Porto Alegre, a big urban centre of south Brazil

Published on March 28, 2013, 3:50 pm

A metropolis with almost 1.5 million inhabitants and challenges common to large urban centers, draws attention to the fact the capital of Rio Grande do Sul is constantly mentioned by the UN as a model of quality of life. One reason is certainly its location.

The city grew on the banks of the Guaiba river, what many call the river although it is a lake, according to studies at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Its border stretches for 72 km and concentrates many leisure options. As Iberê Camargo, cultural center housed in a building of bold architecture award at the Venice Biennale. Beyond shaping a poetic sunset, the whole hydrographic home islands rich in diversity (there are about 9,000 species of plants in Porto Alegre). Tree-lined streets, about 600 squares and parks are also reasons to be proud of Porto Alegre, which circulate through these locations, it is cold or heat, armed with your kit mate: gourd, pump, thermos and grass. At night, the emerging region of Windmills focuses uptight bars surrounding the “Walk of Fame” along the Rua Padre Chagas.

Good pubs dominate, turn the Lower City. In gastronomy, despite the fame of its export steakhouses, is a French restaurant that stands out, Le Bateau Ivre, best restaurant in southern Brazil, with two stars in the GUIDE FOUR WHEELS. There is legend, the football rivalry is also part of the local culture. Both the Guild and the International open the door of their stadiums for guided tours.

Directions

Salgado Filho International Airport is 10 km from the center. By taxi, paid on average R$ 20 to the central region. Bus line and trains make the same path (for the latter, access is via a footbridge over the Avenue of States). The road is busy central area with easy transport to other regions. Who choose to drive will find a city well-flagged.

Knowing around

Parks and squares well-maintained invite visitors to meet Porto Alegre walk. In the center, it is difficult to walk the other way on weekdays: narrow streets and bustling stress the drivers. Driving by the other districts is less complicated during the week; exception for late afternoons, when everybody leaves the central region along the avenues Protásio Alves, Independence and Patches.

How to save money

Addresses with daily account more concentrated generally in the central city. Staying out of there means, in most cases, pay more money.

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