Brasilia Travel Guide

(Last update: Oct 03, 2011 )

It says that every Muslim should go to Mecca at least once in their lifes, thus, every traveler should visit Brasilia at least once as well. That's because the beauty of the Brazilian capital, its dreamlike landscape of urbanity, its dimensions, impossible to conceive in a human scale, its delicacy and magnificence, can only be perceived through the senses. Brasilia transcends any definition that we have about the word city.

Founded in 1960, this city is a huge work of art created by architects Lucio Costa, author of the project, and Oscar Niemeyer, who created his original sense of beauty in every building and sculpture that make this dream about future come true.

Not surprisingly, this tropical city assembled in the heart of Brazil, erected on a grassy plain surrounded by gently rolling, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.

Brasilia is as beautiful as unlikely. Its streets are not streets noror corners are corners such as one know them. His enormous avenues are not framed by the typical paths, but are surrounded by immaculate gardens where lapwings run around peacefully. Its buildings, churches and museums are more than just buildings, are gems of modern architecture. At each step stands a sculpture, an idyllic place, a monument, an artistic achievement that challenge the sense of wonder of the observer.

It is so unlikely and capricious, that even 1,200 kilometers far from the Atlantic Ocean and supported on a semi-desert plateau, allows us to sail and practice water sports within walking distance of downtown, in the huge artificial lake Paranoá, placed there by the grace of the human hand.

Unimaginable wonders, indelible images

From an aerial view, Brasilia has the shape of an airplane which body is crossed longitudinally by the Monumental Axis, a boulevard with two wide avenues surrounded by gardens, which divides the city into North Wing and South Wing. On this axis are located many of the masterpieces that Niemeyer shaped as buildings, that houses the national government infrastructure.

A city tour could begin at the Plaza of the Three Powers -the cockpit-, where are placed sculptural buildings surrounded by sparkling fountains and supported on fine columns, like the Planalto Palace, headquarters of the executive branch, the National Congress, with its opposite hemispheres and its twin towers, and the Judiciary, whose building seems not to touch the ground.

Two tips for photographing buildings, monuments and sculptures: If the artwork is surrounded by a reflecting pool, take the picture from where you can see its reflection in it. It is also important to take pictures with a person next to them. Thus, a person who was never there, may have an idea about the colossal dimensions of the artworks in the city.

Metropolitan Cathedral

Following the Monumental Axis stands the Metropolitan Cathedral Nossa Senhora Aparecida, a delicate circular structure that evokes hands opening to the sky. Inside, after entering down a ramp in the shadows, the outside light subtly slips between the stained glass ceiling, bathing the white marble that covers the walls of the nave, which is guarded by three bronze angels hanging from above.

If possible, you should see it day and night, at least on the outside, because the visual game is different in natural light and artificial. This applies to the vast majority of art works in the city.

Other places that you shouldn't miss

Television Tower Allows a panoramic view across the city from a vantage point where there is also an excellent restaurant.

Cultural Complex of the Republic Composed of the National Museum and National Library in Brasilia.

Pantheon of the Fatherland and JK Memorial The first, a dove shaped, is a futuristic monument that holds the relics of the history of Brazil. The second pays tribute to former President Juscelino Kubitschek, who made possible the old dream of building a planned capital in the heart of the country.

Kubitchek Juselino Bridge The magnificent arched bridge is asymmetrical sculptural work of modern engineering, whose lights at night, go through and illuminate the Lake Paranoá.

The Temple of Good Will Made as a tribute to all philosophies and religions, this pyramid of seven sides and 21 meters high, crowned by a crystal of 21 kilograms, has inside various rooms for the practice of religious rituals.

National Theatre An incredible blunt pyramid to offer varied dining and entertainment suggestions.

The trip to the cuisine of Brazil and the world

In the absence of a typical meal, Brasilia concentrates the richest and most sophisticated cuisine, both in Brazil and around the world, which is offered by one of the best food places in the country. If you want to eat something typically Brazilian, nothing better than a steak or a "roasted picanha", a delicious cut of beef made grilled, served with rice, beans and salads. Another classic is the feijoada, food-based pot of black beans, beef and pork, served with rice and salad. As sweet, tropical fruits are a must-taste option. For watering meals, nothing beats the traditional caipirinha, made with rum, sugar and lemon.

Prices suit all pockets. They are expensive and sophisticated restaurants serving a la carte menu, and economic and well suited restaurants "per kilo" or "self service", in which you pay a ticket and eat as much as you want.

Warm winter and rainy day

The weather is capricious in Brasilia. Winter, between June and September is warm, with temperatures averaging 18 degrees Celsius and is called "dry", although usually rain a half hour, almost every day. To circumvent the unforeseen it is best to get into one of the glamorous bars in the city and enjoy a coffee or exotic fruit juice. Summer is from December to March and has an average temperature of 28 degrees. At this time the rains are abundant and persistent, and can ruin the ride.

Brasilia night: cosmopolitan and avant-garde

Abou hotels, the metropolis offers a host of accommodations to suit any taste and pocket, like sumptuous hotels, small and cozy hostel, cheap hostels and modest pensions. And to spend the night in another way, the options multiply. The whole world, with all its cultural manifestations, pass along cosmopolitan and avant-garde Brasilia´s night, whose lights only go off when the sun rises over the horizon.

While you are at Brasilia

Do not miss the ride in an ultralight.

Do not miss bathing in the Mineral Water Pools of National Park in the company of friendly monkeys.

Enjoy the sunset on the dock of Lake Paranoá

not forget that taking drugs is illegal, beyond the climate of "anything is allowed" that you can breathe in night clubs

If possible, rent a car to move around the city. Although public transport is good, only goes through the avenues, and often must travel long distances on foot from a tourist point to another.

Travel agencies for online booking in Brasilia

The links below are not advertising. The Tourist Club recognizes these companies as safe and with cheapest prices.

hotel.info recommended hotels in Brasilia
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