Ouro Preto Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Tips & Itinerary

Ouro Preto Attractions Map

11 Experiences I Think Are Worth It in Ouro Preto

1. Explore the Streets of Ouro Preto

One of my favorite things to do in Ouro Preto is to simply wander around and explore the town’s beautiful colonial streets. The entire historic center feels like an open-air museum filled with colorful colonial houses, ornate churches, steep cobblestone roads, and hidden little alleyways waiting to be discovered.

Praça Tiradentes is the perfect place to begin exploring Ouro Preto as it is the main square of the historic center, and many of the town’s streets and attractions connect through here. While here, you will find yourself surrounded by some of the most impressive colonial buildings in town such as Museu da Inconfidência, Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, and the former colonial fortress that now houses Museu de Mineralogia UFOP.

I really enjoyed spending time exploring all the small streets and hidden corners of Ouro Preto. That said, be prepared for a serious leg workout 😅. Ouro Preto is extremely hilly, and some of the streets are incredibly steep. Comfortable shoes are absolutely essential here, especially if you plan to spend the entire day wandering around like I did.

The town becomes especially beautiful in the late afternoon when the warm golden light starts hitting the colonial buildings and church towers. If you enjoy photography, you are going to absolutely love exploring Ouro Preto.

Be sure to take a walk along this street at night as well. You will find beautiful light decorations, lively restaurants, bars, and a really nice atmosphere that makes Ouro Preto feel even more magical after dark.

Where to Stay in Ouro Preto?

Budget

É Hostel

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Pouso dos Sinos

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High-End

Pousada Solar da Ópera

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2. Check out Museu da Inconfidência

While exploring Praça Tiradentes, be sure to stop by Museu da Inconfidência, one of the most important museums in Ouro Preto and a must-visit if you want to better understand the town's history and Brazil's struggle for independence.

Housed inside a beautiful former colonial government building dating back to the 18th century, the museum tells the story of the Inconfidência Mineira movement, an unsuccessful independence movement that sought to free Brazil from Portuguese colonial rule. Many of the movement's key figures, including Tiradentes, after whom the town square is named, are honored here.

Inside, you will find a fascinating collection of historical documents, religious art, furniture, weapons, jewelry, and artifacts from Brazil's colonial period. The exhibits do a great job of providing context for the immense wealth generated during the gold rush and how it shaped the development of Ouro Preto.

The museum is not particularly large, so do not expect to spend more than an hour here. That said, the views overlooking Praça Tiradentes from the upper levels are pretty cool and well worth checking out. The museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day except Mondays, and best of all, admission is completely free.

3. Stepping inside Igreja de São Francisco de Assis ♥️ Must See

One of the absolute highlights of visiting Ouro Preto is stepping inside Igreja de São Francisco de Assis, one of the most famous Baroque churches in Brazil. From the outside alone, the church is already incredibly beautiful with its elegant curved facade and detailed decorations, but wait until you get inside.

The church is home to one of the most stunning ceiling murals I have seen in Brazil. The moment you step inside, you will be greeted by the massive artwork covering the ceiling, filled with vibrant colors, intricate details, and beautiful Baroque-style illusions that almost make the entire ceiling feel three-dimensional.

The amount of craftsmanship and artistry inside the church is honestly mind-blowing, especially when you consider that much of it dates back to the late 18th century during Brazil’s gold rush era.

The church is usually open daily, although the opening hours are a bit more complicated than other places. It is open from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM and again from 1:30 PM to 4:45 PM, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Admission costs 10 BRL (~2 USD) for a single ticket or 20 BRL (~4 USD) for a bundled ticket that also grants access to two other beautiful churches in Ouro Preto: Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões and Nossa Senhora da Conceição, both of which I highly recommend visiting. Cash is only accepted, so be sure to take some out at the ATM before.

4. Stay in a Colonial Inn

One of the coolest things I did in Ouro Preto was staying at one of the town’s many colonial inns, known locally as pousadas. Unlike modern hotels, many of these historic properties are housed inside beautifully preserved colonial buildings, allowing you to immerse yourself in the town's rich history.

During my stay in Ouro Preto, I chose to stay at Pouso Dos Sinos De Sao Francisco De Assis located right next to the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, and it honestly became one of my favorite parts of the trip. Waking up to views of church towers, tiled rooftops, and mist-covered hills made me feel like I had stepped back in time.

