Brasília
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HISTORY
A little information
Brasilia was inaugurated on April 21, 1960. Its basic structure was completed in just four years, from 1956 to 1960, under the leadership of President Juscelino Kubitschek, with the slogan "fifty years of progress in five".
The city plan was designed by Lucio Costa, in the shape of a giant airplane, with various separated zones assigned for specific functions such as housing, commerce, hospitals, entertainment, hotels and banking. Oscar Niemeyer was responsible for the modern architecture of this capital. Running down the center of the "airplane"'s fuselage is the thoroughfare called Eixo Monumental ("Monumental Axis") and at one end lay the government buildings. The arched "wings" are residential zones, with several rows of medium-rise apartment buildings with small commercial districts adjoined. The intersection is the commercial and cultural hub, with stores, hotels, the national museum, the library and the cathedral. A huge artificial lake, Lago Paranoá, serves the city both as a leisure area and to diminish the effects of low humidity in drier months.. The original planned area (called Plano Piloto) is home to about 500,000 inhabitants, most of the city's upper classes. The so-called satellite cities (15 to 40 kilometers away from the center, some in the neighboring State of Goias) concentrate the remainder of the almost three million inhabitants of this metropolis.
Chronology
In 1823, a year after the Independence of Brazil, José Bonifácio presented a bill to build a new capital, and suggested the name "Brasília" for the new city. Sixty years later, Don Bosco (an Italian Catholic priest, later canonized) had his well-known dream about Brasilia.
The Comissão Exploradora do Planalto Central, also called "Cruls Mission", was appointed in 1892; two years later, a 14,400 km2 area, deemed adequate for the future capital, was demarcated. This area became known as the "Cruls Quadrilateral". During the first centennial of the Independence of Brazil, the founding stone of the future Federal Capital of the United States of Brazil was laid, near the city of Planaltina, on the outskirts of the present-day Federal District.
In 1955, During a rally in the small town of Jataí (in the state of Goiás), presidential candidate Juscelino Kubitschek, in response to a voter’s question, promised that, if elected, he would shift the federal capital to the central plateau. In that same year, the New Federal Capital Locating Commission (which had been created in 1953) chose the definitive location where Brasilia would be constructed - the "Sítio Castanho".
As the elected president of Brazil, in 1956, Juscelino Kubitschek sent to Congress the Bill of Anápolis, proposing, among other things, the creation of NOVACAP (Companhia Urbanizadora da Nova Capital – New Capital Urbanization Agency); the name Brasília was also proposed. The Congress unanimously enacted the Bill (Law #2,874). The edict for the Plano Piloto contest was published (September 30, 1956). The construction of the provisional presidential residency, the Catetinho, started and was opened on October 31st , 1956. In 1957, Lúcio Costa’s project won the contest. By this time, construction of the airport and of Palácio da Alvorada (presidential residency) had already started. That is, the construction of Brasilia started in 1956; and the construction of Plano Piloto, following Lucio Costa’s project, started in 1957.
April 21st, 1960: Brasilia is inaugurated. The festivities start at 4:00 PM, April 20. At 09:30 AM, April 21, the Three Powers of the Republic simultaneously take seat in Brasilia.
From 1961 to 1964, constructions nearly grinds to a halt during the presidency of Jânio Quadros and João Goulart. From 1964 on, Castelo Branco and the other military presidents consolidate Brasília’s status as the de facto capital.
In 1987, UNESCO declared Brasilia part of the world heritage. Only in 1990, the first Governor and local representatives were elected in the Federal District.
The latest constructions in Brazil's capital were the JK Bridge in 2002 and the "Complexo Cultural da República"("Cultural Complex of the Republic"), designed by Oscar Niemeyer, inaugurated in 2006.
ARCHITECTURE
Oscar Niemeyer (1907 - *) was born in Rio de Janeiro, and graduated from the Escola Nacional de Belas Artes (National School of Fine Arts)in 1934. He was the architect of many buildings in Brasilia, including the Congress, the Sunrise Palace (Palácio da Alvorada), the Palace of Justice, the Plateau´s Palace(Palácio do Planalto), the Palace of the Arches (Palácio dos Arcos), also called Itamaraty, the Cathedral, the University of Brasilia, the National Theater, the National Museum and Library, and the JK Memorial.
Niemeyer still works and designs projects/buildings all over the world.
For more information, you can access Niemeyer's official website (it's in Portuguese).
UNDERSTANDING BRASILIA´S MAP
HOW TO GET HERE
Plane
Flying has been a practical way of getting to Brasilia. The city is a national air travel hub, and there should be plenty of flights. All Brazilian air companies have regular flights to Brasilia - it's easy to book a flight at any national company's website: GOL, TAM, Varig and Ocean Air. Only a few international flights arrive in and depart from Brasilia – when traveling overseas, most of the flights depart from either São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. The Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (IATA: BSB/ ICAO: SBBR) is located 11km from the center of the city (phone: (61) 3364-9000; fax: (61) 3364-9251). It boasts a few restaurants and stores, banks and a movie theater. It's got one of the few tourism information services here. The tourist information office is open from 7:30 to 22:30 (phone : (61) 3033-9488). There's an exchange office at the arrivals area and you can also exchange your money at Banco do Brasil (Mo-Fri, 11:00-16:00).In both places they charge you with an exchange fee and taxes. There are other Brazilian banks to cash out money.
How to get to the city from the international airport?
Bus
Your best choice is to take the “Zebrinha” (microbus) number 11. We call it Zebrinha because it's got several stripes that remind a zebra. But those stripes are red and white. It's a small bus that crosses the south wing by the L axis (Eixo L) to the central bus terminal (Rodoviária). If you're staying at any place in the residential area of the south wing (Asa Sul), you can get out of the bus before it gets to the bus station. If not, you can take any bus going anywhere at the Rodoviária. Other option: buses number 102 or 102.1 – they go straight to the central bus station.
