Founded in 1737 and incorporated in 1835, Rio Grande is one of the oldest cities in Rio Grande do Sul and was the state capital between 1835–1845. It lies on a low-lying peninsula where the Rio Grande river connects the Patos Lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean. With a 2022 population nearing 192,000, it’s known as “Noiva do Mar” (Bride of the Sea) 

Rio Grande’s wealth comes from its port—among Brazil’s busiest—and oil refining, fisheries, and agro-industrial exports like wool, rice, tobacco, and frozen seafood. The city lies barely 6 m above sea level and is slowly sinking over time 

The climate is humid subtropical with strong ocean influence—warm summers (~23‑24 °C average in January), mild winters (~13 °C in July), and frequent wind chills below zero in winter 

Top Things to Do

• Praia do Cassino (Cassino Beach): At roughly 250 km long, it’s one of the longest uninterrupted beaches in South America—ideal for sunrise beach walks, dune hikes, and sandboarding

• Taim Ecological Station: South of the city, this wetland reserve is a haven for flamingos, caimans, capybaras, and migratory birds—perfect for guided walks and photography 

• Downtown historic centre: Stroll colonial streets, visit Praça Tamandaré, Praça Xavier Ferreira and the neoclassical Cathedral of Saint Peter—built in the 18th century 

• Oceanographic Museum (Prof. Eliezer de Carvalho Rios): Operated by FURG, this museum showcases marine biodiversity with aquariums, fossils, and whale skeletons 

• Museu Histórico da Cidade (Customs House): Near Praça Tamandaré, housed in a restored 1879 customs building, with photographic archives and local artifacts 

• Sport Club Rio Grande match: Home to Brazil’s oldest active football club, founded in 1900—catch a local derby match (“Rio‑Rita”) if scheduling allows 

Eat & Drink

Experience strong regional flavors—even if Rio Grande is less gastronomic than larger RS cities:

• Try the seafood: shrimp, anchovy or mullet, fish stews or haute ­rio‑grande dishes near the port.

• Enjoy hearty gaucho staples like churrasco, rice, beans, and chimarrão in local cafés and small restaurants.

• Snack on pão de queijo, coxinha, and brigadeiros at downtown bakeries.

Travel Tips

• Getting here: Accessible by air (Rio Grande Airport) and highways connected to Pelotas and Porto Alegre. Port and harbor activity is prominent.

• Best time to visit: Summer (November–March) offers pleasant weather and beach access; spring also great for nature trips to Taim.

• Be wind prepared: Coastal wind chill in winter can be intense—pack warm layers.

• Safety: Generally safe in the center and coastal areas; outdoor tours are best done with licensed local guides, especially in Taim reserves.

Where to Stay & Recommended Hotels

Based on booking data and visitor reviews in Rio Grande:

• Hotel Laghetto Rio Grande – Rated 9.1/10, superb reviews; well-located and comfortable

• Hotel São Paulo – Score ~9.0, excellent guest ratings and service 

• Hotel Laghetto Villa Moura – Also around 9.1/10, combining quality amenities and central access.

Recommendation: For quality, comfort, and central location, Hotel Laghetto Rio Grande is an excellent choice for both leisure and business travelers.