Things To Do
in Gramado
Gramado is a picturesque mountain town in Brazil's Serra Gaúcha known for its European-style architecture, tree-lined avenues and prolific chocolate shops. The town combines Alpine charm with Brazilian hospitality, offering cozy pousadas, fondue restaurants and year-round festivals like Natal Luz. Surrounded by pine forests, lakes and waterfalls, Gramado is a base for outdoor activities in nearby Canela and the surrounding countryside.
It’s popular with couples, families and food-lovers seeking a cooler-climate Brazilian getaway with strong German and Italian cultural influences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at one of the charming cafés in the center of Gramado, indulging in local pastries and fresh coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll down Avenida Borges de Medeiros to admire the beautiful architecture and vibrant flower beds that characterize the town. Make your way to the iconic Igreja Matriz São Pedro Apostolo, where you can marvel at its impressive façade and tranquil surroundings.
In the afternoon, visit the Mini Mundo, a miniature park showcasing intricate models of famous landmarks from around the world. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling traditional German cuisine, a nod to the region's cultural heritage. Afterward, explore the picturesque streets lined with shops selling handmade crafts and local delicacies.
As night falls, immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a traditional German dinner at a local restaurant, complete with live music and folk performances. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets of Gramado, experiencing the magical atmosphere created by twinkling lights. Conclude your day with a sweet treat from one of the town's famous chocolate shops, indulging in artisanal chocolates.
Begin your day with a refreshing breakfast at your hotel, followed by a visit to Lago Negro, a stunning man-made lake surrounded by lush pine trees. Rent a paddleboat to explore the tranquil waters, enjoying the serene landscape and the chirping of birds. Capture beautiful photos of the colorful hydrangeas that flourish around the lake's perimeter.
After your lakeside adventure, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the scenic spots around the lake, savoring local cheeses and fresh bread. In the afternoon, take a leisurely hike along the trails that surround Lago Negro, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and fresh air. Look out for local wildlife as you stroll through the peaceful forest paths.
As the evening approaches, head back to the town center and enjoy a delightful dinner at a cozy restaurant, specializing in fondue, a beloved local dish. Savor the rich flavors of melted cheese and chocolate while sharing stories with your travel companions. After dinner, take a short walk to enjoy the night views of the lake before returning to your accommodation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry at a café | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi or ride-share | $5-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $70-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming European-style architecture and cozy atmosphere
- Excellent chocolate, fondue and regional cuisine
- Close to waterfalls, scenic lookouts and outdoor activities
- Strong festival calendar (e.g., Natal Luz) and family-friendly attractions
- Can be crowded and more expensive during high season and festivals
- Limited late-night clubbing and nightlife for younger crowds
- Some attractions and roads can be affected by fog, rain or winter cold
- Public transport is limited compared with major Brazilian cities
- "Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado (if you are male) / Obrigada (if you are female)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Aceita cartão?" - Do you accept card?
- "Eu sou vegetariano(a)" - I am vegetarian
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Gramado
Visit one of these nice places.
Tree-lined artificial lake with dark waters and swan pedal boats—beautiful reflections and hydrangeas in spring/summer.
Covered, pedestrianized street with charming architecture and frequent events; great for street scenes and evening lights.
Iconic stone church in Praça Major Nicoletti—striking façade and nearby floral displays ideal for photos.
Miniature village with highly detailed models—great for playful, close-up compositions.
Lookouts offering panoramic views over Gramado and the surrounding Serra Gaúcha hills, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Dramatic waterfall framed by forest—classic nature shots from multiple viewpoints and the cable car.
Food in Gramado
Gramado Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cheese, meat and chocolate fondues are a Gramado staple—best sampled at specialist restaurants around Rua Coberta and Avenida das Hortênsias.
Must-Try!
Roast young chicken (galeto) and gaúcho-style churrasco (barbecue) served in churrascarias and traditional restaurants throughout town.
A German-style sweet cake often topped with fruit or streusel; find it in local bakeries and cafés.