Taxi
Taxis are the most convenient means of moving around the city – our public transport system is sadly inefficient. They are relatively expensive for Brazilian standards and a 20-minute drive to the hotel zone, for example, should cost about R$ 40,00. Maybe you can find someone at the airport to share a cab.
Bus
Brasilia is connected to most of Brazil's cities – all state capitals and most countryside cities and towns. Interstate buses arrive at an exclusively interstate bus station called Rodoferroviária (phone: (61) 3363-4045). It's situated at the end of the Monumental Axis (Eixo Monumental), west region of the city. A few travel times are: São Paulo: 14 hours; Rio de Janeiro: 18 hours; Belém: 34 hours; Goiânia: 3 hours; Florianópolis: 30 hours; Buenos Aires: ; La Paz: ; Assunción: ; Campo Grande: ; Palmas: 13 hours.
How to get to the city from the bus station?
Bus
Take the bus number 131.3 to the Rodoviária do Plano Piloto (central bus terminal), mostly every 20 minutes – from 5:00 to midnight. When you get there, there are buses to all over the Federal District.
Taxi
Also an expensive means of transportation. You can get a cab to the center and take a bus from there (might save you some time). Anyway, from Rodoferroviária to Rodoviária (center), it might cost you about R$25,00.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Unfortunately, Brasilia has got a poor public transportation system.
Subway
The Brasilia subway is under construction. From the Rodoviária you can take the subway to the South region of the city only. Since the metro lines are still under construction, it probably will take a few decades to get it done. Anyway, there are three stations in the south wing (Asa Sul): Galeria dos Estados, 108 Sul and 114 Sul. Other subway stations: Park Shopping, Feira do Guará, Arniqueiras and Águas Claras, where this line divides into two, passing through small towns: Taguatinga, Ceilândia and Samambaia. For more information, access the Brasilia Metro website
Bus
Find all buses of Distrito Federal at the Central Bus Station (Rodoviária).
Other buses (conventional) - this website is in Portuguese.
Taxi
Taxis in Brasilia are expensive. But they´re, for sure, the fastest way to get anywhere. Brasilia was designed for car drivers.
TOURIST PLACES & MONUMENTS
Let's begin this journey at the center of Brasilia - near Rodoviária (bus terminal), and go East, towards the Congress building.
The first building on your right is the National Library, followed by the National Museum. This square is called Complexo Cultural da República (Cultural Complex of the Republic) . It was built in 2006, as part of Lucio Costa and Niemeyer's project.
 Museu Nacional |
 Biblioteca Nacional |
 Esplanada dos Ministérios |
 Catedral |
 Palácio do Itamaraty |
 Ministério da Justiça |
 Palácio do Planalto |
 Congresso |
Museu Nacional Honestino Guimarães- is usually called by local people as the "spaceship" building (espaçonave), due to its space-oval architecture. It usually holds interesting modern art exhibitions and, as in most monuments of Brasilia, entrance is free. It's open Tue-Fri, from 9:00 to 21:00. Weekends from 9:00 to 19:00.
Biblioteca Nacional Leonel de Moura Brizola - is a very new building and we usually ask ourselves when this place will actually be opened. The Federal District government promises that in December/2008 its doors will be unlocked, and there will be an "outstandingly great" amount of books for all of us to read. In other words: we still have no idea how it is from the inside.
Crossing the L2 street, there's the Cathedral, followed by the ministries as you walk through the Esplanada dos Ministérios.
Esplanada dos Ministérios - Where you can see the 17 buildings where many people work during the week and where many of the most important mass manifestations take place.
Metropolitan Cathedral - Projected by Oscar Niemeyer, the Cathedral was inaugurated in 1967. Due to its extreme complexity, it took 12 years to build it. The part that we can see from the outside is its roof. Pay atention to the stained glass windows, made by Marianne Peretti, and to the angels, arranged as if they were flying, representing the Annunciation. Curiosity: The walls have acoustic vibration. So, take a test: tell someone to stand at the entrance and than go to the next empty space. Speak in a normal tone of voice and you will see that the voice takes a few seconds to reach your listener. At the entrance you will see "The four evangelists - Luke, Mathew, Mark and John", created by Alfredo Ceschiatti. And inside is the only official replica of the Pietá, from the Vatican.
Palácio do Itamaraty - houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It's also called the Palace of Arches (Palácio dos Arcos) - but almost no one knows it. It's an interesting building that differs from the other ministries, due to its architecture. It is open for guided visits from 14:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and Sat-Sun from 10:00 to 15:30 (phone: (61) 3411-6148). Inside, you can see: the sculpture called Meeting Point, by Mary Vieira, formed by 230 mobile aluminum plates; the foliage of Zélia Salgado, the Imaginary Canvas of Manabu Mabe, the sculpture Metamorphoses of Franz Weissmann, the fresco "The Vision of Don Bosco", of Alfredo Volpi, and more.
Behind this Palace, there's an interesting building, also part of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Complex, called Bolo de Noiva (Bride's Cake). It actually looks like a cake!
Ministério da Justiça is another different building, located right in front of the Itamaraty palace. Visitors are forbidden, but there's nothing very interesting inside it. It's got waterfalls, worthy of a few shots from your camera.
Now we reached the Praça dos Três Poderes (The Three Powers Square). From this square you can see the buildings that represent the three powers of the Brazilian Government:
Palácio do Planalto represents the executive power - Presidential power. Usually there is some art exhibition on the first floor. Sunday 9h30-13h30 phone: 3411.1221
Congresso Nacional - This very simbolic building is characterized by architectural boldness, freedom and balance of its forms. The two plenary roofs are: the convex - Chamber of Deputies; and concave - the Senate. The Congress has a broad cultural collection. Inside, you can see the winter gardens of Burle Marx, tiles of Athos Bulcão, a mural of Di Cavalcanti, the sculpture "The Angel", by Alfredo Ceschiatti, a panel by Marianne Peretti and various other works of art. In the Senate, there are several panels by Athos Bulcão, the statue Women by Ceschiatti, tapestries by Burle Marx, chairs by Le Corbusier , woodcut by Fayga Ostrower, an oil painting by Jacques Madvol, lithographs by Mary Bononi, pictures by Rossini Perez, and various other works. Câmara dos Deputados: mon-fri 9-12h / 14h30-16h30. Weekends and holidays 9-13h. Senado Federal: mon-fri 9-11h30 / 15h30-16h30. Sat-Sun 10-14h. Phones: Câmara dos Deputados: 3318.5107 and Senado Federal: 3311.3344.
