Belo Horizonte

Brazil's "bar capital", with Niemeyer's World Heritage Pampulha modernist ensemble, the Mercado Central and Minas cuisine, and the open-air art park of Inhotim nearby.

Belo Horizonte, capital of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, was built in 1897 as Brazil's first planned city; its metropolitan area has about 6 million people. The name means "beautiful horizon", after the Serra do Curral ridge south of the city. The city is known for three things: Niemeyer's Pampulha Modern Ensemble (a World Heritage Site since 2016), a corner-bar culture with more bars per capita than anywhere else in Brazil, and Minas cuisine, recognized by UNESCO with the title of City of Gastronomy. The main sightseeing areas fall into three zones: downtown, with the Mercado Central, the Municipal Park and the Circuito Liberdade cultural complex (more than ten free or low-cost museums); Lake Pampulha's architectural ensemble and the Mineirão stadium to the north; and the Mangabeiras, Praça do Papa and Serra do Curral viewpoints to the south. Classic day trips include the Inhotim contemporary art park (about 60 km away), the colonial town of Sabará, and the Serra da Piedade and its caves; Ouro Preto and other historic towns are covered as separate destinations. Set on a plateau, the city is cool and sunny in the Apr–Sep dry season, the best time to visit; Nov–Mar brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms. International flights arrive at Confins International Airport, about 40 km from the city. Allow 3–4 days. Tip: take a taxi at night and keep an eye on your phone.

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