Things To Do
in Montes Claros
Montes Claros sits in northern Minas Gerais as a bustling regional hub known for commerce and education. The city blends energetic markets with relaxed street life, set against the surrounding Cerrado landscapes. It serves as a gateway to nearby natural attractions and smaller towns in the Norte de Minas region.
Visitors will find friendly locals, affordable eateries, and a developing urban scene that showcases Minas Gerais hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Montes Claros and check into your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Brazilian dishes. Take some time to rest and freshen up before starting your adventure.
Explore the vibrant city center and visit the Praça dos Espelhos, where you can appreciate the beautiful gardens. Stop by the local artisan shops to pick up unique handcrafted souvenirs. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling regional specialties.
Dine at a local steakhouse, where you can indulge in Brasilian barbecue. After dinner, take a stroll through the park and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Wrap up your first day with a visit to a local bar for a nightcap and live music.
Visit the Museu Regional do Norte de Minas to learn about the rich history and culture of the region. Engage with the exhibits showcasing local art and artifacts. Spend some time interacting with friendly locals and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Head to the Mercado Municipal to sample local cheeses, fruits, and street food. Interact with vendors and discover some hidden culinary gems. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café while watching the city life unfold.
Discover the nightlife at the city's vibrant bars and clubs, filled with music and dance. Try a caipirinha, Brazil's famous cocktail, while mingling with the locals. End the night at a traditional forró dance hall for an authentic dance experience.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly per person) | $25-60 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $1-3 |
| 🚕Taxi ride within the city | $3-10 |
| 🏨One-night stay in budget hotel | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Regional hub with affordable prices
- Friendly locals and growing cultural scene
- Limited international flight options compared to larger cities
- Smaller nightlife and fewer large-scale attractions
- "Olá, tudo bem?" - Hello, how are you?
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Onde fica o mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Montes Claros
Visit one of these nice places.
Impressive towers and a grand façade make it a prime subject for architecture shots, especially at sunrise or golden hour.
A hub of colonial-era buildings, street life, and arches perfect for candid and atmospheric photography.
Green space with lakes, bridges, and tree-lined paths ideal for nature and portrait photography.
Vibrant market scenes with colorful produce, textures, and locals going about daily routines.
Food in Montes Claros
Montes Claros Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Golden, hot cheese bread made with cassava flour; widely available from bakeries and cafés.
Must-Try!
Hearty bean and cassava flour dish with bacon, sausage, and greens; a staple in Minas Gerais homes.
Fresh Minas cheese paired with sweet leite; try queijo fresco with honey.
Rice cooked with beans, cassava flour, and bits of meat for a flavorful meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market with produce stalls, fresh meats, cheeses, and ready-to-eat snacks.
Coxinha, pastel, açaí bowls, and regional sweets sold by local vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake or cheek kiss is common among acquaintances in urban settings; use polite greetings like 'bom dia'.
Dress modestly in religious sites; avoid loud behavior in sacred places; show respect for elders and local customs.
Safety
Tipping in Montes Claros
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up on casual service is common; 5-10% in restaurants if service is good.
Credit/debit cards widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops; cash is handy for street vendors and small markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with regular afternoon showers; stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
Pleasant temperatures; lower humidity; great for outdoor walking and photography without the heat.
Milder days with cooler nights; evenings can be chilly; light jacket recommended.
Warm and lively with outdoor events and blooming plants; good for exploring parks and markets.
Montes Claros at Night
Hiking in Montes Claros
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Urban-park trails with forested sections and viewpoints suitable for short hikes.
Short day hikes to lookout points overlooking the city and surrounding plains.
Airports
How to reach Montes Claros by plane.
Small regional airport with domestic flights and connections to Belo Horizonte; taxi ride to the city center takes about 15-25 minutes.
Major international hub about several hundred kilometers away; suitable for international connections and onward domestic travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant student population and growing number of professionals in commerce and services.
Many families living in central and outlying neighborhoods, with traditional and modern influences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; watch local teams or join a casual game in parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Montes Claros.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes or can adapt dishes by substituting meat with vegetables or eggs; carry snacks and ask for verduras com arroz e feijão without bacon.