The entrepreneurship scenario is growing stronger in Belo Horizonte.

In fact, it is in the capital of the state of Minas Gerais that the San Pedro Valley is located, which was known worldwide for hosting a community of over 300 startups and generating wealth and jobs in the technology segment. The name refers to the famous Silicon Valley, in California.

In addition, the city is home to FIRE, one of the largest online entrepreneurship events in Brazil, promoted by Hotmart since 2015.

Following the success of the previous editions, which included major brands and personalities in the digital business world, in 2018 FIRE returns to tis festival format with attractions in various parts of the city.

Therefore, in this post we will share tips with the participants on what to do in Belo Horizonte during your stay. For those who work or live here, this can be an opportunity to see BH with fresh eyes.

Parks and squares

Like most cities in the Brazil, Belo Horizonte has parks and squares, but no other city has squares as charming as those located in the capital of Minas Gerais:

1.   The Pope’s Square (Praça do Papa)

Located in the area of the Mangabeiras neighborhood, Israel Pinheiro Square, called by everyone as the Pope’s Square, it became known as such after Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass there in 1980. After that day, a huge cross was erected at the site.

Besides its historical importance, it is necessary to emphasize that the view one has of the city is incredible.

2.   Mangabeiras Park (Parque das Mangabeiras)

This place is the largest green area in Belo Horizonte and one of the largest urban parks in Latin America.

It has a great diversity of wild animals and places such as kiosks, sports courts, hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls and even a zip line. An incredible place for all types of nature lovers and adventurers.

3.   Liberty Square (Praça da Liberdade)

Located in the Savassi neighborhood in the heart of Belo Horizonte, Praça da Liberdade is at the end of Bias Fortes Avenue.

It has several attractions, including the Praça da Liberdade Cultural Circuit, one of the largest and most complex in Brazil, formed by more than ten cultural spaces and museums that integrate art, popular culture, knowledge and entertainment, most with free admission.

In addition, the Square is a wonderful place, a postcard of BH, with palm trees scattered along its length, gardens, bandstand and marble statues that together make the site very pleasant.

4.   City Park (Parque Municipal)

Also in the downtown area of Belo Horizonte, City Park is the oldest environmental heritage of the Minas Gerais capital.

In the park you will find the Francisco Nunes Theater, the Orchidarium, a small amusement park and in the back, the Palace of the Arts (Palácio das Artes). The park is also a good option for those who like birds, since it has over 100 species.

Pampulha

Pampulha is an area in Belo Horizonte, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where several tourist attractions are located, such as:

1.  Pampulha Lake (Lagoa da Pampulha)

One of the main tourist attractions of BH, the Pampulha Lake hosts sporting events such as the Pampulha International Tour, among other national and international competitions. On New Year’s Eve it has the largest fireworks show in the state.

The lake is artificial and was designed by Oscar Niemeyer in the early 1940s.

2.  Pampulha Church (Saint Francis of Assisi)

Another project by architect Oscar Niemeyer, landscape artist Burle Marx and painter Cândido Portinari, the São Francisco de Assis Church is one of the great postcards of Belo Horizonte due to its unusual shape with waves that give it a timeless look.

3. The Zoo

The Zoo-Botanical Foundation of Belo Horizonte is the second largest green area of the city and has about 1,500 animals, over 240 different species, as well as a very diverse flora and the largest freshwater aquarium in Brazil.

4. Guanabara Park

An amusement park in front of the Pampulha Church. One of the many attractions of the Pampulha Architectural Complex, this is a good option for those who have children or want to have fun.

The park is open from Thursday to Sunday and it is possible to find several classic rides such as the Carousel, Ferris Wheel and Bumper cars.

5.  Mineirão Stadium (Estádio do Mineirão)

The Governador Magalhães Pinto Stadium, known worldwide as Mineirão, is part of the Pampulha Architectural complex.

It is the fifth largest stadium in Brazil and was one of the venues of the 2014 World Cup. In fact, it was marked as the stage for the biggest defeat in the history of the Brazilian team in that World Cup, the infamous 7-1 loss to Germany.

The stadium is considered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Culture

FIRE Festival isn’t the only event in town. The capital of Minas Gerais has many places dedicated to culture and entertainment.

We have listed the main cultural sights of the city, check them out:

1. Praça da Liberdade Cultural Circuit

It is the largest integrated cultural site in Brazil, established through public-private partnerships. The spaces for visitation are:

• The Minas Gerais Public Archives
• Popular Art Center – CEMIG
• The Luiz de Bessa State Public Library
• The UFMG Knowledge Space
• Museum of Mines and Metal
• Minas Gerais-Vale Memorial
• Minas Gerais Museum (Mineiro Museum)
• Bank of Brazil Cultural Center – CCBB
• Fiat Cultural House
• Cefar Liberdade
• Creative Economy House
• Praça da Liberdade (Liberty Square)

2.  Inhotim

The Inhotim Institute is considered the largest open-air contemporary art center in the world. Surrounded by an incredible Botanical Garden, it is almost impossible to visit Inhotim in one day only, but make sure you visit its exuberant landscaping and arts.

The museum is located in the city of Brumadinho, in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte. However, every day a bus leaves the capital city for visitation. More here.

3. Abílio Barreto Historical Museum

Located in the Cidade Jardim neighborhood, southern area of Belo Horizonte, the Abílio Barreto Historical Museum is an excellent place to learn about the history and trajectory of the city and its people.

The Museum houses an immense collection of objects, photos and bibliographies that refer to the origins, formation and development of the Minas Gerais capital.

