Brazil's Southern Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Gramado
This mountain resort town is known for European-style architecture, Christmas festivals, and chocolate shops
Gramado is a mountain resort town located in the Serra Gaúcha region of Brazil’s southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul. It sits at an elevation of approximately 850 metres above sea level and has a subtropical highland climate with mild summers and cool winters. Influenced by 19th-century German and Italian immigration, the town features European-style architecture, including Alpine-style chalets, and is known for its chocolatiers and artisan shops. Gramado is a major domestic tourist destination, famous for the Festival de Cinema de Gramado, one of the most significant film festivals in Latin America. It also hosts Natal Luz, a large Christmas-themed event known for light displays. The city attracts visitors with seasonal features such as hydrangea blooms in spring.
Top 10 Things to See & Do in Gramado
Lago Negro: Rent paddle boats or walk around the forested lake created in 1953.
Mini Mundo: Visit the open-air park featuring detailed miniature replicas of buildings from around the world.
Natal Luz: Attend the annual Christmas festival held from late October to mid-January with parades, concerts and light shows.
Le Jardin Parque de Lavanda: Walk through a lavender garden with plant nurseries and a tearoom
Dreamland Wax Museum: View wax figures of international celebrities, politicians and fictional characters.
Hollywood Dream Cars: See vintage American cars from the 1920s to 1960s in a themed exhibit.
Snowland: Experience indoor snow activities including skiing, snowboarding and ice skating
Gramado Zoo: Observe native Brazilian wildlife in open and naturalistic enclosures
Rua Coberta: Explore the covered street with shops, cafes and frequent cultural events.
Catedral de Pedra (in nearby Canela): Visit the 65-metre tall Gothic-style church located 8 kilometres from Gramado
How long to spend in Gramado
It is possible to see the top sites in Gramado's city centre in 1-2 days, and is also possible to visit Gramado as a day-trip from Porto Alegre. Extending your stay beyond this is only likely to be worthwhile if you plan to explore the surrounding mountains, parks and attractions in the Serra Gaúcha region, such as Caracol State Park or mountain towns along the Rota Romântica.
Where to stay in Gramado
The main area is the city centre near Rua Coberta and Igreja Matriz São Pedro, where most shops, restaurants and hotels are located. Other areas include the Planalto neighbourhood near Lago Negro, the Bavária neighbourhood known for quieter stays, and the Avenida das Hortênsias corridor which connects Gramado to Canela and has many hotels along the route.
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Gramado, or check out my recommendations below:
Hotels in Gramado
Le Boutique Hotel Gramado - a romantic hotel designed exclusively for couples (see prices & availability)
HOTEL RF VISION - a luxury stay with an incredible revolving restaurant offering 360 degree views of Gramado (see prices & availability)
249 DESIGN HOTEL - a modern hotel that still maintains a rustic mountain feel (see prices & availability)
Hotel Cabanas Glamour - Private chalets with hot tubs and a beautiful garden (see prices & availability)
WoodStone Hotel Fazenda - a charming pet-friendly hotel situated on a farm (see prices & availability)
Hotel Gramado Interlaken - a beautiful rustic hotel in the town centre, for those seeking a more budget-friendly stay (see prices & availability)
Where is Gramado, Brazil
Quick Facts about Gramado
Population of Gramado
41,705 people (2025)
Nickname
People from Gramado are called gramadense, and people from Rio Grande do Sul State in general are called gaúchos.
Closest airport
The closest airport is located in Porto Alegre
Main bus terminal
Rodoviária de Gramado
How to get to Gramado
It is easy to reach Gramado by bus, car, or Uber from Porto Alegre, as well as from the state of Santa Catarina.
See all bus connections and find cheap tickets to Gramado
How to get to Gramado from Porto Alegre
There are three ways to reach Gramado from Porto Alegre:
Bus: From Porto Alegre's main bus terminal, take a bus directly to Gramado. The trip takes around 2.5-3 hours (tickets & timetable).
Drive: Car Rental in Porto Alegre is affordable and will also give you the freedom to explore attractions around Gramado, including the surrounding mountainous Serra Gaúcha region, and nearby towns such as Canela.
Uber: It is possible to take an Uber from Porto Alegre to Gramado for around R$ 200+, noting that prices fluctuate depending on traffic and time of day.
How to get to Gramado from Florianopolis
From Florianopolis main bus terminal, it is possible to take a bus directly to Gramado. The trip takes around 9 hours (tickets & timetable).
How to get around Gramado
Getting around Gramado is straightforward due to its compact layout and well-maintained infrastructure. Most tourist attractions are located within a few kilometres of the town centre, making walking a practical option. There is also a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus that operates between the towns of Gramado and Canela.
Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and 99 Pop operate in Gramado, and are a cheap way to get around. Rental cars are available in the region but are generally not necessary unless travelling extensively in the Serra Gaúcha.
Things to know before you go
Weather: Winters (June to August) are cool, often between 5 and 15°C. Snow is rare but possible.
Altitude: Located at about 850 metres above sea level, weather can shift quickly. Bring layers and warm clothes, even in summer.
Best time to visit: December for Natal Luz or late October to early November for blooming hydrangeas. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Book in advance: The town is busy during school holidays, long weekends and major events. Booking accommodation and tickets in advance is strongly advised.
Dining hours: Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service. Dinner usually starts after 7 pm.
Is Gramado safe for tourists
Gramado is considered a safe destination for visitors. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it is a very different experience compared to larger Brazilian cities. As with any trip, it is still sensible to follow a few simple precautions, but these are more about peace of mind than real risk.
Travel insurance for Gramado
Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have, it is an important safety-net that can prevent a stressful incident from turning into an expensive disaster. The reality is that unexpected events can happen on any trip. Even something as simple as missing a connecting flight can lead to unexpected accommodation and transport costs. If you become unwell, medical bills in another country can quickly become expensive. Without insurance, you have to handle all of this on your own in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in a language you do not speak.
I have personally relied on travel insurance multiple times, including when I had belongings stolen in Europe, fell sick while travelling in Asia, and had flights cancelled. In each case, the support I received meant I could focus on solving the problem instead of worrying about costs.
For a small daily cost, you can be covered for a wide range of scenarios, from theft to delayed flights and medical emergencies. Having one phone number to call and a company that deals with the problem for you is worth far more than the price of the policy. I personally use Safety Wing, and I recommend them to friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. You can get a quote here.
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