population: 2.501 million

extension: 330.95 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Belo Horizonte and interested in visiting museums, I suggest checking out the Pampulha Modern Ensemble, a complex of buildings designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer located in the Pampulha neighborhood. The ensemble includes the Museum of Modern Art, which features a collection of Brazilian contemporary art, as well as the Casa do Baile, a dance hall and exhibition space. Other museums in Belo Horizonte include the Museu de Arte da Pampulha, which showcases modern and contemporary art, and the Museu de História Natural e Jardim Botânico, a natural history museum with botanical gardens.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in Belo Horizonte, Brazil include:

1. Pão de queijo - a type of cheese bread made with cassava flour and cheese.
2. Feijão tropeiro - a dish made with beans, bacon, sausage, eggs, manioc flour, and seasonings.
3. Tutu de feijão - a bean puree mixed with manioc flour, pork, and spices.
4. Frango com quiabo - chicken cooked with okra and served with rice and beans.
5. Leitão à pururuca - roasted piglet with crispy skin.
6. Doce de leite - a sweet caramel-like spread made from milk and sugar.
7. Queijo Minas - a soft cheese that is typically eaten with bread or used as an ingredient in other dishes.

These dishes are beloved by locals and highlight the flavors of Minas Gerais state cuisine.

Activities

Sure! Belo Horizonte has a lot of great activities that locals enjoy. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Visit the Central Market (Mercado Central) and try some traditional Brazilian foods like pão de queijo, pastel, and feijão tropeiro.

2. Take a walk or have a picnic at the Pampulha Ecological Park or Serra do Curral.

3. Attend a soccer match at Mineirão Stadium to experience Brazil's passion for the sport.

4. Explore the vibrant nightlife of the Savassi neighborhood, which is known for its bars, restaurants, and live music.

5. Check out the street art scene in the Santa Tereza neighborhood, which has many colorful murals and graffiti.

6. Visit the Inhotim Institute, a contemporary art museum located in Brumadinho, just outside of Belo Horizonte. It features a breathtaking botanical garden and outdoor sculptures.

7. Enjoy a performance at the Palácio das Artes, a cultural center that hosts concerts, plays, and dance performances.

8. Join a food tour or cooking class to learn more about Brazilian cuisine and culture.

I hope these suggestions help you enjoy your time in Belo Horizonte!