Belo Horizonte
South America · Brazil
Did you know?
- Pão de queijo cheese rolls are a staple of the regional cuisine.
- Niemeyer's São Francisco de Assis Church belongs to the Pampulha Modern Ensemble.
- Founded in 1897, the planned city has a grid of tree-lined avenues.
See also
Ouro Preto
Brazil20.39°S 43.50°W · 1,179 m
Tiradentes
Brazil21.11°S 44.18°W · 927 m
Overview
Tree-lined avenues give this planned city an orderly urban setting. Bars, museums and modern architecture make it a useful base for exploring Minas Gerais's colonial towns.
Languages: Portuguese
Why go?
Belo Horizonte, founded in 1897 as a planned city, offers an orderly grid with tree-lined avenues and a pleasant metropolitan atmosphere. It serves as an ideal gateway to the beautiful colonial towns of Ouro Preto and Tiradentes, and is known for its bars, museums, and modern architecture.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
The main bus station is Terminal Rodoviário de Belo Horizonte, downtown at the northern end of Afonso Pena Avenue. Confins International Airport (CNF) is 40 km from the city and connects to the USA, Caribbean, Europe, and major Brazilian cities; from there, take a taxi (R$125) or ride-share (R$75), or a bus (conventional R$13.50, executive R$29.40). Pampulha Airport (PLU) serves domestic flights, especially within Minas Gerais.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The city has a metro system (Estação Central), buses, and taxis. Many attractions in the downtown area are walkable. For longer distances, ride-share services are available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The rainy season runs from October to March, with daily thunderstorms and possible flooding. The dry season from April to September offers milder temperatures and less rain. Winters (June-August) are pleasant with average lows around 15°C.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Major high-rise hotels are along Av. Afonso Pena and in the Savassi neighborhood. Budget accommodations cluster near the train station. Hostels include Rock. and Hostel (Santo Antônio) and Hostel Chalé Mineiro (Santa Efigênia), both within walking distance of attractions.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Minas Gerais cuisine features pão de queijo (cheese rolls) and feijoada. Buffet-style restaurants are common. The Savassi neighborhood is packed with bars; try a fresh acerola juice or a cachaça-based caipirinha. The city claims the most bars per capita in the world.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Explore the Pampulha Modern Ensemble (UNESCO), including Oscar Niemeyer's São Francisco de Assis Church. Visit Mineirão Stadium, Mangabeiras Park, Praça da Liberdade, and the Museum of Arts and Crafts (R$4, free Saturdays). Watch the sunset from Parque das Mangabeiras or see the city lights from Praça do Papa. Don't miss the Hippie Fair on Sundays.
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Safety
Be cautious of motorcycles when crossing streets. Avoid walking alone at night and carrying expensive electronics. If mugged, do not resist. Emergency number: 190 (military police).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
SIM cards and WiFi are widely available in hotels and cafes. Detailed information on providers is not specified in the article.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A daily budget for a backpacker might include hostel dorm (around R$50-80), meal at a buffet (R$15-25), and local transport (R$5-10). Admission to museums is about R$3-4. Bus from airport costs R$13.50-29.40.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Ouro Preto and Tiradentes are beautiful colonial towns reachable by bus. Serra do Cipó National Park (100 km) offers camping, trekking, and caving. All have direct intercity bus connections from Belo Horizonte.
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Etiquette
Portuguese is the local language; English is not widely spoken. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Smoking is banned in closed buildings.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Belo Horizonte, intercity buses connect to colonial towns such as Ouro Preto and Tiradentes, as well as other destinations in Minas Gerais.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Hostel Chalé Mineiro
This hostel is a member of Hostelling International and has a nice swimming pool for its guests. (From Rodoviaria take bus 9801 (Saudade-Santa Cruz), at Rua dos Caetés, or the subway to the Santa Tereza station)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hostel Sossego da Pampulha
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel São Bento
Good value.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
1000 Graus
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
A Pastelândia
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
A Seu Gosto Espaço Gourmet
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Apetite Bar e Restaurante
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Coqueiros Grill
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Driving
Blood alcohol limit is 0.2g/l; do not drink and drive.
Health
Tap water is potable but use bottled if unsure of building tanks. Free healthcare available but expect long waits.
Language
Portuguese. English not widely spoken; learn basic phrases.
Money
Local currency is Brazilian Real (R$). Credit cards widely accepted, but cash is useful for small purchases.
Safety
Emergency number 190 for police. Avoid walking alone at night in deserted areas.
Smoking
Smoking is banned in all closed buildings.
Water
Bottled water recommended if uncertain about water tank conditions.
Weather
Rainy season Oct-Mar with daily thunderstorms; dry season Apr-Sep is best for travel.