Things To Do
in Frederico Westphalen

Central square with the main church, mature trees and everyday urban life—excellent for street and architectural photography at golden hour.

Several local hills offer sweeping vistas of patchwork farmland and the city; ideal for sunrise or sunset landscape shots.

Small rivers and cascades near the municipality provide opportunities for nature and long-exposure photography, especially after rainfall.

University and cultural buildings with events, murals and student life—good for candid and cultural photography.

Traditional Brazilian-style barbecue with various cuts of beef and pork; best at local churrascarias and weekend rodízios.

Must-Try!

A hot, bitter mate infusion shared socially in a gourd—an essential gaúcho ritual you’ll see throughout the day.

Creamy polenta served with a slow-cooked meat sauce, reflecting Italian heritage—common in family restaurants and cantinas.

Local farmhouse cheeses and cured salamis sold at markets and small delicatessens.

Typical weekend market where local farmers sell vegetables, cheeses, artisanal sausages and baked goods—great for tasting fresh regional products.

Small stalls near the central market selling snacks like pastel, empanadas and freshly baked breads; good for quick, inexpensive bites.

A handshake is common for first meetings; friends often exchange one or two cheek kisses (right cheek first) and warm, informal greetings—use 'bom dia' (good morning) or 'boa tarde' (good afternoon).

Show deference to older people; polite language and small courtesies are valued in social interactions.

Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious events; casual clothing is fine in most other settings but avoid beachwear in town.

If invited to a local home, it is polite to bring a small gift (dessert, wine or sweets) and remove shoes if hosts indicate—accept offers of food as a sign of respect.

In restaurants, a 10% service charge is common and often included on the bill—if not included, tipping 10% is appreciated but not mandatory. Tip small amounts to porters, hotel staff and hairdressers for good service.

Brazilian real (BRL) is the currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants in town; bring cash for small vendors, markets and rural areas where card machines may not be available. Contactless payments and mobile apps are increasingly common.

November to March brings warm to hot temperatures (20–32°C / 68–90°F), higher humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms—pack light clothing, sun protection and rain gear.

April to May offers mild days and cooler nights with pleasant colors in rural areas—great for hiking and outdoor photography; bring a light jacket.

June to August can be cool to cold (5–15°C / 41–59°F) with the possibility of frost on cold nights; layers, a warm jacket and closed shoes are recommended.

September to October features mild temperatures, blooming vegetation and fewer crowds—good for birdwatching and visiting farms; expect variable weather.

Approximately 100–140 km (about 1.5–2 hours by car) depending on route; serves regional flights and is the most convenient airport for domestic connections to the area.

Major international airport about 300–400 km away (3.5–5+ hours by car or bus); offers many domestic and international flight options and is the main gateway to the state.

A large portion of the population traces ancestry to German, Italian and Polish immigrants—reflected in local cuisine, festivals and family-run farms.

Surrounding countryside is dominated by small-scale farming families and agricultural workers who contribute to local markets and agritourism.

A notable student population attends nearby university campuses and technical schools, bringing cultural events and youthful energy to the city.

Smaller indigenous and Afro-Brazilian communities contribute to the social and cultural fabric of the region.