Things To Do
in Novo Hamburgo

Brazilian barbecue, served in many local churrascarias — try different cuts of beef, pork and sausages; best at popular rodízio-style restaurants.

Must-Try!

A bitter hot mate tea shared socially; common in Rio Grande do Sul and offered at many cafés and gatherings.

German-style crumb cake or sweet bread, often topped with fruit or cinnamon — widely available in bakeries and traditional cafés.

Hearty sausages and cured meats reflecting German heritage — found at traditional delis and restaurants.

Local markets and outdoor fairs where you can taste regional produce, snacks, pastéis and small sweets; great for fresh fruit, baked goods and meeting vendors.

Small local fairs selling homemade preserves, breads, cheeses and cakes — ideal for sampling artisanal regional products.

People are friendly and use informal greetings; a handshake is common for introductions, and friends may exchange one cheek kiss. Use Bom dia (good morning) and Boa tarde (good afternoon) as polite openers.

Social events may start a bit later than the scheduled time; for business meetings be punctual and professional.

Show interest and respect for German-Brazilian traditions, language traces and local festivals; asking questions politely is appreciated.

Wait to be invited to sit at formal meals, keep hands visible and avoid loud phone conversations at table; it’s polite to say 'bom apetite' before eating.

Restaurants commonly include a 10% service charge; if not included, leaving 10% is appreciated for good service. For taxis, rounding up or adding a small tip is common; small tips for hotel porters and guides are welcomed.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels. Small vendors, markets and some buses prefer cash (Brazilian real); carry some cash for street food, small purchases and market stalls. Contactless payments and PIX (instant bank transfer) are increasingly common.

December–February: warm to hot temperatures, higher humidity and occasional heavy afternoon storms; dress light, carry sunscreen and expect lively outdoor events and markets.

March–May: milder temperatures with pleasant days and cooler evenings; colors change in parks and it's a comfortable time for walking and outdoor activities.

June–August: cooler and sometimes chilly nights; temperatures can drop noticeably compared with northern Brazil, so pack layers and a light jacket — frost is rare but possible in higher nearby hills.

September–November: warming temperatures, flowering parks and a good balance of outdoor conditions; occasional rain but generally comfortable for exploring.

The main international airport in the state, about 40–60 km south of Novo Hamburgo depending on route; easily reachable by car, bus or shuttle and offers domestic and international connections.

A smaller regional airport serving the Serra Gaúcha area; useful if you plan to continue into the mountains, though services and flight options are more limited.

Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in large cities; ask for salads, egg-based dishes, cheese platters and vegetable sides, and look for bakeries and cafés for snacks.

Vegan choices are less common; bring snacks when hiking or exploring, and request modifications in restaurants (rice, beans, salads, grilled vegetables). Larger nearby cities offer more vegan-friendly options.

Gluten-free requests are possible at many restaurants but verify ingredients at bakeries and in traditional German-style dishes; many mainstream places can accommodate if asked.

Specialty halal and kosher establishments are limited; if these dietary laws are essential, plan ahead and consider Porto Alegre for more options.