'''Belo Horizonte''' [http://www.belohorizonte.mg.gov.br/] is Brazil's third-largest city and the capital of the state of Minas Gerais. With its orderly grid plan and tree-lined avenues, it's a pleasant metropolis. For travelers, it's a good stopping point on the way to the beautiful colonial towns such as

Understand

Belo Horizonte (or simply "BH" (''beh-ah-GAH'') to locals) is little over a century old. With a metropolitan population reaching more than 5 million (edging out Salvador), it was built as a planned city to take the place of Ouro Preto as the State's capital. Its layout features square sections drawn out by broad avenues, intersected diagonally by smaller streets.

The city lies in the center of the Minas Gerais state, and is intended to bring together the many parts of this very diverse state.

Get in

By bus

BH is a major national hub for bus travel. The bus terminal ''rodoviária'' is at downtown at the northern end of Av. Afonso Pena (avenue). Approximate travel times from other capitals:
  • Brasilia - 10 hours
  • Rio de Janeiro - 7 hours
  • Sao Paulo - 8 hours
  • By plane

    BH is served by two airports:
  • '''Confins''' (''Aeroporto Internacional Tancredo Neves'') - Rodovia MG 010 S/N, 40 km - Confins/MG. Phone: (31) 3689-2700. Confins connects the city with direct flights to USA, the Caribbean and Europe and most domestic flights. It's located about 40 km from the city downtown. It's connected to the downtown area by Conexao Aeroporto [http://www.expressounir.com.br/] express buses (R$ 16.90) and taxis. There is also an express bus to Pampulha and the rodoviaria for R$6,45.
  • '''Pampulha''' (''Aeroporto Carlos Drummond de Andrade''). For some domestic flights, especially within the state of Minas Gerais. 9 km from downtown.
  • Get around

    On foot

    If you plan to get around the city center on foot, you might want to take a map. Because the city grid is laid out with both ordinals and diagonal streets, it is very easy to take a wrong turn. Also, the land where the city was build over has plenty of hills so one should wear comfortable shoes to go up and down the streets. At night, stay in the main Avenues and Streets for safety, because it can be dangerous.

    By bus

    BH is well served by buses. The SC buses circulate through the downtown; others serve outlying neighborhoods.

    If you are outside the center, take a blue bus to the center. As there is no bus map, remember its number to find your way back. Check BHTrans-Onibus [http://www.bhtrans.pbh.gov.br/portal/page/portal/portalpublico/%C3%94nibus] for more information of buses. You can also calculate a public transportation route through google maps [http://maps.google.com].

    The buses are pretty complicated and are excruciatingly slow and full. Don't go anywhere by yourself.

    By train

    The ''Metro'' [http://www.metrobh.gov.br/]. snakes through the city, from Eldorado northeast to Vilarinho, tangential to the north side of downtown. Lagoinha Station is near the ''rodoviaria'' (bus station), Gameleira Station is near the ExpoMinas Convention Center and Minas Shopping Station is near the Mall of the same name and Ouro Minas Palace Hotel. Unfortunately, unlike subways in developed countries or in Sao Paulo, the Metro lines, even though connecting the two biggest cities in the metro area, Belo Horizonte and Contagem, do not cover most of the city and outside the stations can be dangerous (true for Sao Paulo's). New lines are been planned and when completed will connect downtown to Pampulha and Savassi, the two most visited neighborhoods.

    The trains are useless for someone traveling. Take a taxi.

    By taxi

    The main taxi companies in Belo Horizonte include Hutaxi, Jo Taxi, Intertaxi, Pitangui and Protaxi. Whatever the taxi company you choose, they're ALL white in Belo Horizonte. Inside the city, all driver work with taximeters. However, in case of travelling to the countryside or others states, the fare can be discussed.