For a few days, you can almost pretend you are a wealthy Portuguese noble living during Ouro Preto's gold rush era 😁. Even if the rooms are sometimes a little older than what you might find in modern hotels, the cool factor more than makes up for it.

5. Check out the interior of Basílica Nossa Senhora do Pilar ♥️ Must See

While many of Ouro Preto's churches are impressive, none surprised me quite as much as Basílica Nossa Senhora do Pilar. From the outside, the church looks relatively simple and understated, but once you step inside, you are greeted by one of the most extravagant interiors in all of Brazil.

The entire church is covered in intricate gold-leaf decorations, ornate carvings, and elaborate Baroque details from floor to ceiling. It is estimated that hundreds of kilograms of gold were used throughout the interior, showcasing the immense wealth that flowed through Ouro Preto during the height of Brazil’s gold rush in the 18th century.

There is also a small museum beneath the church where you can learn more about its history and see a collection of religious artifacts and sacred art from the colonial period.

Even if you only have time to visit one or two churches in Ouro Preto, I would strongly recommend adding this one to your itinerary. The church is open from 9 AM to 11 AM and again from 12 PM to 5 PM every day except Mondays, and the entrance fee is 20 BRL (~4 USD). Unfortunately, it is not included in the bundled church ticket. That said, I think it is well worth the money as this is probably one of the most beautiful basilicas you can visit in Brazil.

6. Visit Museu Boulieu 🏛️ Best Museum

One of the best museums you can visit in Ouro Preto is Museu Boulieu, a relatively new museum built to house an impressive private collection of decorative arts gathered by businessman and local collectors Angela Gutierrez and her late husband Antônio Carlos Boulieu.

Inside, you will find beautifully displayed furniture, sculptures, religious art, ceramics, silverware, and decorative pieces spanning several centuries of Brazilian and European history. I found the exhibits surprisingly modern and well-presented compared to many other museums I visited in Ouro Preto.

The museum is relatively small, so you can comfortably explore it in around 30 to 60 minutes. If you appreciate beautiful objects and fine craftsmanship, this place is definitely worth a stop.

The museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM from Thursday to Monday, from 1 PM to 9 PM on Wednesdays, and is closed on Tuesdays. Tickets cost 10 BRL (~2 USD) per person, and admission is free for everyone on Wednesdays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

7. Stroll Around Casa dos Contos Museum

I stumbled upon this place completely by accident, but Casa dos Contos Museum, a beautifully preserved colonial mansion that offers a fascinating look into the economic and political history of Brazil during the gold rush era, is another museum I highly recommend checking out while you are in Ouro Preto.

Built in the late 18th century, the mansion once belonged to one of the wealthiest men in the region and later served as an important administrative center responsible for collecting taxes on the vast amounts of gold extracted from Minas Gerais.

Inside, you will find exhibits covering the history of gold mining, colonial taxation, currency production, and daily life in Ouro Preto during its golden age. The museum is not very large, so expect to spend between 30 minutes and an hour exploring it.

The museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM from Tuesday to Saturday and from 10 AM to 2 PM on Sundays. It is closed on Mondays. The best part is that admission is completely free, which is actually how I discovered it in the first place 😜. If you happen to walk past the mansion, be sure to step inside and check out its fascinating gold exhibition.

8. Check out the View from Mirante do Observatório at Sunset

If you are looking for the best viewpoint in Ouro Preto for sunset, make sure you head up to Mirante do Observatório. Sitting on top of a hill overlooking the historic center, this viewpoint offers a spectacular panoramic view over Ouro Preto's red-tiled rooftops, Baroque church towers, and the rolling mountains that surround the town.

I first saw this viewpoint when I walked from the bus station to town, and I was blown away by the view, so I decided to come back here for sunset, and it was incredible. It was rainy the entire time I was here, but right before sunset, the sun was visible along the horizon, and it was absolutely stunning. This was the only time I saw the sun throughout my stay here 😅.

The viewpoint is located next to the old astronomical observatory and can be reached on foot if you do not mind a bit of uphill walking. There is not much else to do here besides enjoying the scenery, but honestly, that is more than enough. Bring your camera, find a spot to sit, and watch the town slowly light up as evening approaches.

9. Enjoy the View of from Nossa Senhora das Merces

While most people visit Nossa Senhora das Mercês e Perdões for its beautiful colonial architecture and historic interior, one of my favorite things about this church was actually the view from the area surrounding it.