Supremo Tribunal Federal - The headquarters of the Judiciary Branch. There you can find a library with approximately 90 thousand items, most of them about Judiciary (open from mon-fri, 11h - 19h), a noble salon, the court and a museum (open from mon-fri, 12h30 - 18h30). ATTENTION: Visitors must dress properly. In front of it you have the sculpture "Justice", by Alfredo Ceschiatti. Phones: 3217.4068 or 3217-4037.
In the middle of the square there are some interesting sculptures and places to visit:
Os Candangos - This Monument, also know as “the warriors", made by Bruno Giorgi, is one of Brasília´s symbols. It was inspired from Ads to the “Sinfonia da Alvorada”, a famous music from Vinicius de Morais e Tom Jobim.
Espaço Lúcio Costa - Located in the underground of "Praça dos Três Poderes", it has as a permanent piece, a mockup of Brasília, with 13X13 meters, that has been exposed in many countries. You can also see some texts and drawings made by Lúcio Costa, the one who planned Brasília. It was designed by Oscar Niemeyer, as a tribute to Lucio Costa. Daily from 9 to 18h. Phone: 3325.6163
Pombal (Pigeonhole)- A concrete sculpture, made by Oscar Niemeyer.
Panteão da Patria (National Pantheon)- Made by Oscar Niemeyer, it was inaugurated on April 21, 1987. Made in marble and granite. Inside you will find a wall by Athos Bulcão, a panel by João Câmara and stained glass windows by Marianne Peretti. Daily, 9 - 18h phone: 3325.6244.
Espaço Oscar Niemeyer - Located on the back of the Praça dos Três Poderes, it is a small cylindrical building. There you can see the works (panels, drawings and photographs) made by one of the most important architects of the twentieth century. Tue-Sun from 10 to 17h. phone: 3226.6797
 none|thumb|60px|Supremo |
 Espaço Lúcio Costa |
 Panteão |
 Espaço Oscar Niemeyer |
 Teatro Nacional |
 Centro de Convenções |
 Memorial dos Povos Indigenas |
 Memorial JK |
Back to the center (near Rodoviária):
Teatro Nacional - Inaugurated in 1981, this strange pyramid, was inspired by the Cheops pyramid (Egypt), and was designed by Athos Bulcão. Inside, it has three show rooms (Martins Pena, Villa-Lobos and Alberto Nepomuceno) and some sculptures - "Contorcionista" (Contortionist), by Alfredo Ceschiatti, and "O pássaro" (The Bird), by Marianne Peretti. Phone: 3325.6105
TV Tower - It is 224 meters [739.2 feet] high. The National Gems Museum is located 25 meters from ground level; from this stretch, where the observation point is located, some of the most beautiful panoramic views of Brasilia can be seen. Those wanting to go up there will see the Planetarium, the Convention Center– the only work highlighted in the Monumental Axis without Niemeyer’s personal trademark; it was created by Sérgio Bernardes –, Mané Garrincha Stadium, Nilson Nelson Gymnasium, Nelson Piquet Speedway and, also nearby, the headquarters of Clube do Choro. A company next to the Tower offers 12-minute helicopter flights. mon 14-20h, tue-sun 8-20h. Phone: 3321 7944
Heading up West:
Centro de Convenções- A project by Sergio Bernardes, located in the center of the Monumental Axis. Originally with a capacity for 1,710 people, it started with 7,100 seats, offering users meeting rooms and auditoriums, both modern and comfortable. Phone: 3429.7600 (Department of Tourism - SETUR)
'Clube do Choro- Tickets: Mon-Fri, 8h30 to 12h30 and from 13h to 21h, Saturday, from 20h30 till showtime. SDC, Block G, Eixo Monumental, Phone.: 61 3224-0599 or on the internet, on the site: ingresso.com.br
Memorial dos povos indígenas - Projected by Oscar Niemeyer. The memorial was inspired in the organization of the village of Bororo Brazilian Indians. Inside, it is possible to find objects of indigenous culture, such as basketry, pottery and feather art. Tue-Fri 9-18h Sat-Sun 9-17h. Phone: 3223 3760 / 3266 5206
Memorial JK- Built as a tribute to the founder of Brasília, it was inaugurated on September 12 (JK's Birthday), 1981. The highlight is the pedestal of 28 meters, with a statue of Juscelino, by Honório Peçanha. In the Mortuary Room, circular, with 10 meters in diameter, are the remains of Juscelino Kubitschek, the presidential band and other objects. In the Memorial, you can see parts of his political campaign, decorations, medals, plaques, even his car! Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the Memorial has panels by Athos Bulcão, stained glass by Marianne Peretti. Phone: 3225-9451 and a symbolic fee is paid at the entrance.
Igreja Rainha da Paz - The most recent Niemeyer work in the Federal District, this was completed in 1994, built where Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass in Brasilia. Just a short distance ahead lies the Cruzeiro, the place where the First Mass in the city was held, the tallest part of the Pilot Plan: 1,100 meters [3,630 feet].
Teatro Eduardo Calmon & Concha Acústica
Other monuments, quite far from the Eixo Monumental:
Palácio da Alvorada - The pillars that support the masonry of the Palace, practically don't touch the ground, and are inspired by hammocks. The water barrier, that eliminates fences, was built during the period of the “dictatorial regime”, and today serves as the fountains of desires existing around the world. Drop a coin and make a wish. The Palace was inaugurated in 1958. Visitation: Wednesday 15-17h30 Duration: 30 to 40 minutes Groups of 25 people Phone: 3411 4000
Ponte JK (JK Bridge) - Since its inauguration, on December 15, 2002, this has attracted tourists, engineers, architects and professionals alike, students, curiosity seekers, people from the city and from all over Brazil, interested in seeing the work that cost some R$ 200 million. The fantastic project by Alexandre Chan is 1,220 meters [4,026 feet] long and 24 meters [79.2 feet] wide, supported by three arches braced by 48 steel cables, which forms the bridge’s nervous system. It is so sophisticated that it requires preventive maintenance by constant monitoring.
