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Porto Alegre Gay and Gay Friendly Bars Novo Era Uma Vez | Rua 18 do Novembro, 31 | 51 3907 0917 | http://novoeraumavez.blogspot.com Sometimes there's a DJ. Sometimes there are (hilarious and amazing) drag shows. Sometimes there are (drop-dead gorgeous) go-go boys. Sometimes, this all happens on the same night! Whatever's happening there at any given time, everyone is having a blast. A must-visit.

Porto Alegre Gay and Gay Friendly Bars Circuito Bar | Rua: Lopo Gonçalves, 66 | 5132275454 | www.circuitobar.com.br Circuito isn't the best place to cruise or chat, as it's set up more like a Vegas showroom than a mingle-friendly bar. But they have these great little bar counters dedicated to specific drinks, and you can grab a bite to eat as well, and the shows are highly entertaining.

Porto Alegre Gay and Gay Friendly Bars Pier 174 | Rua da República, 174 | 51 3061 7162 | www.pier174.com.br (doesn't work) At Pier 174 you'll find decent bar food, live music, and a crowd that spills out the door and onto the street, making for a lively, chatty atmosphere. And it's a good thing, since the place is unmarked. It opens at 6pm with a decent happy hour.

Porto Alegre Gay and Gay Friendly Bars Mixx Bar | Conde de Porto Alegre, 232 | (51) 3264 7953 | http://mixxbar.blogspot.com Drag queens and go-go boys abound at this small, colorful bar. Oh, and did we mention the tasty strippers? Get a seat up close for the best view, as the stage isn't exactly built for the back of the house.

Porto Alegre Gay and Gay Friendly Hotels Sheraton Porto Alegre Hotel | Rua Olavo Barreto Viana 18 | (51) 2121 6000 | http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1398 Let's not mess around here – this Starwood hotel property is going to be flawless, and you can book it using points! The rooftop pool area (indoor, heated, divine) alone is worth the stay, but there's also the top of the line in everything from room design to massages to the gym. Why the wifi is USD16 per day we'll never know, but there it is.

Porto Alegre Gay and Gay Friendly Hotels Harbor Hotel Regent Suites | R. Vigário José Inácio, 700 | 51 3025-3200 | http://www.harborhoteis.com.br/en/inicial/3/harbor-hotel-regent-suites Ok, so this is not the most modern hotel room you'll ever stay in. But it's comfortable and in a great location, and you have a little kitchen, a living room area and a balcony, and there's wifi and laundry services. And there's 24-hour room service, too.

Porto Alegre Gay and Gay Friendly Hotels InterCity Premium Porto Alegre | Av. Borges de Medeiros, 2105 | 51 3022-9100 | http://www.intercityhoteis.com.br/hotel/sobre-hotel-intercity-premium-porto-alegre?lang=en Divine rooms, a sexy rooftop outdoor pool, sauna, gym, and wifi. Book a room that has a view of the sunset – you won't be disappointed. They also have a decent happy hour if you want to stick around close to home before heading out.

Porto Alegre Gay and Gay Friendly Hotels Mercure Porto Alegre Manhattan | R. Miguel Tostes, 30 | 51 3024-3030 | http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-3623-mercure-porto-alegre-manhattan-hotel/index.shtml The Mercure chain is always a solid bet, and this property is no exception. The pool has painted lanes for laps, the breakfast is delish, they have free wifi, and the rooms are tasteful and immaculate. Book a corner Superior room to get a balcony.

Porto Alegre Gay and Gay Friendly Hotels Swan Tower | Avenida Cristovao Colombo 3192 | 51 3326-2222 | http://www.swanhoteis.com.br/sobre/2 A breathtaking atrium, sublimely styled rooms, and a breakfast selection fit for a king (or queen). The only drawback is that is a little far outside of the city center, which depending on your preference could be a plus. It's also massive enough to come and go with whomever you please relatively unnoticed.

Porto Alegre Gay and Gay Friendly Hotels Everest Palace Hotel | Rua Duque De Caxias 1357 | 51 3228-4799 | http://www.everest.com.br/portoalegre/ The regular hotel-style rooms have been redone and are lovely; their apartments have yet to be refurbished, but offer a full living room and kitchen, if you're planning on staying for a bit or want a homier feel. They also have a full circuit gym and even a game room with a pool table. The views are amazing, and it's in a great location to boot.

Porto Alegre Gay and Gay Friendly Hotels Plaza Sao Rafael Hotel | Ave Alberto Bins 514 | 51 3220-7000 | http://www.plazahoteis.com.br/saorafael/en/ If you've stayed here in the past, you'll be pleased to know they've redone their rooms not to look so much like your spinster aunt's bedroom. The rooftop lap pool is a stunner, and there's a hot tub and gym up there as well. The Executive Single rooms are the best value.

Porto Alegre Gay and Gay Friendly Hotels Quality Hotel Porto Alegre | Comendador Caminha St. 42 | 51 3323-9300 | http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-porto_alegre-brazil-BR084 What can we say about a Quality Inn that you don't know already? This one has all the amenities you'd expect from a reputable international chain – gym facilities, nice breakfast spread, clean comfortable rooms – plus park views and valet parking.