Italian-influenced polenta, pastas and hearty meat-and-potato plates served in cantinas and family-style restaurants.
Gramado is full of chocolate shops and small factories (Lugano, Prawer and others) offering truffles, bars and factory tours.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekend markets and stalls sell cheeses, cured meats, homemade jams, cakes and local craft products—great for tasting regional specialties and buying souvenirs.
Street vendors and small kiosks near the main pedestrian streets offer snacks, pastries, chimarrão vendors and seasonal street food during festivals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Friendly, informal greetings are normal—handshakes or a light hug/kiss on the cheek among acquaintances; use 'bom dia'/'boa tarde'/'boa noite' for polite greetings.
Appreciate local German/Italian-influenced customs and food traditions; be polite when photographing people and private properties.
Meals are often social and leisurely—wait for hosts to start, thank the cook or host, and accept offers of local specialties politely even if sampling a small portion.
Chimarrão (yerba mate) is a regional social drink—if offered, accept graciously or politely decline; do not sip or reuse the straw without being invited.
Safety
Tipping in Gramado
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge is commonly included on restaurant bills—if not included, a 10% tip is appreciated but not mandatory. Round up fares for taxis or leave small change for porters; tip guides and drivers when satisfied.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops; have some Brazilian reais (BRL) cash for small vendors, market stalls and rural businesses. Contactless payments and apps are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days (up to mid 20s–low 30s °C / 75–90 °F) and cooler nights, busy tourist season with outdoor events; book accommodations in advance and expect crowded streets during holidays.
Mild temperatures and pleasant days; autumn colors can be seen in parts of the region—quieter than summer and a comfortable time for outdoor walks.
Chilly to cold weather (night temperatures often near or below freezing); popular for cozy dining and winter festivals—rare sleet or snow can occur at higher elevations but is uncommon in town.
Flowers and hydrangeas bloom, temperatures warm gradually and crowds are moderate—excellent for photography and outdoor activities.
Gramado at Night
Hiking in Gramado
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short trails lead to the Caracol waterfall viewpoint and canyon; paths range from easy walks to moderate trails with scenic overlooks.
Trails and lookouts around a horseshoe-shaped canyon with dense forest and panoramic views; good for moderate hikes and photography.
A short, accessible trail and viewpoint near Canela offering sweeping views over the valley—suitable for families and sunset photos.
Numerous private/ranch trails around Gramado and neighboring towns offer guided hikes, horseback routes and walks through vineyards and farms.
Airports
How to reach Gramado by plane.
The nearest major international airport (about 2–2.5 hours by car or bus, ~120 km); frequent shuttle buses and regional transfer services connect to Gramado.
A regional airport roughly 70–90 km away with limited commercial flights; useful if schedules align or for private/regional services.
Small airstrips and private aviation services operate in the Serra Gaúcha region for charter flights and tourism transfers; commercial options are limited compared with major hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many local families are descendants of German and Italian immigrants, reflected in architecture, cuisine and cultural events.
A large portion of the population works in hospitality, retail and tourism services serving visitors year-round.
The town attracts retirees and second-home owners seeking a cooler climate and tranquil lifestyle.
Visitors from across Brazil (especially the south and southeast) and international tourists boost the town's cultural mix during high season.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Brazil and widely followed in the region—local and regional clubs draw strong interest.
Outdoor recreation like hiking, trail running and mountain biking are popular due to the hilly landscape and park network.
Road cycling and motorcycle touring are common among visitors exploring the Serra roads; some local cycling events take place seasonally.
Zipline, rappel and canopy tours attract adventure-sport participants to the region around Canela and Gramado.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gramado.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (pastas, polenta, salads, some vegetarian fondues) but many traditional dishes are meat- or dairy-heavy—ask for 'sem carne' and look for international-style cafés and pizzerias.
Vegan choices are more limited; request dishes without cheese or butter and check larger restaurants and bakeries for plant‑based options. Carry snacks if you have strict needs.
Some restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests, but cross-contamination is possible—inform staff and prefer places that explicitly offer GF options.