Belo Horizonte Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Tips & Itinerary

Belo Horizonte Attractions Map

11 Experiences I Think Are Worth It in Belo Horizonte

1. Spend an entire day exploring Inhotim 👍 Must Do

If there is one reason to visit Belo Horizonte, it is Inhotim, the largest open-air contemporary art museum and botanical garden in the world. Honestly, this place completely changed my perception of what an art museum could be.

Spread across an enormous area filled with tropical gardens, lakes, forests, and pavilions, Inhotim is unlike any museum I have ever visited. Instead of walking through crowded indoor galleries, you move between massive outdoor spaces where contemporary artworks are integrated into the landscape itself.

Even if you are not particularly interested in contemporary art, I still think you will enjoy Inhotim. The botanical gardens alone are worth the trip, with thousands of plant species from Brazil and around the world spread throughout the property.

Some installations are housed inside purpose-built galleries, while others are hidden deep within the gardens, encouraging you to explore the grounds and discover them for yourself. One minute you are walking through a tropical forest, and the next you are standing inside a world-class art installation celebrating the beauty of the human body. Yes, it can be that random 😅. Keep in mind that some galleries are not suitable for children, although there are warning signs posted before you enter.

The site is absolutely massive, so I strongly recommend setting aside an entire day for your visit. Even then, you will probably only scratch the surface. Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, carry plenty of water, and be prepared to do a lot of walking.

Inhotim is located around 60 km (37 miles) from Belo Horizonte, and the easiest way to get there is via the official shuttle service, which you can reserve here. The shuttle costs around 140 BRL (~28 USD) for a round-trip ticket and departs daily at 8 AM from in front of Holiday Inn Savassi.

The return shuttle leaves Inhotim at 4:30 PM on weekdays and 5:30 PM on weekends from the museum's parking lot, giving you plenty of time to explore the grounds. Be sure to book the shuttle well in advance, as it often sells out one or two days before departure.

The same applies to Inhotim admission tickets. Book your entry date in advance, as the museum has a daily visitor limit of 5,000 people. I made the mistake of trying to book the day before my visit and found it completely sold out. I ended up having to stay an extra day in Belo Horizonte just to visit.

A one-day admission ticket costs 65 BRL (~13 USD). If you want to spread your visit across multiple days, you can purchase a two-day pass for 114 BRL or a three-day pass for 150 BRL. The museum is open from Wednesday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM and from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM on weekends and holidays. Admission is free on Wednesdays. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

If you only do one thing while visiting Belo Horizonte, make it Inhotim. It is not only one of the most impressive attractions in Minas Gerais but also one of the most unique cultural experiences you can have anywhere in Brazil.

For a complete visiting guide to Inhotim, check out:Inhotim Guide: Best Galleries to Visit, Tips & Walking Itinerary

Where to Stay in Belo Horizonte?

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2. Hang around Praça da Liberdade

I found that the best place to start exploring Belo Horizonte is Praça da Liberdade. It was one of the first places I visited in the city, and it immediately gave me a good sense of what Belo Horizonte is all about. Surrounded by grand historic buildings, palm-lined walkways, fountains, gardens, and several of the city's best museums, this beautiful square is often considered the cultural heart of Belo Horizonte.

The square itself is not particularly large, but it is incredibly green and lively. Here, you will find locals relaxing in the gardens, students gathering between classes, and tourists sitting on one of the many benches resting from a day of exploration. It is especially beautiful in the late afternoon when the temperature begins to cool down and the gardens are bathed in warm golden light.

For me, what makes this square particularly interesting is that many of the historic government buildings surrounding it have been transformed into museums and cultural centers as part of the Circuito Liberdade cultural complex.

This means you can easily spend an entire afternoon wandering between museums, galleries, cafes, and the square itself. We will take a look at some of my favorite museums in the next section.

3. Check out the ongoing exhibition at Bank of Brazil Cultural Center

One of my favorite museums around Praça da Liberdade was the Bank of Brazil Cultural Center (CCBB), a cultural center housed inside a beautifully restored historic building that regularly hosts some of the most interesting art exhibitions in Belo Horizonte.

