Things To Do
in Tramandaí

Tramandaí is a sunny coastal city in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, known for its long sandy beaches and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Its palm-lined Beira-Mar promenade and active fishing port give the town a classic seaside charm. Visitors come for warm Atlantic water, fresh seafood, and welcoming locals who celebrate the coast.

Located along the Tramandaí River and near Capão da Canoa, it makes a convenient base for exploring the northern Rio Grande do Sul coast.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Tramandaí
morning
:

Arrive in Tramandaí and check into your hotel. Take a leisurely walk along the beautiful beaches to soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a light breakfast at a local café, savoring the flavors of traditional Brazilian pastries.

afternoon
:

Explore the city center, visiting local shops and markets to immerse yourself in the culture. Stop by Praça da Lagoa for a relaxing afternoon on the grassy shores. Sample some freshly caught seafood at a beachfront restaurant.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a beachfront dinner while listening to local music. Take a stroll along the beach, feeling the warm sand beneath your feet. End the night with a visit to a local bar for a taste of refreshing Brazilian cocktails.

day 2
Beach Day at Enseada
morning
:

Head to Praia da Enseada for a day of sun and surf. Spend the morning lounging on the soft sands and taking a dip in the serene waters. You can also rent beach umbrellas and chairs for added comfort.

afternoon
:

Engage in water sports such as paddleboarding or surfing, or simply relax with a book by the shore. Enjoy a beachside lunch featuring traditional dishes like shrimp moqueca. Watch the locals and visitors alike enjoying the vibrant beach life.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, partake in a beach bonfire experience. Relish the magical transition from day to night as the sky turns a palette of colors. Wrap up the evening with delicious s'mores and sharing stories with newfound friends.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee at cafe$2-4
🚌One-way local transport$0.80-1.50
🛏️Budget hotel night$40-70
💧Bottle of water 1.5L$1-2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed beach town vibe
  • Pleasant coastal scenery
  • Good value for money
  • Friendly locals
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Can get crowded in peak season
  • Some areas require transportation to reach
  • "Oi!" - Hi!
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/a" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Você aceita cartão?" - Do you accept card?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Pode me indicar um bom restaurante?" - Can you recommend a good restaurant?
  • "Fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Eu sou vegetariano(a)." - I am vegetarian.

Places to Visit in Tramandaí

Visit one of these nice places.

Praia de Tramandaí - Beira-Mar

Wide sandy beach with palm trees and long ocean views, ideal for golden-hour waves and silhouettes.

Ponte do Rio Tramandaí

Historic bridge over the river with reflections at sunrise or sunset.

Orla da Avenida General Osório

Colorful fishing boats, murals, and a lively promenade for street photography.

Foz do Tramandaí e pôr do sol

Where river meets sea, offering dramatic skies and calm water reflections.

Culinary Guide

Food in Tramandaí

Tramandaí’s cuisine centers on seafood and churrasco, reflecting the coastal and gaúcho traditions of Rio Grande do Sul. Fresh fish and cassava are common on menus, complemented by grilled meats and hearty sides. Expect casual dining along the waterfront, with plenty of family-friendly spots and outdoor seating. For vegetarians, there are simple veggie plates and salads at many eateries, though the meat-focused options are more common.

Tramandaí Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Peixe grelhado com pirão

Grilled fish served with pirão (a cassava flour porridge) and rice, a staple coastal dish.

Must-Try!

Churrasco Gaúcho

Traditional gaucho barbecue with assorted grilled meats, farofa, rice, and beans.

Arroz de carreteiro

Savory one-pot rice with dried meat (carne seca) and greens, reflecting regional ranching heritage.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Público de Tramandaí

A local market where you can find fresh fish, produce, cheeses, and regional snacks.

Orla street food stalls

Seasonal vendors along the waterfront offering pastéis, caldo de peixe, and sweets.

Climate Guide

Weather

Tramandaí has a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. Sea breezes keep evenings comfortable, but humidity can be high year-round. Rain is common in shoulder seasons, and the water remains relatively warm in summer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness and greetings

Greet with a friendly 'bom dia/boa tarde' and a handshake; address elders with 'senhor/senhora' as appropriate.

Respect for personal space and quiet hours

Be mindful in religious sites and residential areas; evenings are often family-focused.

Safety Guide

Safety

Take standard coastal-town precautions: keep valuables secure on the beach, especially near the busy promenades, be cautious at night in less crowded areas, and follow local advisories for water conditions and weather.

Tipping in Tramandaí

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Brazil, tips are common but not mandatory. If service charge isn’t included, 5-10% is a typical tip for good service.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common in larger venues; carry some cash for street vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days, lively beaches, crowded weekends, and abundant fresh seafood. Bring sun protection and water, and be prepared for humidity.

Autumn

Mild and pleasant with fewer crowds, good for coastal walks and photography when the light is softer.

Winter

Cooler temperatures and frequent sea breezes; some days are windy but the coast can feel tranquil and scenic.

Spring

Comfortable temperatures, blooming coastal flora, and increasing activity as locals prepare for summer.

Nightlife Guide

Tramandaí at Night

Nightlife in Tramandaí centers on beachside bars and casual live music along the promenade. Weekends bring more crowds, with regional samba and traditional songs, plus seafood-focused venues. Clubs are typically small and family-friendly, with late-night options more common in summer.

Hiking in Tramandaí

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Lagoa do Peixe National Park trails

Wetland trails and birdwatching opportunities along the coast, suitable for easy day hikes.

Capão da Canoa coastal dunes trail

Short dunes hikes with ocean views, accessible from Capão da Canoa and nearby towns.

Osório hillside trails

Hikes around the hills near Osório with scenic overlooks and rural scenery.

Airports

How to reach Tramandaí by plane.

Porto Alegre – Salgado Filho International (POA)

Main gateway to the region; frequent flights; about 180-230 km by road from Tramandaí.

Pelotas – Pelotas International Airport (PET)

Regional airport serving southern RS with occasional connections; roughly 150-170 km away.

Getting Around

Walkability

Tramandaí is walkable along the beachfront and the town center; the most scenic areas are compact, but some streets may have uneven sidewalks. In peak season, traffic and parking can be challenging, so bikes or local buses are handy for longer hops.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families

Long-standing residents and multi-generational households.

Seasonal beachgoers

Tourists who visit in summer and long weekends.

Retirees/older adults

Some retirees choose the coast for a quieter lifestyle.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The national pastime with local clubs and matches on weekends.

Beach volleyball

Common on the beaches during summer season.

Surfing/Bodyboarding

Suitable for beginners with occasional bigger waves depending on the season.

Transportation

Traffic

Expect higher traffic on BR-101 and along the Beira-Mar during holidays and weekends. Local buses connect Tramandaí with nearby towns; car rental is available, but street parking can be scarce in peak season.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Tramandaí.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for salads, grilled vegetables, queijo, and rice dishes; most places can prepare a meat-free version if you ask, and many cafés offer veggie sandwiches and pastas.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Tramandaí includes basic public clinics and private facilities; SUS covers emergency care, and more advanced treatment is typically sought in Porto Alegre or Osório. Pharmacies are widely available; travelers should have travel insurance for routine care abroad.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide