & Cidade Baixa
Accommodation in Praia de Belas & Cidade Baixa - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Praia de Belas & Cidade Baixa – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Porto Alegre:

  • Exclusive area
  • Great food and malls
  • Best area for nightlife

3. Floresta, Moinhos de Vento & Independência (East Porto Alegre)

Floresta is a neighborhood of Porto Alegre near the Historic Center and on the main road that leads to the airport.

In addition, Floresta is close to the Moinhos de Vento and Independência neighborhoods, residential areas with old buildings, forests and, at the same time, industrial and business areas.

The most luxurious of these neighborhoods is Moinhos de Vento, an exclusive place of old and modern mansions, tree-lined streets and nightlife, with many bars and restaurants of all kinds.

Floresta, Moinhos de Vento, and Independência have much in common, including cafes, shops, and restaurants of renowned franchises.

In short, it is one of the best areas to stay in Porto Alegre since it combines fun and entertainment with business-type hotels ideal for business travelers.

Where to stay in Porto Alegre - Moinhos de Vento
Where to stay in Porto Alegre – Moinhos de Vento
Accommodation in Floresta, Moinhos de Vento & Independência - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Floresta, Moinhos de Vento & Independência – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Porto Alegre, BR:

  • Modern area
  • Good area for shopping
  • Great area for business travelers

4. Near Salgado Filho International Airport

The Salgado Filho International Airport of Porto Alegre is located towards the northern part of the city.

From here, it is easy to find some bus and taxi lines that lead to the center of Porto Alegre, located just 6km away.

In the surroundings of the Salgado Filho International Airport of Porto Alegre, there are restaurants, pizzerias, fast food stores, cafes, bars and shops for all types of visitors.

Here is the Lacador Statue, a symbol of the cultural difference between northern Brazil and this small southern state, as well as a Porto Alegre icon.

In addition, there is a gastronomic center around Salgado Filho airport with gourmet restaurants serving local and international cuisine.

The surroundings of Salgado Filho International Airport are among the best areas to stay in Porto Alegre for travelers making a stopover, business travelers who have an early flight or for those looking for cheap accommodation in Porto Alegre.

Where to stay in Porto Alegre - Near the airport
Where to stay in Porto Alegre – Near the airport

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Porto Alegre:

  • Great during a layover

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