    See

  • '''Pampulha''' - This 1940's neighborhood has some of the highlights of Brazil modern architecture, including the Sao Francisco de Assis Church. The building is not shocking by itself, until you realize it was meant to be a church. Not surprisingly, the Catholic Church refused to consecrate it for more than one decade. Next to the church, there's the Parque Guanabara, an amusement park that is small, but worth visiting. In Pampulha lies the world-famous Iate Tenis Clube, founded along with the Pampulha Architectural Complex designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Invitations to the club can be bought at the place (they are free if you know someone affiliated to the club).
  • '''Mangabeiras Park''' - This is an amazing place for nature lovers, a place where the Cerrado mixes with the Atlantic Forest, this is a great visit for children and family.
  • '''Praca da Liberdade''' - A beautiful palm tree-lined square, sidelined by interesting buildings from the 19th century, including the seat of the State Government, and a curvaceous (yes, you can use this word to describe an Oscar Niemeyer building) edifice from the 60s.
  • '''Museum of Arts and Crafts''' - Praca Rui Barbosa, Centro. (31) 3248-8600 ([mailto:info@mao.org.br info@mao.org.br]). Tue, Thu, Fri noon to 7pm. Wed, noon to 9pm. Sat, Sun, 11am to 5 pm. Groups: daily, from 9am-noon. The ''Museu de Artes e Oficios'' is installed in the 19th Century buildings of the former Central Train Station. Its collection shows the richness of Brazilian popular work and professions before the country's industrialization. Admission: R$ 4. Saturday - free.
  • '''Alta Vila Tower''' - Located in the district of Nova Lima, (Belo Horizonte city Metro area), this tower offers a spectacular view of Belo Horizonte and its surrounding mountains. On the main floor is the Hard Rock Cafe - Belo Horizonte.
  • '''Parque Municipal''' - thumb|144px|Greenery in Parque MunicipalAn oasis of green right in the centre of downtown. Based on French parks, it has small lagoons where you can rent a boat or feed the ducks. It has the Casa Maluca (Crazy House), the Casa dos Pneus and a small amusement park - three places where children always like to play.
  • '''Museu de Ciencias Naturais''' - Take the Metro to the Gameleira station, go NW to the PUC campus, and turn right. Diverse mollusks, whales, and Brazilian forest animals. A new exhibit is under construction. Admission: R$ 3.
  • '''Museu Historico Abilio Barreto''' - Av Prudente de Morais, 135 - Cidade Jardim Neighborhood - (0xx)31 3342-1268? - This museum is dedicated to the history of the city and was created in the only standing farmhouse from the old Curral d'El Rey, farmland replaced by the new planned city.
  • Buy

  • '''BH Shopping'''. One of BH's oldest and biggest shopping centers, with shops, food, cinema and games. It's in Belvedere area and close to Nova Lima road.
  • '''Shopping Del Rey'''. Another of BH's oldest and biggest shopping centers, with shops, food, cinema and games.
  • '''Minas Shopping'''. Among the biggest shopping centers, with shops, food, cinema and games. ''Metro'' station nearby.
  • '''Diamond Mall'''. A very refined (and usually expensive) shopping center.
  • '''Patio Savassi'''. Also very refined (and usually expensive) shopping center, in the heart of Savassi.
  • '''Mercado Central''', Av. Augusto de Lima and R. Curitiba. Traditional market where you can find tofu, whole grains, cheese, meat, herbs, religious articles, fruit, live birds, pots, souvenirs and lots of other stuff. It's one the most visited places in the city.
  • '''Hippie Fair''', Av. Afonso Pena in front of the Municipal Park. Opens every Sunday, from 8AM to 2PM. The fair is one of the biggest in the country and offers from crafts to jewelry, furniture to souvenir, clothing to food. Receives from 60,000 to 120,000 people every Sunday. Definitively worth the visit.
  • Learn

  • '''Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais''' [http://www.ufmg.br/]. Av. Antonio Carlos 6627, Pampulha.
  • '''Pontificia Universidade Catolica''' [http://www.pucminas.br/]. Four blocks northwest of the Gameleira station.
  • '''Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais''' [http://www.uemg.br/].
  • '''Centro Universitario UNA''' [http://www.una.br/].
  • '''Universidade FUMEC''' [http://www.fumec.br/].
  • '''Universidade Jose do Rosario Vellano''' [http://www.unifenas.br/].
  • '''Centro Universitario Newton Paiva''' [http://www.newtonpaiva.br/].
  • '''Centro Federal de Ensino Tecnologico de Minas Gerais - CEFET''' [http://www.cefetmg.br/].
  • '''Instituto Brasil-Estados Unidos''' [http://www.ibeu.org.br/]
  • Eat

    For a good sample of traditional ''mineira'' food, here are some options:

