Brazil · 2026 itinerary
Ouro Preto 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Ouro Preto: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Former royal treasury and mint, now a free museum with exhibits on colonial finance and slavery. The building itself is impressive — period furniture, a courtyard, and a small tunnel that once linked
🕐 Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-1pm
Free entry💡 Head upstairs to see the restored vault and the tiny chapel. It's clean, quiet, and free, so a good refuge from rain. You can be in and out in 20 minutes.
Hotels near Casa dos Contos →The main square, cobbled and ringed by colonial buildings. The centrepiece is a statue of Tiradentes, the rebellion leader. Benches, shade, and views of the surrounding hills. It's a good spot to rest
🕐 24/7, open air
Free entry💡 Come early morning (before 8am) when the square is empty and the light is good for photos. Vendors sell cheap snacks like pastéis de feira for R$5 nearby.
Hotels near Praça Tiradentes →La Cucinetta · ££
Casa Amarela · ££
Deeper Into Ouro Preto
Housed in the old municipal building and jail, this museum covers the failed 1789 revolt against Portuguese rule. Entry fee is about R$8. Sunday entry is free.
🕐 Tue-Sun 10am-6pm (last entry 5pm)
💡 Go on a Sunday to save the entry fee. The courtyard and colonial prison cells are the best bits — you can skip the upstairs paintings if time is short.
Masterpiece by Aleijadinho and Mestre Ataíde, with carved soapstone facade and vibrant ceiling paintings. Entry is cheap (around R$10), and you can see the exterior and churchyard for free.
🕐 Tue-Sun 9am-12pm, 2pm-5pm
💡 Visit late afternoon — the sunlight hits the stonework and you avoid tour groups. Skip the guided audio tour; the plaques tell you enough.
Altas Horas
Recanto do Gabiru
Final Favourites & Departure
A former gold mine you can walk through. Entry costs around R$15. You crawl into narrow tunnels and see old machinery. The guides tell the story of Chico Rei, a
💡 Wear trainers and old clothes — you will get muddy. It's steep and tight, so skip it if you're claustrophobic or have mobility issues. The free tour in the courtyard (outside the mine) is also worth a listen.
Pizzaria Cantina Real
Restaurante Sabor de Lavras
Getting Around Ouro Preto
The station is downhill from the historic centre. If you have light luggage, walk up Rua Direita (10 mins) and save the fare—taxis charge extra for the climb.
Pay with cash or a rechargeable 'Cartão Ouro' card (sold at newsstands). Buses are frequent but crowded at peak times—hold your bag close.
Book with a local driver service like TransOuro for fixed rates. Avoid flagging taxis at the airport—they charge double.
Buy your ticket at least 30 mins early at the Pássaro Verde counter. The return trip from Ouro Preto station costs the same but has fewer departures after 18:00.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Ouro Preto?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Casa dos Contos and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Ouro Preto?
See our full best time to visit Ouro Preto guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Pousada do Montanha, Pousada Carumbé, Pousada Clássica. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.