Juiz de Fora's appeal lies in its 19th-century architecture, a strong museum culture rooted in the city's prosperous Belle Epoque past, and a handful of parks and gardens that benefit from the cool highland climate. The Museu Mariano Procópio is the anchor of any visit — set in landscaped grounds that once belonged to the man who built Brazil's first paved road. The university presence means there's a lively cultural calendar, with regular concerts, exhibitions, and street events, especially around the São Mateus neighbourhood.