Destination Inspiration: Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Why go?

Belo Horizonte, or ‘beautiful horizon’, was named for its mountain views. Known as Beagá to the locals, nowadays Brazil’s third largest city is filled with high-rises and busy streets. This urban sprawl might obscure the views, but you’ll find more than enough beauty round each corner, especially in the city’s thriving food and art scenes.

During the annual Comida di Buteco festival, a panel of judges visits 41 of the Belo Horizonte’s top bars and selects the one with the best tira-gosto, or bar snack. The rest of the year, you can eat your way through the more than 12,000 botecas across the city, clinking cold beers with locals and trying the pork and fried potato balls served with pineapple and mint sauce.

In between bar hopping, consider a visit to the city’s many art galleries and museums. The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Belo Horizonte is a grand 1920s building filled with modern art, while Museu De Artes & Oficios displays local artefacts to give you a taste of the region’s rich history.

When to go?

The cooler Brazilian winter is probably the best time to visit. Try to plan your visit in April, when the rambunctious Comida di Buteco takes place. Or opt for lower prices and warmer temperatures with a visit between September and December.

Where to stay?

Promenade Pancetti – Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Promenade Pancetti puts you in a prime position for wandering around the lively Savassi neighbourhood, well known for its bars, restaurants and shopping. All the suites here are well lit and there’s an outdoor pool and sauna for relaxing.

eSuites Sion – Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The 12th-floor terrace of eSuite Sion has a spa bath, so you can gaze out at the city as you soak. The suites are large, with a kitchenette and minibar. The property is set slightly southeast of the city centre, with the pretty Savassi district just a 5-minute walk away.

Radisson Blu Belo Horizonte Savassi – Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Rooms at the Radisson Blu Savassi are light grey, with crisp sheets and clean lines, and many offer views of the skyline and rolling hills of Belo Horizonte. A 5-minute drive from the city centre, the hotel has all the modern facilities you’d expect in a 5-star accommodation.

Ville Celestine Condo Hotel e Eventos – Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

With full kitchens, washing machines, and two private bathrooms, these apartments are a great choice for a longer visit to the city. They’re about 3km from Savassi, and guests really like the peaceful location. There’s a rooftop lounge area on the 22nd floor with a pool, sauna and fitness centre.

Clan Glass Business Tower Hotel – Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

As the name suggests, this hotel is an ideal choice for business travellers, with facilities like meeting rooms, luggage storage and an ironing service. The daily breakfast buffet offers fresh fruit, cheese and meats, and the rooms are perfect for a good night’s sleep.