Traveling to different places is always a new adventure, right? I always get super excited to just explore a new town, and figure out what to do and which places to visit in my time there. You probably arrived at this article looking for a little help to figure out what things to do in Gramado, Brazil. Although it isn’t a complete guide to Southern Brazil’s most beautiful city, we will help you plan your time there!
Gramado is a small city, nestled in the heart of a mountain range in Rio Grande do Sul! People often call it the jewel of Southern Brazil. It was always known for its stunning landscapes, but it recently began to captivate more visitors with its European-inspired charm, inherited from Dutch immigrants. Gazing at the landscape around you has to be one of the things to do in Gramado, Brazil.
There are also many rich cultural experiences you can add to this list! As someone who grew up in southern Brazil, I think the city of Gramado is a must-visit destination for travelers from North and Latin America alike. My own family used to travel there very often!
Whether you’re a traveler drawn by the beautiful parks, want to visit all of the indulgent chocolate stores, or are hoping to visit every one of the unique attractions like Mini Mundo, this list of things to do in Gramado, Brazil, will help you find everything you might need for an unforgettable Gramado adventure.
1. Stroll Along Avenida Borges de Medeiros and Rua Coberta
If there is one thing that you will learn when planning things to do in Gramado, Brazil, it is that this is a very walkable city. So one of the first things to do on your itinerary has to be doing some walking along Gramado’s most iconic avenue. The bustling Avenida Borges de Medeiros, Gramado’s main artery, is lined with theme parks, traditional restaurants, and shops that showcase the region’s unique charm.
You also can’t miss Rua Coberta, a street covered by a warehouse-like ceiling. It is perfect for having dinner after a long day of sightseeing or exploring during rainy hours which can happen especially during summer months. Here you will find street artists that entertain tourists and locals alike, along with many cozy spots offering chocolate fondues to indulge in.
Both Rua Coberta and Borges de Medeiros Avenue are the best spots to look for those mementos you can bring to folks back home. Pretty much every establishment will accept credit cards but do bring some cash if you want to buy stuff from street vendors.
2. Visit Lago Negro (Black Lake)
A lot of this part of Brazil was colonized by people from different European countries, this part of Gramado specifically is modeled after Germany! With landscaping inspired by Germany’s Black Forest, Lago Negro is one of Gramado’s most iconic spots and one of the best things to do in Gramado, Brazil.
This beautiful and peaceful black lake offers the perfect setting for a day of relaxation during your trip. There are many things you can do in the surroundings! You can rent pedal boats to glide over the dark waters, enjoy a picnic with local snacks by the shore, or take in the lush surroundings while strolling through nature. Lago Negro is the epitome of serenity in the center of the city.
Although the lake is public, meaning you could access it pretty much any time of the day, the services offered around it are not. Most places are open from 8:30 AM until 6 PM, save for the odd restaurant that works different hours from that. Always check the operating hours before leaving the hotel.
3. Discover the Magic of Mini Mundo
When it comes to what things to do in Gramado, Brazil, you should add to your itinerary, that visiting Mini Mundo is a must. But what is this place? Mini Mundo is a type of showcase where visitors can explore a miniature world showing detailed replicas of landmarks from both Germany and Brazil. It is a favorite for families and architecture enthusiasts alike.
I love places like this where all kinds of visitors get to have fun! You can easily reach it via the city’s tourist buses but there is also a parking lot in case you’ve got a rental car. Entrance fees vary from around eleven to twenty dollars and can be purchased in advance online. I highly recommend doing that since you might be able to get a discounted price depending on how many people your group has.
Mini Mundo offers guided tours for visitors who would like help figuring out this amazing park! Don’t forget to check travel sites like TripAdvisor or Google Reviews for insider tips from past travelers.
4. Explore Gramado Zoo and Other Cultural Options
Despite being a very small city, there are a lot of things to do in Gramado, Brazil. It is perfect for groups with people that have very different personalities. Animal lovers need to head to Gramado Zoo, where many native Brazilian species thrive in spacious, natural habitats. Like many zoos in Latin America, it is focused on caring for animals who can’t be in nature right now.
It’s one of the best attractions for families! It is open daily from Wednesday to Sunday, starting at 10 AM until 4 PM. You can come over in your rental since there is plenty of parking, just get your tickets beforehand to avoid long lines. They do form since this was elected the best zoo in Brazil and one of the best in Latin America.
Since it probably won’t take up your whole day, you can combine this with visits to other great spots like the Igreja Matriz or a folklore show in Nova Petrópolis, just a short drive away if you have a car available.
5. Indulge in Serra Gaúcha’s Most Traditional Restaurants
You simply cannot put together an itinerary for a trip to Gramado and not add trying some traditional foods to your list of things to do in Gramado, Brazil. I have mentioned in other articles how Brazil is the largest country in Latin America, which makes for wildly varying traditional dishes. In Gramado, this means sampling traditional Gaucho barbecue or enjoying a Swiss dinner in one of Serra Gaucha’s most traditional restaurants.
Gramado’s culinary scene is thriving and visitors make a point of going to as many restaurants as possible while there. My recommendation is a cozy place called St Gallen, it is famous for having the best fondue in town! To avoid missing out on your time here, always check if there is a possibility of reserving a table beforehand.
And to have a true cultural experience, you need to get a taste of traditional Gaucho chimarrão.
