Best things to do in Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte Must-Sees

Belo Horizonte's landscape is defined by the UNESCO-listed Pampulha Modern Ensemble, featuring the architectural works of Oscar Niemeyer and landscaping by Roberto Burle Marx. The city’s cultural heart, Praça da Liberdade, hosts a circuit of museums and galleries within repurposed historic buildings. Local life centers on the Mercado Central, a hub for regional Minas Gerais cuisine and handicrafts. For natural perspectives, the city is framed by the Serra do Curral mountains, accessible via viewpoints like Mirante do Mangabeiras and the expansive Pampulha lagoon.

Belo Horizonte Must-Sees — Map

Andrevruas / CC BY 3.0

A

Praça da Liberdade

Praça da Liberdade is a principal square in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

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Mercado Central - Belo Horizonte

Traditional market featuring over 400 stalls. Known for regional Minas Gerais products including artisanal cheeses, cachaça, spices, and local handicrafts.

Andreborgeslopes / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Church of Saint Francis of Assisi

The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi is a chapel in Pampulha region of Belo Horizonte, in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil.

Matthias Ripp / CC BY 2.0

D

Pampulha Architectural Complex

The Pampulha Modern Ensemble is an urban project in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Malisboa7 / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil

The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil is a cultural organization of the Bank of Brazil based in Brazil with centers in Belo Horizonte,…

F

Casa Fiat de Cultura

Art gallery located in the historic former State Secretariat of Finance building. Hosts temporary exhibitions ranging from Renaissance masters to contemporary Brazilian artists.

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Casa Kubitschek

Former weekend residence of President Juscelino Kubitschek. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer in 1943, it showcases modernist residential architecture and gardens by Roberto Burle Marx.

Tiago P / CC-BY-SA

H

Memorial Minas Gerais Vale

Discover the history and the present of Minas Gerais in this amazing museum. The exhibitions in its 31 rooms are very interactive.

I

Lagoa da Pampulha

An artificial lake surrounded by the UNESCO-listed Pampulha Modern Ensemble. The 18-kilometer perimeter includes bike paths, walking trails, and several architectural landmarks.

Tiago P / CC-BY-SA

J

Mirante do Mangabeiras

An observation deck located at the base of the Serra do Curral. It provides panoramic views of the entire city and the surrounding mountain ranges.

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Museu de Arte da Pampulha

Housed in a former casino designed by Oscar Niemeyer. The building features gardens by Roberto Burle Marx and hosts a collection of contemporary Brazilian art.

Cid Costa Neto / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Zoological Park and Botanical Garden

One of the best zoological parks in Latin America is home to almost 900 animals from all over the world. It also has a botanical section.

GilbertoSilvaFan / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Mineirão Stadium

Mineirão, officially Estádio Governador Magalhães Pinto is the largest football stadium in the respective state.

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Belo Horizonte Cultural Highlights Significant Religious Sites Parks and Recreational Gems