Porto Alegre Shopping and Districts

(Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil)

As the capital of the Rio Grande do Sul state, Porto Alegre comes with more than its fair share of shopping opportunities, especially around the easterly Moinhos de Vento district. This is a big city with a big selection of shopping malls, as well as a number of bustling local flea markets and lively streets.

Those souvenir shopping in Porto Alegre will certainly find plenty of choice, with favourites including jewellery, Brazilian handicrafts and clothing. Dating back to the late 1860s, the historic Central Public Market (Mercado Publico) should be your first port of call and now comprises more than 100 different shops, as well as a group of eateries and a very notable ice cream parlour. The Central Public Market was extensively restored in the mid-1990s and remains in a good state of repair.

Where to Shop

Another particularly popular market is the Brique da Redencao, which is based next to the Parque da Redencao and opens each Sunday, being known for its gaucho art, ethic food and drink, music and beautifully crafted furniture. When this market takes place, the surrounding downtown streets close for the day, making this a very atmospheric shopping experience.

Those who prefer the sheer convenience of modern malls should consider spending time at any of the following:

Barra Shopping Sul - a relatively recent addition to the city of Porto Alegre, opening in 2008 on the Avenida Diario de Noticias, in the Cristal neighbourhood, and boasting roughly 210 stores, parking for some 4,000 vehicles, an events centre and an entertainment complex, complete with multiplex cinema, bowling and amusement arcades.

Bourbon Shopping Country - a huge mall based on the Avenida Tulio de Rose, with a large hypermarket and just under 100 other outlets, as well as a 3D cinema.

Shopping Iguatemi - opened in 1983 and residing on the northern side of Porto Alegre, with two storeys, more than 300 shops, five cinemas, an extensive food court and around 1,500 parking spaces. This is one of the largest and busiest malls in the city.

Shopping Moinhos de Vento - on the Rua Olavo Barreto Viana and next to the park, within the Moinhos de Vento district of Porto Alegre. This mall is filled with some 100 boutiques, 15 eateries, four cinemas and even has its own Sheraton hotel.

Shopping Praia de Belas - alongside the Marinha do Brasil Park, on the Avenida Praia de Belas, with approximately 180 stores spread over two floors.

Shopping Total - opened in 2003 and located on the Avenida Cristovao Colombo, within a sympathetically restored beer factory. This Porto Alegre mall features in excess if 500 stores, including many familiar brands, such as Academia ACM Fitness, Bibi Calcados, Da Tribo, Gaston, Seychelles and Zaffari.