Things to Do in Belo Horizonte

Admire the towers of the striped façade and browse the elegant interior of this impressive religious gem in central Belo Horizonte. 

Two of Minas Gerais’ most important economic activities, mining and metallurgy, are celebrated through creative exhibits inside a neoclassical palace. 

Experience the passion of Brazilian soccer fans at one of the host stadiums for the 2014 World Cup. It’s also got a cutting-edge museum dedicated to the sport. 

Attend art exhibitions and live music events at this cultural complex designed by Oscar Niemeyer and located in a city center park. 

Oscar Niemeyer’s beautiful and controversial masterpiece of organic modernism is one of Brazil’s most celebrated landmarks and Belo Horizonte’s shining jewel.

Museums and stately landmarks surrounded this central square, which has gardens inspired by the designs of the Palace of Versailles.

The story of Minas Gerais from the 18th century to the present day comes to life via a superb collection of audiovisual and hands-on exhibits. 

In the busy cultural hub of Praça da Liberdade, Belo Horizonte’s public library offers peace and quiet along with more than 230,000 titles.

Belo Horizonte’s sprawling central green space, home to theaters, lagoons and an amusement park, is fun for the whole family.

Look up at the famous Lollipop that rises from a large square platform at the heart of this central plaza.

An architecturally impressive lakeside gallery and gardens celebrate Brazilian art from the 19th century onward with an emphasis on stateside artists. 

Belo Horizonte grew from a wooden chapel on this spot. Now this soaring, neo-Gothic church stands here and serves as the city’s spiritual base.

Gaze up at the central fountain’s powerful jets and stroll along the curves of tree-laden paths in the city’s nucleus.

Browse a collection of antique objects from the 1700s to 1900s that showcase the talents of pre-industrial Brazilian craftsmanship. 

Stimulate your senses in the pretty gardens and learn about many facets of science in this interesting and interactive complex.

Come to this hilltop plaza to discover some of the sublime views that inspired Belo Horizonte’s name, which means Beautiful Horizon. 

Arrive hungry at Belo Horizonte’s lively food market and fill up on a huge variety of local street-food specialties, such as feijoada or liver withjiló.

Choose an event from the wide selection of performing arts at this intimate theater in Belo Horizonte’s picturesque Américo Renné Giannetti Municipal Park.

Enjoy the laid-back student atmosphere and meet locals amid the cafés and bookstores in this pleasant square between tree-lined avenues.

Experience life along the banks of the most important river in Brazil and meet the aquatic animals that live in this watershed.

This art gallery showcases the life and work of the acclaimed artist Inimá de Paula via original paintings and interactive exhibits. 

Delve into a national conversation about the latest trends in the visual arts at Belo Horizonte’s university institution and gallery.

An iconic example of celebrated Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer’s work, this arts center is part of Belo Horizonte’s spectacular Pampulha Modern Ensemble.

You’ll quickly find this residential tower that occupies a corner of Liberty Square: it’s a standout modern building among a group of sumptuous 19th-century palaces. 

Take some time for quiet reflection amid the traditional Japanese landscaping at these ornate grounds in the northern part of Belo Horizonte’s city center.