Areas to Avoid in Belo Horizonte
Brazil
|⚠️ CautionHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Belo Horizonte. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Belo Horizonte is generally Use Caution
2 areas to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Savassi, Lourdes, Funcionários
Travel Insurance for Belo Horizonte
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Belo Horizonte are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Areas immediately surrounding the main bus station (Rodoviária) at night.
This area can attract petty crime and feels unsafe after dark due to poor lighting and transient populations.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Savassi
A sophisticated and lively urban hub with a mix of upscale shops, trendy bars, and excellent restaurants.
Very deserted streets in residential areas late at night.
Like any large city, empty streets can present opportunities for crime; always stick to main, well-lit routes.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Lourdes
An upscale and elegant neighborhood known for its high-end shopping, fine dining, and sophisticated atmosphere.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Belo Horizonte
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Belo Horizonte Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Belo Horizonte on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Belo Horizonte Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Belo Horizonte with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
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Best of Belo Horizonte: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Belo Horizonte's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
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Day Trip from Belo Horizonte: Scenic Excursion
Escape Belo Horizonte for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
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Belo Horizonte Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Belo Horizonte's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
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Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Belo Horizonte
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Belo Horizonte on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Belo Horizonte safely with a local guide
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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
Savassi
A sophisticated and lively urban hub with a mix of upscale shops, trendy bars, and excellent restaurants.
Generally very safe during the day and night, but usual precautions against pickpocketing in crowded areas are advised.
Lourdes
An upscale and elegant neighborhood known for its high-end shopping, fine dining, and sophisticated atmosphere.
Extremely safe, with well-lit streets and a strong police presence, even late at night.
General Safety Tips for Belo Horizonte
At Night
Generally safe in popular areas like Savassi and Lourdes, but vigilance is required. Avoid poorly lit or deserted streets. Public transport at night can be risky; opt for ride-sharing.
Solo Female Travel
Exercise caution, particularly at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone in quiet streets after dark.
Emergency Number
190 (Military Police)
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Belo Horizonte
- 1Distraction theft (e.g., someone spills something on you, then an accomplice picks your pocket).
- 2Overpriced taxis (always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price beforehand, or use apps).
- 3Fake police stops (rare, but be wary of unofficial-looking officers asking for documents or money).
Travel Insurance for Belo Horizonte
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Savassi
A sophisticated and lively urban hub with a mix of upscale shops, trendy bars, and excellent restaurants.
Generally very safe during the day and night, but usual precautions against pickpocketing in crowded areas are advised.
Lourdes
An upscale and elegant neighborhood known for its high-end shopping, fine dining, and sophisticated atmosphere.
Extremely safe, with well-lit streets and a strong police presence, even late at night.
Funcionários
A central and well-connected area with a mix of residential buildings, businesses, and cultural institutions.
Generally safe during the day. At night, stick to well-lit main avenues and avoid deserted side streets.
Safety in Belo Horizonte
ModerateSolo Female Travel
Exercise caution, particularly at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone in quiet streets after dark.
At Night
Generally safe in popular areas like Savassi and Lourdes, but vigilance is required. Avoid poorly lit or deserted streets. Public transport at night can be risky; opt for ride-sharing.
Emergency
190 (Military Police)
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Distraction theft (e.g., someone spills something on you, then an accomplice picks your pocket).
- 2Overpriced taxis (always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price beforehand, or use apps).
- 3Fake police stops (rare, but be wary of unofficial-looking officers asking for documents or money).
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