Belo's iconic football stadium situated on Pampulha lake. It was fully renovated in 2014 for the…read moreWorld Cup an now has a modern feel. It is the home base of Cruzeiro Futebol Clube and it hosts big sporting and music events (Rio2016 futebol games, Beyonce). I went here a few times pre-2014 to see Atletico games (who now play in another stadium) and it felt huge. The number of seats was reduced drastically in the renovation (many areas used to be standing only it just concrete benches). It is now safe and quite easy to navigate. Security for the Rio2016 football games is high but lines are reasonable. Food and drinks in the stadium are quite pricey during this event (you can bring your own snacks if you want), but not outrageous. For example, a mediocre tropeiro sets you back R20. A beer is R12.

The Clube das Oficiais, located within the confines of the Batalhão de Polícia Militar in Prado, is…read morea true oasis. The primary attraction is the collection of five main pools (Olympic, diving, slides, kiddy, and indoor heated) but there are also barbeque areas, two restaurants, volleyball and tennis courts, a gym, a sauna and a kids play area. It isn't as posh and upscale as some the other clubes, but it has all you need and is only packed very occasionally. The main problem for most people will be that you can only pick up a day ticket (at R50 a pop) if you have members among your friends. Becoming a member yourself will set you back R2,000+ and an additional R200-ish per month (both cover a family including kids). We live very close and have used the facilities on an almost daily basis since becoming members - it has been nothing short of amazing. Great fun and outstanding value for money. Additional membership benefits besides general access include swimming-, judo- and other sports lessons / activities for absolute bargain prices.