Porto Alegre tours

Things to do in Porto Alegre

In Porto Alegre, there's an energy that feels both familiar and novel. It's a city where the old and the new don't just coexist—they converse. With a local guide, you get to peel back the layers of gaucho culture. At the Mercado Público, the aroma of chimarrão mingles with the vibrant chatter around you, making it an immersive experience. A private tour here means bypassing the usual waits at cultural spots like the Fundação Ibere Camargo, where art and architecture invite you to linger. As you wander through areas like Moinhos de Vento or savour the rich flavours of a churrasco tour, your guide offers insights that transform your visit into a more personal exploration of the South's essence. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Porto Alegre. Explore Porto Alegre your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Porto Alegre tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Porto Alegre for every interest, including: Food and Drink tours: Share gaúcho churrasco at Barranco, learn the cuts from your guide, and pair it with a glass of Serra Gaúcha wine. Food and Drink tours also stop at the Mercado Público for cheese and erva-mate, sip chimarrão on the Guaíba waterfront, and finish at a brewpub like Dado Bier. Layover tours: Get picked up at Salgado Filho Airport, store your bags with your guide, and follow a timed route through the Centro Histórico, Mercado Público, and the waterfront at Usina do Gasômetro. With a few extra hours, add the Fundação Iberê Camargo or a sunset walk on the Orla to make the most of a short stop. Nature and Wildlife tours: Walk the trails at Morro do Osso Park to look for native birds and broad views over the Guaíba. Or take a small boat into Delta do Jacuí State Park for quiet channels where herons and kingfishers feed, with capybaras sometimes spotted on the banks. Central areas like the Centro Histórico and Moinhos de Vento are walkable, and there is bus service plus the Trensurb linking the airport to the centre. For efficient cross-town touring, ask about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Porto Alegre inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Porto Alegre with a local guide, taking a private walking tour that reveals the heart of the city's neighborhoods, each with its own unique flair. - Cidade Baixa: Known for its vibrant nightlife, this area is perfect for those who love music, bars, and lively streets. It's a hub for cultural tourists looking to experience the local music scene and eclectic dining options. - Moinhos de Vento: With its elegant parks and upscale boutiques, Moinhos de Vento caters to families and those seeking a more sophisticated side of the city. The neighborhood is also home to charming cafes where you can unwind. - Centro Histórico: Dive into the history of Porto Alegre in its historic center. Ideal for multi-generational groups, this neighborhood offers museums, traditional markets, and stunning architecture that tell the story of the city's past. Day trip ideas from Porto Alegre Base yourself in Porto Alegre and fan out to mountain towns, canyons, and protected beaches, since these day trips cover very different landscapes and your tour can pace the day around tastings, viewpoints, and simple walks you care about. - Gramado and Canela: Tree-lined streets, chocolate shops, and tidy squares set an alpine tone, while nearby viewpoints and the Caracol area bring you close to waterfalls and green hills; it’s easygoing, photogenic, and works well if you want cafés, short walks, and steady scenery in one loop. - Vale dos Vinhedos (Bento Gonçalves): Drive rolling vineyard roads for tastings at family wineries and Italian‑Gaúcho lunches in stone houses, with time to see heritage stops along the Caminhos de Pedra route; if wine, food, and rural views are your thing, your tour can pre-book stops so you focus on the glasses, not the logistics. - Itaimbezinho Canyon, Aparados da Serra National Park: Follow rim trails like Vértice or Cotovelo for big canyon walls, hanging forests, and Atlantic plateau views, keeping an eye on the weather since fog can roll in; hikers and photographers get a strong payoff, and the drive is straightforward for a long but doable day. - Itapuã State Park: Stay close to the city for quiet beaches, dunes, lagoons, and birdlife inside a protected area that limits numbers, so it feels calm; bring water and sun protection, as facilities are simple, and this suits you if you like gentle walks, swimming when conditions allow, and low-key nature time. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Porto Alegre most travellers miss.