Weekend in Ouro Preto

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 tunn

Tip: 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.

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

Tip: 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.

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.

Tip: 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.

Tip: Visit late afternoon — the sunlight hits the stonework and you avoid tour groups. Skip the guided audio tour; the plaques tell you enough.

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 slave who bought his freedom with gold

Tip: 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.