3-Day Romantic Escape in Ouro Preto
A slow-paced, intimate 3-day itinerary for couples that blends baroque heritage, quiet cafés, sunset viewpoints and cozy dinners. Designed for relaxed mornings, golden-hour experiences and a spa moment — perfect for an unforgettable romantic weekend in historic Ouro Preto.
Highlights
- Sunset at a hillside mirante
- Private spa moment and rooftop cocktail
- Candlelit dinners in colonial mansions
- Strolls through baroque churches and cobbled lanes
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, gentle orientation to the historic center, first golden-hour viewpoint and a candlelit dinner.
Check in and settle at a romantic pousada
Arrive, drop bags, freshen up and take a short rest in a charming colonial pousada in the historic center — a calm, intimate base for the stay.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a room facing the historic center or a window with a view — the best sunrise/sunset photos are from window ledges.
- Request extra blankets in winter evenings; stone buildings keep cool after sunset.
- If arriving by car, confirm parking ahead — many pousadas have limited on-site parking and short uphill walks.
Late-afternoon stroll to Praça Tiradentes
A gentle walk to the historic Praça Tiradentes to feel the pulse of the town, enjoy a hand-in-hand orientation, and take photos in the soft light.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk slowly on the cobbles — bring comfortable shoes and lean into alleyways for quieter photo spots.
- Find a bench at the square's edge for coffee people-watching and intimate conversation.
- Look for the small artisan stalls on side streets for an easy first souvenir; small leather or filigree pieces make personal gifts.
Visit Museu da Inconfidência (easy-paced)
A calm, guided or self-paced visit to the Museu da Inconfidência to learn the romantic and dramatic history of Minas — ideal in late afternoon light when galleries are quieter.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the route slowly and linger on small exhibits — intimate details like letters and jewelry invite quiet discussion.
- Photography is restricted in some rooms; ask staff which rooms permit photos for couples' keepsakes.
- If tired, sit in the museum courtyard — it’s a peaceful spot for two with fewer visitors later in the afternoon.
Sunset at a nearby mirante (Romantic special moment)
Short walk or quick taxi to a classic viewpoint to watch the sun fade over orange-tiled roofs and hills — bring a light wrap and linger for golden-hour photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 20 minutes before sunset to claim a comfortable spot and set up a small photo or selfie tripod.
- Bring a warm layer and a small thermos with a hot drink from the pousada for a cozy, private moment.
- Most viewpoints have uneven ground; take care with heels and prefer soft-soled shoes for cliff-edge photos.
Candlelit dinner in a colonial dining room
A relaxed, romantic dinner in a cozy restaurant housed in colonial architecture — soft lighting, regional cuisine and time to savor courses.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a corner table or window seat in advance for intimacy and better views of candlelight reflections.
- Order a small shared dessert or local doce de leite for a sweet finish; ask waiter for wine pairings.
- Request a quieter table away from the entrance or kitchen to keep the evening private.
Leisurely return and nightcap at the pousada rooftop
A short return walk to the pousada for a rooftop nightcap or digestif — a quiet end to the first day with city lights below.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask pousada staff to prepare a small tray with local cheeses and a glass of sparkling wine for the rooftop.
- Bring a light scarf for the cooler rooftop breeze in August evenings.
- If you prefer absolute quiet, ask about an in-room nightcap service instead of the public rooftop.
Day 2
A slow day of baroque churches, intimate museum visits, a pampering couples' spa and an evening rooftop cocktail special moment.
Breakfast at a cozy local café
Unhurried breakfast with Minas coffee and pão de queijo at a beloved local café to start the day together.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for the café's house-brewed coffee — Minas coffee is rich and makes for a romantic slow breakfast.
- Sit near a window to watch morning light on Ruelas (small lanes), and note quieter streets for a post-breakfast walk.
- Order small plates to share so you can try more local flavors without rushing.
Igreja de São Francisco de Assis (guided appreciation)
Visit one of Aleijadinho’s masterpieces — admire the intimate details of sculpture and gold-leaf altars with time to sit quietly together.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim for mid-morning visits when church lighting is soft and fewer tour groups are present.
- Stand near the side altars for less crowded viewing and better photo angles of the woodwork.
- Be respectful of services and ask permission before taking close-up photos of artwork.
Slow walk and artisan shopping on Rua Direita
Meander along Rua Direita browsing tiny ateliers, filigree shops and galleries — pick a small artisan gift as a keepsake.
