Where to stay in Ouro Preto: hotel, guesthouse, and hostel tips

If you’re wondering where to stay in Ouro Preto, it helps to first understand the history and layout of the city. Ouro Preto is one of Brazil’s most fascinating historic destinations. Located in the mountains of the state of Minas Gerais, it was the center of the Brazilian gold rush in the 18th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its steep cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and colorful colonial houses.

The city is also closely linked to the Inconfidência Mineira, an 18th-century independence movement against Portuguese colonial rule. Its most famous figure was Tiradentes, who was executed by the Portuguese Crown in 1792. His head was displayed in what is now Praça Tiradentes, the main square of Ouro Preto and the symbolic heart of the city.

Because the city is relatively small and most attractions, restaurants, and bars are concentrated in a compact historic center, it’s not very difficult to decide where to stay in Ouro Preto. If you just want one quick tip when planning your trip, here it is: stay near Praça Tiradentes. The square sits right at the center of the historic district. There are hotels and hostels located directly around it, and within just a few minutes’ walk (up and down steep hills, it’s worth noting) you’ll find many other accommodation options.

Another good reference point is Rua Direita (officially Rua Conde de Bobadela), which is the main historical street there.

There’s just one detail to keep in mind if you’re traveling by car like I was. Renting a vehicle isn’t necessary (or even very useful) for getting around Ouro Preto itself, but it can be helpful if you plan to visit other places nearby. I did a Belo Horizonte – Inhotim – Ouro Preto – Mariana trip with a rental car and it was a lot of fun.

The problem is that parking in the historic center isn’t easy. So when deciding where to stay in Ouro Preto, make sure to check whether the property has parking available. Many guesthouses offer private parking, but it’s best to confirm before booking.

If you’re arriving by bus, no stress: the bus station is only 800 meters from Praça Tiradentes. Unless you’re carrying a lot of luggage (which can be tricky with the old, steep streets), you can probably walk to your accommodation.

Another tip: since most places to stay in Ouro Preto are located in historic colonial mansions, it’s a good idea to check photos and previous guest reviews to see whether the property is well maintained.

You should also consider the time of year you’re visiting. During long holidays, Carnival, and peak-season weekends, the city gets much busier than usual. Accommodation prices tend to rise, and the best places fill up quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

In this post, I’ll share the two guesthouses where I stayed and other great places to stay in Ouro Preto for different travel styles and budgets.

Where to stay in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais

Hotel Colonial

My first accommodation in Ouro Preto was Hotel Colonial, located about two minutes from Rua Direita. The room I stayed in was like an attic, with a sloped, low ceiling and a bit tight on space, but I found it perfectly fine. The shower was good, the bathroom was clean, the breakfast was tasty, and the reception staff were extremely friendly.

However, it may not be the best option for travelers with mobility issues. The property doesn’t have an elevator, there are rooms on upper floors, and breakfast is served on a lower level. Also, the private parking lot is about 400 meters away.

Pousada Clássica

We ended up extending our stay in Ouro Preto and had to move to another guesthouse. For the following days, we stayed at Hotel Pousada Clássica, which has an even better location right in the middle of Rua Direita.

The room felt newer and more modern, breakfast was very good, and they even offered an afternoon tea (simple, but free food is always welcome).

They also have on-site parking with valet service. Between the two places, this one was my favorite. I definitely recommend it.

Other hotels and guesthouses in Ouro Preto

Those two options were quite good, but they were more guesthouses than proper hotels. If you’re looking for a hotel with more facilities, a good choice is Grande Hotel, which has a swimming pool and sits just behind Rua Direita. It seems like a good choice for families.

Another well-reviewed option, though a bit farther from Praça Tiradentes, is Hotel Pousada Arcádia Mineira.

Check out other excellent recommendations on where to stay in Ouro Preto, with great reviews from previous guests:

• Pousada do Douro, just 30 meters from Praça Tiradentes
• Hotel Pousada Minas Gerais, rated 9.2 on Booking
• Pousada dos Ofícios, about 800 meters from Praça Tiradentes
• Pousada Solar da Ópera, 50 meters from Praça Tiradentes and rated 9.3
• Pousada Casa dos Contos, which is cheaper and offers parking and scenic views
• Hotel Solar do Rosário is a five-star property located a historic mansion and features both indoor and rooftop outdoor pools

Check out all accommodation options in Ouro Preto and book your stay for free.

Free accommodation in Ouro Preto

Did you know it’s possible to stay in Ouro Preto for free? One of the best ways to do that is by volunteering through Worldpackers, a Brazilian platform that connects travelers with hosts in exchange for a few hours of help per week. In return, you receive accommodation and often extra perks like meals or local experiences.

There are some great volunteering opportunities in Ouro Preto. You might help at a hostel, teach yoga in a holistic center, plant trees in a nearby reserve, assist with guest reception, or contribute with skills like photography, social media, or general maintenance. You can check the full list of opportunities here.

Besides helping you save money, this type of travel offers a much deeper cultural experience. You’ll get to meet locals and travelers from around the world, while experiencing the destination in a more authentic way beyond the typical tourist itinerary.

Anyone can browse Worldpackers opportunities for free. If you decide to apply for positions (and get access to platform support and an insurance), there’s a small annual membership fee. However, if you click here or use the discount code JANELASABERTAS, you’ll get $10 off, making it an even better deal. The membership allows you to volunteer and travel as many times as you want, throughout Brazil and dozens of other countries, for one full year.

If you’d like to learn more, check out our complete guide to work exchange programs.

What to do in Ouro Preto

While choosing where to stay in Ouro Preto is important, the city itself is the real highlight. With its steep cobblestone streets, colorful colonial houses, and baroque churches, Ouro Preto often feels like an open-air museum, and simply wandering around the historic center is one of the best things to do.

Start at Praça Tiradentes, the symbolic heart of the city and home to the Inconfidência Museum, which tells the story of Brazil’s early independence movement. From there, stroll along Rua Direita, one of the liveliest streets in town, filled with cafés, restaurants, and small shops inside beautifully preserved colonial buildings.

History lovers can also visit places like Casa dos Contos, a historic mansion turned museum that explores Brazil’s colonial economy and the gold trade. Ouro Preto is also famous for its several baroque churches, like the beautiful São Francisco de Assis, Nossa Senhora do Pilar, and Nossa Senhora do Carmo, many of which feature artwork by the renowned sculptor Aleijadinho.

For a different perspective on the region’s mining history, consider visiting Chico Rei Mine in the city or the larger Passagem Mine, located between Ouro Preto and nearby Mariana. Another popular activity is taking the scenic train ride between Ouro Preto and Mariana, a charming historic route through the mountains. And don’t miss out on visiting the best rated restaurants in town – I felt like I was eating non stop while I was there, and in Minas Gerais they make such good food!

With so much history, culture, and great food to explore, it’s worth spending at least two to three days in Ouro Preto to enjoy the city at a relaxed pace.

Do you have other tips on where to stay in Ouro Preto? Share them in the comments!

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