6 Best Places to Shop in Minas Gerais, Brazil

The wide range of crafts by regional artisans—including tapestries, embroidery, jewelry, and sculptures—makes this center within the Palácio das Artes complex well worth a visit.

This shop in the Barra neighborhood carries unique sculptures and opens by appointment only, generally in the evenings.

At the daily handicrafts fair in front of the Igreja de São Francisco de Assis, vendors sell various decorative objects carved in soapstone. Paintings and wood carvings can also be found here.

The small, quiet village of Vitoriano Veloso, more commonly known as Bichinho, is recognized in the region for the quality of its arts and crafts and reasonable prices. It's a good option for a day trip. All artisans are based on the same road that cuts through the village. If you want to see artisans at work, head to Oficina de Agosto, the workplace of Toti Bech, an artist who created the craft tradition of Bichinho some 15 years ago.

Modern handmade objects, including souvenirs and home decor items made by up-and-coming Brazilian artists, are found in the Divina Obra.

Zé Nelson sells crafts and makes beautiful wood objects in mineiran baroque style: angels, oratories, and other sacred art. Make sure you call to make an appointment before visiting his workshop.