For your stay in the capital of Minas Gerais in Brazil, are you wondering how dangerous Belo Horizonte is?
Indeed, the question of the crime rate in this large city raises many concerns among residents and travelers. In this article, we will objectively examine the security situation in Belo Horizonte, particularly in favelas and dangerous neighborhoods.
Taking stock of the current statistics on the city's crime level, I tell you below which are the most dangerous and safest neighborhoods to stay in Belo Horizonte.
This guide to safety in Belo Horizonte is a summary of the data published in 2024 (reports, studies, press articles, rankings and statistics).
Is Belo Horizonte a safe city?
According to official reports, Belo Horizonte has experienced an increase in crime rates in recent years. The most common crimes in the city are pickpocketing, auto theft, assault and armed robbery.
Poverty, lack of education, unemployment and drug use are social problems that explain this increase in crime. In addition, the presence of disadvantaged neighborhoods and favelas creates socio-economic disparities which also lead to tensions and criminal acts.
The level of crime in Belo Horizonte is very high but it is not one of the most dangerous cities in Brazil unlike Feira de Santana, Mossoró, Vitória da Conquista, Manaus, Salvador, Fortaleza, Christmas ou Bethlehem.
How dangerous is Belo Horizonte?
To find out how dangerous Belo Horizonte is, I compared the city's crime indices on the website Numbeo. Indeed, this site publishes a ranking of the most crime-ridden cities in the world. However, Belo Horizonte has a very high crime index of 63.13, which ranks it 49th most crime-ridden city in the world.
In comparison, Belo Horizonte is still more dangerous than Santiago de Chile, Quito, Guadalajara ou Brasilia.
What are the dangers for tourists in Belo Horizonte?
According to the French government, increased vigilance is recommended throughout Brazilian territory. However, regarding the city of Belo Horizonte, in 2024 it is not one of the cities to absolutely avoid in Brazil.
Yes, Belo Horizonte has a high crime rate, but that doesn't mean the city is completely dangerous. By being informed of risk areas, dangerous neighborhoods to avoid, taking personal precautions and following the recommendations of local authorities, tourists can minimize risks.
Map of Belo Horizonte neighborhoods
With a population of over 2,5 million people, Belo Horizonte is one of the largest cities in Brazil. It therefore has hundreds of neighborhoods and favelas.
So, to more easily locate where the dangerous neighborhoods and areas to avoid listed below are, you can use this map of main neighborhoods.
What are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Belo Horizonte?
By synthesizing statistics and publications as on up9-com-br ou em.com.br, here are the 22 most dangerous neighborhoods in Belo Horizonte:
- Centro
- Sao Pedro Park
- Grotinha
- New sale
- Ceu Azul
- Vila Clóris
- Jaragua
- Freedom
- Plateau
- itapoã
- Grotinha
- Distrito Industrial do Jatobá
- Vila Real II
- Vila Flores
- Santa Ifigenia
- Carlos Prates
- Amazon
- St. Louis
- Savassi
- Mantiqueira
- Serra
- Lagoinha
What favelas should you avoid in Belo Horizonte?
Belo Horizonte has more than 200 favelas located in and around the city. See Belo Horizonte favelas map
Among all these favelas, Morro das Pedras located in the Western region, is recognized as being the most dangerous of all. But it is not the only favela where crime and violence are present. Here are other favelas in Belo Horizonte that tourists should avoid:
- Pedreira Prado Lopes
- Santa Lúcia
- Carapina
- City of Deus (Sete Lagoas)
- Conjunto Capitão Eduardo
- Mariano de Abreu
- Vila Boa Vista
- Conjunto Confisco
- Mariquinhas
- Conjunto Felicidade
Safest neighborhoods in Belo Horizonte
Among the safest neighborhoods in Belo Horizonte, there are 10 with the lowest crime rates:
- Anchieta
- Savassi
- Burite
- Staff
- New city
- Vila da Serra
- Cruzeiro
- Mangabeiras
- Pampulha
- Lourdes
Best place to stay in Belo Horizonte
Among the many interesting areas to stay in Belo Horizonte, the center can attract tourists. But I don't recommend it because it's one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city.
If you want to stay in a safe and tourist-friendly area, I recommend the Lourdes district.
Located near the city center, Lourdes is home to numerous hotels, fine restaurants and upscale boutiques.
Among the tourist attractions there is the art museum which houses a collection of Brazilian and international works of art, the municipal park and the central market is essential to discover the culture and flavors of Belo Horizonte.
The Lourdes district is also famous for its lively nightlife. The area's bars and nightclubs attract tourists looking for a lively night out.
If you plan to stay in the Lourdes district, here is a good hotel very popular with tourists for its location: H2 Platinum Lourdes
Safety Tips in Belo Horizonte
To enjoy your visit to Belém safely, it is essential to take certain precautions. Here are some steps you can take:
- Avoid going out alone at night, especially in poorly lit or busy areas.
- Do not display obvious signs of wealth when traveling and going out.
- Use official taxis to avoid scams. Take note of the driver's name, license plate and taxi telephone number for your safety.
- If you use public transport, keep your belongings close to you and beware of pickpockets.
- Be wary of people who seem too friendly or too pushy.
- Keep an eye on your belongings at all times and use secure backpacks to avoid pickpocketing.
- Follow the rules and recommendations of local authorities regarding safety and restrictions.
- Try to travel in a group or with a local guide.
Visit the city safely
If you want to visit Belo Horizonte safely, I recommend doing so with a Guided tour of the city.