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Belo Horizonte is a bustling metropolis in Brazil with nearly 3 million inhabitants. And yet it's probably not the first city you think of when you think of Brazil. And that's pretty special, because this capital of the state of Minas Gerais is definitely worth a visit. From impressive architecture to amazing gastronomy, Belo Horizonte is sure to surprise you. Curious about what to do in Belo Horizonte and what makes the city so special? These are our tips and the best sights to see in Belo Horizonte!
The city of Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Belo Horizonte is a relatively young city, founded on December 12, 1897. The city was founded as the new capital of the state of Minas Gerais, replacing the old colonial town of Ouro Preto, which was no longer able to keep up with the state's growth. Belo Horizonte was designed according to the ideas of the famous urban planner Aarão Reis, who was inspired by the urbanization and modernization of Europe.
Built from the ground up, the city was immediately given a modern look with wide boulevards and plenty of green space, which was a progressive idea for the time. It was the first city in Brazil to be planned and built as a modern metropolis. The city has since experienced tremendous growth and is now an important economic and cultural hub of the country. Despite often being overlooked in comparison to icons such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Belo Horizonte offers an authentic Brazilian experience you don't want to miss. Especially the modern architecture, the insane gastronomy and the location in the beautiful mountainous landscape make Belo Horizonte well worth a visit.
1. Igreja São Francisco de Assis da Pampulha
One of the absolute highlights of Belo Horizonte is the Igreja São Francisco de Assis da Pampulha, also known as the Pampulha Church. Designed by famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, this iconic structure is a stunning example of modernist architecture. The church is an important symbol of the city and you will see it featured on many souvenirs from Belo Horizonte.
The church is part of the Pampulha Museum complex, located on scenic Lake Pampulha. What makes the church so special is its striking wave-shaped construction and beautiful paintings by Cândido Portinari, one of Brazil's most renowned artists.
Visit the church in the late afternoon, when the sunlight plays a magical game with the blue tiles on the facade. Also, don't forget to take a walk along Lake Pampulha, where you can admire more of Niemeyer's modern masterpieces.
2. Mercado Central
We never skip a visit to a market hall when we are in a new city. Strolling along the stalls, tasting local delicacies... it's something we love to do and thus always recommend. In Belo Horizonte, the Mercado Central is the place to be for this!
One of Brazil's oldest and largest market halls, the Mercado Central offers a wide range of products: from fresh tropical fruits and regional cheeses to traditional sweets such as doce de leite. The smell of freshly roasted coffee fills the air, and you'll encounter friendly vendors everywhere who are happy to let you sample their products.
Be sure to try the famous "queijo Minas," a regional cheese that goes very well with a glass of local cachaça. And don't forget to take home a few traditional souvenirs, such as handmade ceramics.
The market hall is open daily, but it is best to go in the morning, when it is busiest and liveliest.
3. Mercado Novo
If you are looking for a place where the locals gather on Saturday afternoons for a nice snack and drink and a cozy atmosphere, then you have to go to Mercado Novo. Housed in an industrial building, this market hall has been given a completely new look and is now one of the trendiest spots in Belo Horizonte.
The building still exudes its industrial past, but inside you'll find a collection of hip hotspots. From craft breweries and local wine bars to fun restaurants and beautiful concept stores. Be sure to try the "Frango a Paçoquinha" at Viela, it is truly delicious!
4. Praça da Liberdade
In the middle of bustling Belo Horizonte lies the Praça da Liberdade (Liberty Square). This beautiful square is surrounded by stately palm trees and impressive architecture. The Praça da Liberdade has a rich history and was once the administrative center of Minas Gerais. Around the square you will find historic buildings, such as the Palácio da Liberdade, which was once the official residence of the governor of the state. Today you'll find museums in many of these buildings, such as the CCBB (Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil) with daily exhibitions and cultural events. Also check out the Edifício Niemeyer, another architectural masterpiece by architect Oscar Niemeyer.
5. The Mineirão soccer stadium
If you’re a football fan, a visit to Mineirão, Belo Horizonte’s iconic stadium, is a must. Officially known as Estádio Mineirão, it’s one of the largest and most legendary stadiums in Brazil. It’s also the home ground of Cruzeiro, a beloved football club with a rich history and a passionate fanbase.
Opened in 1965, Mineirão has hosted countless iconic matches, including several during the 2014 World Cup. With a capacity of over 60,000 spectators, it’s a place where you can truly feel Brazil’s passion for football. Its impressive stands and modern architecture make it one of the most striking stadiums in South America.
Tip: attend a match! Want to truly experience the Brazilian football spirit? Then don’t miss the chance to attend a Cruzeiro match. Feeling the passion of the local fans and witnessing the excitement of Brazilian football up close is an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere in the stadium is second to none. Supporters sing, cheer, and live every moment. Whether you're a football fan or not, the energy is absolutely contagious!
6. Praça Governador Israel Pinheiro (Praça do Papa)
For one of the best views of Belo Horizonte, you have to go to the Praça Governador Israel Pinheiro, better known as Praça do Papa. Located at a higher point in the city, this plaza offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. Standing here, you really realize just how big the city is.
