Belo Horizonte - Discovering Brazil

Travelling to Belo Horizonte

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Belo Horizonte, a pretty good destination in Brazil (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Belo Horizonte and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Belo Horizonte, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Brazil, here's everything to know about Belo Horizonte for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte is the sixth largest city in Brazil and the capital of the state of Minas Gerais. It has a population of over 2.5 million people and is known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine. The city is located in the southeastern region of Brazil and has a warm, tropical climate. Belo Horizonte is also a hub for business and commerce, with many large corporations having their headquarters there. Additionally, it is home to many beautiful parks and museums, making it a popular tourist destination.

What to visit in Belo Horizonte

1. Pampulha Modern Ensemble - This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes a collection of buildings designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, as well as the picturesque Pampulha Lagoon. It is a must-see for architecture and design enthusiasts.
2. Mercado Central - This vibrant market is the perfect place to experience local culture and taste authentic Brazilian food. From traditional sweets to exotic fruits and spices, you can find it all here.
3. Inhotim - This contemporary art museum is known for its expansive gardens and impressive collection of contemporary artwork. It is a great place for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
4. Central Park (Parque Municipal) - This park is located in the heart of the city and offers a relaxing oasis amidst the hustle and bustle. It features a lake, walking trails, and an open-air amphitheater.
5. Mineirão Stadium - This impressive stadium is home to several local football (soccer) teams and is also used for concerts and other events. It is a must-visit for sports fans.
6. Conjunto Arquitetônico da Praça da Liberdade - This historic and cultural complex consists of several elegant buildings that were once home to government offices. Now, they have been converted into museums and cultural centers.
7. São Francisco de Assis Church - This striking church, designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, is known for its modernist style and curved lines. It is a popular spot for tourists and photographers.
8. Mangabeiras Park - This vast park features stunning views of the city and plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. 9. Palacio das Artes - This cultural center hosts a variety of performances and exhibitions, including theater, dance, music, and art. It is worth checking out the schedule to see what events are taking place during your visit.
10. Casa do Baile - This unique building, also designed by Oscar Niemeyer, is located on the edge of Pampulha Lagoon and was once a popular dance hall. Today, it is used as a cultural center and exhibition space.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Brazil, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Belo Horizonte.

When to go on holiday to Belo Horizonte

The best time to visit Belo Horizonte is during the months of May to September. This period has a dry weather with comfortable temperatures, while the summer months from December to February can be very warm and rainy. It is important to note that temperatures in Belo Horizonte can vary quite a bit throughout the day so it's always a good idea to pack layers to accommodate for these changes. Additionally, keep in mind that the peak tourist season in Belo Horizonte is from June to August, so expect crowds and higher hotel rates during this time.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte is the capital city of the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. There are several ways to get there depending on where you are coming from: 1. By air: Belo Horizonte has an international airport called Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF) located in Confins, about 40 km from the city. There are also some domestic flights to Pampulha Airport (PLU) within the city.
2. By bus: Belo Horizonte has a bus station called Rodoviária de Belo Horizonte that serves many destinations within Brazil.
3. By car: You can rent a car and drive to Belo Horizonte. Major highways that connect to the city include BR-040, BR-381, and BR-356.
4. By train: There are some train services that connect Belo Horizonte to other cities within Minas Gerais.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Belo Horizonte, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Belo Horizonte

Sure, here are some typical foods of Belo Horizonte in Brazil: 1. Pão de Queijo: A popular cheese bread snack that's made from cassava flour, milk, eggs, and cheese. It's crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.
2. Feijão Tropeiro: A hearty bean stew that's made with beans, bacon, sausage, eggs, and cassava flour. It's typically served with rice, collard greens, and farofa.
3. Tutu de Feijão: A creamy bean puree that's made with beans, cassava flour, garlic, and onions. It's typically served with rice, sausage, and kale.
4. Frango com Quiabo: A chicken and okra stew that's flavored with tomato, onion, and spices. It's typically served with rice and beans.
5. Leitão à Pururuca: Slow-roasted pork that's crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. It's typically served with cassava flour, rice, and beans.
6. Brigadeiro: A popular Brazilian dessert that's made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. It's typically rolled into bite-sized balls and served as a sweet treat. 7. Cachaça: Known as Brazil's national spirit, cachaça is a distilled spirit made from sugarcane juice. It's commonly used in cocktails like the Caipirinha.
You can find general info about typical foods in Brazil here.