Close to Plano Piloto:
CULTURAL CENTERS
Federal District Public Archive - Brasilia´s historical documents, photos, movies, etc - SAP Lote B, bloco 41, Novacap. Phone 3361 1454. www.arpdf.df.gov.br
Casa Thomas Jefferson - Auditorium with excellent musical programming, specialized library, gallery with temporary exhibitions - SEPS 706/906 Group B, Phone 3443 6588. www.thomas.org.br
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB) - Theater of 291 seats, two art galleries, cinema-with 70 seats, cafe and bookstore.Setor de Clubes Sul, Trecho 2, lote 22, Phone 310-7081. www.cultura-e.com.br
Centro Cultural CEF - theater with 380 seats and five art galleries. SBS Quadra 4, adjoined to the CEF Headquarters. Phones, 3414 9452, 3414 9447 www.caixa.gov.br
Espaço Oscar Niemeyer - An entity linked to the Oscar Niemeyer Foundation, the complex has an area of 433.26 m2. The auditorium has space for a fifty-person hall, exhibition rooms and the workplace. Iconographic and historical material on the work of the architect of Brasilia. Photos of the main projects of Oscar in Brazil and the world can be enjoyed on a large scale. Hours: Mon-Fri 9-12h30 14:30-18h. Address: Praça dos Três Poderes Lote J Phone: 3224 9763 E-mail: clancult@terra.com.br / rosanestuckert@hotmail.com
Instituto Cultural - Embassy of Portugal, SES Avenida das Nações, Quadra 801, phone 3032-9600
Instituto de Cultura Hispânica - SES 707/907, Lot D, CEP 70390-078, phone 3032-9634.
Complexo Cultural Funarte - SDC Lt 2, Eixo Monumental between the TV Tower and the Clube do Choro, phone 3226-9228 / 3223-2341.
Casa do Ceará - Charitable institution, the Cultural Center is responsable for the Library "Padaria espiritual", Mauro Benevides Library, Museum of Arts and Traditions of the Northeast, Pinacoteca and Gallery of Arts, crafts and pieces of folklore, Museum of Image and Sound , SGAN quadra 910, conjunto F, phone 3272-3833 E-mail: casadoceara@casadoceara.org.br - www.casadoceara.org.br
ECOLOGICAL TOURISM
Waterfalls
Poço Azul (Blue Pond) - The river of clear and blue waters that runs through the Chapada Vendinha forms waterfalls, rapids and a cave flooded by the waters. The terrain is rugged and offers a panoramic view of the Chapada. It is on private property, and one must pay for a ticket. There are two hits: the North exit, until the balloon at the office in Colorado, following in the direction of Father Bernardo, until the end of the asphalt and continuing for 14 Km of dirt road up, a small sign indicating the entrance to the left, or "Via Estrutural", toward Brazlândia, up the road to the Radiobrás station. Come to the right, followed by a fork after Montaria Texas Country Club, come to the right again and follow up to find the sign posted.
Salto do Tororó (Tororo fall)- Place of great natural beauty, has crystal waters, with a stony bed and slightly bumpy. It is located next to the South Lake, with access by QI 23, towards the Botanical Gardens. In the roundabout, take Df-140, five Km below and enter the right. Is approximately 35 kilometers of road away from the Pilot Plan.
Cachoeira da Saia Velha (Saia Velha(Old Skirt)fall)- Area rich in vegetation and water courses, with several waterfalls and natural pools. The place has swimming pools 30 meters deep, camping, barbecue area, playground, nursery and mini-zoo, soccer field, pool and restaurants. There is a charge for the ticket. It is located 35 kilometers away from Brasilia, with access by the BR-040, until the monument called Solarius. At the height of kilometer five, go left and follow six kilometers on a dirt road.
Chapada Imperial - It is the largest private environmental reserve in the Federal District - the Area of Environmental Protection (APA) of Cafuringa - and it has 33 waterfalls and natural pools, and the valleys contain limestone outcrops, near caves. Location: follow the path to the crossroads with Estrutural DF-001. Continue to Brazlandia to DF 220, Km 9. The entry of the property is well signposted. Phone: 3345.8668. Packages: R$ 40 / R$ 50 (includes transportation) Site Chapada Imperial
Cachoeira de Mumunhas - It´s located Northwest of the DF, At the APA's Cafuringa. It is formed by courses of clear waters, that run on flats (and stairs of stone, creating six waterfalls, one spring, two wells and several natural pools and showers. The relief is quite hilly, and vegetation is typical of the "cerrado", with sparse trees and riparian forests along the stream. It is located in the Chapada Vendinha, 44 kilometers from the Pilot Plan, on private property. Access is one of the North exits, toward Sobradinho, until the roundabout of Colorado. Head toward EPTC, towards Brazlândia, until the end of the asphalt (about 13 kilometers) and continue for another 20 kilometers until you find an entry on the right.
Lake and Lagoon
Lago Paranoá - Formed with the damming of the waters of the Paranoá river. Allows the practice of nautical sports and its beaches are used for recreation by clubs and restaurants. One of the attractions is the Pontão of South Lake, with a good view of the city.
Lagoa Bonita (Planaltina / DF) - One of the most beautiful natural lagoons of the Federal District. Its beaches serve as shelter for wild animals. It has a 5-km perimeter, and is approximately 800m wide. It has historical value because of the Cruls Mission in 1892, which established the limits of the future Federal District. Location: take the BR-020, in the Output North to Planaltina. After the entrance of the city, below left for 3 km.
