5 Days of Exploring Belo Horizonte Itinerary

Begin your second day with a visit to Mercado Central de Belo Horizonte. This bustling market is one of the best places to experience local culture and cuisine. Wander through the stalls selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal crafts. Enjoy breakfast at Café Nice, located within the market, where you can sample local delicacies.

After spending your morning at Mercado Central, join Praça da Liberdade (Liberty Square) Guided walking tour. This guided tour will provide deeper insights into the historical significance of this iconic square and its surrounding buildings. For lunch, head over to Casa Cheia, another popular spot within Mercado Central known for its hearty Minas Gerais dishes.

In the evening, visit Palácio das Artes, one of Brazil's most important cultural centers. Here you can catch a performance or simply explore the art exhibitions on display. For dinner, make reservations at O Dádiva, an elegant restaurant offering contemporary Brazilian cuisine.

Start your third day with a trip to Pampulha Modern Ensemble (Conjunto Moderno da Pampulha), a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Oscar Niemeyer. The area includes several architectural masterpieces set around an artificial lake. Have breakfast at Dona Lucinha, known for its traditional Minas Gerais breakfast buffet.

In the afternoon, continue exploring Pampulha with visits to Igreja São Francisco de Assis and Museu de Arte da Pampulha. These sites offer stunning architecture and art collections that reflect Brazil's modernist movement. Enjoy lunch at Restaurante Paladino, which offers farm-to-table dining with beautiful views of Pampulha Lake.

Conclude your day with a visit to Mirante do Mangabeiras for panoramic views of Belo Horizonte as the sun sets over the city. It's an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts or anyone looking to relax with breathtaking scenery. For dinner, dine at Taste Vin, an acclaimed wine bar and restaurant offering French-inspired dishes paired with excellent wines.

Begin your fourth day with a visit to the Inhotim Institute, located just outside Belo Horizonte. This sprawling contemporary art museum and botanical garden is one of the largest open-air museums in the world. Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens while admiring large-scale art installations and sculptures. Have breakfast at Café das Amoras, located within Inhotim, offering fresh pastries and coffee.

Continue exploring Inhotim in the afternoon, focusing on its extensive collection of contemporary art from both Brazilian and international artists. Take a break for lunch at Restaurante Tamboril, known for its delicious buffet featuring a variety of local and international dishes. Spend some time relaxing by one of the many tranquil ponds or gardens before heading back to Belo Horizonte.

Return to Belo Horizonte in the evening and unwind with a visit to Praça do Papa, a scenic square offering stunning views of the city skyline. It's a perfect spot for an evening stroll or simply relaxing on one of the benches. For dinner, head to Topo do Mundo, a restaurant located on top of Serra da Moeda, offering panoramic views along with gourmet cuisine.

On your final day, start with a visit to Museu de Artes e Ofícios (Museum of Arts and Crafts), which showcases Brazil's rich history of craftsmanship and industrial development. The museum is housed in two beautifully restored train stations from the 19th century. Enjoy breakfast at Café Nice, located nearby, known for its excellent coffee and pastries.

In the afternoon, take part in Belo Horizonte Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour if you haven't already done so earlier in your trip. This activity will give you another chance to explore any landmarks you might have missed or revisit your favorite spots. For lunch, dine at Nonna Carmela, an Italian restaurant praised for its authentic dishes and cozy atmosphere.

Conclude your trip with an evening visit to Savassi Square (Praça Diogo de Vasconcelos), one of Belo Horizonte's most vibrant neighborhoods known for its lively nightlife and cultural scene. Enjoy dinner at Automóvel Clube, an elegant restaurant offering traditional Brazilian cuisine with live music performances.