What I like about CCBB is that the exhibitions are constantly changing, so there are always something new to see. Depending on when you visit, you might find contemporary art installations, photography exhibitions, multimedia experiences, historical collections, or works from renowned Brazilian and international artists.

I was lucky enough to visit when the museum was hosting an exhibition dedicated to one of my favorite artists in the gaming industry, Yoshitaka Amano. He is a legendary Japanese visual artist best known for his distinctive illustration style and his iconic contributions to the Final Fantasy series, from the original logo designs all the way to the latest installments.

The exhibition was extremely well laid out, starting with Amano's early work and gradually progressing through the different stages of his career, allowing me to see how his artistic style evolved over the years. The museum showcased a massive collection of his Final Fantasy artwork, which was absolutely mind-blowing to see in person.

Some of the exhibits were also highly interactive. One room, in particular, featured his colorful artwork projected across the walls of a darkened space, allowing me to walk around completely surrounded by his illustrations. It was an incredible experience. This was the first museum I visited in Belo Horizonte, and it completely blew me away. What a way to make a first impression!

I spent around an hour exploring the galleries, but you could easily stay longer if a particular exhibition catches your attention. Best of all, admission is often free, making it one of the best cultural attractions in Belo Horizonte. The museum is open from 10 AM to 10 PM every day except Tuesdays.

4. Learn the History of Mining at Museum Of Mines And Metal 🏛️ Best Museum

Another museum I highly recommend visiting while exploring Praça da Liberdade is the Museum of Mines and Metal (MM Gerdau), one of the most modern and interactive museums in Belo Horizonte.

As the name suggests, the museum focuses on the history of mining and metallurgy in Minas Gerais, a state whose history, economy, and culture were shaped by centuries of gold, iron, and gemstone extraction. Considering how important mining was to the development of cities like Ouro Preto and the entire region, there is no better place to learn more about it than here.

Unlike many traditional museums, MM Gerdau makes heavy use of interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, touchscreens, and audiovisual displays. The exhibits are spread across several floors and cover everything from geology and mineral formation to the history of mining, industrial development, and the role natural resources played in shaping Brazil.

One of my favorite parts was seeing the impressive collection of minerals, gemstones, and crystals from across Minas Gerais. Some of the specimens on display are absolutely stunning and give you a much better appreciation for why this region became one of the world's most important mining centers.

I spent around an hour exploring the museum, although you could easily spend longer if you take your time with the interactive exhibits. One thing I really appreciated about Belo Horizonte was how many excellent museums were free to visit, and this is another one you can enjoy without spending a cent.

The museum is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays. If you are already exploring the Circuito Liberdade museums, this is an easy and worthwhile stop to add to your itinerary.

5. Check Out Palácio das Artes

If you enjoy art and culture, be sure to stop by Palácio das Artes, the largest cultural complex in Minas Gerais and one of the most important cultural institutions in Brazil.

Located just a short walk from Praça da Liberdade, the complex houses several art galleries, exhibition halls, and performance spaces where you can often find cool art exhibitions happening all year round. I was here when they were holding a puppet exhibition, which was both fascinating and a little creepy to see 🤣. I love it!

Palácio das Artes is open daily, although opening hours vary depending on the gallery, exhibition, or performance venue. Most of the complex is open from 9:30 AM to 9 PM from Tuesday to Saturday and from 5 PM to 9 PM on Sundays. The complex is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. If you are planning to catch a show or visit a specific exhibition, be sure to check the latest schedule on its official website before your visit.

6. Stroll Around Américo Renné Giannetti City Park

If you need a break from museums and sightseeing, head over to Américo Renné Giannetti City Park, a large urban park right in the heart of Belo Horizonte and one of the city's most popular green spaces. It is located right next to Palácio das Artes, so you can come and check it out after you are done there.

Opened in 1897 alongside the inauguration of Belo Horizonte itself, the park has been a gathering place for locals for well over a century. Today, it remains a peaceful oasis amid the busy city center, filled with tree-lined pathways, gardens, ponds, fountains, and plenty of shaded areas to relax.

