About
Belo Horizonte, often called BH or, affectionately, Beagá, is the capital of the state of Minas Gerais in south-eastern Brazil. It is the country's sixth-largest city, and it makes a lively base for travellers interested in Brazilian culture and in the historic towns that lie within reach of it.
What to expect in the city
Belo Horizonte is best known for its cultural scene. Visitors who enjoy music, theatre, art and everyday city life will find plenty to fill a few days, and the mood in the streets tends to be relaxed and sociable. The city is a good place to slow down, eat well and explore neighbourhoods at your own pace rather than rushing from one landmark to the next.
Day trips to historic towns
One of the city's main draws is its position as a gateway to the historic colonial towns of Minas Gerais. These towns, with their old churches, cobbled streets and colonial architecture, are a natural complement to a stay in the capital. Many travellers combine a few days in Belo Horizonte with excursions into the surrounding countryside to see this older side of the state.
Planning your visit
- Allow time for both the city itself and at least one trip out to the colonial towns.
- Go at a comfortable pace; the cultural scene rewards those who linger.
- Think of the city as a base for exploring Minas Gerais as much as a destination in its own right.
Whether you come for its cultural life or as a starting point for the historic towns nearby, Belo Horizonte offers a distinctly Brazilian experience that rewards curiosity.