  • '''Dona Lucinha II''', Rua Sergipe, 811; (31) 3261-5930, [mailto:dl2@uol.com.br dl2@uol.com.br]. Mon-Fri 12PM-3PM and 8PM-midnight. Sat 12PM-5PM and 8PM-midnight. Sun 12PM-5PM. R$ 19-27.
  • '''Restaurante Xapuri''', Rua Mandacaru, 260 - Pampulha, near the Pampulha Lake and the City Zoo, the restaurant is open Tue-Thu from 11AM to 11PM, Fri-Sat from 11AM to 2 AM and Sunday and holidays from 11AM to 6PM. It has live music from Wed-Sun (and Holidays)
  • For great international food, here are some options:

  • '''Porcao''' [http://www.porcao.com.br], Avenida Raja Gabaglia, 2985, Cep:30350-540, Tel: (31) 3293-8604. One of the more infamous restaurants in BH is chain Porcao. Considered to have the best meat in BH is also one of the most expensive in town. Some nights there are live performances by some of the more well known performers in BH.
  • '''Hard Rock Cafe Belo Horizonte''' [http://www.hardrockcafebrasil.com.br/], Rua Senador Milton Campos - AltaVila Center Class - Tel: (31)3011-9511. Live music Friday and Saturday nights.
  • '''Apple Bee's Restaurant''' [http://www.applebees.com.br/conosco_bh/] - Located at BH Shopping, the restaurant has a casual feel with an American Menu.
  • If your food tastes lean toward brown rice and tofu, try ''Bem Natural''. This is both a snack bar with tuna and chicken sandwiches on whole wheat, and a ''por quilo'' buffet with stuffed tomatoes, vegetarian feijoada, and brown rice. There are four locations in BH:

  • Av. Afonso Pena 941, Centro, (31) 3224-1385.
  • Augusto de Lima 1652, Barro Preto, (31) 3295-2325.
  • Bernardo Guimaraes 166, Funcionarios, (31) 3284-6680.
  • Tome de Souza 947, Savassi, (31) 3261-5676, open weekends and holidays too.
  • Drink

  • People from BH are famous for their love of bars. The central '''Savassi''' neighborhood has dozens of bars. Also, at Sao Lucas neighborhood, on Contorno Avenue, you will find "Sociedad Pub", one of the best Pubs in town (Contorno Av., n.3849). Actually, the city is widely known (although without any confirmation) as the city with most bars per capita in the world. Some clubs that charge a cover are overrated and expensive. However, the outdoor bar scene is the authentic Brazilian experience.
  • You may know it only as an ingredient in vitamin pills, but here you can get fresh ''acerola'' puree in orange juice squeezed before your eyes. This is called a '''vitamina''' with good reason. The fruit is perishable and is stored on ice. Other fruits prepared the same way are ''abacaxi'' (pineapple), ''acai'', banana, and ''mamao'' (papaya).
  • Although Savassi is the place to go on Friday and Saturday nights, Trevo Five Place (close to the Hard Rock Cafe) is a great spot on Thursday nights. The dancing is great however the environment is not for the cautious.
  • The state of Minas Gerais is famous for their cachaca. The price stars from R$1,00 to R$50,00 and above, for some high-end brands. It is the main ingredient of the famous "Caipirinha" cocktail, but Brazilians enjoy drinking it pure as well.
  • Another great drink is a sweet tasting wine-like substance called pronounced "catuaba".
  • If your looking for some dancing and clubbing visit naSala [http://www.nasala.com.br/]. For sure the best nightlife in town. Expect to meet beautiful people.
  • Sleep

    Major high-rise hotels are generally on Av. Afonso Pena or at Savassi neighborhood, while mid-range and budget accommodations are clustered around the train station.

