Belo Horizonte
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Travel Guide
About Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte, capital of Minas Gerais, is home to the Festival Rootstock Brasil — the largest and oldest forró pé de serra festival in the country, held annually since 2002. The city is officially the World Capital of Botecos (since 2009), with more than 14,000 bars and restaurants, a rich Minas Gerais cuisine, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Rootstock takes place at Galpão 54, in the bohemian Lagoinha neighborhood, in the central region of BH. There are 4 to 5 days of intense programming with more than 25 shows by renowned artists and new talents of traditional forró, 15+ DJs playing until dawn, dance workshops, music workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and a cultural fair with Northeastern clothing, records, instruments, and handicrafts.
When to go
- November: Festival Rootstock Brasil (usually in the second half of the month, 4-5 days)
- 22nd edition: November 19-23, 2025
- Limited tickets (800 people for comfort) and sell out quickly — follow @rootstockbrasil on Instagram
- Tickets from R$60 to R$580
Climate
November is hot and humid in BH (25-32°C). Beginning of the rainy season — take an umbrella or raincoat. Quick showers in the afternoon are common, but the nights are usually pleasant.
Tips and care
- Transportation: Uber and 99 are cheap and practical. The subway has a Lagoinha station near Galpão 54. The Move (BRT) also works well.
- Money: Cards and Pix accepted almost everywhere.
- Safety: BH is a large capital — take normal precautions. The Lagoinha/Centro region is busy at night during the festival.
- Accommodation: Book in advance — the festival attracts people from all over Brazil and abroad.
- Food: Don't miss the Minas Gerais cuisine (pão de queijo, feijão tropeiro, tutu de feijão). The Mercado Central is a must-see.
- On foot: Many tourist spots in the center are accessible on foot. For Pampulha and Inhotim, use transportation.
What to bring
- Umbrella or raincoat (November is rainy)
- Light and comfortable clothes for dancing
- Sneakers for walking around the city
- Sunscreen (strong sun during the day)
Places Guide
Getting There 4
Main airport with domestic and international flights. ~40km from center (1h-1h40). Bus (~R$15, ~1h40), Uber/99 (~R$80-12...
Confins, MGDomestic airport, only 9km from center. Flights to SP (Congonhas), Rio and other capitals. Uber ~R$20-30.
Pampulha, BHDowntown terminal, ~1km from Galpão 54. Buses from all over Brazil (Util, Gontijo, Cometa).
Praça Rio Branco, 100 - Centro, BHA few minutes walk from Galpão 54. Line 1 connects Eldorado (Contagem) and Vilarinho (Venda Nova).
Estação Lagoinha, BHWhere to Stay 5
Budget, very close to Bus Terminal and Lagoinha. Varied breakfast buffet.
Rua Tupinambás, Centro, BHBudget (Accor chain), near Central Market. Compact rooms, ~R$190/night.
Centro, BHOn Rua Espírito Santo, 400m from Central metro station. ~R$142/night.
Rua Espírito Santo, Centro, BHTraditional hotel in the heart of BH. More comfortable option for the festival.
Centro, BHSuperior hotel (Accor), Lourdes neighborhood near Savassi. Good restaurant. ~R$445/night.
Lourdes, BHWhere to Eat 6
More than a market — one of BH's top attractions. 400+ shops with cheeses, sweets, spices and Mineiro food. Must-visit. ...
Av. Augusto de Lima, 744 - Centro, BHIconic Northeastern restaurant in BH. Rustic setting with Northeastern elements. Tasty traditional dishes.
Rua Santa Catarina, 778 - Lourdes, BHNortheastern cuisine. Sururu (mussel) broth (unique in BH) and other flavors. Northeastern culture as pillar.
BHDecades of tradition in Mineiro cuisine. Complete buffet of traditional dishes and irresistible desserts.
BHBar in a house's backyard in bohemian Lagoinha. Famous for torresmo de rolo. Close to Galpão 54 — ideal pre-festival.
Rua 15 de Abril, 75 - Lagoinha, BHTraditional pão de queijo and stuffed versions (sweet and savory). One of the best pão de queijo experiences in BH.
BHThings to Do 5
Oscar Niemeyer complex, UNESCO Heritage. Art Museum, São Francisco Church, Casa Kubitscheck. Great for daytime strolls.
Pampulha, BHCultural treasure. Museums like Memorial Minas Gerais Vale, CCBB and Niemeyer Building. Beautiful gardens.
Praça da Liberdade, BHOpen-air contemporary art museum, 55km from BH. One of the largest in the world. Spectacular botanical gardens. Plan a f...
Brumadinho, MGSpectacular BH view with mountain panorama and iconic landmarks.
Parque das Mangabeiras, BHBohemian and cultural neighborhood with bars, galleries and nightlife. Vibrant on weekends.
Santa Tereza, BHMarkets 3
Founded in 1929. 400+ shops: cheeses, sweets, crafts, herbs, cachaça. Must-visit. Mon-Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 8am-1pm.
Av. Augusto de Lima, 744 - Centro, BHCraft breweries, local delicacies and cultural attractions. Good afternoon option.
Av. Olegário Maciel, 742 - Centro, BHBH's largest fair. Sundays 6am-1pm. Crafts, food and local art.
Av. Afonso Pena - Centro, BH