DG.O 2025 - About POA

Porto Alegre (POA), the capital city of Rio Grande do Sul, is renowned for pioneering the Participatory Budget in 1989, solidifying a democratic tradition that has served as a model for many cities in Brazil and abroad. With a rich history of civic engagement, the city has hosted the World Social Forum twice and the International Free Software Forum eighteen times. The city also stands out for its robust innovation ecosystem, making it the host of the South Summit Brazil from 2022 to 2025. With tech parks, incubators, and major tech companies established in the city, Porto Alegre has become a hub of technological development in the country.

Moreover, the city is home to a diverse population, including people of Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Jewish, Lebanese, Uruguayan, Argentinian, Syrian, Cape Verdean, Congolese, Tanzanian, and Zimbabwean descent, as well as indigenous Guarani, Charrua, Kaingang, and Xokleng groups. More recently, the city has welcomed refugees from Haiti, Venezuela, Senegal, Angola, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Iraq.

According to the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics), the state of Rio Grande do Sul ranks 5th among the safest states in Brazil, among the 26 states in the country. The capital, Porto Alegre, ranks 11th among the safest capitals among the 5.570 cities in the country. While Porto Alegre offers a welcoming atmosphere for visitors, it is a good idea to stay mindful of your surroundings. For a more comfortable experience, consider keeping personal items like your phone secure. This practice helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the city. Read the report Safest Cities in Brazil 2023 (in Portuguese): [LINK].

Porto Alegre, the capital city of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, is easily accessible by a variety of transportation options.

• By Air: The Salgado Filho International Airport is located approximately 8km from the city center and 5 km from the PUCRS Campus and offers domestic and international flights. From the airport, travellers can take a taxi, bus, or subway to reach the city center. The Porto Alegre International Airport (POA) is connected to several cities in Brazil and other countries.
• Direct flights to Porto Alegre: From/to Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Lima, Santiago de Chile, Panama City, and Lisbon.
• Connecting flights:
1. From USA, using a connection in São Paulo (GRU Airport): New York, Dallas, Newark, Miami, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Orlando;
2. From Canada, using a connection in São Paulo (GRU Airport): Toronto, Montreal;
3. From Europe, using a connection in São Paulo (GRU Airport): Paris, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Madrid, London, Istanbul, Rome, Milan, Zurich, Porto, Barcelona, and Amsterdam;
4. From South America and Central America, using a connection in São Paulo (GRU Airport): Asunción, Santiago, Panama City, Lima, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Bogotá, Mexico City, Córdoba (Argentina); Cartagena das Índias, Medellín, Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic);
5. From Africa, using a connection in São Paulo (GRU Airport): Cape Town, Addis Ababa, Luanda, and Johannesburg;
6. From the Middle East, using a connection in São Paulo (GRU Airport): Dubai, Doha.
• By Bus: The city has a large bus terminal, known as Rodoviária de Porto Alegre, which offers bus service to destinations throughout Brazil. The terminal is located on the edge of the city center, and travellers can take a taxi, bus, or subway to reach their final destination.
• By Car: The city is easily accessible by car via BR-116 and BR-290 highways. Drivers should be aware that parking in the city center can be difficult, and it is recommended to use a parking lot or park on the street outside of the city center.
• By Train: The city does not have any major train stations, but some local trains connect with the neighbouring cities in the metropolitan are

Overall, Porto Alegre is well-connected to other destinations in Brazil, making it easy to reach by air, bus, or car. Once in the city, public transportation options such as buses and subways make it easy to get around. However, it is important to have a plan on how to move around, especially if you are not familiar with the city.

If you are arriving at Salgado Filho Airport and want to book a transfer from Fellini Events, the official dg.o 2025 travel agency, and click on the image below.

What to do before the conference:
Arriving in the city a few days or hours before the conference is a good time to explore the city. Porto Alegre is a city with a rich cultural heritage, diverse natural beauty, and modern infrastructure. Here are some of the top attractions in Porto Alegre:

