Things to Do in Ouro Preto

Wandering the Historic Center

You'll lose yourself in a labyrinth of calçada cobblestones, passing ornate fountains and grand mansions with intricate wrought-iron balconies. The sound of your own footsteps on the stone is a constant companion. Set aside a full morning with good walking shoes. The inclines are no joke.

A visit to the Church of São Francisco de Assis

Inside, your eyes adjust to dim light revealing the overwhelming, glimmering spectacle of Aleijadinho's gilded woodwork and the painted ceiling by Mestre Ataíde. The quiet is profound, broken only by the occasional shuffle of a visitor. Arrive right at opening. Have a moment of peace before the day's groups descend.

Spending an afternoon at the Museu da Inconfidência

Housed in the former municipal jail and palace, you feel the weight of history in cold, thick stone walls and see the original draft of the revolutionary poets. The museum's collection of colonial art and artifacts tells a complex story. Some descriptions are only in Portuguese. A little prior reading helps.

Taking a trip to the Mina du Veloso, an old gold mine

You descend into a cool, damp tunnel, feeling rough-hewn rock walls and hearing the drip of water, which gives you a visceral sense of the labor that built Ouro Preto. The guide's flashlight cuts through absolute darkness. Bring a light jacket. The underground temperature is constant and chilly.

Seeking out the lesser-known Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo

The facade is a masterpiece of carved soapstone, and the interior feels more intimate, with the sweet, waxy smell of old candles lingering in the air. The attached museum holds a fascinating collection of sacred art. Locals tend to visit in the late afternoon. The setting sun lights up the altar.

The area immediately around Praça Tiradentes puts you right in the middle of the action, steps from museums and cafes. But it can be the noisiest.

The Antônio Dias neighborhood, downhill from the main square, is quieter, with several charming guesthouses in converted colonial homes.

Up the hill in Alto da Cruz, the views are spectacular and the streets are serene, though it's a hike back up after a day out.

The Pilar district is another peaceful, residential option with a local feel.

For something slightly removed but still walkable, the São Francisco de Paula area has a good balance.

Near the bus station, you'll find more modern, functional accommodations that are cheaper than most in the historic center.