{"id":68349,"date":"2025-01-20T16:22:41","date_gmt":"2025-01-20T15:22:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travander.nl\/?p=68349"},"modified":"2026-09-23T12:18:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T10:18:21","slug":"what-do-belo-horizonte-brazil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travander.nl\/en\/wat-doen-belo-horizonte-brazilie\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do in Belo Horizonte: top tips & must-see attractions"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Belo Horizonte is a bustling metropolis in Brazil<\/a> 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!\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The city of Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais, Brazil<\/h2>

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 Aar\u00e3o Reis, who was inspired by the urbanization and modernization of Europe.<\/p>

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<\/a><\/strong> and S\u00e3o Paulo<\/a><\/strong>, 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.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1. Igreja S\u00e3o Francisco de Assis da Pampulha<\/h2>

One of the absolute highlights of Belo Horizonte is the Igreja S\u00e3o 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.\u00a0<\/p>

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 C\u00e2ndido Portinari, one of Brazil's most renowned artists.\u00a0<\/p>

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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Igreja\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Igreja S\u00e3o Francisco de Assis da Pampulha<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Location of the church on Lake Pampulha<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Pampulha\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
The paintings of C\u00e2ndido Portinari<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

2. Mercado Central<\/h2>

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!\u00a0<\/p>

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.\u00a0<\/p>

Be sure to try the famous \"queijo Minas,\" a regional cheese that goes very well with a glass of local cacha\u00e7a. And don't forget to take home a few traditional souvenirs, such as handmade ceramics.<\/p>

The market hall is open daily, but it is best to go in the morning, when it is busiest and liveliest.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Mercado\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Strolling through the Mercado Central<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Different\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
All kinds of peppers in the Mercado Central<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Local\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Local specialties in the Mercado Central<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

3. Mercado Novo<\/h2>

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.<\/p>

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 Pa\u00e7oquinha\" at Viela, it is truly delicious!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Viela\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Viela in the Mercado Novo<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Mercado Novo<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Frango a Pa\u00e7oquinha at Viela<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

4. Pra\u00e7a da Liberdade<\/h2>

In the middle of bustling Belo Horizonte lies the Pra\u00e7a da Liberdade (Liberty Square). This beautiful square is surrounded by stately palm trees and impressive architecture. The Pra\u00e7a 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 Pal\u00e1cio 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 Edif\u00edcio Niemeyer, another architectural masterpiece by architect Oscar Niemeyer.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Pra\u00e7a\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Pra\u00e7a da Liberdade<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Edif\u00edcio\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Edif\u00edcio Niemeyer at Pra\u00e7a da Liberdade<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

5. The Mineir\u00e3o soccer stadium<\/h2>

If you\u2019re a football fan, a visit to Mineir\u00e3o, Belo Horizonte\u2019s iconic stadium, is a must. Officially known as Est\u00e1dio Mineir\u00e3o, it\u2019s one of the largest and most legendary stadiums in Brazil. It\u2019s also the home ground of Cruzeiro, a beloved football club with a rich history and a passionate fanbase.<\/p>

Opened in 1965, Mineir\u00e3o has hosted countless iconic matches, including several during the 2014 World Cup. With a capacity of over 60,000 spectators, it\u2019s a place where you can truly feel Brazil\u2019s passion for football. Its impressive stands and modern architecture make it one of the most striking stadiums in South America.<\/p>

Tip: attend a match! Want to truly experience the Brazilian football spirit? Then don\u2019t 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!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Mineir\u00e3o\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Mineir\u00e3o football stadium <\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Exterior of Mineir\u00e3o stadium<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

6. Pra\u00e7a Governador Israel Pinheiro (Pra\u00e7a do Papa)<\/h2>

For one of the best views of Belo Horizonte, you have to go to the Pra\u00e7a Governador Israel Pinheiro, better known as Pra\u00e7a 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.\u00a0<\/p>

The square was named \"Pra\u00e7a 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!\".\u00a0<\/em>And that also explains the name of the city!\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

7. Municipal Serra do Curral Park and Parque das Mangabeiras<\/h2>

After soaking up the view at Pra\u00e7a do Papa, it\u2019s time for some action! Just around the corner you\u2019ll 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\u2019 rich heritage as Brazil\u2019s mining heartland.<\/p>

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\u2019s largest rodent!\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Viewpoint at Parque das Mangabeiras<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Parque\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
View of mining in Parque das Mangabeiras<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

What is the best place to stay in Belo Horizonte?\u00a0<\/h2>

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 S\u00e3o Paulo, but it's still important to choose a neighborhood that\u2019s 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.<\/p>

If you're looking for a central location with a nice mix of stores, restaurants and hotels, then Funcion\u00e1rios<\/strong><\/a> is a good choice. Located near Pra\u00e7a 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.\u00a0<\/p>

Another option is Lourdes.\u00a0Lourdes<\/strong><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTryp by Wyndham Savassi\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFuncion\u00e1rios\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t