Porto Alegre Gay and Gay Friendly Hotels Blue Tree Millennium Porto Alegre (note that it is more often than not found online spelled “Millenium”; not sure which one you would prefer to use) | Av. Borges de Medeiros, 3120 | 51 3026-2200 | http://www.bluetree.com.br/hoteis-e-resorts/millenium-porto-alegre.jsp?language=en Upgrade to a Deluxe room here, as they've been completely refurbished and are super nice; the Standards leave much to be desired. You'll also get more space – and they have terraces, while the others have just windows. But all rooms have AC, wifi, and nice bright bathrooms. Don't miss the view from the indoor rooftop pool.

Porto Alegre Gay and Gay Friendly Hotels Ornatus Palace Hotel | Rua General Vitorino, 146 | (51) 3221 4555 | http://www.hotelornatus.com.br/ This gay-friendly hotel is in a good location, has a decent continental breakfast spread, and offers laundry services. The interior may not be the most modern you've ever stepped foot in, but the rooms are clean, comfortable and spacious. Wifi is available.

Rio De Janeiro Gay and Gay Friendly Businesses/Organizations BITCH | Bitch.com.br Once a season, the BITCH circuit party rears its raunchy head, and the gays come out in droves to get their BITCH on. If you can't get to Carnival, then make sure you're around for BITCH.

Rio De Janeiro Gay and Gay Friendly Restaurants Porcão | Av. Armando Lombardi, 591 | 21 3389-8989 | http://www.porcao.com.br/ You can't go all the way to Rio and not have churrascaria, otherwise known as meat fest. But we're talking about actual meat here! Come hungry, and load up on some of the best grilled meats you'll ever have. There are two locations; this is the one with the stunning view of Sugarloaf.

Rio De Janeiro Gay and Gay Friendly Restaurants Salpicado | R. Maria Quitéria, 77 | 21 2227-2161 | http://www.salpicado.com.br/ This is your place for simple, home-cooked, traditional Brazilian food in a non-sceney atmosphere. Sometimes, it's just good to get away from it all! They also deliver if you're renting your own place in Rio for the season.

Rio De Janeiro Gay and Gay Friendly Restaurants Bazzar | R. Barao da Torre, 538 | (32) 0228-84 | http://www.bazzar.com.br/ Fresh food served in a quiet atmosphere with some home-cooked loving thrown in for good measure. Ask about sauces and mustards to take home as gifts – or to have later when you want to remember your days in Rio!

Rio De Janeiro Gay and Gay Friendly Restaurants Confiteria Colombo | Rua Gonalves Dias 32 | (21) 2505-1500 | http://www.confeitariacolombo.com.br/site/ There is a lot of history to this place, evidenced in its Belle Epoque interior that has been lovingly preserved. The cuisine is mixed, and served buffet style, so come hungry! If you're not starving, then have a seat at the snack bar for a little bit of this or that.

Rio De Janeiro Gay and Gay Friendly Restaurants Siri Mole & Cia | Rua Francisco Otaviano, 50 (Rua Ral Pompia) | (21) 1226-7089 | http://www.sirimole.com.br/ This cute, intimate place is the place to go for northern Brazilian food that satisfies the soul. Note, though, that this is no down-home place; trendy types flock here like moths to a flame, so it's a good place to bring someone yo want to impress.

Rio De Janeiro Gay and Gay Friendly Restaurants Felice Caffè | Rua Gomes Carneiro, 30 | (21) 2522-7749 | www.felice.com.br/arquivos/principal.htm A gay-heavy mixed crowd comes here for the good food – but they stay for the drinks, and it could be perhaps the sceniest ice cream parlor in the Western Hemisphere. You could easily see yourself hitting this up more than once a day.

Rio De Janeiro Gay and Gay Friendly Restaurants Caroline Cafe | Rua J.J. Seabra, 10 | 21 2540-0705 | There's a little bit of everything here – classic Rio people watching at the outdoor tables, American pub food, sushi, Brazilian brunch menu a pretty hip bar scene... oh, and a rooftop terrace that is hot, hot, hot.

Rio De Janeiro Gay and Gay Friendly Restaurants Pizzaria Rainbow | Av Atlantica, kiosk 8 -Copa | no number | no website This pizza stand on the beach is marked by its rainbow flag – and the dozens of hot, sweaty, sandy gays chowing down on great pizza and washing it all down with a cold beer. It's open until 1am, so you can even come here for a quick bite before heading out, and get a head start on the action.

Rio De Janeiro Gay and Gay Friendly Restaurants Zazá Bistrô Tropical | R. Joana Angélica, 40 | 21 2247-9101 | http://www.zazabistro.com.br Quirky, colorful, and just a touch fabulous, Zazá should always be on your list when hunger strikes. They emphasize organic ingredients, and their menu is carefully cureated with lovingly prepared dishes.

Rio De Janeiro Gay and Gay Friendly Sauna/Massage Spa 73 | Rua Pereira de Almeida, 73 | 21 3087-0037 | http://www.netgay.com.br/saunas/spa73foto.htm The common areas of this sauna are very club-like, but the cabins are the stars here – get one of the suites with a Jacuzzi tub, and who knows when you'll ever want to leave? This one is definitely worth a visit.