RouteBelo Horizonte

BH's Historic Centre: Streets, Markets & Urban Life

Belo Horizonte's planned grid centre — laid out in 1897 as a modern replacement for the colonial capital Ouro Preto — has the Praça Sete as its commercial heart and a fascinating urban history

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1
Praça Sete de Setembro
The central square of BH - with the Obelisco monument - is the symbolic heart of the city; the convergence of the main commercial arteries, the busiest intersection and the site of political demonstrations
2
Feira de Arte e Artesanato
The massive craft fair at Afonso Pena – over 3,000 stalls with artisans selling jewellery, ceramics, paintings and leather goods – is one of Brazil's largest craft markets
3
Rua dos Caetés Shopping
The traditional shopping street Rua dos Caetés in the center is where the working class bra shops — clothing, electronics and everyday goods at prices that reflect the city's social offering
4
Cine Brasil and the history of the city
The historic cinemas and cultural spaces in BH's center document the city's history — BH was founded in 1897 as a planned state capital; its grid reflects 19th century town planning ambitions
5
Ouro Preto Day Trip
The colonial gold rush town of Ouro Preto - a UNESCO site 100 km from BH - is the historic heart of the state; its baroque churches, cobbled streets and mining history stand in stark contrast to BH's modernism
6
BH Nightlife in Lourdes
The Lourdes district has Belo Horizonte's best concentration of restaurants and bars — the city's food culture is among Brazil's finest, and the supper and bar scene is sophisticated and locally proud