I really enjoyed walking around here after spending much of the day visiting museums around Praça da Liberdade. The park has a completely different atmosphere, with families enjoying picnics, joggers making their rounds, couples relaxing on benches, and locals simply escaping the city's hustle and bustle.

There is not necessarily a major attraction inside the park that you need to see. It is simply a nice place to stop by, take a break, and slow down a bit as you make your way across the city. The park is open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM except on Mondays, and admission is free.

7. Visit Arts and Crafts Museum

If you want to learn more about how ordinary Brazilians lived and worked before the age of industrialization, be sure to visit the Arts and Crafts Museum (Museu de Artes e Ofícios), another excellent museum to visit in Belo Horizonte.

The first thing that makes this museum unique is the fact that it is housed inside a beautifully restored historic train station at Praça Rui Barbosa, which is still connected to an active railway station. You will see regular commuters waiting for their trains as you explore the museum's exhibits, which is something I have never seen anywhere else. 😅

The museum is dedicated to preserving the tools, trades, and craftsmanship that shaped everyday life in Brazil from the 18th to the early 20th century. Inside, you will find an impressive collection of more than 2,000 objects, including tools, machinery, workshops, and equipment used by carpenters, blacksmiths, tailors, miners, farmers, and many other professions.

You can comfortably explore the museum in around one to two hours. Even if you are not usually a museum person, the old train station itself is worth seeing. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Once again, admission is free.

The building is absolutely stunning, although the area surrounding it can feel a little rough around the edges at times. During my visit, I saw several homeless people around the square, including one person bathing in the fountain in front of the station 😅. They did not seem dangerous, but the atmosphere was noticeably different from neighborhoods like Savassi or Praça da Liberdade, so I thought it was worth mentioning before you visit.

8. Drop By Museu Histórico Abílio Barreto

If you are interested in learning how Belo Horizonte came to be, make some time for a visit to Museu Histórico Abílio Barreto, the city's main history museum dedicated to preserving the story of Belo Horizonte and the region before the city was founded.

The museum is housed inside one of the oldest surviving buildings in Belo Horizonte, a former farmhouse that predates the construction of the city itself. Inside, you will find a collection of photographs, maps, documents, furniture, personal belongings, and historical artifacts that tell the story of how Belo Horizonte evolved from a small rural settlement into one of Brazil's largest cities.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was seeing old photographs of Belo Horizonte shortly after it was founded. Fun fact: before Belo Horizonte became the capital of Minas Gerais, that title belonged to Ouro Preto. As Ouro Preto continued to grow, its mountainous terrain made further expansion difficult, so the government decided to build an entirely new capital city from scratch here.

The museum is quite small, so expect to spend no more than 30 minutes here. Admission is free, and the museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM from Wednesday to Sunday. If you have some extra time in the city and are not yet tired of museums, be sure to drop by Museu Histórico Abílio Barreto.

9. Check Out the View from Mirante do Mangabeiras

If you want to see Belo Horizonte from above, make your way to Mirante do Mangabeiras, the city's most famous viewpoint and one of the best places to appreciate just how massive Belo Horizonte really is.

Located high on a hill at the edge of the city, the viewpoint offers a panoramic view over Belo Horizonte's seemingly endless skyline, framed by the rolling mountains of Minas Gerais. I recommend coming here in the late afternoon or around sunset when the city begins to glow under the warm golden light.

Mirante do Mangabeiras is just a short Uber ride from the city center and can easily be combined with a visit to nearby attractions such as Praça do Papa, which is within walking distance.

Unfortunately, Praça do Papa has been undergoing renovations for several years now, which is why I did not include it on this list. That said, it is still worth walking over, as you will likely have an easier time finding an Uber back to the city center from there. Admission to the viewpoint is free, and it is open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM.

10. Wander Around Savassi

If there is one neighborhood I would recommend staying in while visiting Belo Horizonte, it would be Savassi, one of the city's liveliest neighborhoods, filled with cafés, restaurants, bars, and tree-lined streets, making it one of the best places to stay in Belo Horizonte.

