Porto Velho is the capital of Brazilian state Rondônia. It is the biggest city in the region with population exceeding 400 thousand. It is known for being a place, in which neighbourhood gold was found in the middle of the 20th century. The best way to travel around Porto Velho is by rented car.
There is a tiny promenade Beira Rio by the river Madeira with many bars, where you can sit comfortably and enjoy the view of sunset on the water. In the centre there are three water tanks - Três Caixas d'Água. Each of them has 200 litres of water capacity and was used as water-storage for the city. Today they are easily recognized parts of the urban landscape and must-see places while sightseeing.
Near Três Caixas d'Água there are many restaurants. You will find there San Gennaro restaurant (at Rua Duque de Caxias 568), which is a good idea if you vacation with children – they serve there pizza (kids love it, don’t they?) and other Italian dishes. Not a long shot from it, there is Celeiro restaurant (at Rua Rui Barbosa 739), where you can try local, Brazilian cuisine.
Are you into art? Take a moment or two for a visit in Casa da Cultura, where local’s artists pieces are gathered on temporary exhibitions.
Are you interested in local flavours? Go to the city market, taking place every Sunday. It is worth buying there exotic fruits and vegetables. In case of needing advice, residents will explain which of them you can it fresh, which taste better cooked.
As a Brazilian city, Porto Velho is going mad during the carnival. Its streets get filled with numerous, colourful processions and you can learn how to dance samba during that time (or at least get to know basic steps of this dance).
