For the ones who like to know places with typical local people, watching the special food markets and perhaps enjoying very special local restaurants
The Central Public Market of Porto Alegre is a place where the locals go for groceries and special items. You can buy fish, sausages, crafts, religious items, spices, fresh produce, meat and the tradicional tea (chimarrao, yerba-mate) and all the acessories for it. Inside the market on the 1st floor has a few restaurants and coffee shops, one osf the best ones is "Casa de Pelotas" with a big number od sweets from the south region of Brazil and an amazing coffee.
It is an excelent place to purchase fresh products, primarily vegetables, meat, fish, there are some restaurants, such as Gambrinus a portuguese cuisine. The market burned sometime ago, and it has been recuperated. It is one of the oldes building in the city and has a portuguese archicteture from the 18th century.
The restaurants have a lot of interesting options, especially fish made (Gambrinus restaurant). Great ice-cream and fresh-fruits must be taste. Be careful, could be a little dangerous (thieves).
My mom and me went to a water park in december, 20, 2012. The name of the park was "Pedacinho do Céu". I think the park is very good and very funny, but the food is very expensive and the park were always crowded.
Being at Porto Alegre and not visiting the Central Public Market is a crime! Food, restaurant grocery, delicatessen and city history mixed in the same place.
We finally made it to the market. Venders selling food, clothing, souvenirs all around. Sadly, part of it burned a few months ago but the market was full for a Thursday. A lot of fun.
Arrived at 8.00 am on a Wednesday morning in May 2014 when very few stalls were opened. When repairs are completed may be different. At that time of the morning could not buy any coffee or food (other than bakery items and fruit)
It's very worth to go and visit this market to feel the real spirit of Rio Grande do Sul!Nice place to buy Mate, organic food or the best souvenirs from town!
Beautiful historic building, in the city center. Important to notice: it has been damaged by fire and it's closed for restoration!On 2nd floor, good restaurants wait for you!