Belo Horizonte: Clube da Esquina Bus Tour & Live Show

Summary

Clube da esquina stories on a vintage bus with live music and local flavors

You’ll ride through Belo Horizonte on a vintage 1957 bus, tracing Clube da Esquina’s footsteps with local guides and musicians. Enjoy stops like Mercado Central for snacks, see historic music spots, then end with a private live show and regional drinks. Expect laughter, stories—and maybe a song stuck in your head after.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the old yellow bus—thought it was just another relic parked by Praça da Liberdade. Turns out, that’s where our Clube da Esquina tour really began: with me awkwardly jogging up as our guide, Fernanda, waved me over. She had this easy laugh and immediately started humming “Trem Azul” under her breath. Inside, the seats creaked and the air smelled faintly of old vinyl and something sweet—maybe those pão de queijo snacks she handed out later.

We rattled through Belo Horizonte’s streets while a musician named João strummed quietly in the back. He told us how Milton Nascimento played his first gigs at Edifício Maletta—right as we passed it, sunlight flickering off the glass. There were these little moments: Fernanda pointing out the Pacífico Mascarenhas statue with a story about protests at the city center; João teasing us for butchering “Clube da Esquina” in Portuguese (I did try). The city felt different seen through their eyes—less polished, more lived-in.

Stopping at Mercado Central was chaos in the best way—loud vendors, sharp smells of queijo minas and spices mixing together. I bought candied peanuts from an old man who winked and asked if I’d ever heard Lo Borges live (I haven’t). After that we wound through Santa Tereza to see the commemorative plaque—just a small thing on a corner wall but everyone got quiet for a second. Funny how a spot like that can hit you harder than any big monument.

The tour ended with a show at Bar e Museu Clube da Esquina—one of the original members played for us. It wasn’t polished or perfect, but when he sang “Nada Será Como Antes,” I got goosebumps anyway. We toasted with Batina dos Borges cocktails and shared pesticos mineiros around sticky tables. Even now, I catch myself humming those songs sometimes when I walk home late at night—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Clube da Esquina landmarks

• Visit Praça da Liberdade
• Stop for panoramic Club view
• Pass central demonstration point
• Stop at Central Market
• Pass Edificio Maletta
• Pass Old Station Square
• Pass Duque de Caxias Square
• See Clube da Esquina plaque
• Attend Clube da Esquina show

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Clube da Esquina tour?

No hotel pickup is included; transportation starts from the meeting point in Belo Horizonte.

Does the tour include entry to a live show?

Yes, entry to a 14:30 show at Bar e Museu Clube da Esquina is included.

Are food or drinks provided during the tour?

You’ll get welcome snacks (pesticos mineiros), one bottle of water per person, and a welcome drink called Batina dos Borges.

How long do we stop at Mercado Central?

The stop at Mercado Central lasts about 45 minutes.

Is this day trip suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

It’s suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

Will there be live music on board?

Yes—a musician joins you on board to play during parts of the tour.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The main language is Portuguese; guides may assist in English if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation aboard a vintage 1957 bus through Belo Horizonte, guided visits to key Clube da Esquina sites with stories from expert locals and musicians, entry to an afternoon live show at Bar e Museu Clube da Esquina, welcome snacks and regional drinks like Batina dos Borges, plus bottled water along the way before returning to your starting point.