Belo Horizonte (meaning "beautiful horizon") is a destination for art lovers travelling to Brazil. While much of the city clings to its industrial roots, architects are gradually reshaping whole districts with new cultural spaces. The city was originally named for the imposing mountain chains lining the horizon. However, this name could also describe the modern skyline, which boasts several of Brazil's architectural icons. The city's cosmopolitan streets are also home to a lively mix of arts, concerts and markets.
One Belo Horizonte hostel has an adventure sports theme so your bed could be in a half-pipe or climbing hammock! Maybe you'd prefer the heritage feel of a 1930s mansion, or a central location with a rooftop bar. Most Belo Horizonte hostels have communal areas for socialising and you can spend afternoons round the pool or lounging in the sauna. Free breakfast is common in the city's hostels, as is a guest kitchen. You'll also have the option of female-only dorms and private rooms.
Savassi and Lourdes are the central districts where most visitors hang out. These are the neighbourhoods of glassy high rises, leafy boulevards and plenty of quality museums. A little further north in Centro district you'll find the Mercado Central (central market) and the train station as well as lower priced restaurants and bars. For a more bohemian atmosphere, take a stroll through Belo Horizonte's oldest neighbourhood, Santa Teresa. This off-beat residential district is home to cool bars and independent restaurants.
Circuito Cultural Praça da Liberdade is one of the city's main sights. This cluster of 11 museums and cultural spaces are housed in the elegant former government buildings on Freedom Square. You can also browse over 2,200 stalls at the vast craft market held every Sunday morning on Afonso Pena Avenue. Instituto de Arte Contemporânea Inhotim, west of the city, makes a good day trip: you can stroll round the lakes and gardens which surround the complex of 23 modern art museums.
Tancredo Neves Confins International Airport is a 70-minute bus ride from south of Parque Municipal. The long-distance bus station is north of the centre and has services to São Paulo, Ouro Prêto and Rio de Janeiro among other major cities. The city of Vitória is connected by a daily train from Estação Ferroviária de Belo Horizonte (the main train station). Once you're in Belo Horizonte you'll find the local bus service useful. The MOVE bus network, introduced for the World Cup in 2014, runs on its own lanes, making journey times shorter.
