A Romantic 3-Day Escape in Belo Horizonte
A slow-paced, intimate 3-day itinerary for couples who want scenic viewpoints, cozy meals, cultural charm and soft golden-hour moments in Belo Horizonte. Spring in September brings mild temperatures and blossom-filled parks — perfect for sunset picnics, artful walks and quiet wine nights.
Highlights
- Sunset picnic at Praça do Papa with skyline and Serra do Curral views
- Full-day art and botanical immersion at Inhotim (day trip to Brumadinho)
- Pampulha architectural circuit and lakeside strolls at golden hour
Itinerary
Day 1
Gentle arrival into Belo Horizonte: light culture in the Liberty Square area, a tasting-style lunch at Mercado Central, an afternoon park pause, then a sunset picnic and an intimate wine-bar dinner.
Stroll Praça da Liberdade and the Circuito Cultural
Begin with a leisurely walk through Praça da Liberdade’s gardens and façades—perfect for photos and soft-morning light. Peek into nearby cultural institutions and find a bench for a quiet moment together.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early (09:00) to enjoy cooler air and near-empty squares—perfect for couples photos without crowds.
- Ask at the Information kiosk for quieter corners of the square and the indoor courtyards in the cultural circuit.
- If mobility is a concern, most paths are paved; there are benches and shaded spots for frequent rests.
Visit Palácio das Artes (light cultural stop)
A calm cultural stop to see rotating exhibitions or a short performance—choose one gallery or a rooftop bench to keep pacing unhurried.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the day's exhibition schedule in the morning so you can select one gallery that interests you both and keep the visit intimate.
- There are benches and quiet corners inside where you can sit together and plan the afternoon.
- If you prefer less walking, request elevator access (available) and focus on a single exhibit or the terrace views.
Lunch & food-tasting at Mercado Central de Belo Horizonte
Explore stalls tasting traditional Minas cheeses, doce de leite, freshly baked pão de queijo and enjoy a relaxed lunch at a table inside the market—ideal for sharing small plates.
Tips from local experts:
- Go with a light appetite and order a few small plates for sharing—a true Minas culinary experience is best enjoyed family-style.
- Magnetic aisle-side seating can get busy; ask vendors to point you to quieter tables towards the back.
- Buy a small dessert (doce de leite or goiabada) to keep for a later stroll or evening nibble.
Afternoon pause in Parque Municipal Américo Renné Giannetti
A tranquil park break near downtown—ideal for a shaded bench, a short nap on a bench or reading together. Keeps the afternoon unhurried before golden hour.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light wrap for spring breezes; benches are shaded but the sun can be surprise-warm in September afternoons.
- Look for quieter paths near the ornamental gardens to avoid the noisier central walkways.
- If you want a private moment, the park has small tucked-away groves—perfect for a short, restful pause together.
Golden-hour picnic and sunset at Praça do Papa
Head to Praça do Papa for sweeping views of the city and Serra do Curral. Bring a small picnic (or pick up local cheese and sweets from Mercado Central) and watch the sunset together—an intimate, memorable special moment.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan to arrive ~60–75 minutes before sunset to claim a quiet spot on the rim and to watch the light shift slowly—sunset in September is around 18:00–18:30.
- Bring a small blanket and pre-bought local snacks from Mercado Central; there are limited food vendors on site.
- Praça do Papa is on a slope—choose a levelled area for comfort and take care when walking after dusk (carry a small torch or use phone light).
Intimate wine-bar dinner (Savassi) — cozy date night
End the day with reserved table time at a small wine bar in Savassi for a slow multi-course dinner with wine pairing—soft lighting and quiet tables for conversation.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in advance and request a quiet corner or booth to keep the evening intimate.
- Ask the sommelier for a light, food-friendly Minas or national red to pair with local cheese and meat options.
- Finish with a small dessert to share and take a slow walk back through Savassi’s tree-lined streets after dinner.
Day 2
A full-day romantic getaway to Inhotim: contemporary art, botanical gardens and relaxed pacing. This is your special-day highlight — expansive gardens, secluded benches and shared discoveries.
Morning transfer from Belo Horizonte to Inhotim (Brumadinho)
Private transfer to Inhotim (approx. 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic). Bring water, light layers and a small backpack for the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrange a private car for comfort; the drive is scenic and gives you time to set the mood with music and snacks.
- Bring a light jacket for early morning or later in the day—spring mornings can be fresh even if afternoons warm up.
- Keep your ticket confirmations handy on your phone; some entrances are timed and it helps to have everything accessible.
Explore Inhotim’s gardens and collections (morning session)
Wander art pavilions and the botanical gardens at a slow pace—visit one or two highlights first and choose a quiet garden bench for reflective moments.
Tips from local experts:
- Start with the outdoor installations and gardens to take advantage of softer morning light and cooler temperatures.
- Plan to split the visit into two relaxed blocks with a sit-down lunch in between—Inhotim is large and best savored slowly.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle; there are shaded paths and many secluded benches for private conversation.
