HOST CITIES

Belo Horizonte - MG

Basic Information

Population: 2,315,560 people
GDP per capita: R$ 38,670.40
Human Development Index (IDHM): 0.810
Source: IBGE

Belo Horizonte, also known as BH, is a Brazilian municipality and the capital of the state of Minas Gerais, located in the country's Southeast Region. People born in Minas Gerais are called mineiro. Those born in Belo Horizonte are belo-horizontinos. With more than 2.3 million inhabitants, Belo Horizonte is one of Brazil's most populous cities and an important economic and financial center. The city of Minas Gerais is one of the capitals that will host G20 activities.

The São Francisco de Assis da Pampulha Church in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, was inaugurated in 1943. The architectural project was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and the structural calculations by engineer Joaquim Cardozo. Photo: Pedro Vilela/MTur.

Presentation

Belo Horizonte has a territorial area of 331,354 km2. The capital of Minas Gerais is the state's main economic and financial center. The municipality's economy is centered on the tertiary sector, which is responsible for the supply of goods and services. Some of the largest industries in Minas Gerais are located in the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region.

The city is a synthesis of Minas Gerais culture and a showcase for its traditions, history, gastronomy, hospitality and creativity. Founded in 1897, it stands out for its characteristic architecture, with wide avenues, tree-lined squares and a welcoming atmosphere.

The beating heart of the capital is Praça da Liberdade, a vast area that is home to historic buildings, ornamental fountains and manicured gardens. This square reflects Belo Horizonte's rich cultural and architectural heritage, with buildings dating back to the time when the city was built.

The Palácio das Artes is an important cultural center and offers a wide variety of events, from theatrical and musical performances to contemporary art exhibitions. Belo Horizonte is also famous for its lively Carnival and traditional festivals, which attract locals and tourists alike.

BH, as it has been affectionately nicknamed by its residents, is also home to one of humanity's cultural heritage sites. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the Pampulha Architectural Complex was awarded the title by the UN in 2016 and includes the Pampulha Church, the Iate Tênis Clube, the Casa do Baile and the Cassino.

The gastronomy of Minas Gerais is an attraction that deserves to be highlighted for its rich and tasty dishes, such as the famous feijão-tropeiro, pão de queijo and doce de leite. The traditional minas cheese, which has been produced by hand on the region's farms since the 18th century, was recently declared an intangible Brazilian cultural heritage by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan).

Belo Horizonte's characteristic climate is high altitude tropical, marked by mild temperatures throughout the year and a dry winter.

Main tourist attractions

• Praça da Liberdadee - Liberty Square

• Mercado Central - Central Market

• Lagoa da Pampulha - Pampulha Lagoon

• St. Francis of Assisi Church (Pampulha)

• Pampulha Art Museum (MAP)

• Américo Renné Giannetti Municipal Park

• Mirante do Mangabeiras - Mangabeiras viewpoint

• Praça do Papa - Pope's Square

• Belo Horizonte Hippie Fair (on Sundays)

• Minas Gerais Vale Memorial

24 HOURS IN BELO HORIZONTE

MORNING

How about taking advantage of the early morning to enjoy a delicious coffee from Minas Gerais in a unique setting? In Belo Horizonte, there is a wide variety of establishments that offer gastronomic experiences for all tastes, from the comforting flavors of homemade food to the sophistication of international cuisine.

There are several options for cafés, ranging from cozy grandma's house environments to open-air options and terraces with majestic views.

LUNCH

Why not have lunch in a traditional part of the city? At BH's Central Market, which has been open since 1929, you can sample various dishes and snacks from Minas Gerais cuisine. The traditional feijão-tropeiro, torresmo, cheeses and dulce de leche (doce de leite), as well as cachaça, are options you can’t miss out.

BH gastronomic guide

Gastronomic guide to BH (in Spanish)

AFTERNOON

Take a stroll through the Praça da Liberdade Cultural Circuit, a real complex with several museums and cultural centers, such as the Minas Gerais Memorial, the Mines and Metal Museum, the Minas Gerais Museum, the UFMG Knowledge Space, the Fiat House of Culture, the Popular Art Center and the Banco do Brasil Cultural Center (CCBB).

LATE AFTERNOON

Watch the sunset over Pampulha! The beauty of the São Francisco de Assis Church and the curves of the Casa do Baile are especially beautiful at this time of day. Take advantage of the bicycle rental service to go for a ride and discover the many attractions in the area.

NIGHT

The Praça da Savassi block is the most diverse place in the city and an excellent option for getting to know BH's nightlife. It is home to several bars, restaurants, nightclubs and clubs. The craft breweries in the area suggest starting the experience at happy hour.

Airport

Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais, has two airports: Tancredo Neves International Airport, better known as Confins Airport, and Carlos Drummond de Andrade Airport, known as Pampulha Airport.