The capital of Minas Gerais, close to the BH, summarizes a bit 'of what is found throughout the state. At the same time preserving the traditional bar culture and cuisine and offers room for several restaurants and typical of the metropolis. With the attractions it is the same: while the traditional Pampulha Lagoon stands as one of the main tourist areas, a modern museum of contemporary art is beginning to attract more tourists.
Pampulha
Symbol of the capital of Minas Gerais is the church São Francisco de Assis (it's very own him, St. Francis of Assisi), known for its curves designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. He is also responsible for other buildings around the lagoon as the Museu de Arte and Casa do Baile, places that function as spaces for exhibitions and shows.
Museu Inhotim
It is not even in Belo Horizonte (located 60 km from the capital, the city of Brumadinho) but has become a prime destination for artistic tours. There are works by contemporary artists like Helio Oiticica and Brazilian Almicar de Castro, and foreigners such as the Canadian Janet Cardiff and the American Larry Clark, famous for the film Kids (1995).
A good part of the works can be seen outside in the gardens by landscape designer Roberto Burle Marx.
Cooking
Belo Horizonte is also known as the capital of boteco, a type of traditional bar in Brazil with the menu and the environment that was quite simple. The district includes many Savassi it becoming a very busy evening. The kitchen is made of the boteco generous portions of tastes almost always accompanied by the cachaça, the Brazilian cane brandy excellence.
But there are more elaborate types of boteco scattered around the city. The Xapuri is an example of boteco that serves dishes from Minas Gerais, which in most traditions are tropeira (old traveling merchants). there are also home-made cakes made of fruit and sold in unopened packages.
Suggested routes
In 2 days vai to know the Pampulha lagoon and visit at least one of the traditional bars in the neighborhood Savassi.
In 1 week passed a day at the Museu Inhotim, 60 km from the capital. The Sunday vai to see the concerts in the square Liberade.
Reserve a little over 2 weeks' time to know the caves of Sete Lagoas, Lagoa Santa and Cordisburgo. Another possibility not to be missed are the historic towns of the State of Minas Gerais. BH are those closest to Ouro Preto, Mariana, and Congonhas.
In 1 month organizing a trip for the whole state, including the cities and the historical Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra and Parque Nacional da Serra Cipó.