Tips from local experts:
- Explore side alleys off Rua Direita for quieter studios and better bargaining chances with local artists.
- Look for delicate filigree jewelry as an intimate souvenir — small and easy to pack.
- Ask shop owners for the short story behind an item; personal provenance makes a gift more romantic.
Leisure lunch and a short midday rest
Long, relaxed lunch at a calm restaurant followed by a break at the pousada to recharge before the afternoon's pampering.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a table with quiet ambiance; request a corner table when booking.
- Skip heavy starters to leave room for regional mains and a shared dessert.
- Use the break after lunch to change into comfortable attire for the spa session.
Couples' spa and massage (Romantic special moment)
Spa for two at the hotel or a nearby spa: synchronized massages, aromatherapy and quiet relaxation together.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a private couples' room in advance and request local relaxing oils (e.g., lavender or regional scents).
- Arrive 15 minutes early to use a sauna or relaxation area and extend the quiet time together.
- Inform therapists of any sensitivities and request silence or soft music to suit your mood.
Rooftop cocktail at sunset (Romantic special moment)
Rooftop cocktails or sparkling wine with panoramic views over the town as the sun goes down — a highlight and intimate toast.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve the rooftop in advance and request a table at the highest edge for the best panorama.
- Order a local sparkling wine or caipirinha made with Minas fruit for a regional touch.
- Bring a light wrap for the cooler breeze at rooftop elevations in August.
Dinner in a historic house: intimate tasting menu
A quieter, multi-course dinner in a converted colonial house — slow courses, candlelight and attentive service.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a tasting menu for a shared culinary journey and request wine pairings by the glass.
- Ask the restaurant to dim a corner table for extra intimacy; small requests are often welcomed.
- Request transport back to the pousada if the streets feel steep after dinner.
Day 3
A relaxed final day with a morning market/cafe, a contemplative church visit, a scenic drive to a hillside mirante for a sunset special moment, and a farewell dinner.
Breakfast and people-watching at a small patisserie
Slow morning with pastries, espresso and quiet conversation — plan the day and pick up a small picnic item for later.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose shareable pastries to sample more items, and ask for an espresso ristretto for bold flavor.
- Buy a small wrapped sweet to enjoy later at the viewpoint as a private treat.
- Sit outside if weather permits to enjoy morning light on the baroque facades.
Visit Museu Casa dos Contos for intimate colonial history
A measured visit to Casa dos Contos to explore colonial domestic life, coins and intimate exhibits that tell personal stories.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for quieter rooms or less-visited galleries for a private-feeling tour.
- Look for small objects like jewelry or letters that make good conversation starters later.
- Ticket desks often open in the morning; buy combined tickets if you plan a return later to save time.
Light lunch at an intimate bistro
A calm midday meal — salads, regional cheeses and a light main to keep energy for the afternoon scenic outing.
Tips from local experts:
- Share a cheese board and a light main so you have room for an evening tasting or dessert.
- Ask the waiter for local wine suggestions by the glass instead of a full bottle to keep the mood breezy.
- Reserve a table with a quieter corner if you want to plan the afternoon together.
Siesta / quiet time at the pousada
Return for a nap, journaling or an unhurried pack — keep the afternoon flexible so you arrive at the mirante refreshed for sunset.
Tips from local experts:
- Set a gentle alarm to avoid rushing; leave plenty of time for the short drive to the mirante.
- Use this time to wrap souvenirs safely and change into cozy layers for the evening.
- Ask reception for a simple picnic pack if you'd like snacks at the viewpoint.
Drive or taxi to Mirante do Cruzeiro for a final sunset (Romantic special moment)
Short trip to a high mirante for a sweeping vista of Ouro Preto at golden hour — bring a small picnic or bottle to toast together.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a compact blanket and a thermos or small wine to toast while sitting on the mirante rocks.
- Arrive early to avoid parking stress and pick a quiet corner of the viewpoint for privacy.
- Sunset can be chilly in August; bring a warm jacket and a headlamp or phone flashlight for the walk back.
Farewell dinner with regional wine
A relaxed final dinner celebrating the trip with local cuisine and a specially selected regional wine — savor the last evening in town.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for the sommelier's recommendation for a Minas or Brazilian wine to pair with the final meal.
- Request a small celebratory dessert or to-go box if you'd like a sweet memory to share later.
- Choose a table with soft lighting and request privacy if available — perfect for closing the trip intimately.
