Uruguaiana is located on the western side of state Rio Grande do Sul. This state is situated in the western part of Brazil, within a close distance to border with Argentina and Uruguay. Thanks to this closeness you can find in the city a mix of cultures of all three countries. Influences can be observed mostly in cuisine and clothes of locals. The city’s name originates from the river that flows by it – the Uruguay River.
Uruguaiana is perfectly communicated with other Brazilian cities, as well as cities of neighbouring countries. There are many highways, among them: those leading to Osório (BR-290) or to Frederico Westphalen (BR-472). The city has also an international airport and one railway station, from which freights to Argentina, Paraguay and Chile are leaving.
Inhabitants of Uruguiana, as well as of the whole state Rio Grande do Sul, ae very attached to their traditions. On streets you can still see elderly men drinking maté, wearing wide trousers and huge hats.
The city was founded in the 19th century, and characteristic for these times architecture is still preserved in numerous places. Streets and pavements were designed with the aim of effortless moving on them, as they are very wide. It is worth to take a walk, paths are not overcrowded, so you can admire in calmness charming spots, especially those in the very city’s centre. It is where you can find a square named Baron Rio Branco, by which you will see momentous, elegant building with fair elevation – it is the town hall.
If you get hungry, go for dinner to one of the restaurants recommended by their guests. Among them we can name places such as pizzeria Casarao at Rua Quinze de Novembro 1709. Another popular restaurant is da Praca by Praca Barao de Rio Branco, that offers dishes of Brazilian cuisine and widely understood South American cuisine. If you happen to be really hungry, visit River's Grill & Restaurante at Rua Treze de Maio 1818, served there dishes are also of Brazilian cuisine and portions are really huge.