6. Hop on a Bus Tour or the Maria Fumaça Train
The best part about coming to Gramado, for me, is the landscape around town. Not only the mountain range is truly breathtaking, but the city itself is pretty unique since European immigrants modeled it after their own homes in another country. There isn’t much need for a walking city tour but I highly recommend you board a double-decker bus tour for panoramic views of this beautiful city. You can get tickets on the BusTour website beforehand!
As for checking out the beautiful southern Brazilian landscapes, why not take a train? One of the best ways to see Gramado’s surroundings is by riding the Maria Fumaça train, which takes you through the lush landscapes of the Serra Gaúcha. There are a few different itineraries you can choose from. All of them leave from Gramado, making a few stops along the way! This is one of the things to do in Gramado, Brazil, where you need to get tickets beforehand!
7. Enjoy Natal Luz
The seventh thing on our list of things to do in Gramado, Brazil, is not exactly a thing. It is more of a specific time in which to visit, many travelers consider it to be the best time to visit! The Natal Luz festival truly transforms Gramado into a magical wonderland during the holiday season. If we translate it into English, it is called the “Festival of Lights. It’s a very apt name since the city is absolutely covered in Christmas lights.
There are events happening all the time, a complete schedule that includes float parades, public concerts, and dazzling light displays all over the city. Fellow travelers have said that it’s “very pretty and unique” in reviews! I’d say that it is an even busier time of the year than Winter, so plan way ahead if Christmas in Gramado is something you’d like to experience.
8. Visit Lago Joaquina Rita Bier and Gramado’s Main Square
Even though there weren’t a lot of lakes in the area where Gramado was founded, people built their own! Just as the Black Lake was created, Lago Joaquina Rita Bier was also placed in a different part of town. It is smaller but equally picturesque, a perfect spot for quiet reflection or relaxation between busier activities.
There are no entrance fees to access the area, you just need to be mindful of operating hours for businesses you might wanna visit just as with the Black Lake nearby. There is also the main square nearby, a space that hosts seasonal events, street performances, and even toy factory exhibitions. If you are a person who enjoys taking pictures for social media, this is a perfect spot to get a few different ones.
Lots of people stop around to watch the water fountain show at night, so check the schedule to avoid missing it!
9. Dive into Chocolate Heaven
Gramado is famous for a lot of things. Lago Negro, Mini Mundo, the Rua Coberta, the Gramado Zoo are all great things to do in town. But for almost every visitor, especially national folks, a trip to the city of Gramado needs to include a visit to its chocolate stores, which rival some of the best ones in Europe.
You should set aside some time for sampling treats at local favorite stores like Lugano or Caracol! There is also a chance to learn more about making chocolate at a workshop. If you want to take a step further, go ahead and book a tour of a local chocolate factory. Don’t leave without indulging in the city’s legendary chocolate fondues.
For a complete experience, you can look at restaurants near you that offer a package deal for both savory and sweet fondue experiences! There are many around the Rua Coberta area, some might need reservations so check their website or Instagram.
10. Thrill at Super Cars and Hollywood Dream Cars
The last item on our list of things to do in Gramado, Brazil, is for people who enjoy the adrenaline of a well-made vehicle. Car enthusiasts will love paying a visit to the Hollywood Dream Cars Museum! It is a different kind of museum, featuring those classic vehicles that evoke the glamour of old Hollywood.
To put a modern twist on things, you can take your group and head over to Super Cars! It is a place where you can see (and even drive) luxury vehicles. The Hollywood Dream Cars Museum is open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM, tickets start at around ten dollars and can be purchased online. As for the Super Carros part, it has the same working hours but the prices are a little higher for packages that include a ride on the cars.
Local Insight: Tips and Travel Advice
These ten things to do in Gramado, Brazil, are great! But you do need to know a little bit more about the city itself in order to plan a perfect trip.
The most important thing is to think about the “when” of planning your visit to Gramado. The city is stunning all year round, but particular seasons and times of the year like Christmas or Fall are extra special. They will also be the most crowded and expensive so you have to plan a long time in advance.
As for the how to get there part, there is no airport in town so you will have to fly into Porto Alegre! You exit Salgado Filho International Airport then take a scenic 2-hour drive to Gramado. If you are not feeling comfortable with driving on winding mountain roads, there is always the alternative of paying for a private transfer to drop you off at the hotel. Depending on the hotel, they might even offer a service like that so ask upon making your reservation.
Lastly, there is no need to be too worried about your safety. As noted by pretty much everyone who visits, Gramado is one of the best places for walking and exploring calmly, with a relaxed vibe. Their public transportation system has evolved to accommodate the many visitors so you can take advantage of that too! Just take the usual care with your belongings in crowded places!
Some of the better things to do in Gramado, Brazil, are going to be hidden gems for travelers. When the hustle and bustle of traveling get too much and you need a quieter retreat, explore the lesser-known neighborhoods and beautiful parks around Gramado. There are some parks near some cafés that offer the perfect ambiance for enjoying local coffee. Please make trying some local coffee one of your things to do in Gramado, Brazil.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, Gramado is not just a city you visit; it’s an experience you have. From the serenity of Lago Negro’s shores to the fun cultural depth of Mini Mundo, along with the culinary delights only the Serra Gaúcha has, there will be no shortage of things to do in Gramado, Brazil. And if you need a little extra help planning the rest of your trip beyond an itinerary, head over to our blog! I wrote a complete Gramado Travel Guide to help you with everything down to the travel insurance.
So start packing your bags to explore this very beautiful gem in Southern Brazil!
