Ouro Preto was the first Brazilian city to be recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, and it is one of the most photogenic cities in Brazil! That is why I included Ouro Preto in a 10-day road trip through Minas Gerais, which I cover in detail in another post. Here, I want to share what to do in Ouro Preto to help you put together your itinerary for the city!
1. Walk through Tiradentes square
Praça Tiradentes is the central square of Ouro Preto and brings together museums and colonial mansions, as well as a monument to Tiradentes erected right in the middle of the square. You will inevitably pass by this spot countless times while visiting Ouro Preto. So, take the opportunity to explore the surrounding shops and also to visit the Inconfidência Museum, located in the old City Hall and Jail of Ouro Preto.
2. Learn about Brazilian history at the Inconfidência Museum
The city of Ouro Preto is extremely important to the history of Brazil. Founded in the 17th century under the name Vila Rica, it was the center of gold extraction during the colonial period. Additionally, it was the stage for the Inconfidência Mineira, a revolt led by Tiradentes against Portugal's high taxes. Although many tourists visit Ouro Preto for its stunning landscapes (myself included!), going to the city and visiting the Inconfidência Museum is also an opportunity to delve into Brazilian history and see up close what we studied in school.
3. Visit historic churches
The historic center of Ouro Preto has more than 10 historic Baroque churches. Together, they form the landscape so characteristic of Ouro Preto,besides being beautiful inside, filled with gold and featuring works by Aleijadinho and Mestre Ataíde—demonstrating both the region's wealth and the power of the Catholic Church. Visiting every church can be tiring, so I recommend picking two or three depending on your interest. On my trip to Ouro Preto, I chose to visit the Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição Church and the San Francisco of Assisi Church.
4. Visit Aleijadinho's tomb
Aleijadinho, whose real name was Antônio Francisco Lisboa, was born in Ouro Preto and was a colonial Brazilian artist recognized as one of the great names of Baroque art. His works, mostly wooden and soapstone sculptures, can be visited in the churches of Ouro Preto as well as in the city of Congonhas. However, Aleijadinho had a very difficult life story: he was the illegitimate son of a Portuguese man and an enslaved woman, developed a degenerative disease that earned him his nickname ("Little Cripple"), and died in poverty. Now recognized for his legacy, he is buried in the Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição Church,. and his tomb can be visited.
5. Shop for handicrafts at the Soapstone Fair
The Soapstone Fair (Feira de Pedra-Sabão) is located in Largo da Coimbra, in front of the San Francisco of Assisi Church, right in the historic center of Ouro Preto. Open daily, it features works by various artisans. Prices aren't always super attractive, as you can find similar items elsewhere for cheaper, but the fair stands out for its variety of decorative pieceslike picture frames, vases, and liquid soap dispensers—each more beautiful than the last. The level of detail they manage to carve is impressive!
Fun fact: The Ouro Preto region holds one of the largest soapstone reserves in the world! Furthermore, soapstone was immortalized in art history through the works of Aleijadinho, who used it as the primary raw material for his creations. Thus, the art of soapstone carving is an ancient tradition from Minas Gerais, and appreciating it means honoring our history!
6. View the city from a viewpoint (mirante)
The city of Ouro Preto is extremely photogenic and yields beautiful, Instagrammable photos virtually everywhere in the historic center. But without a doubt, one of the highlights is the viewpoints, from where you can see the city from above. Be sure to visit at least one to capture some great shots.
7. Get lost in the sloping streets of Ouro Preto
Ouro Preto is a city that requires unhurried exploration. When planning your itinerary, leave some time just to experience the place! Walking through the streets and steep hills of Ouro Preto makes for special moments and photos. In my opinion, it's better to walk at a relaxed pace, stopping for coffee or ice cream when you get tired, than to rush from one church to another without truly enjoying it.
8. Indulge in Minas Gerais cuisine
You can't talk about Ouro Preto and Minas Gerais without mentioning gastronomy! For breakfast, enjoy pão de queijo (cheese bread) and corn cake (broa de milho). For lunch, try tutu de feijão, vaca atolada, pastelzinho de angu, or canjiquinha com costelinha. Choose a pleasant restaurant and enjoy the cuisine and warmth of the people of Minas Gerais!
Some restaurants where I ate in Ouro Preto (and recommend!) are: Calabouço Gastro Pub, Bar da Cervejaria Ouropretanaand Adega Ouro Preto.
9. Take a Day Trip to Mariana
Mariana is another historic town, located just 9 miles (15 km) from Ouro Preto. Its historic center is quite compact, making it well worth taking a quick day trip to explore it. The town’s undeniable postcard icon is the "twin churches":the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Igreja de São Francisco de Assis and Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo). Uniquely built right next to each other due to an 18th-century religious dispute, they form a striking, iconic landscape that is deeply characteristic of the town.
Beyond the twin churches, make sure to visit the former Town Hall and Jail Casa de Câmara e Cadeia, and take a moment to watch the world go by at Praça Gomes Freire. Soak in the calm atmosphere of this quiet mountain town in Minas Gerais, relax, and enjoy a local coffee!
10. Visit Palácio d’Ouro
Palácio d’Ouro offers a deep cultural dive into Ouro Preto's past, set inside a remarkably well-preserved 18th-century mansion During the tour, you'll see what daily life was like for both high society and enslaved individuals during that era as you walk through rooms decorated with original period pieces. Additionally, you can learn about the gold extraction process, from the underground mines to the wooden crates used to ship the gold to Paraty. In this other post, I share all the details of visiting Palácio d’Ouro and why you should definitely add it to your list of things to do in Ouro Preto!
BOnus Admission to Palácio d’Ouro includes a visit to the Mina do Paschoal, an ancient gold mine operating back when gold mining was Ouro Preto's main economic driver. However, if you choose not to visit Palácio d’Ouro, there are several other mines throughout the city open for tours.
Tips for Your Visit!
Getting Around Ouro Preto
Ouro Preto is notorious for its steep, cobblestone hills, and walking around can be quite exhausting. What looks like a short, easy walk on a map can quickly turn into a grueling workout up and down steep inclines. If you prefer to minimize walking or have mobility concerns, consider taking the passeio de jardineira(a traditional open-air vintage bus tour), which picks up visitors at major hotels and takes them directly to key attractions.
Driving into the historic center is not recommended. Navigating the narrow, steep streets is tricky, and parking options are extremely limited. If your hotel isn't located right in the historic center, your best bet is to leave your car at the hotel and rely on ride-hailing services. Keep in mind that Uber does not operate in Ouro Preto; instead, the town uses its own local ride-hailing app called Pampam, which locals consider fairer to drivers. I used the app several times during my stay and it worked great!
Where to Stay
If your budget allows, staying directly in the historic center is highly recommended to avoid dealing with the steep hills. However, hotel prices in this area tend to be on the higher side, especially during peak season! So, if you're looking for a better value—just as I was—I highly recommend Pousada Sinhá Olímpia, where I stayed.
The inn is charming, tastefully decorated, and very cozy. The breakfast is delicious, and they offer complimentary afternoon coffee and cake. Plus, free parking is included!
How Many Days to Stay in Ouro Preto?
I stayed two nights in Ouro Preto as part of a 10-day road trip through Minas Gerais. That gave me one full day to explore the historic center and another day to visit Mariana and Palácio d’Ouro. For me, that was plenty of time to see everything on my list at a comfortable pace!
I hope you enjoyed this guide and that these tips help you plan your visit to Ouro Preto, a truly priceless piece of Brazilian cultural heritage!
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