Belo Horizonte is the third state or federal capital to be visited by the Olympic Torch Relay on its journey through Brazil. The Rio 2016 relay arrives on Saturday (14 May) at 10am and will embark on a short tour of this diverse and surprising city, which combines the friendliness and simplicity of Brazil's interior with a cosmopolitan art, fashion and cultural scene.

In August this year, the city will once again be open to the world when it receives a series of Olympic football matches.  Five residents of the city shared with Rio2016.com their tips for how to make the best of Belo Horizonte.

A provincial metropolis

"The city has something which is extremely inspiring, which is that it is metropolitan and provincial at the same time. I hope it never loses its provincial atmosphere, which plays such an important part in its charm. I love going to places where you can feel the atmosphere of the beginning of the 20th century, such as the Parque Municipal, small restaurants in the Floresta neighbourhood and in Santa Tereza, the Museu de Artes e Ofícios and the Mercado Central. The Mercado, the market, is where Minas comes together. It is at this meeting of arts and cooking that you can understand where the culture and the soul of Belo Horizonte come from." Ronaldo Fraga, fashion designer.

Fruit and veg and beer

"Because it is the capital of a state right in the middle of Brazil, Belo Horizonte receives influences from every region in the country. There is an interior atmosphere which is very interesting. These days I go to the parks a lot, because of my children. My favourites are Parque das Mangabeiras and Horto Florestal, which is beautiful and not crowded. I also like the botecão, where you can buy fruit, vegetables and cheese and have a beer at the bar." Cao Guimarães, film maker and artist.

Faith and happiness

"When I was girl, I spent a lot of time in the wonderful district of Pampulha. I went to churches and participated in traditional Catholic ceremonies. The city has changed a lot but it is still a happy place. I enjoy going to the bars in Belo Horizonte, which is a real tradition here." Teuda Bara, actress and founder of Grupo Galpão.
 

A girl discovering life

"Belo Horizonte is a very welcoming city. It has expanded a lot and today it is a large metropolis, but it retains something very charming: the trees down the middle and sides of the main streets. When my father was alive, I would walk with him in the Praça do Papa and Praça da Liberdade. Belo Horizonte is still a young city, a girl who is beginning to discover life." Rodrigo Pederneiras, choreographer of Grupo Corpo.

Coffee with neighbours

 "For me, Belo Horizonte is still a big country town where neighbours meet for coffee. It's what I most like about it. Locals are very warm and affectionate with each other. The tennis club is my second home, I am there nearly every day to play sport. The fact that I will be an Olympic torchbearer is still sinking in. My whole family is celebrating. It's historic for Brazil that the country will host the Olympic Games. I am loving having this feeling again, but this time as a fan, without the responsibilities of an athlete." Ana Flávia, former volleyball player, torchbearer in Belo Horizonte.