Where to Stay in Belo Horizonte, Brazil (2026 Guide)
Where to Stay in Belo Horizonte, Brazil (2026 Guide)
Belo Horizonte isn’t a postcard city. It’s a working capital in Minas Gerais with real neighborhoods, honest food, and a pace that feels less touristy than Rio or São Paulo. That’s exactly why choosing where to stay in Belo Horizonte matters—you could end up in a lively corner with everything at your doorstep, or stuck on a quiet street waiting for an Uber every time you want dinner at a local restaurant.
This guide cuts through the noise. We’ve mapped out the best hotel neighborhoods and areas where to stay in Belo Horizonte based on what actually works: walkability, safety, access to food and nightlife, and proximity to attractions. Whether booking a luxury hotel or apartment, knowing which district fits your trip will save days of friction.
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What to Expect in This Post
This guide to where to stay is built for quick scanning and real-world decisions. Here’s what you’ll get:
- Best neighborhoods to stay in Belo Horizonte for different traveler types
- Hotel options and apartment rentals across districts
- Safety, walkability, and restaurant scenes for each area
- Honest pros and cons—no marketing speak
- Where NOT to stay and why
- Quick answers to common questions
Where to Stay in Belo Horizonte: Quick Overview
- Savassi – Best upscale hotel district, walkable, restaurants and bars, pricier
- Santo Agostinho – Bohemian, central, artsy, moderate prices, local vibe
- Funcionários – Historic, quiet, authentic restaurants, mid-range hotels
- Lourdes – Charming historic district, exclusive boutique hotels, tree-lined streets
- Belvedere – Residential, leafy, peaceful, fewer tourists, family-friendly
- Centro – Historic downtown, affordable hotels, working-city energy
Savassi: Best Hotel District in Belo Horizonte
Best for: Couples, solo travelers wanting nightlife, upscale hotel seekers.
Savassi is where most tourists stay, and for good reason. This district is walkable, has visible police presence, and packs the best restaurants, bars, and late-night cafes onto streets you can navigate on foot. It’s the main hub for luxury hotel options and boutique properties in Belo Horizonte. You’ll find everything from casual boteco dining to upscale cuisine.
Hotels in Belo Horizonte here cost 30–50% more than quieter areas. It’s optimized for leisure travelers. Locals call it the “bubble.” But if you want safety, convenience, and a scene, Savassi delivers. Most major hotel chains have properties in this district.
Santo Agostinho: Best Neighborhood to Find Local Flavor
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, creative types, budget-conscious travelers.
Santo Agostinho sits just east of Savassi but costs less and feels more lived-in. This best neighborhood for authentic experience is central, walkable, and has a younger, artsy vibe. Art galleries, vintage shops, casual restaurants, and dive bars mix with working residents. You’ll see street art, small museums, and a slower pace than Savassi’s hustle.
Safety is solid during daylight and evening. After 11 p.m., stay to main streets. Street lighting is reliable. Many boutique hotels and apartments cater to travelers seeking where to stay in Belo Horizonte without premium pricing. The local restaurant scene here is fantastic.
Lourdes: Best Exclusive Historic District
Best for: Travelers seeking exclusive ambiance, architectural enthusiasts, upscale apartment seekers.
Lourdes is one of Belo Horizonte’s most charming districts, offering a sophisticated alternative to Savassi. Tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and exclusive boutique hotels define this neighborhood in Minas Gerais. The district maintains a quieter pace while remaining walkable and central. Safety is high, and the restaurant options range from upscale to casual neighborhood spots.
This is where you’ll find some of the best exclusive hotel properties and luxury apartments in Belo Horizonte. The district appeals to travelers who want refined accommodations and atmosphere. Lourdes offers a recommendation-worthy balance: convenience without the tourist crowds of Savassi.
Funcionários: Best Area for Authentic Restaurant Culture
Best for: Visitors wanting calm, families, architecture enthusiasts, food lovers.
Funcionários is one of the oldest and best districts in Belo Horizonte for understanding local life. Tree-lined streets, colonial homes, and a quieter pace define the area. The neighborhood sits elevated and offers walkable sections with authentic restaurants at every turn—this is where locals eat. Safety is high.
Hotels in Belo Horizonte here are mostly small properties and guesthouses. You’ll also find apartment rentals run by locals. The restaurant scene here is genuinely excellent and affordable. If you’re comfortable with less touristy infrastructure, you get a real view of how Belo Horizonte functions.
Centro: Best Budget Hotels in Historic Downtown
Best for: Budget travelers, architecture enthusiasts, authentic urban experience.
Downtown Belo Horizonte is undergoing gradual revitalization. The historic center has colonial architecture, street markets, and a working-city vibe. Hotels are remarkably affordable, and the restaurant options are equally cheap. Safety during daytime is solid; evenings are okay on main streets but require more caution.