I stayed in this neighborhood during my visit and absolutely loved it. It felt safe, walkable, and full of life without being overwhelming. Whether I was looking for a good coffee in the morning, a museum in the afternoon, or a nice place for dinner and drinks in the evening, everything seemed to be within walking distance.

You can walk to many of the attractions I mentioned in this guide from Savassi. I personally walked from here to Praça da Liberdade and all the way to the Arts and Crafts Museum, passing through Américo Renné Giannetti City Park along the way. While it was quite a long walk, there were plenty of interesting sights and stops to keep me occupied.

At night, the neighborhood becomes even livelier as locals fill the bars and restaurants that line many of its streets. If you want to experience Belo Horizonte's famous food and bar scene, you are going to love it here.

11. Take a day trip to Ouro Preto ☀️ Great Day Trip

If you have an extra day in Belo Horizonte, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Ouro Preto, one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Brazil and one of my favorite destinations in the entire country.

Located about 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Belo Horizonte, Ouro Preto was once the center of Brazil's gold rush and served as the capital of Minas Gerais before Belo Horizonte was built. Today, the town is famous for its remarkably well-preserved colonial architecture, steep cobblestone streets, and magnificent Baroque churches that rival churches in Europe.

What I loved most about Ouro Preto was how romantic and atmospheric it felt, especially at night. Walking through its narrow streets felt like stepping back in time, with colorful colonial houses, centuries-old churches, and incredible viewpoints around almost every corner. It is easily one of the most photogenic places I visited in Brazil.

You can comfortably visit the main attractions in a day if you start early, although I personally think the town deserves at least one or 2 nights if your schedule allows. Highlights include Praça Tiradentes, the stunning Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, Basílica Nossa Senhora do Pilar, several fascinating museums, and countless viewpoints overlooking the surrounding mountains.

The easiest way to get there is by bus from Belo Horizonte's main bus terminal. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours each way, with several departures throughout the day, making it a straightforward day trip from the city. You can reserve the buses here.

If you enjoy history, architecture, photography, or simply wandering through beautiful old towns, Ouro Preto is an easy recommendation and one of the best day trips you can take from Belo Horizonte.

For a complete travel guide to Ouro Preto, check out:Ouro Preto Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Tips & Itinerary

When to Visit Belo Horizonte?

The best time to visit Belo Horizonte is during the dry season between May and September, when the weather is cooler, sunnier, and much more comfortable for exploring the city on foot. You can expect pleasant daytime temperatures, low humidity, and plenty of sunshine during this time.

One thing I really liked about Belo Horizonte is its higher elevation, which keeps temperatures much milder than in many other Brazilian cities. Even during the warmer months, the weather is generally more pleasant than in places like Rio de Janeiro.

The rainy season usually runs from around October to March, with December and January often seeing the heaviest rainfall. If possible, I would avoid visiting during this period, as the rain can last for hours or even days at a time. This is especially important if you plan to visit Inhotim, since it is a massive open-air museum and botanical garden where good weather makes a huge difference to the experience.

I personally visited Belo Horizonte in January and, despite it being the rainy season, I was lucky enough to get great weather for my entire stay. That said, I would definitely call it luck, as it had rained nonstop for the three days prior while I was in Ouro Preto. By the time I arrived in Belo Horizonte, it seemed like the rain had finally run its course 😅.

Avoid visiting on Mondays and Tuesdays if possible, as many of the city's museums are closed on those days. Some museums also have limited hours on Sundays. Since museums and cultural attractions are among the main highlights of Belo Horizonte, it is worth planning your visit around their opening hours to make the most of your time in the city.

How to Get to Belo Horizonte?

Getting to Belo Horizonte is easy thanks to its central location in southeastern Brazil and its well-connected airport and bus network. Most travelers arrive either by plane through Belo Horizonte International Airport (Confins) or by long-distance bus from other major cities in Brazil.

