Brazil is almost a continent unto itself, with regions as diverse as the palm-fringed beaches of the northeast, vineyards hidden in the lush valleys of the south, and the vast, wildlife-rich wetlands of the Pantanal. Yet with its deep culinary traditions, echoes of colonial architecture, and famously warm hospitality, Minas Gerais, one of Brazil’s largest states, is among its most overlooked treasures, at least to an international audience.
The capital city, Belo Horizonte, has been quietly transforming into a world-class destination, driven by its vibrant Boteco culture centered on unassuming, often anonymous bars serving great food and always ice-cold beer. Like the bistronomy movement in Paris, young chefs are reinventing regional classics in modern places like Pyrex Barby Caio Soter, and A Porca Voadoraby Bruna Resende, as the city’s art scene continues to flourish. The architecture team behind New Market—the cultural and gastronomic center that helped reshape the city’s urban fabric over the last decade—is now launching Galeria Ficus, in a charming square in the Carlos Prates neighborhood. Located in a restored stately home, this hybrid project will feature seven shops and a cocktail bar, aiming to breathe new life into the historic space.
In the lively Savassi neighborhood, recently opened Albuquerque Contemporary is quickly establishing itself as a key player in Brazil’s contemporary art scene. Highlighting up-and-coming local artists like Mateus Moreira (which will open an exhibition in March 2026), in addition to representing internationally recognized Brazilian names such as Ana Maria Tavares, the gallery is helping to place the city on par with cultural centers such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Accor joins the creative action and opened its first tribe hotel in Brazil here in September 2025.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-art-of-cheese-fest-wisconsin-CHEESEAWARDS0925-0415030ccd3b4f3698f4c845ff697957.jpg "This Midwestern destination has more award-winning cheeses than France or Italy—here’s how to visit their capital like a cheese expert")