Ermida Dom Bosco - It is one of the most amazing places where one can see the sunset in Brasilia - it's well known that the sunset in Brasilia is one of the most beautiful in this country. It was built after the prophecy of Dom Bosco - who had a dream that a great city was going to rise in this region. Oscar Niemeyer designed a pyramid by the lake, and there's an image of Dom Bosco inside of it. Ermida Dom Bosco is far from the center - the other side of the Paranoá Lake - in Lago Sul. If you manage a ride to get there, it's perfect - it's by the lake, after QI 29, in Lago Sul. Otherwise you must take a bus from the Central Bus Terminal (Rodoviária) - bus 100/123. It's a perfect place to have a picnic. It closes at 9PM.
Parks
Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden)- With an area of 4,518 hectares, of which 526 are open to visitors, it has trails that allow visitors to learn about various types of cerrado vegetation. It is worth visiting the Aromatic Garden, The Orchard Garden, and the Medicinal Plants Garden. It has a school of environmental education and orchid nurseries. Setor de Mansões Don Bosco, Conj. 12 (entry by QI-23 South lake) Visitation: Tue-Sun 9-17h. (Admission is charged). Botanical Garden - R$ 2. Phone: 3366 3007
Zoo - Some of the most beautiful animals inhabiting the cerrado can be seen in the Zoo: the painted jaguar and the puma, the guara-wolf, the otter, the "ariranhas", among others. Terrestrial birds, such as the emu and the "siriema", birds such as the "quero-quero", the "buraqueira" owl and blue macaws are also part of the fauna of the cerrado, which has close to 60 thousand species of animals. Avenida das Nações Sul Tue-Sun 9-17h (admission is charged R$ 2. Phone: 3345 3622
Parque da Cidade Sarah Kubitschek
Parque Nacional da Água Mineral
Parque Olhos D'água
Parque Águas Claras
Águas Emendadas
Chapada Imperial
SEASONAL EVENTS
Fair at the Buddhist Temple
When? Weekends (Fri-Sat-Sun) of August (all month).
Where? Templo Budista de Brasília - 316 Sul.
What time? From 17h to 23h.
What happens? Amazing Japanese food (not very cheap... fair price), Japanese dances, Japanese calligraphy...
Hint? Get there at 5pm!!! Otherwise there will be a huge line to buy food - yes, people go there for sushi and the famous yakisoba.
Brasilia´s Brazilian Film Festival
The Festival happens every November, since 1965, when two professors created the "Brazilian Cinema week". In 1967, the name changed for the actual one (Festival de Braília de Cinema Brasileiro). From 1972 to 1974, the Festival was interrupted, because of the military government and the censorship.
Now, during the festival days, the faithful public forms long lines in front of Cine Brasília, disputing the tickets and seeking to participate, with applauses or boos, to show their approval or not.
Cine Brasília is another Oscar Niemeyer´s project. It was opened in 1960.
Cine Brasília: EQS 106/107 - Asa sul. Phone: (61) 3244 1660 (607 seats, Sound:Dolby Stereo Digital, screen: 14.00 m x 6.30 m) Daily film sessions at 17h, 19h e 21h. Tickets: R$ 6 (full) e R$ 3 (halfprice) Agenda Cultural
Festas Juninas
The best way to find ou more about these folk parties is reading local newspaper: Correio Braziliense.
Festas Juninas usually happen between May and July in Brasilia. Usually on weekends at churches, schools, clubs and local residential areas.
INTERNET SEARCH - WHAT'S GOING ON IN BRASILIA?
Parties, movies, all events in Brasilia (all websites are in Portuguese):
Qual Quadra - Very Good!
FOOD
Here are some hints about a few interesting restaurants in Brasilia.
Brazilian Restaurants
Feitiço Mineiro: It's a typical restaurant from the regions of Minas Gerais and Goiás. At lunchtime there's an "all you can eat" buffet: all kinds of meat, popular Brazilian dishes ("arroz com pequi" (rice and pequi fruit), "feijão tropeiro" ("Troopers´ beans"), costelinha de porco (pork ribs). On Fridays: cod; Saturdays: feijoada with "chorinho" music; Sundays: "leitoa à pururuca" (crispy pork). You can also order food from the menu. At night, from 19h until the last costumer, they serve a buffet of cheese and sausages - the bar, outside, is very "relaxing".We recommend you to try a genuine fruit from the Cerrado area called pequi - either you are going to love it or hate it. Ask the clerk about how to eat it!!! Eating pequi, besides being healthy and pleasant, is a science, almost an art: its soft and tasty pulp should be eaten carefully, since the pulp itself covers a layer of terrible thorns, that, if bitten, stick to your tongue and roof of the mouth, provoking pains. The flavor, however, is worth the risk. Usually at night, there are interesting concerts at this restaurant. Local artists usually present their work there. Check out about it's cultural events at Feitiço Mineiro's website(in Portuguese).Feitiço Mineiro is located at CLN 306 - Block B - Stores 45/51- North Wing(phone: (61) 3272-3032).
Xique-Xique is a common plant from the Northeast region of Brazil. Here in Brasilia it is a typical Northeast Brazilian restaurant. For about R$30 you can have the specialty of the house: Rice, black-eye beans (feijão de corda), carne-de-sol (amazing!), farofa / paçoca (special flour), manioc and butter sauce. Highly recommended! Address:SCLS 107 Block E Store 2 - South Wing. Phone: (61) 3244-5797.
Faisão Dourado may not look like a nice place to eat at first sight, but if you try some of their typical Brazilian food, you will come back for more. The specialty is "Filet Completo": red meat or chicken (option: with toasted garlic and onion on the top), rice, beans, egg "farofa", French fries and vinaigrette. Price: R$ 32 (serves 2) SCLS 314 Block D Store 2 - South Wing. Phone: (61) 3245 6521
Brazilian per kilo restaurants
Assados e grelhados
Portal 4
Talher Brasil
Arabic
O Nilo (The Nile) is an amazing restaurant at the end of the North Wing of Brasilia. The owner is an Egyptian that also plays his Durbak on Friday and Saturday nights along with sexy belly dancers. The food is amazing. Not too cheap but not too expensive. This restaurant opens for lunch time and dinner, except on Mondays. It's at CLN 112, Block A, Store 46 - North Wing. Phone number: (61) 3447-4008.
