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Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Belo Horizonte — BH to locals — was Brazil's first planned city, laid out on a grid in the 1890s, and its walkable downtown has evolved into one of the country's most exciting culinary destinations. The Savassi neighborhood is the heart of the city's dining and nightlife scene, with streets packed with bars serving the famous BH boteco culture — casual bars with excellent petiscos (snacks). The Pampulha neighborhood, a short drive north, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Oscar Niemeyer's earliest masterworks: the Church of Sao Francisco de Assis with its undulating roof, the Pampulha Art Museum, and the Casa do Baile, all arranged around an artificial lake. The Praca da Liberdade (Liberty Square) has been transformed into a cultural circuit with multiple museums in grand neoclassical buildings. The Mercado Central, one of the largest in Brazil, fills a massive hall with over 400 vendors selling everything from cachaça to cheese to tropical fruits.
explore by interest
BH is built on hills — the Savassi and downtown areas are the most walkable, but be prepared for inclines. The city's excellent bar culture means there is always a place to rest with a cold chopp (draft beer).
April through September offers dry weather and comfortable temperatures, with June's Festival de Inverno bringing cultural events and the perfect weather for walking.