By Air: Flying is by far the easiest way to reach Belo Horizonte. The city's main airport, Confins International Airport, is located around 40 km (25 miles) north of the city center and serves flights from major Brazilian destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasília, Salvador, Recife, and many others.

Once you arrive, you can take an Uber into the city. Uber is widely available, safe, and generally affordable in Belo Horizonte. At almost every major transportation hub in Brazil, including airports and bus terminals, there is usually a designated ride-hailing pick-up area, so you can simply follow the signs from inside the airport to the Uber transportation zone to catch your ride into the city center.

For finding flights, I recommend browsing through Skyscanner or Expedia to compare prices and find cheap flights to Belo Horizonte.

From Rio de Janeiro: If you prefer traveling overland, several comfortable long-distance buses operate daily between Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte. The journey takes around 10 hours depending on traffic and the service you choose. Buses depart from Rodoviária do Rio and arrive at Rodoviária de Belo Horizonte and you can reserve the bus ticket here.

From São Paulo: There are also frequent direct buses from São Paulo, with the journey taking approximately 10 hours as well. Buses depart from Terminal Rodoviário do Tietê and arrive in central Belo Horizonte and you can reserve the bus ticket here.

How to get Around Belo Horizonte?

Getting around Belo Horizonte is relatively easy thanks to its extensive bus network, affordable ride-hailing services, and walkable neighborhoods. While the city is quite large, most attractions tourists are likely to visit are concentrated around a few key areas such as Savassi, Lourdes, Pampulha, and Praça da Liberdade.

By Uber: Uber is by far the easiest and most convenient way to get around Belo Horizonte. Rides are generally inexpensive, the service is safe and reliable. I used Uber almost exclusively during my time in the city and never had any issues.

By Walking: Areas such as Savassi, Lourdes, and the Praça da Liberdade district are very walkable and pleasant to explore on foot. Plenty of museums, cafes, and restaurants can be found along the way. Just keep in mind that Belo Horizonte is built on rolling hills, so expect a few uphill walks here and there.

By Bus: Belo Horizonte has an extensive public bus network that covers most parts of the city. While buses are inexpensive, they can be a little confusing for first-time visitors who do not speak Portuguese. Unless you are traveling on a tight budget, I would recommend sticking with Uber for convenience.

For Day Trips: If you are planning to visit places like Inhotim or Ouro Preto, you can either join an organized tour or take a bus. For Inhotim in particular, I recommend booking a shuttle service directly from Belo Horizonte, which makes the trip extremely easy. You will find more details on the shuttle to Inhotim here.

How many days to spend in Belo Horizonte?

I would recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Belo Horizonte to fully appreciate what the city has to offer while having time to go on several day trips. Here's a rough itinerary for 2 days in Belo Horizonte:

• Day 1: Explore the city's highlights such as Mercado Central, Praça da Liberdade, Pampulha, Savassi, and some of the excellent museums and viewpoints around town
• Day 2: Spend an entire day exploring Inhotim
• Day 3: Visit Ouro Preto as a day trip.

Is it Safe in Belo Horizonte?

Like most large cities in Brazil, Belo Horizonte requires a bit of common sense, but overall, I found it to feel safer and more relaxed than many of the country's larger tourist destinations like Rio or Salvador.

During my time here, I walked around neighborhoods like Savassi and Praça da Liberdade during the day without any issues. The city has a laid-back atmosphere, and many of the areas tourists are likely to spend time in are generally considered safe and well-frequented.

That said, petty theft and opportunistic crimes can still happen, especially in crowded areas, bus terminals, and on public transportation. As with anywhere in Brazil, avoid displaying expensive jewelry, keep your phone out of sight when not in use, and stay aware of your surroundings.

At night, I would recommend using Uber rather than walking long distances between neighborhoods, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Uber is affordable, widely available, and generally the safest way to get around after dark.

One thing I appreciated about Belo Horizonte was that it felt much less touristy than cities like Rio de Janeiro, which often meant fewer touts, scams, and tourist-targeted annoyances. Still, it is a city of more than 6 million people, so it pays to stay vigilant and use common sense.