The square was named "Praça do Papa" after Pope John Paul II's visit in 1980. During his visit, he gave a speech here and spoke the iconic words: "Que belo horizonte!". And that also explains the name of the city!
The plaza is currently (2025) under construction, so you can't enter it temporarily.
7. Municipal Serra do Curral Park and Parque das Mangabeiras
After soaking up the view at Praça do Papa, it’s time for some action! Just around the corner you’ll find the Municipal Serra do Curral Park and the neighbouring Parque das Mangabeiras, perfect places to explore the stunning natural surroundings of Belo Horizonte. Lace up your hiking boots and set off on a walk through the iconic Serra do Curral mountains. Both parks offer a range of trails for different levels, with panoramic viewpoints along the way where you can take in sweeping views over the city and the mining sites that mark the region. These mines are a striking reminder of Minas Gerais’ rich heritage as Brazil’s mining heartland.
The parks are home to a surprising variety of wildlife, from colourful birds and curious monkeys to possums and lizards. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a capybara, the world’s largest rodent!
What is the best place to stay in Belo Horizonte?
Where you stay in Belo Horizonte can really shape your experience of the city. Overall, we found Belo Horizonte to feel safer than cities like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, but it's still important to choose a neighborhood that’s not only nice, but also safe. Luckily, there are a few areas that stand out for their great location, safety, and easy access to top attractions and good restaurants.
If you're looking for a central location with a nice mix of stores, restaurants and hotels, then Funcionários is a good choice. Located near Praça da Liberdade, this neighborhood offers a good base for exploring the city. It is a vibrant area where you will find both luxury and accessible hotels to stay.
Another option is Lourdes. Lourdes is one of Belo Horizonte's most upscale neighborhoods. It is a safe area with nice stores, many cozy bars and some of Belo Horizonte's top restaurants.
The best restaurants in Belo Horizonte
Minas Gerais is known for its delicious cuisine, and Belo Horizonte is the place to discover this culinary tradition. From the authentic flavors of queijo minas (local cheese) and feijão tropeiro (a dish with beans) to sophisticated dishes from international cuisines, the city offers a huge variety of culinary experiences. These are the best restaurants in Belo Horizonte where you will not only eat well, but also experience the city's rich gastronomy:
Glouton: one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the city. Traditional Minas Gerais cuisine with refined flavors and modern presentation.
Xapuri: an authentic experience of Minas Gerais cuisine. Try dishes like tutu de feijão and frango com quiabo.
A Paodequeijaria: an ode to the famous pão de queijo (cheese sandwiches) of Minas Gerais.
Restaurante Dona Lucinha: a culinary journey through the history of Minas Gerais with traditional dishes passed down through generations.
La Macellaria: the place for meat lovers. Here you eat the very best picanha (steak).
Maria das Tranças: famous for their frango ao molho pardo (chicken in a traditional sauce), an iconic dish in Minas Gerais.
Ninita: for an Italian night out, Ninita offers delicious pasta and a cozy atmosphere.
Nicolau Bar da Esquina: a hip hot spot serving traditional dishes from Minas Gerais with a modern twist.
La Traviata: classic Italian dishes in an atmospheric setting.
Taste-Vin: a French restaurant with refined dishes and an impressive wine list. Guaranteed a culinary evening in style.
Restaurante Caravela: authentic Portuguese dishes, from fresh fish to traditional sweets such as pastéis de nata.
Kanpai: for lovers of Japanese cuisine with delicious sushi and other Japanese specialties.
Magri Palácio: a cozy place for brunch. Enjoy an extensive menu of local and international dishes in a stylish setting.
The best nightlife spots and bars in Belo Horizonte
Did you know that Belo Horizonte is home to over 12,000 bars? In fact, it has the highest number of bars per capita in all of Brazil! No one knows exactly why, but there’s a popular local saying that might explain it: “Já que não tem mar, bora pro bar” – “Since there’s no sea, let’s go to the bar.” The people of Belo Horizonte take great pride in their vibrant bar culture, and rightfully so. Some of the best areas to enjoy a drink are Savassi, Lourdes, Rua Sapucaí, and Santa Tereza.
Discover more of the state of Minas Gerais
From Belo Horizonte, two beautiful destinations are just a short drive away, offering you a completely different side of Minas Gerais. About two hours from the city, you'll find Serra do Cipó. This area is known for its spectacular waterfalls, colorful flowers and exotic birds. The Serra do Cipó National Park is an incredibly beautiful place for adventurous walks through the vast mountain landscapes and it offers an ideal escape from city life.
On another route, just 100 kilometers from Belo Horizonte, you'll find the historic Ouro Preto, a city that seems to be straight out of a postcard. Ouro Preto breathes history, with baroque churches richly decorated with gold and winding streets that take you back to the heyday of the gold rush. Here you can feel Brazil's stirring history as you stroll through its steep streets.
An unforgettable journey in Brazil
Planning a trip to Brazil but could use some expert help? Let us take care of everything for you! From flights and accommodations to excursions and activities, we tailor every detail to your perfect vacation. With our extensive experience in Brazil, we make sure your trip will be truly unforgettable. Request your personalized travel proposal today!
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
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