    Budget

  • '''Pousadinha Mineira''' [http://www.belo-horizonte.travel/Pousadinha_Mineira], Rua Espirito Santo 604, Centro. Phone (31) 3273-8156 and (31) 3423-4105. Basic, clean beds in large dorms. Excellent security. Close to everything, right in the center. Dorms R$ 16.00 (w/o breakfast), R$ 20.00 (incl. breakfast).
  • '''Albergue da Juventude Chale Mineiro''' [http://www.chalemineirohostel.com.br/], Rua Santa Luzia, 288 - Santa Efigenia (''From Rodoviaria take bus 9801 (Saudade-Santa Cruz), at Rua dos Caetes, or the subway to the Santa Tereza station''). (31) 3467-1576, [mailto:chalemineiro@ig.com.br chalemineiro@ig.com.br]. This hostel is a member of Hostelling International and has a nice swimming pool for its guests. Prices from R$ 15.
  • '''Hotel Sao Bento''' [http://www.belo-horizonte.travel/Hotel_S_o_Bento], Rua Guarani, 438 - Centro (''Located within walking distance of Mercado Central, Parque Municipal and Minascentro Exhibition Centre''). (31) 3025-3399. Highlighted in the French guide "Le Guide du Routard" as the best cost-benefit in town in its category. Prices from R$46.
  • Mid-range

  • Normandy Hotel. ua dos Tamoios, 212 - City Centre. ocated in the heart of Belo Horizonte, close to the commercial and financial center.. 31) 3201-6166. ttp://www.belo-horizonte.travel/Normandy_Hotel. 2:00. 2:00. rices from R$ 119. The Normandy Hotel highlight is its great location, right at the cultural, commercial and financial hub of Belo Horizonte, making it a good option for travellers looking for commodity and agility when staying in town.

  • '''Le Flamboyant''' [http://www.clan.com.br/hoteis/le_flamboyant.html] - Rua Rio Grande do Norte, 1007. Phone (31) 3261-5233 (''fax (31) 3261-7370''). Good value for money. The 80s decor may be a little out of date, but the flats are spacious and there is a swimming pool for guests. Besides, location is excellent: right in the middle of the lively Savassi neighborhood. Singles/doubles R$ 100-120.
  • Stay healthy

    Drink the acerola. You won't miss your vitamin pills.

    Try Acai for a boost of energy.

    Drink bottled water, or water from drinking fountains, usually located at malls.

    Stay safe

    When crossing the street, watch for motorcycles, which can appear out of nowhere and sometimes ignore stop signs. At some intersections with divided streets, you can cross only one side at once.

    Minas has both the military police (policia militar) who are the enforcers of the law at street level, however not linked to the Brazilian Military and the civilian police (policia civil) who conduct further investigations like the British CID. Note, though, that most officers don't even have a knowledge of basic English (or any other language). The uniform of the Minas Gerais state military police is brown.

    The emergency number (by which you can reach the military police) is 190.

    The emergency number of SAMU (the acronym for the health emergency service) is 192.

    The city has its own police, the Municipal Guard, the uniform is blue and officers are found in parks, near monuments, schools, hospitals.

    The city has seen a recent surge on crime related to drugs. It is wise to avoid walking alone at night or carrying expensive electronics such cameras, notebooks, iPods or jewelry. Be discrete. It is not uncommon to be mugged at traffic lights or walking during the day or night, even in the good areas. Due to the Brazilian huge diversity and mix of races, tourists are not easily ID'd by bad guys. However, people from european descend such as Scandinavians are not commonly seen and could be an easy target.

    If someone mugs you, don't react. Your life is worth more than a hundred dollars.

    Contact

    By net

  • '''MP Games''', Rua dos Inconfidentes 868, between Pernambuco and Paraiba, Savassi. You can bring your laptop. 3 R$/h.
  • There are many LAN Houses and Cyber Cafes throughout the city, even inside Shopping Malls, so checking your e-mails or browsing the internet won't be a problem. Rates go from R$2 to R$5 per hour.

    By phone

    The area code for Belo Horizonte is 31. The code for Telemar, the phone company that runs most of the phone booths in the city, is also 31. So to call Belo from outside using Telemar, you dial 031 31 and the desired number, for example: from Sao Paulo to Belo, dial 03131 xxxx-xxxx. But to make a local call, you don't have to dial 31 at all, just the eight digits. Sometimes, it depends, because there are many other cities surrounding Belo, with the same area code, so you might be dialling the long distance code, using 31. Dialing from or to Ouro Preto, to or from Belo, you need to dial 03131 xxxx-xxxx. There are other long distance companies codes available, which can be used to make calls, such as Embratel (21), Intelig (23), which provides long distance calls with suitable rates, to or from Brazil, and to other countries.

    Get out

    Belo Horizonte is an entryway to many of the the country's most important '''colonial towns''':
  • Congonhas
  • Diamantina
  • Ouro Preto
  • Sao Joao del Rey
  • Tiradentes