BRASILIA

Brasilia in a nutshell

Few cities in the world have been planned down to the last detail, but Brasilia, capital of Brazil, has been – and this was done in a matter of years. As such, it doesn’t have the dazzle and spontaneity of other South American cities, but Brasilia is fascinating nonetheless. The architecture is exceptional, much of it created by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer to fit into the planning. As a result, the city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

This all happened in 1955, under president Juscelino Kubitschek. There was a reason for creating the capital afresh; Brazil moved from the coast to the interior to offer the country better development financially and commercially. The result is a 1950s version of a futuristic city that has been planned to perfection, with distinct areas designated for shopping, residential purposes and business as well as stunning modernist architecture, including the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil and the Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida. 

These days, Brasilia is an excellent base from which to explore its surroundings including stunning natural beauty in the Parque Nacijonal Chapada dos Veadeiros, to enjoy rock climbing or explore caves, see magnificent waterfalls, or go hiking in the Parque Nacional de Brasilia. But don’t ignore the city’s many offerings, such as Paranoa Lake, which offers lots of different water activities, Lago Sul on the lakeshore with its excellent entertainment offerings and Brazlandia, home to 3 waterfalls and camping facilities.

The National Stadium in Brasilia was renovated for the football World Cup and now hosts sport and concerts.

Best time to visit: May and June, when the weather is superb.

Best Area for Sightseeing: Much of the attractions here lie outside of the city, so take a look at Things to do in Brasilia, below, for some good ideas.

Shopping in Brasilia: The centrally located shopping area, Conjunto Nacional, is filled with shops, restaurants and fast-food spots. Less upmarket is the CONIC Mall, also located here, best visited only during the day. Beneath the 2 is the bus and metro station as well as more shops and snack bars. Another popular shopping district is Setor de Diversões. 

Food & Restaurants in Brasilia: Enjoy a variety of excellent Brazilian cuisine in the city’s many eateries.

Nightlife: There are some good nightspots throughout the city, including vibrant local bars, clubs and restaurants, some open till the wee hours. Maybe find some near your hotel so that you can party and then make your way back to bed nice and easy if you are planning a wild night out.

Things to do in Brasilia:

• Visit the grand Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida.
• See the Promenade of Ministeries, a complex of modernist buildings housing the country’s ministeries.
• Discover Three Powers Square, home to the Presidential Palace, Federal Supreme Court and National Congress.
• Explore Itamaraty Palace, the Palace of the Arches, with its exquisite symmetrical arches.
• Discover the magnificent Santuario dom Bosco – one of the city’s most impressive buildings with its blue-stained windows.
• Visit the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil where concerts, festivals and exhibitions are held.

Best way to get around: Take the bus, a taxi or rent a car.