4. Museum of Natural Sciences

The Museum of Natural Sciences of PUC Minas seeks to preserve the natural, historical and cultural heritage of Brazil.

Fossils, dinosaur replicas, a butterfly garden and the replica of a cave are some of the attractions that are part of the museum’s collection.

Fairs and Markets

Of course, a city like BH has to have shopping options. Especially with the famous typical cuisine of Minas Gerais food and the Minas cheese.

1. Central Market (Mercado Central)

One of the most sought after commercial points in Belo Horizonte, the Central Market with over 400 shops with products ranging from gastronomy to arts and crafts. The site was created in 1929 by the then mayor of the city Cristiano Machado, with the idea of gathering everything that locals needed in one place.

2. Hippie Fair

The Belo Horizonte Hippie Fair has over 2,500 exhibitors from the most diverse segments and is considered to be the largest arts and crafts fair in Brazil.

This local event takes place every Sunday and attracts people from all over the world. In addition, it is one of the major tourist attractions and development centers of the capital of Minas Gerais.

3. Pampulha Arts and Crafts and Gastronomy Fair

The Pampulha Arts and Crafts and Gastronomy Fair is an excellent option for those who prefer a livelier place.

Open on Thursday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and on Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, the fair has a good food court with a structure to serve up to 3,000 people and a special space concerts.

Bars and Restaurants

As a large and traditional city as is the capital of Minas Gerais, good bars and restaurants are a must have for the people of the city. In fact, Belo Horizonte is known for having a large number of bars, with a density of 28 bars per square kilometer.

1. Edifício Maletta (Maletta Building)

The Maletta is one of the most historic buildings in the downtown Belo Horizonte and its use is both commercial and residential.

It has several types of stores, restaurants and bars and can even be considered a gastronomic center of the downtown area of BH.

It serves mainly for housing for students in the city and usually has a rather lively nightlife in its bars.

2. The Heart of Savassi

In the perimeter of Diogo Vasconcellos Square you can find tourist attractions, culture, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, popular stores and hotels in one place, in other words, everything that locals and tourists need.

3. Avenida Fleming (Fleming Avenue)

The Pampulha area is one of the main BH postcards and Fleming Avenue is part of it. The local nightlife is intense and has several options for those who want to go out and have fun in the city’s bars and restaurants.

4. Rua Pium-I (Pium-I Street)

One of the busiest places of Belo Horizonte’s nightlife, Rua Pium-I has several well-known and traditional bars and restaurants.

5. Santa Tereza

Considered by many as the most bohemian neighborhood of the city, Santa Tereza is one of those places that mixes old and current landscapes.

In addition to the bustling bars, the neighborhood became famous for being the birthplace of Brazilian music icons such as Skank, Sepultura and Clube da Esquina.

Ideal for those who want to enjoy Belo Horizonte’s nightlife too, the neighborhood is located in the eastern part of Belo Horizonte and has establishments that is open 24 hours on weekends such as the Bar do Bolão.

Nightclubs

Ideal for those who want to have things to do in Belo Horizonte in the evening. The city has several incredible clubs for locals and tourists. We have listed the main ones and best known:

1. Rock Circuit

An entertainment company that offers a lot of Rock ‘n’ Roll, with a modern structure, posters of famous bands, pool tables and sushi. The rock circuit currently consists of Jack Rock Bar and Lord Pub, both in the south-central area of Belo Horizonte.

2. Chalezinho Club

Located in the Buritis area, the Chalezinho is one of the most famous places in Belo Horizonte, in which the predominant style is Sertanejo (Brazilian Country Music). It is also known to be one of the main meeting points for young people.

3. Paco Pigalle

The space that plays Salsa, Merengue and other Latin rhythms is among the favorites of the alternative public of Minas Gerais capital on Friday and Saturday nights. The place offers various styles of beers and specialty drinks.

4.  Woods

Famous nightclub with live Sertanejo (Brazilian Country Music) and DJs. It has an area of 1,006 m², low lights, relaxed atmosphere and a fantastic view. Indispensable for those who wish to enjoy the evening in style.

5. DDuck

It is an option for the LGBT audience and for all those who like pop music, joy and special moments. It is located in the Savassi area, in the Funcionários neighborhood.

Near Belo Horizonte

If you’ve already been to all the places that you’d like to and think you don’t have anything else to do in Belo Horizonte, there are great options that are also close to the city.

1. Ouro Preto

Located 96 km away from Belo Horizonte, the city of Ouro Preto is famous for its colonial architecture. Ideal for those interested in history, the city offers several museums, old mines for visitation and churches.

Of course there is no shortage of typical Minas Gerais products and foods. So if you have the opportunity, make sure you visit this charming city.

2. Serra do Cipó

The Serra do Cipó is a tourist province in the state of Minas Gerais. Located in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, it has numerous waterfalls, one of the most diversified floras in the world, hotels, inns and a National Park in the countryside.

Ideal for those who value leisure and the practice of outdoor activities.

3. Macacos

The official name of the district is São Sebastião das Águas Claras, a quiet village and only 20 km from BH. Macacos is an option both for those who want to rest in one of their numerous inns or for those who want to enjoy a bit of adrenaline with the quad rides that are offered.

A typical village of Minas Gerais!

Off to Belo Horizonte!

As you can see, the capital of Minas Gerais offers many possibilities for all tastes and styles.

There is a lot to do in Belo Horizonte, and incredible as it may seem, the city is even more incredible during the FIRE Festival, which is always an incredible event with people from around Brazil and the world.

In 2018, the festival will take place on September 27, 28 and 29. Click here to secure your ticket!