Lunch at Inhotim (on-site restaurant or picnic area)
Enjoy the onsite dining options or a laid-back picnic in the garden areas. Choose lighter dishes and share desserts to keep the afternoon feeling gentle.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table at the Inhotim restaurant if possible; otherwise, pick a scenic picnic spot near the lakes.
- Try seasonal dishes using local ingredients to complement the garden experience.
- Keep the meal unhurried—plan a coffee or dessert stroll after lunch through a nearby sculpture trail.
Afternoon wandering: secluded garden spots and pavilions
Choose a few lesser-known pavilions and garden niches for quiet reflection—seek out bench-view points over ponds and shaded pathways.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the Inhotim staff for quieter trails or lesser-visited pavilions—those spots often become private and romantic.
- Timing is key: mid-afternoon often thins out crowds, which is perfect for private photos and long conversations.
- Bring a small sketchbook or polaroid camera to capture a tactile memory of the day together.
Return transfer to Belo Horizonte
Drive back to Belo Horizonte at a relaxed pace; enjoy sunset views on the way if timing allows.
Tips from local experts:
- Depart with a relaxed buffer—allow time for a scenic stop on the route if you’d like a final shared view.
- If you want to freshen up before dinner, plan a brief hotel stop to change into something comfortable for evening out.
- Keep light snacks for the drive back; you’ll likely arrive hungry and ready for a low-key dinner.
Rooftop cocktails & small plates for two (savory-sweet evening)
A relaxed rooftop or intimate bistro back in Belo Horizonte for cocktails, small plates and soft lighting—ideal to decompress from a full Inhotim day.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table on the terrace in advance so you can enjoy skyline views without standing in a queue.
- Order shareable plates to keep the experience intimate and avoid heavy meals after a big day.
- Ask the bartender for a lighter, floral cocktail to keep the mood delicate and romantic.
Day 3
Pampulha’s architectural circuit and lakeside calm: modernist icons, Casa do Baile, a lakeside lunch, relaxed park time and a final sunset at Mirante do Mangabeiras followed by a celebratory dinner.
Morning coffee and lakeside calm at Casa do Baile
Start by the Pampulha lagoon with coffee or a light breakfast near Casa do Baile—enjoy the modernist architecture and water reflections before the crowds arrive.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim for early morning light for gentle reflections on the lagoon—great for photos together.
- Casa do Baile’s setting is quiet in the morning; sit on the terrace or nearby bench for a peaceful start.
- Bring sunglasses and a light layer—reflective surfaces can be bright in September spring mornings.
Visit Igreja São Francisco de Assis (Igrejinha da Pampulha)
A contemplative visit to Niemeyer’s famed church—take time to admire the tiles by Cândido Portinari and step outside for sweeping lagoon views.
Tips from local experts:
- The church is a serene spot—speak softly and take time to sit on the steps for a private moment.
- Combine this stop with a slow walk along the lagoon edge to find quieter viewpoints away from the main walkways.
- Respect service times; some mornings may have mass—these are short and add to the atmospheric experience.
Lunch at Restaurante Xapuri (traditional Minas cuisine)
Savor traditional Minas dishes in a cozy, rustic setting—perfect for sharing family-style specialties and lingering conversation.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in advance (ask for a quiet corner) to enjoy a relaxed, unhurried meal.
- Share several small dishes so you can taste multiple Minas specialties without overfilling.
- Save room for a classic local dessert to share (doce de leite or regional sweets) for a sweet shared finish.
Afternoon unwind: Parque das Mangabeiras and Mirante preparation
Slowly ascend to Parque das Mangabeiras for a relaxed walk, light birdwatching and to position yourselves for the evening mirante (viewpoint) moment.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes for the park’s gentle trails—there are several lookout points to choose from for sunset.
- Carry a light snack and water; the park has quiet gazebos perfect for a short rest or private chat.
- If you prefer minimal walking, drive to the Mirante area and use the short viewpoint trails to save energy for sunset.
Special moment: sunset at Mirante do Mangabeiras
A final romantic sunset over the city from Mirante do Mangabeiras—bring a light wrap and a camera for silhouette photos against the fading light.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim to arrive 45–60 minutes before sunset to find a comfortable viewpoint and watch the color change gradually.
- Bring a small thermos of warm tea or a light sparkling wine (if permitted) to toast the sunset together.
- After sunset, use a flashlight app for the walk back; paths can be uneven—shoes with good grip help.
Celebratory final dinner (romantic, slightly upscale)
Finish the escape with a polished dinner in a quiet dining room—reserve a table, request soft lighting and take your time over a multi-course meal.
Tips from local experts:
- Make a reservation and request a table with space for conversation (not near speakers or the kitchen).
- Order a tasting or sharing menu if available to make the meal feel ceremonial and connected.
- Consider a post-dinner walk through a nearby tree-lined street or square to close the evening softly.
