What to do in Porto Alegre, one of the host cities of the World Cup

04/25/2014 - 10h40

The fight for a ticket to a match can make any soccer fan forget there will be time in between games to explore a new city. What is there to do as a tourist in the 12 World Cup host cities? What are the must-see attractions in each capital city and its surroundings?

"Tourism" has created a roundup of tips, including a variety of attractions, in order to help fans use their time wisely.

There are few hotels left with rooms available during the event (June 12 to July 13), and some are already sold out on certain dates. So don't leave booking a place to stay to the last minute. "

FIFA's site has a list of other lodging options, but as the schedules of some establishments could change on game days, it's best to check with them before making plans.

Check out tips on how to enjoy your time in Rio Grande do Sul's Porto Alegre below. And don't forget to always check each establishment's hours of operation.

1-USINA DO GASÔMETRO

A former plant used for generating power, it was deactivated in 1974 and, in 1991, was turned into a cultural center open to the public, who like to enjoy its view of the sunset.

Av. Presidente João Goulart, 551, downtown. Tel. (51) 3289-8110. Tues. to Fri., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free.

2-FUNDAÇÃO IBERÊ CAMARGO

Inaugurated in 2008 to promote the work of gaucho painter Iberê Camargo, the foundation preserves over 4,000 works, including paintings, prints, drawings, gouaches and studies. The building was designed by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza and sits on the shore of Lake Guaíba.

Av. Padre Cacique, 2,000, Belas beach: site. Tues. to Sun., 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thurs., 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free.

3-CONSULTÓRIO CULINÁRIO RESTAURANT

In a large house near Farroupilha Park, the restaurant serves things like dry coconut shrimp with mandioquinha puré (R$ 39). If you're looking for a drink, there's draft beer and local microbrews, like Sebastiana (R$ 16 for 600 ml).

R. da República, 125, Cidade Baixa. Tel. (51) 3226-0281. Mon., 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tues. to Fri., 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sat., 12 p.m. to midnight.

4-BOAT TOURS ON LAKE GUAÍBA

The tours offer a great view of the biggest tourist attraction in the city. The edge of Lake Guaíba runs 72 km and is a popular place in the city to relax. Take a look around at the docks for companies that give boat tours on the river, canals and islands in the area.

Av. Presidente João Goulart, 551, historic center; Av. Guaíba with R. Leblon; central gate on the Quayside, Av. Mauá, 1,050, historic center. Tel. (51) 3289-6700. Several companies offer tours; check on the waterfront.

5-SANTANDER CULTURAL

The former bank vaults are now used as a cinema, coffee shop and restaurant. Its three floors play host to expositions, concerts and movie viewings.

R. Sete de Setembro, 1,028, downtown. Tel. (51) 3287-5500. Tues. to Sat., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sun., 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. R$ 10 for concerts; R$ 8 for movies; expositions are free.

6-FARROUPILHA PARK

One of the more traditional recreational spots in Porto Alegre, the park is made up of a lake, a children's amusement park, soccer fields, a running track, and artisanal and floral shops.

Av. João Pessoa, Farroupilha. Tel. (51) 3289-8304. Mon. to Fri., 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sat. and Sun., 7 a.m. to 5p.m.

7-BOTECO DO NATALÍCIO

Its strong point is its pub food. Try snacks like the gaucho trio, with stuffed polenta, steak and sausage (R$ 44.50 for three people) and the chicken coxinha (R$ 8.10 each).

R. Coronel Genuíno, 217, downtown. Tel. (51) 3026-5539. Mon. to Sat., 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

8-CASA DE CULTURA MARIO QUINTANA

This culture house is located in the old Hotel Majestic, where gaucho poet Mario Quintana lived for almost 15 years. The space houses two theaters and five rooms for artistic performances. Café dos Cataventos, on the ground floor, was named after Quintana's first book, "A Rua Das Cataventos" ("The Pinwheel Street").

R. dos Andradas, 736, downtown: site. Mon., 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tues. to Fri., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sat. and Sun., 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free.

	Alexandre Affonso

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WHERE TO STAY
Price is for two guests, with breakfast

Blue Tree Millenium: R$ 257
(11) 5041-3962; site
Intercity Premium Porto Alegre: R$ 660.33
(11) 3231-9000; site
Everest: de R$ 566 a R$ 650
(51) 3215-9500; site
City Hotel: R$ 384 a R$ 498
(51) 3212-5488; site
Sheraton Porto Alegre Hotel: R$ 825 (per person)
(51) 2121-6015; site

GAMES AT BEIRA-RIO

1st round
France vs. Honduras
June 15 at 4 p.m.
Tickets for those with disabilities are still available (R$ 180)

Hollande vs. Australia
June 18 at 1 p.m.
Tickets for those with disabilities are still available (R$ 180)

Algeria vs. South Korea
June 22 at 4 p.m.
Tickets for those with disabilities are still available (R$ 180), as well as tickets priced at R$ 350

Argentina vs. Nigeria
June 25 at 1 p.m.
Tickets for those with disabilities are still available (R$ 180)

ROUND OF 16
June 30 at 5 p.m.
Tickets for those with disabilities are still available (R$ 180)

The information on this page was verified on Tuesday (April 22). Some hotels don't have availability for all days of the World Cup. Hotel prices listed do not include taxes.

Translated by JILL LANGLOIS