• Iberê Camargo Foundation: This modern art museum showcases the works of one of Brazil’s most famous artists, Iberê Camargo, as well as other contemporary artists.
• Art Museum of Rio Grande do Sul, MARGS: A pedestrian promenade runs into Praça da Alfândega, the leafy square that is home to the Museu de Arte do Rio Grande do Sul. The neoclassical building is an impressive venue for regional artists. On the ground floor, the inviting Bistrot de MARGS takes advantage of the leafy environment, which is a lovely setting for lunch.
• Casa de Cultura Mario Quintana: This ‘house of culture’ named after Porto Alegre’s greatest poet, Mario Quintana, offers a plethora of cultural activities that take place in its many galleries, spaces, libraries, theaters, and cinemas. There is always something going on: an art exhibit, a local theater play, an alternative film, dance and music performances, you name it. There are also cafes and handicraft shops.
• Walk in the Historic Center: Visit the main tourist attractions in Porto Alegre’s Historical Center, which is of Portuguese influence. A beautiful and pleasant guided tour, starting with the Metropolitan Cathedral, Praça da Matriz, São Pedro Theater, and Piratini Palace. History, culture, beautiful sceneries, and an opportunity to know and experience the history and culinary arts of the city.
• Parque Moinhos de Vento: This large park is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists, and it offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It has several walking paths, a lake, and several monuments and sculptures.
• Farroupilha Park: Known for its beautiful gardens, lakes, and fountains, it is also home to several museums, including the Museum of Art.
• Mercado Público: This indoor market is one of the largest in Brazil and offers a wide variety of food and souvenirs. Visitors can try traditional regional dishes, such as churrasco, and sample local sweets and artisanal beers.
• PUCRS Museum of Science and Technology: This museum showcases the latest advances in science and technology and offers interactive exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages.
• Visitors can explore parks, museums, and other attractions and experience the best of southern Brazil.

What to do during the conference:
Several visits can be organized in Porto Alegre during the event, with no additional cost for participants:

• 4th district: The area, which was abandoned for a few decades, has been revitalized through the Complementary Law 960/2022, which established the +4D Urban Regeneration Program of the 4th District and turned the region into a hot spot in the city. With bars and restaurants, the historic area, near the Guaíba River, is an excellent option for sightseeing and a place for dinners and moments of relaxation, as well as to understand the results of this initiative, which is a partnership of Porto Alegre City Hall, universities, state government, and private companies.
• Visit to the Porto Alegre City Government: Meeting with City Hall officials and introduction to their implemented and planned digital public services and collaboration with the private sector.
• Porto Alegre city excursion (1-3 hours): Sightseeing walks in the Historic Center of Porto Alegre under the guidance of a qualified guide.
• The projects of the revitalization of the Historic Center and the Program of the 4th District are part of the initiatives to increment the potential of Porto Alegre as a smart city.
• In addition, there are multiple attractions to see and visit that the participants can see on their own.

What to do after the conference:
For after the conference, the suggestions consider places outside Porto Alegre. Rio Grande do Sul is a fantastic tourist destination with beautiful natural scenery, unique cuisine, and vibrant culture. It is an ideal place for those seeking an authentic experience in southern Brazil.

• Natural scenery: Rio Grande do Sul is famous for its natural beauty, with white sandy beaches, mountains, and green plains. The Serra Gaúcha, for example, is a mountainous region that offers stunning views and a wide variety of outdoor activities.
• Cuisine: The cuisine of Rio Grande do Sul is unique and diverse, with European, German, and Italian influences. The typical dishes include barbecued meats, roast chicken, and rice dishes, as well as artisanal wines and beers.
• Gramado, RS state: A small tourist city in Rio Grande do Sul, known for its European architecture, stunning landscapes, high-quality cuisine, and cultural events. It is a scenic city with German-style construction and exuberant nature, making it a must-visit stop for those visiting Rio Grande do Sul.
• Vineyard Valley, RS state: The Serra Gaúcha (Gaucho Highlands) is a cultural region comprising the mountainous areas in the northeastern portion of Rio Grande do Sul state. The main attraction is to visit the vineyards and taste wines and colonial products.
• National Park Aparados da Serra, RS state: This park is a protected area in southern Brazil, known for its beautiful landscapes, mountains, canyons, and rich biodiversity. It offers hiking trails, rappelling, zip-lining, and hang gliding for nature lovers.
• Pró-Mata Center for Research and Nature Conservation: Located 3:30 hours from Porto Alegre, this center offers research and conservation activities in the region.

Fellini Events, the official dg.o 2025 travel agency, offers three different exclusive tours: a Porto Alegre City Tour, a tour to Gramado and Canela, and tour to the Wine Region of Rio Grande do Sul. To book a tour click on the image below

• About PUCRS: More information about the university hosting the event.
• Visa Requirements: More information about the visa requirements when traveling to Brazil.
• Hotel accommodation: A list of quality hotels next to the event venue.