12 Best Things to Do and See in Belo Horizonte
Exploring Belo Horizonte on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Belo Horizonte, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Belo Horizonte. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Central Market of Belo Horizonte
The Mercado Central of Belo Horizonte is one of the city’s most iconic markets, ideal for discovering the local atmosphere and the diversity of Minas Gerais. Inside, you’ll find stalls selling fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats, fruit, spices, artisanal sweets, as well as a wide range of everyday items, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It’s also a lively place where you can taste regional cuisine, watch locals shopping, and enjoy a vibrant, authentic atmosphere in the heart of Belo Horizonte.
2. Mineirão
Mineirão is one of Belo Horizonte’s major sporting icons. Located near Pampulha, this stadium stands out for its scale, circular design and presence in the city skyline. It is a venue built for large crowds, with stands surrounding the pitch and an atmosphere shaped by Brazilian football culture. The site is also an important urban landmark linked to the contemporary identity of Minas Gerais.
3. Liberty Square
Liberty Square is one of Belo Horizonte’s iconic landmarks, where urban space, gardens, and architectural heritage come together. This large square, laid out like a park, offers broad tree-lined paths, well-kept flowerbeds, and benches that invite visitors to stroll or relax. Around it, you can discover several remarkable buildings that make up a cultural and historical ensemble appreciated by visitors. It is also a pleasant place to observe local life, take a break in the shade, and enjoy a peaceful setting in the heart of the city.
4. Bank of Brazil Cultural Center
The Banco do Brasil Cultural Center of Belo Horizonte is a space dedicated to exhibitions, performances, and cultural activities, located in an iconic building in the city center. It regularly hosts art exhibitions, screenings, concerts, and a variety of events that showcase both contemporary creation and cultural heritage. The venue also stands out for its architecture and lively atmosphere, making it an ideal cultural break in the heart of the city. It is a popular spot for exploring Belo Horizonte’s artistic scene in an accessible and vibrant setting.
5. Station Square
Praça da Estação is one of the iconic squares of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, known for its vast urban space and lively atmosphere. Located in the heart of the city, it attracts both locals and visitors who come here to enjoy a meeting place, a stroll, and a moment of relaxation. It is also home to an important cultural setting, with notable buildings, transport connections, and events that may be held there. It is a pleasant landmark for experiencing the energy of downtown.
6. Mirante do Mangabeiras
Mirante do Mangabeiras offers one of the most recognizable panoramic views in Belo Horizonte, from a hill in the Mangabeiras neighborhood. This park-viewpoint lets visitors take in the city’s scale, neighborhoods, main roads, and the topography that shapes the capital of Minas Gerais. Its appeal comes from both the sweeping view and its peaceful park setting, where the hillside becomes part of the experience. The site brings together urban landscape and natural elevation in a calm, iconic setting.
7. Lagoa da Pampulha
Lagoa da Pampulha is one of Belo Horizonte’s main landmarks. This artificial lake shapes a vast urban landscape where strolling paths, water, and architecture meet.
8. Unimed-BH Minas Cultural Center
The Unimed-BH Minas Cultural Center, in Belo Horizonte, is a versatile cultural venue where visitors can discover art exhibitions, browse a library, and attend film screenings or live performances. The place brings together several forms of creative expression in one complex, making it an appealing stop for culture lovers of all kinds. It also offers spaces designed for socializing and discovery, in a modern, lively atmosphere in the heart of the capital of Minas Gerais.
9. PUC Minas Natural Sciences Museum
The PUC Minas Natural Sciences Museum, in Belo Horizonte, is a science museum that invites visitors to explore the diversity of the natural world through collections related to zoology, botany, and geology. Inside, you can discover specimens, fossils, and study objects that help deepen understanding of the evolution of life, ecosystems, and the natural sciences. It is an interesting visit for curious minds of all ages, with a tour that is both educational and accessible, right in the heart of the city.
10. Casa do Baile
Casa do Baile is an iconic landmark in Belo Horizonte where visitors discover both a cultural space and an architectural point of interest. Located on the shores of Pampulha Lake, it attracts visitors with its pleasant setting and modernist forms. Inside, the site often hosts exhibitions, cultural activities and presentations related to art and design, offering a visit that is both peaceful and enriching. It is a popular stop for better understanding the city’s cultural scene.
11. Casa Fiat Cultural Center
Casa Fiat de Cultura in Belo Horizonte is a must-visit cultural venue that combines an art museum and an exhibition center. Visitors can usually discover a range of temporary exhibitions, from visual arts to contemporary works, as well as cultural and educational activities open to a wide audience. The venue is also appealing for its friendly atmosphere and its role in promoting artistic creation in Brazil. It is an interesting stop for travelers who want to round out their city visit with an accessible and dynamic cultural experience.
12. MM Gerdau – Museum of Mines and Metal
Located in the heart of Belo Horizonte, the MM Gerdau – Museum Of Mines And Metal is a science museum dedicated to the world of mineral resources and the professions linked to metallurgy. Visitors can discover collections and exhibitions about rocks, minerals, extraction and processing techniques, as well as the role of metal in everyday life and industry. The museum offers an educational approach, with displays that make science accessible to everyone. It is an interesting visit for understanding Brazil’s geological and industrial heritage.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
