Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte is a city with big ambitions baked right into its bones. Unlike most cities that grew slowly over centuries, this Brazilian metropolis was carefully mapped out and planned from scratch before a single family moved in. Walking through it today, you can feel that sense of intention everywhere, from its wide, organised streets to its grand open squares lined with trees and gorgeous historic buildings that now invite everyone inside as free museums.

But Belo Horizonte is not just about impressive planning. It has a warm, lively soul that comes alive at its bustling market stalls, lakeside parks, and extraordinary buildings that seem to bend the rules of what architecture can be. Oscar Niemeyer’s swooping, curvy masterpieces beside the shimmering Pampulha Lake look like something from the future, and they helped earn the city a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

And then there is the food. Locals here are absolutely passionate about eating well, and the whole city fills with the warm, cheesy aroma of freshly baked snacks that people happily munch from morning to night.

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Quick fact

Belo Horizonte, whose name means 'Beautiful Horizon' in Portuguese, was one of the first planned cities in Brazil, carefully designed before people even moved in.

Fun fact

Belo Horizonte is considered the foodie capital of Brazil, famous for its beloved street snack called 'pão de queijo,' a warm, chewy cheese bread ball that locals eat every single day.

Landmarks

Pampulha Architectural Complex

This stunning set of buildings beside a beautiful lake was designed by the world-famous architect Oscar Niemeyer and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Church of São Francisco de Assis

This curvy white church beside Pampulha Lake looks like no other church you've ever seen, with amazing tile artwork by Brazilian artist Cândido Portinari.

Mercado Central

Belo Horizonte's bustling central market is a wonderful maze of stalls selling everything from exotic fruits and herbs to handmade crafts and delicious street food.

Mangabeiras Park

Sitting high on a hillside, this large park gives you a sweeping view of the whole city and has lovely walking trails through the native cerrado vegetation.

Praça da Liberdade

This elegant tree-lined square is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings that have been turned into free museums and cultural centres for everyone to enjoy.