Also two well known restaurants are Libanus and Beirute. Check them out at the Bar&Pubs&Drinks section.
Chinese
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Mexican
Portuguese
Thai
Vegetarian
Girassol (Sunflower) SCLS 409 Block B Stores 15/26 - South Wing - Phone: (61) 3242-1542.
Naturetto SCLS 403 Block A Store 22 - South Wing - Phone: (61)33216546 or SCLN 405 Block B Store 16 - North Wing - Phone: (61) 3201-6223.
Miscellaneous
It's 4 in the morning and you are going home from a party plus a great ammount of alcohol in your blood. What to do? Your best choice is Molho de Tomate Pizzaria. It's where everyone goes before going to bed. There you can buy 5 kinds of slices of pizzas:
- Mozzarela - R$1 (Hint: ask for a double slice of it - it's great!!! "Uma dupla, por favor!" [Ooma dooplah por favor'])
- Calabreza: R$2
- Margherita: R$2
- Portuguesa: R$2
- Banana: R$2
Soft drink (Coke or Guaraná: R$2). Don't order their juices! There's a delivery service, but it's much better to go there and socialize. It's open all week from 5pm to 5am - except on Mondays: from 5pm to 3am. "Molho de Tomate" is at CLN 403 Block A, store 12 - South Wing (near Gate's Pub and Azeite de Oliva Bar). Phone: (61) 3223-2307.
Universal Diner is a much more sophisticated restaurant. The chef is amazing, and she's got creativity to cook delicious food with genuine Brazilian fruits and vegetables. The restaurant has a cozy way to say welcome and a well located pink bug on the ceiling (I mean the CAR). Prepare your pocket (a person usually spends, at least, R$50 there). But it's worth a visit.
Where is it??? SCLS 210, Block B, Store 30 - South Wing
Phone: (61) 3443-2089.
Find more about it at Universal Diner website.
Babel
Babel - SCLS 215 Block A Store 37 (South Wing), 48 seats, phone #: 3345.6042/3445.2872
HAPPY HOUR & NIGHT LIFE
Bars&Pubs&Drinks
Bars that are located in the Plano Piloto Area usually close their doors at 1:30am on weekdays and 3am on weekends (District law).
Armazém do Ferreira is a very nice (not too cheap) bar in the North Wing. Its draft beer is very good and also its pastéis.
Address: SCLN 202 Block A, at the corner - North Wing).
Phone #: 3327-0167 and 3327-8342.
Azeite de Oliva
Bar Brasília is one of the most popular bars (and also one of the oldest) in Brasilia. One finds cold and delicious draft beer there.
Directions: Take a bus from the central bus station to W3 Sul and get down at the block 506.
Address: SCRS 506 Block A Store 15A - backdoors - South Wing.
Phone #: (61) 3443-4323.
Bar do Mercado is a genuine bar - kind of "boteco". It's got great petiscos (snacks)and smooth draft beer. Highly recommended.
Directions: Take a bus from the central bus station to W3 Sul and get down at the block 509. Easy to get there.
Address: SCRS 509, Block C Store 21, via W3 South - South Wing).
Phone#: (61) 3244-7999.
Bedrock
Beirute is a genuine bar from Brasilia. Open since this capital's inauguration, it's got a famous bife à parmegiana and amazing sfiha made of chicken or red meat. It's good to know that Beirute was elected one of the most popular gay-friendly bars of the city and the most crowded day is Friday night. People usually meet there before LGBT parades in Brasilia.
Beirute has been consistently elected by Veja Magazine as the best bar in Brasilia.
It's at SCLS 109 Block A Store 2/4 - South Wing - Phone #: (61) 3244-1717.
About a year ago, a Beirute Bar was opened in the North Wing. It's also very good (food and drinking). Adrress: SCLN 307 Block D Stores 19/29 - North Wing - Phone#: (61) 3272-0123.
Boteco
It is a genuine bar from Recife - Pernambuco (all the staff comes from Pernambuco - lovely accent!!!). It serves delicious and cold drafts, well-done caipirinhas & caipiroscas... and it's best feature: food from Pernambuco State. Try some dishes like escondidinho de carne de sol and bolo de rolo with ice-cream' for desert. More information at the Boteco's website. Opens Mon-Fri from 5pm to??? and Sat-Sun from 11am to????.
Address: SCLS 406 - Bloco A - Asa Sul - Brasília - DF
Phone#: (61) 3443-4344
Café Savana
It's one of the best options for a happy hour with friends in Brasilia. It's is located at the end of north wing (Asa Norte) and it's got amazing chicken pie, cappuccino cups and excellent lounge music. It opens at 5pm and closes around 1:30am. Take a look at the Café Savana website.
Address: SCLN 116 Bloco A loja 04 - Asa Norte - Brasília - DF
Phone: (61) 3347-9403
Chiquita Bacana
Godofredo
Jazz Café
Lapa
Leblon
Libanus - It's one of the most popular (and oldest) bar in this capital. It was opened in the 60's and every night it's crowded. It's best feature is... its delicious cold beer. Beside that, its Kibe Libanus (kibbeh with cheese and spicy sauce) is well recommended. If you are in a group of 4 people, order the Árabe Completo dish - great variety of middle-east food. It's open every day - on weekdays from noon to 1:30am; weekends from 12pm to 3am.
Libanus is at CLS 206 Block C Store 36 - South Wing (not hard to find - try and find a corner with a lot of people drinking beer).
Phone#: (61)3244-9795.
Marujo
Mittelalter Taverna Medieval
Piauí
One of the most popular "dirty foot" bars in Brasilia. One can buy any beverage there + complements (ide, beverage boxes for storage, ...). Great thing about Piauí: Beer price - very low for a well located bar in Brasilia. Also: "Espetinho de carne completo" - one of the best of Brasilia. Excellent place for a happy hour before going out at night.
