Things To Do
in Nova Lima
Nova Lima is a municipality in Minas Gerais, part of the Belo Horizonte metropolitan area. It sits in the hills above the city, offering lush landscapes, granite quarrying history, and upscale neighborhoods. The area blends colonial charm with modern amenities, world-class cuisine, and easy access to nature.
Visitors can enjoy a mix of quiet hillside villages and proximity to the urban culture of Belo Horizonte.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café, savoring freshly baked pão de queijo alongside a cup of strong Brazilian coffee. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Nova Lima, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant street art that tell the story of the city. Don’t forget to visit the Igreja de São Sebastião, a beautiful church that showcases intricate details and offers a glimpse into the past.
For lunch, indulge in a traditional mineira meal at a local restaurant, where you can taste the flavors of Minas Gerais, such as feijão tropeiro and tutu de feijão. After your meal, explore the Museu da Moda, where you can learn about the evolution of fashion in Brazil and the cultural influences that shaped it. Spend some time at the Parque da Cachoeira, enjoying nature and the soothing sound of water cascading over rocks.
As the sun sets, head to a popular local bar to enjoy a caipirinha, Brazil's famous cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar. Engage with locals and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, often accompanied by live music or a samba show. Conclude your day with a dinner of grilled meats at a churrascaria, where you can savor an array of delicious cut meats served right at your table.
Begin your day early with a hearty breakfast packed with energy before heading to Serra do Rola Moça State Park. Arrive at the park and embark on an invigorating hike through lush trails, surrounded by stunning flora and fauna unique to the region. The morning light filtering through the trees creates a magical atmosphere as you discover waterfalls and scenic viewpoints along the way.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature, appreciating the tranquility of your surroundings. Spend the afternoon visiting the park's various viewpoints, taking time to capture breathtaking photographs of the landscape and perhaps spotting local wildlife. Consider taking a guided tour to deepen your understanding of the park's ecology and history.
As the day winds down, retreat to a nearby local restaurant for a well-deserved dinner, sampling regional dishes such as chicken with cream and rice. Reflect on your adventures with fellow travelers, sharing stories and laughs over a warm meal. If you're up for it, take a short evening walk to enjoy the cool mountain air and the vibrant stars above.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🍽️Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🏨1-night hotel in city center | $70-120 |
| 🚇Public transit fare (one-way) | $1-2 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful landscapes and easy access to nature
- High-quality dining and local Minas Gerais cuisine
- Safe and clean surroundings in upscale neighborhoods
- Proximity to Belo Horizonte for city experiences
- Limited nightlife compared to BH city center
- Some areas are uphill and car-dependent
- Weather can be hot and humid in summer with periodic heavy rain
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Nova Lima
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping vistas over Belo Horizonte and the surrounding hills of Nova Lima, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Modern residential and commercial architecture with glass facades and landscaped plazas ideal for urban photography.
Seasonal waterfalls along forest trails provide natural framing and nature photography opportunities.
Old stone churches and colonial style buildings tucked into the hills for architectural photography.
Food in Nova Lima
Nova Lima Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty mix of beans, farinha de mandioca, bacon or sausage, and eggs; commonly served with rice and beef or pork.
Must-Try!
Cheese bread made with tapioca flour; widely available as breakfast or snack throughout the region.
Creamy corn mash with beans and queijo, often served with beef or pork.
Fresh Minas cheese served with guava paste or as a table cheese.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small market offering fresh produce, local cheeses, breads, ready-to-eat snacks and coffee. Try queijo minas and pastel.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake or kiss on the cheek (usually one kiss in Brazil) depending on familiarity; address using Senhor/Senhora in formal settings.
Be respectful of personal space and wait your turn in queues; modest attire for religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Nova Lima
Ensure a smooth experience
A service charge is sometimes included in restaurants; if not, leaving 5-10% is customary in Brazil. Porters and taxi drivers may appreciate rounding up.
Credit/debit cards widely accepted in urban areas; cash (BRL) is useful for markets and small vendors; many places accept contactless payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with high humidity; frequent afternoon storms. Pack sunscreen and water, carry a light rain jacket for sudden showers.
Pleasant temperatures; drier air; ideal for outdoor hikes and city exploration; evenings can be chilly.
Mild days with cool nights; possible chilly mornings; layers recommended; fog in the valleys can create moody photos.
Comfortable temperatures with spring blooms; good for outdoor activities and photography.
Nova Lima at Night
Hiking in Nova Lima
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Several looping trails with panoramic overlooks of the valley; suitable for most hikers.
Gentle to moderate hikes through preserved hillside forests and small waterfalls.
Airports
How to reach Nova Lima by plane.
Major international and domestic airport serving Belo Horizonte; about 40-60 minutes by car from Nova Lima, depending on traffic.
Secondary airport mainly for domestic flights; closer to central BH and serves some regional routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly middle- and upper-income families, with many professionals commuting to Belo Horizonte.
Domestic and international visitors seeking nature, cuisine, and the Minas Gerais experience.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region; local clubs and street games are common.
Common at schools and community centers; available in local sports complexes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nova Lima.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ask for queijo minas, temperos com legumes, and vegetarian moz or feijão-based dishes; many places offer vegetarian options; verify cheese is non-vegan.