Belo Horizonte Travel Guide

Belo Horizonte, nestled in the rolling hills of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, is a city that combines a rich cultural tapestry with modern dynamism. As one of Brazil's largest cities, Belo Horizonte, often referred to as "BH" or "Beagá" by locals, is celebrated for its innovative urban planning, vibrant arts scene, and culinary excellence.

The city's design, following the trend of planned cities, features a grid-like layout intersected by diagonal avenues and surrounded by a ring road known as the "Contorno." At its core, the Pampulha district stands out, a testament to modernist architecture, where the iconic Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, designed by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer, graces the landscape with its distinctive curves and tiles.

Belo Horizonte is also home to Praça da Liberdade, a harmonious blend of old and new. This square, bordered by historical buildings and modern skyscrapers, is a hub of cultural institutions, including the Liberty Palace and several museums, such as the Memorial Minas Gerais Vale and the MM Gerdau - Museum of Mines and Metal.

The city's cultural calendar is bustling with events, with the International Short Film Festival and the Comida di Buteco – a food festival celebrating the local bars and traditional Minas Gerais cuisine – being key highlights. For gastronomy enthusiasts, the Mercado Central is a must-visit, offering an array of local produce, artisanal cheeses, cachaça, and the famous pão de queijo (cheese bread).

Belo Horizonte is also the gateway to the historic towns of Ouro Preto and Diamantina, UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their colonial architecture and significant roles during Brazil's gold rush era. The surrounding region of Minas Gerais is dotted with such historic towns, where cobblestone streets and baroque churches narrate stories of the past.

Nature lovers will find respite in the city's numerous parks, like Mangabeiras Park, located at the edge of the Serra do Curral, offering panoramic views of the city. Additionally, the nearby Serra do Cipó National Park is a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, with its stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna.

Belo Horizonte is distinguished not only by its physical attributes but also by the warmth of its inhabitants, known as "mineiros." They are proud of their city's balance between tradition and innovation, and they eagerly share their culture with visitors.