Situated on top of one of Ouro Preto's many hills, the church provides a fantastic vantage point overlooking the town's sea of red rooftops, church towers, and rolling green mountains in the distance. Much like Mirante do Observatório, the views here are incredible, although I would argue you can see more of the surrounding hills and natural scenery from this spot.

The view from here reminded me so much of Europe. With the rain, low-hanging clouds, red-tiled roofs, and lush green mountains, it almost felt like I was looking at a small town somewhere in Germany or Switzerland.

The church itself is also worth a quick look inside, especially if you purchased the 20-BRL bundled church ticket that includes admission to several churches around town. Otherwise, admission costs 10 BRL (~2 USD). The church is open daily from 8:30 AM to 11:50 AM and again from 1:30 PM to 5 PM, except on Mondays.

10. Buy Local Handicrafts from Feira de Artesanato de Ouro Preto

If you are looking for a souvenir to bring home from Ouro Preto, be sure to stop by Feira de Artesanato de Ouro Preto, a local handicraft market where you can browse a wide variety of handmade products created by artisans from the region.

You will find everything from jewelry, paintings, and decorative items to stone carvings, textiles, soaps, gemstones, and souvenirs inspired by Minas Gerais' rich cultural heritage. Many of the products are handcrafted using locally sourced stones and materials, making them excellent gifts and keepsakes to bring home.

As someone who has recently become a little obsessed with home decor 😅, I had to use every ounce of self-control not to buy half the market. Unfortunately, I was still in the early stages of a five-month trip around South and Central America, so carrying fragile souvenirs across the continent did not seem like the smartest idea.

If you do have space in your luggage, though, this is probably one of the best places in Ouro Preto to pick up a memorable souvenir from your trip. The market is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, and do not be afraid to negotiate a little on the price!

11. Visiting a Gold Mine

If you have a day to spare, you can also visit Grande Mina Central, one of the historic gold mines that helped make Ouro Preto one of the wealthiest cities in the world during the Brazilian gold rush.

To enter the mine, you must join a guided tour, which can be booked at the entrance or via WhatsApp through their official website. Although most of the information is provided in Portuguese, some guides may be able to translate parts of the tour for you if you do not speak the language. That said, not all guides speak English, so your experience may vary.

The guided tour usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes and is suitable for most people, although those with severe claustrophobia may find some sections uncomfortable. Grande Mina Central is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and the guided tour costs around 80 BRL (~16 USD) per person.

What to Eat & Drink in Ouro Preto?

1. Try Local Cuisine at Restaurante do Nazareno

If you are looking for a great place to try some local cuisine for lunch, I highly recommend Restaurante do Nazareno, a small local restaurant that serves a variety of set-menu meals for around 35 BRL (~7 USD), which is quite affordable for a tourist destination like Ouro Preto.

The food here is simple, delicious, and very representative of the cuisine of Minas Gerais. It is the perfect place to try local specialties without paying tourist prices.

The restaurant is only open for lunch from 11 AM to 3 PM every day except Sundays, and it tends to get quite busy from midday onward. If you want to secure a table, I recommend arriving a little before the lunch rush.

2. Eat Italian Cuisine at O Passo Pizza Jazz

If you are looking for a place with a great atmosphere for a nice dinner accompanied by live jazz music, you might want to check out O Passo Pizza Jazz. This lovely Italian restaurant serves a variety of pizzas, risottos, and other dishes such as steaks, all of which are delicious.

Come in the evening and you will be treated to live jazz music playing softly in the background, creating a wonderfully cozy atmosphere. They also have a charming terrace area where you can sit back with a glass of wine while enjoying the music and the historic surroundings.

The restaurant is open from 12 PM to 12 AM every day except Sundays. The prices are definitely on the higher end by Ouro Preto standards, but you get what you pay for with high-quality ingredients, excellent service, and a memorable atmosphere. If you are looking to splurge a little during your trip, this is one of the best places in town to do it.

When to Visit Ouro Preto?

The best time to visit Ouro Preto is during the dry season between May and September when the weather is cooler, drier, and much more comfortable for walking around the town’s steep cobblestone streets. Since you will likely spend most of your time outdoors exploring churches, viewpoints, museums, and wandering through the historic center, pleasant weather makes a huge difference here.

I personally think Ouro Preto feels especially magical during the cooler months as the misty mountain atmosphere and colonial architecture give the town a romantic feel that you do not often get in other parts of Brazil. Temperatures are generally mild throughout the year due to the town’s higher elevation, although nights can get surprisingly chilly during winter, especially between June and August.