Address: CLS 203 Bloco B Loja 20 - Asa Sul - Brasilia DF
Phone#: (61) 3244-0706
Por-do-Sol
This is the most popular bar among students from UNB (University of Brasilia). It's cheap, crowded and the beer is cold. It might be one of the dirtiest "dirty foot" bar of Brasilia - but it is a place anyone find out what is happening in the city. Cool people and flirting are definitely it's best features. Ladies: nevermind the restroom!
It is opened everyday from late afternoon till the last client. It is closed on Sundays.
Address:CLN 408 BL C, s/n lj 24 - Asa Norte - Brasília - DF
Phone#: (61) 3274-8861
Spicy is a good place to watch soccer games. Besides that, as you can tell, they have great spicy food. Recommendation: Chicken with spice (choose the hottest one). Also the "Caipiroska" with yellow fruits (pineapple, mango, peach and passion fruit).
Address: CLN 209 block A - store 43 - North Wing - at the corner, residential side. It opens at 5pm.
Segundo Clichê
Stadt Beer
Schloß
Nightclubs
* * * Local Hints * * *
Cult 22 is a traditional radio program, at Executiva FMfde Brasília (local radio). It's a genuine rock music program where one listens to the best of rock (classic, indie, folk, alternative... ) music. If you are a big fan of rock and are looking for a great time at night dancing, check out when and where our favorite rock n' roll DJs are playing in Brasilia at Cult 22 blog.
Arena
Arena Club is located at the clubs sector of Brasilia, in the South Wing. There are always parties over there for all kinds and tastes. It is good to check out what's happening in the city at the local events websites - Check them out at the Internet search - what's going on in Brasilia? section.
Balaio Café
It's a great place for a happy our everyday during the week. There are always interesting people around. There are some specific days where people from Brasilia get together for good "roda de samba" or great alternative rock parties.
- Tuesdays - Roda de Samba - Wanna dance???? Starts around 6pm - ends around 10pm. Better get there early so you can find a table outside. Sometimes, later, there's a different party happening downstairs (check out the week program).
-
Wednesdays - CANSEI DE SER CULT - It's one of the best options to go out at night in Brasilia. Great DJs playing rock music. Highly recommended. Unfortunately, this party ends around 2am. Don't you waste your time: get there earlier and boogie on the dance floor!
- Fridays - Always a different party. You better check out the week program. Usually it is a gay friendly party - always great - music awesome!
- Saturdays - Ditto.
Directions: Very easy to get there - near the central bus station (Rodoviária).
Address: CLN 201 Norte, Bloco B, lojas 19/31 - Asa Norte - Brasília - DF
Phone: (61) 3327-0732
Check out what's going on there at the Balaio café's website (in Portuguese). It is closed on Sundays.
Blackout Bar
It's a bar at the old CEB buildings - 904 South. There are usually parties there.
- Thursdays - O Quinto: Electronic music.
- Fridays - Play!: Alternative rock music.
Opened from 11:30pm to around 4am.
Address: Clube da ASCEB, 904 - Asa Sul - Brasília - DF
Blue Space
It is the most well known LGBT nightclub in Brasilia. It's got great music (of course!), beautiful people and it is not too expensive (booze). Best day: Saturday. There are always parties going on. Check out the Blue Space's website.
Directions: You'll probably need a car to get there. You can take the subway to the Park Shopping Station and take a cab from there - will cost you much less if you get a cab from downtown.
Address:SOF Sul Quadra 16 - Setor de Oficinas Sul - Brasília - DF
Phone: (61) 3234-5601.
Café Cancun
Calaf
Cota Mil Club
Espaço Galeria
LGBT nightclub located in the middle of Brasilia - CONIC. Parties are organized by Blush Produções - check out the website. Everyone that wants to know more about the Brasilia's underground scene should go there. Unique place!
Directions: Conic building - kind of "shopping mall" - is located right in front of the central bus station (Rodoviária). It's very easy to get there. Ask anyone around :) You'll have to get downstairs to find it - bit trashy, but it's fine. Don't worry, it's safe!
Address: SDS Bl N s/n lj, 14 - Edificio Conic - Asa Sul - Brasília - DF
Phone: (61) 3321-9153
Festa da Lili
One of the most famous LGBT parties of Brasilia. Usually happens once a month. Check out the website and have fun! :)
Gates Pub
Landscape
Oficina
O'Rilley's Pub
UK Pub
Snooker
Área 51
Area 51 is one of the greatest places to hang out, have a cold beer ans plus, play pool in Brasilia. It is an underground hall, where we listen to good rock music and always meet interesting people. When you go downstairs the fist thing you notice is the aliens and planet drawings on the walls. Also: the red pool tables - amazing impact. In the middle of the hall there is the bar where you buy booze, soft drinks, food (french fries, sandwiches and other bar dishes) and coins to play on the tables... good service and happy people there. There's security and if you find a hard time to find an available table, don't worry - in less than 30min you'll get one - just ask people (players) around when they are leaving the table and wait for your turn. Other option: call Cícero - our friend security man - he can try and find a table for you - but remember: be kind to him (smile!!!).
Highly recommended!!!.
It is closed on Mondays. Opens at 6pm and closes around 5am - but you must get into the hall before 3am, OK??? Free entrance.
Address: CLN 203 Bloco A Subsolo Loja 26 - Asa Norte - Brasilia - DF
Hangar 18
PoiZé
Spettus
SHOPPING MALLS
Brasília Shopping
Casa Park
Conic
Conjunto Nacional
Deck Brasil
Gilberto Salomão
Iguatemi
Liberty Mall
Park Shopping
Pátio Brasil
Pier 21
Terraço Shopping
Venâncio 2000
Outside Brasilia
Aguas Claras Shopping
Alameda Shopping
Florida Mall
Shopping Jardim Botânico
Taguatinga Shopping
ACCOMMODATION
BEST OPTION: Couch Search!!!! There are plenty of couches here in Brasilia. Plus: amazing hosts and friends. Everyone is always welcome!