Is Belo Horizonte an expensive destination for tourists?

Belo Horizonte can be considered as a moderately expensive destination for tourists when compared to other cities in Brazil. The cost of accommodation, transportation, and food can vary depending on the season and location of your stay. Tourists can find reasonably priced hotels and guesthouses in some areas of the city while high-end hotels can be relatively expensive. The cost of food can be affordable if you stick to traditional Brazilian cuisine but can add up if you prefer international cuisine. Overall, with some budgeting and research, you should be able to enjoy the city without breaking the bank.

Where to find accomodation in Belo Horizonte

The best areas to find accommodations in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, are Savassi, Pampulha, and Lourdes. Savassi is a trendy neighborhood with many restaurants, bars, and shops. Pampulha is a historic area, featuring the Pampulha Modern Ensemble, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lourdes is a more upscale area with many boutique hotels, high-end restaurants and shops. These neighborhoods are all centrally located, making it easy to explore the city's top attractions.
You can check hotel prices at Belo Horizonte here:
Booking.com

Is Belo Horizonte a safe destination for tourists?

Belo Horizonte is generally considered a safe place for tourists, however, caution is always advised when travelling to any destination. Like any other major city, it is important to take necessary safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas such as public transport, markets and tourist attractions. It is recommended to avoid isolated, poorly lit areas at night and not to wear valuable jewelry or carry large amounts of cash when walking in the city. It is advisable to use registered taxis and avoid using unlicensed ones. Overall, as long as you take necessary safety precautions and use common sense, Belo Horizonte should be a safe destination for tourists.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Brazil here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Belo Horizonte.

What type of travelers will enjoy Belo Horizonte the most?

Belo Horizonte is a great destination for all types of travelers. The city has diverse attractions and activities that can suit the individual interests of different travelers. Couples can enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the city by exploring its charming parks and gardens, trying traditional Brazilian cuisine in its restaurants, and visiting monuments and cultural centers.
Young people looking for fun can enjoy the lively nightlife of Belo Horizonte, with its numerous bars, clubs, and music venues that offer a range of entertainment options.
Families can visit the many museums, zoos, and parks in the city, such as the Pampulha Modern Ensemble and the Mineirão Stadium, and enjoy a day out with their children. Overall, Belo Horizonte has something for everyone and is a great destination to explore the diverse culture and beauty of Brazil.

How to get around Belo Horizonte

In Belo Horizonte, you can move around by bus, taxi or subway. The subway has only two lines so it is not as extensive as in other cities. Taxis are widely available, but can be expensive for longer trips. Buses are the most common means of transportation and there are many routes that cover different parts of the city.

What to see around Belo Horizonte

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Belo Horizonte: 1. Inhotim - It's an outdoor contemporary art museum, featuring a mix of installations, sculptures, and paintings. 2. Ouro Preto - A historic city located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Belo Horizonte. It's known for its colonial architecture and baroque churches.
3. Serra do Curral - It's a mountain range that offers a panoramic view of Belo Horizonte.
4. Brumadinho - A small town located about 1 hour from Belo Horizonte. It's known for its waterfalls and natural landscapes.
5. Congonhas - It's a historic town located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Belo Horizonte. It's known for its impressive Baroque sculpture, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos.
6. Casa da Cultura - A museum located in Sabará, about 25 minutes away from Belo Horizonte. It features a collection of Baroque art and furniture.
7. Lapinha da Serra - A small village located in the Serra do Espinhaço mountains, about 2 and a half hours from Belo Horizonte. It's known for its hiking trails and natural landscapes.
I hope this helps!
For every travel information about Brazil you can click here.

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