The rainy season usually runs from around November to March, and let me tell you, when it rains here, it really rains. I was here in January for 4 days, and it rained the ENTIRE TIME I was there. You can probably tell from all my photos 🥲.

While the landscape becomes incredibly lush and green during this time, heavy rain can also make the steep streets slippery and much less enjoyable to walk around.

All in all, Ouro Preto is a destination you can visit year-round, but if you want the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and photography, I would recommend aiming for the dry season.

How to Get to Ouro Preto?

Ouro Preto is located in the mountainous state of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil, and the easiest way to get there is usually via Belo Horizonte, the nearest major city and transportation hub. The city has an airport with many flights connecting between large cities like Rio and Sao Paulo, so you should be able to find flights there.

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

From Belo Horizonte: You can easily reach Ouro Preto by bus. Several buses depart daily from Rodoviária de Belo Horizonte, and the journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. Tickets usually cost around 70 BRL (~14 USD) per person, and you can reserve them online here. If you are traveling on weekends or during holidays, I highly recommend booking the bus in advance.

From Rio de Janeiro: You can also travel from Rio to Ouro Preto by bus, although be prepared for a long 10-hour journey. There are usually around two buses departing daily, one in the morning around 7:30 AM and an overnight bus around 11:30 PM, both leaving from Rodoviária do Rio and operated by Guanabara, which I personally recommend.

The buses are very comfortable, and they even offer VIP sofa-style seats if you do not mind paying a premium for extra comfort. Tickets usually cost around 45 USD for a regular seat and around 100 USD for a sofa seat per person. You can reserve the tickets online here. Again, if you are traveling during weekends or holidays, make sure you book in advance as seats can sell out quickly.

The bus will drop you off at Rodoviária de Ouro Preto, and from there, you can walk to the historic center in about 15 minutes. The route is mostly downhill, so it is not particularly difficult, but the cobblestone streets can be a bit challenging if you are carrying luggage.

If you have a large suitcase or backpack, you might want to consider calling an Uber instead. They are readily available in Ouro Preto and are generally quite affordable for short trips around town.

How to get Around Ouro Preto?

By Walking: Ouro Preto is a very walkable city and, honestly, walking is the best way to experience its charm. The historic center is full of beautiful colonial streets, hidden alleyways, churches, viewpoints, and small cafes that are best explored slowly on foot.

That said, be prepared for an intense workout 😅. Ouro Preto is built entirely on steep hills, and the cobblestone streets can get surprisingly exhausting, especially under the midday heat or after rain when the streets become slippery. Make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes with good grip.

There are also local buses operating around town and to nearby areas like Mariana. Although, unless you are staying farther outside the center, you will probably not need to rely on them much.

If you are driving, keep in mind that navigating Ouro Preto can be quite stressful due to the steep one-way cobblestone streets, limited parking, and tight roads throughout the historic center. Personally, I would avoid driving around town unless absolutely necessary.

How many days to spend in Ouro Preto?

I recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Ouro Preto if you want enough time to properly explore the town without rushing. While the historic center itself is relatively compact, there are surprisingly many churches, museums, viewpoints, cafes, mines, and nearby attractions worth exploring.

With 2 days, you will have enough time to do all the recommended things to do here like wandering around the colonial streets, visiting a few of the famous churches and museums, and enjoying the local food scene at a relaxed pace. Here's my recommended 2 to 3 day itinerary for Ouro Preto:

• Day 1: Explore the Historic Center, and visit churhes.
• Day 2: Check out the museums, viewpoints, and enjoy the local cuisine and nightlife.
• Day 3 (optional): Visit one of the gold mines nearby, and relax for the rest of the day.

Is it Safe in Ouro Preto?

Compared to larger cities like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, Ouro Preto generally feels much safer and more relaxed. The historic center is usually lively well into the evening with both locals and tourists walking around, dining at restaurants, and enjoying live music, which creates a pretty comfortable atmosphere overall.

That said, you should still exercise normal precautions and stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid walking alone on empty and quiet streets late at night, especially outside the historic center. Petty theft can still happen if you are not careful.

One thing to be careful about in Ouro Preto is actually the uneven cobblestone streets. They may look charming, but they can get extremely slippery when wet, especially during rain. The town is also very hilly which makes it even worse. Make sure you wear proper footwear and watch your step while walking around town.

Overall, though, I found Ouro Preto to be one of the more laid-back and enjoyable destinations in Brazil, and I never personally felt unsafe while exploring the town.