Unfortunately, Brasilia is one of the most expensive Brazilian capitals, regarding traveler's expenses with accommodation. Hotels are crowded on weekdays - Brazilians usually visit the capital for business matters, which means that prices are up on the top on weekdays. On weekends one can find better prices in hotels, but the average is still high (about R$50 per night).
Some people come to Brasilia expecting to find cheap pousadas at the W3 SUL street. Yes, they were cheap. Lonely Planet and some other cool and helpful guidebooks have not, yet, updated their hints about these "pousadas". Nowadays they don't exist anymore. Maybe a couple of them have remained, but be aware: The Federal District Government has closed all of these houses, which means that, in theory, they are forbidden to host people. We strongly recommend that you do not go to these houses - there's a hight possibility to be awaken in the middle of the night, with the police on the doorway, demanding you, couch surfer, to leave that house. So, you loose money and, after all, might need to pay an expensive hotel to spend the rest of the night.
Hostel?
There is only one hostel in Brasilia. The Albergue da Juventude de Brasília (Brasilia Youth Hostel) is located at the camping area of the capital, 20 minutes from the Palácio do Buriti (District Government Palace). It's not well-located, only one bus (#143) passes there every 20 minutes (weekdays/mornings). Weekends? Every 2 hours. The price is not so attractive: From R$40 to R$50/per night. If you've got a tent, it's R$15 per person. Breakfast is included.
Address: Setor de Áreas Isoladas Norte SAIN - Camping - Lote 2
Phone #:(61)3343-0531
E-mail: hibsb@zipmail.com or hibsb@opendf.com.br
Hotels
On weekdays hotels in Brasilia are very expensive. Better try and find a goos price on weekends - but prices usually are not so attractive. Anyway, on weekends it is better to stay in a hotel than at the only hostel in the city - prices are almost the same - really!
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
Money exchange
Shopping Malls
Banco do Brasil
Mon-Fri - 11am to 4pm
- Airport
- Palácio do Itamaraty
Other Banks
- Banco Sudameris
CRS 513, bloco B lojas 15 /19 - Asa Sul. Phone:(61)3245-6644 Fax:(61)3346-4653 Mon-Fri - 11am to 2pm
- Citibank
SCS, quadra 6 bloco A loja 186.- Asa Sul (Setor Comercial Sul (South Commercial Sector)) Phone:(61)3218-8073 Fax:(61)3218-8082 Mon-Fri - 11am to 3pm
- Bank Boston
SCS, quadra 06. bloco A, loja 200. - Asa Sul (Setor Comercial Sul) Phone:(61)3321-7714 Fax:(61)3323-9449 Mon-Fri - 11am to 3pm
- Banco de Brasília
SCN,quadra 01 bloco C. Ed. Brasília Trade Center - Asa Norte (Setor Comercial Norte (North Commercial Sector) Phone:(61)3426-6419 Fax:(61)3328-0824 Fri-Mon - 11am to 3pm
Hotel Sector
- Air Brazil Turismo
Setor Hoteleiro Sul (South Hotels' Sector), quadra 01, bloco 33/34, Galeria do Hotel Nacional -Asa Sul. Phone:(61)3322-3560 Fax:(61)3321-3971 Mon-Fri - 10am to 5pm.
Your Embassy
All embassy's main offices are located in Brasilia. Browse your country's embassy and find their contact number and address.
Browse your country's embassy here
EMERGENCY
- Embassies
- CS Ambassadors for Brasilia
- Hospitals
Public Hospitals
Plano Piloto
Hospital de Base do DF - HBDF: 3325-5050/3325-4080 (Asa Sul)
Hospital das Forças Armadas - HFA: 215-7171 (Sudoeste)
Hospital Universitário - HUB: 3274-7722 (Asa Norte)
Hospital Regional da Asa Norte - HRAN: 3325-4300
Hospital Regional da Asa Sul - HRAS: 3243-2322
Hospital Sara Kubitscheck: 3319-1111 (Asa Sul - Physical Rehabilitation)
Cidades Satélites
Hospital Refional de Brazlândia - HRBZ: 3391-2510
Hospital Regional de Ceilândia - HRC: 3371-2233
Hospital Regional do Gama - HRG: 3556-1422
Hospital Regional de Planaltina - HRP: 3389-2412
Hospital Regional de Sobradinho - HRS: 3591-1030
Hospital Regional de Taguatinga - HRT: 3351-2200
- Police
Military Police: 190 e 199
Civil Police: 3234-5367
Fire Fighters: 193
Emergency room rescue: 192
Civil Defense: 3223-5800
Search and rescue/FAB: 3365-1212
Children Emergency: 1407
- Useful numbers
Post Office (Correios): 159
Public transport: 1517
- 24h Services
Gas station shops
Fulltime - SHIS QI 9, Centro Comercial, bl. B, loja 18 - phone#: (61) 3248-3918
Open Shop 24 horas - SHIS QI 5, Posto Br - phone#: (61) 987-9856
Open Shop 24 horas - SHIS QI 21 - phone#: (61) 987-9857
Wood Shop - SHIS QI 13 - phone#: (61) 3364-1846
Lake Shop - SHIN QL 12 - phone#: (61) 3368-338
Snack - Posto Shell, 307 sul - phone#: (61) 3242-0372
Stop & Shop - 407 sul, bl. B - phone#: (61) 3244-3472
Selecta - Posto 314 sul - phone#: (61) 3245-5787
306 Norte - SCRN 306 - phone#: (61) 3272-2598
Posto 105 Norte - SCRN 105 - phone#: (61) 3273-8610
Posto 14-Bis - Aeroporto - phone#: (61) 3365-1827
Locksmith
AABA - phone#: (61) 3273-3298 / 983-6979
Chaveiro 3000 - phone#: (61) 3226-1580
Plantão Chaveiro - phone#: (61) 3274-0624 / 3274-3132
Click here and find more useful numbers