This district in Belo Horizonte and Minas Gerais is authentic—you’ll see street vendors and real commerce. Budget hotel options abound here, making it an exclusive choice for travelers on tight budgets. The area has fewer English speakers and less tourist padding, which is exactly the appeal.
Best Hotels in Belo Horizonte by Type
Luxury Hotel Option: Seek properties in Savassi and Lourdes districts. These areas house the best upscale accommodations where to stay in Belo Horizonte, with fine dining and exclusive service.
Mid-Range Hotels: Santo Agostinho and Funcionários offer the best hotel value. Comfort and access without premium pricing. Many have excellent in-house restaurants serving regional cuisine.
Budget Hotels: Centro and Santo Agostinho offer affordable options. Safety and cleanliness are reliable; service is basic.
Apartments: All neighborhoods have furnished rentals. Book apartments for stays over 4 days—they offer kitchen access and better per-night rates than hotels in Belo Horizonte.
Best Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors to Belo Horizonte
- Savassi – Safest and easiest, most hotel infrastructure, walkable, higher prices
- Santo Agostinho – Best balance of safety, price, character, and walkability
- Lourdes – Best for exclusive feel without leaving central area
Skip outlying districts for your first visit—they’re better as extensions, not bases.
Best Where to Stay in Belo Horizonte for Nightlife and Cuisine
Savassi and Santo Agostinho dominate. Savassi has upscale restaurants and cocktail bars. Santo Agostinho has cheaper bars, live music venues, and younger energy.
For pure restaurant culture—boteco dining, authentic local fare, regional cuisine—Funcionários reigns. Eat alongside locals for a fraction of Savassi prices.
Best Area for Families
Belvedere and outlying areas offer quiet, safe residential feel. Belvedere is peaceful and family-oriented.
If you need central location with family amenities, Savassi has hotels with services and nearby parks. Santo Agostinho offers good balance: central location, walkability, and a relaxed restaurant scene.
Hotel vs Apartment: What's Better Where to Stay in Belo Horizonte
Hotels offer front-desk support and daily housekeeping. Apartments offer space, kitchen access, and better rates for longer stays (4+ days). In Belo Horizonte, both options are reliable.
Many apartment rentals scatter across Santo Agostinho and Savassi. Hotels concentrate in Savassi and Lourdes. Choose apartments to save money; choose hotels for convenience.
Where NOT to Stay in Belo Horizonte
Avoid Barreiro, Buritis, and Venda Nova—suburbs far from tourist infrastructure. Skip lower Centro—fewer police presence and tourist amenities. Don’t stay in Pandias or Coração Eucarístico—30+ minute commutes to restaurants and attractions.
For a recommended stay in Belo Horizonte, stick to central districts where to stay in Belo Horizonte makes sense for your trip.
Key Takeaways
- Santo Agostinho or Savassi are best starting points for where to stay in Belo Horizonte
- Savassi offers best luxury hotel options; Santo Agostinho offers best value
- Lourdes provides exclusive historic district alternative
- Funcionários is best for authentic restaurant culture and neighborhood feel
- Choose central hotel locations over outlying areas for first visits
- Book apartments for stays 4+ days; hotels for shorter visits
- Belo Horizonte is safer than its reputation—stick to walkable districts
FAQs
What's the best hotel district to stay in Belo Horizonte?
Savassi and Lourdes offer the best exclusive hotel options. Santo Agostinho offers best value. All three are walkable and safe.
Where should I find a restaurant with Minas Gerais cuisine?
Funcionários has the best authentic restaurant scene. Look for local boteco spots. Savassi has upscale options featuring regional cuisine.
Is Belo Horizonte safe to visit and stay?
Yes. Stick to central districts, avoid late-night solo walking, and use transport after 10 p.m. Where you stay in Belo Horizonte determines safety more than the city itself.
How much do hotels cost in Belo Horizonte?
Budget: $25–50 nightly. Mid-range: $50–120. 5-star luxury: $120–250+. Savassi costs more; Santo Agostinho costs less.
Should I book a hotel or apartment?
Hotels for stays under 4 days. Apartments for longer stays. Both are quality options in Belo Horizonte.
How do I locate transportation from the airport?
Tancredo Neves Airport is 30 km away. Use Uber ($40–50 reais) or book transfers through your hotel.
What makes Lourdes a best recommendation?
Lourdes offers exclusive charm, historic architecture, boutique hotels, and walkability—a sophisticated alternative to busier districts.
Resources and Further Reading
For neighborhood insights and traveler experiences, visit Wikitravel’s Belo Horizonte guide. For current events and official tourism information about where to stay in Belo Horizonte, see Belo Horizonte’s tourism site. For accommodation reviews and safety updates, check Numbeo’s Belo Horizonte safety guide.
