Things To Do
in Ouro Prêto
Ouro Preto is a hilltop colonial town in Minas Gerais renowned for its baroque architecture and cobblestone streets. The city sits at high altitude in the Serra do Espinhaço, with dramatic colonial churches like Nossa Senhora do Pilar and São Francisco de Assis. Its narrow alleys wind between colorful plazas and gold-rush era houses, giving a palpable sense of 18th-century Brazil.
Today it blends history with a lively arts scene, university life, and access to nearby natural parks.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your adventure in Ouro Prêto's Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the stunning colonial architecture, with ornate churches and beautifully preserved buildings. Stop by the Casa dos Contos to delve into the town's gold rush history.
After lunch, visit the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar, known for its extravagant baroque interior. Spend some time at the Museu da Inconfidência to learn about the Inconfidência Mineira, a pivotal moment in Brazil's history. Don’t forget to explore the local artisan shops for a unique souvenir.
For dinner, indulge in traditional mineira cuisine at a local restaurant, where you can savor dishes made from fresh ingredients. After your meal, take a relaxing walk through the illuminated streets, soaking in the ambiance of this historic town. Cap off your night with a visit to a local bar to enjoy live music.
Start your day at the lively local market, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere and taste fresh fruits, snacks, and local delicacies. Engage with friendly vendors and indulge in delicious pão de queijo, a staple in Brazilian cuisine. Take your time to explore and perhaps practice your Portuguese with the locals.
Continue your cultural exploration by heading to the Museu do Oratório, which showcases intricate religious art and artifacts. The tranquility of this museum allows for reflection on the spirituality that permeates the city's history. Late afternoon is perfect for a guided tour of the city's iconic sculptures around Praça Tiradentes.
Find a charming café to enjoy a coffee while people-watching, or try a sweet delicacy from a local bakery. As night falls, consider attending a cultural performance or traditional dance event to immerse yourself in regional culture. The energy of Ouro Prêto at night is captivating, with lively conversations and music filling the air.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍽️Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | $40-120 |
| 🚎Local transport (1 day) | $5-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich colonial architecture and culture
- Stunning mountainous scenery and easy access to nature
- Hilly and cobblestoned streets can be challenging to walk
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "A conta, por favor" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Ouro Prêto
Visit one of these nice places.
The heart of Ouro Preto with Baroque façades, fountains, and cobblestone lanes perfect for sunrise shots.
A masterpiece by Aleijadinho with gold leaf interiors; dramatic light through the nave makes for striking interior photos.
Colorful baroque church with ornate panels and a grand staircase framing the square.
Winding lanes and colorful colonial houses offer classic Ouro Preto cityscape views.
Food in Ouro Prêto
Ouro Prêto Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty dish of beans fried with manioc flour, sausage, bacon, and eggs, typically served with rice and greens.
Must-Try!
A creamy puree of beans with farinha de mandioca, usually served with rice and eggs or pork.
Cheesy, warm pão de queijo snacks made from tapioca flour—perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Fresh Minas cheese often enjoyed with sweet doce de leite or breads.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market offering fresh produce, spices, and prepared snacks; look for pastel, pamonha, and milho verde.
Grilled skewers, pastel de queijo, pamonha, curau, and fresh fruit juices—great for a quick bite while exploring.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings in Portuguese (Olá, Bom dia). A handshake or cheek kiss may be offered among friends.
Respect the sacred spaces; dress modestly and speak softly; remove hats when inside churches.
Be friendly and patient; Brazilians appreciate warmth and politeness in interactions.
Safety
Tipping in Ouro Prêto
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 5-10% service tip is common if not included; rounding up taxi fares is appreciated; some places include a service charge.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants; cash (BRL) is useful in markets and smaller shops; some places may accept US dollars at tourist sites.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with intermittent afternoon thunderstorms; carry a light rain jacket and sunscreen.
Cool to mild days and chilly nights; layering is essential.
Pleasant temperatures with less rain; ideal for walking tours.
Mild and comfortable, with fresh greenery and pleasant light for photography.
Ouro Prêto at Night
Hiking in Ouro Prêto
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular forest trails with scenic overlooks and varied difficulty near Ouro Preto.
Historic route with forested segments and heritage markers; a meaningful day hike for history buffs.
Short scenic loop with views over the valley and old mining town horizons.
Airports
How to reach Ouro Prêto by plane.
Major international gateway for the region; reachable by highway in roughly 2.5–3.5 hours depending on traffic.
Smaller airport offering regional flights; closest alternative to Confins for some travelers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing families with deep roots in the mining era and current residents who maintain tradition.
A notable student presence due to local colleges and nearby universities, contributing to a vibrant cultural scene.
Visitors from Brazil and abroad exploring the UNESCO-listed historic center.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport across Brazil, with local leagues and pickup games in parks.
A Brazilian martial art traditional to the region, sometimes performed in public spaces.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ouro Prêto.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options include beans, rice, queijo, eggs, fresh salads, and pão de queijo; ask for no meat in dishes and look for pratos feitos vegetarian options or daily vegetarian specials.