Brasilia

Brasilia is a planned city in the Central Highlands, inaugurated in 1960. It is a masterpiece of modernist architecture listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is designed in the shape of a giant bird, with the Monumental Axis running down the center. It serves as the seat of government and an important transportation hub.

Due to its altitude of 1,100 m, temperatures rarely exceed 28°C. There are two seasons: rainy season from October to April with frequent thunderstorms, and dry season from May to September with practically no rain. The dry season peaks in August-September with humidity below 20%, causing dehydration risk, but offers gorgeous sunsets. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and use sunscreen due to high UV radiation.

Rent a car, ride the buses, take a cab, but do not plan on walking. The city was designed under the assumption that every resident would own an automobile. Public transport works fairly well, but roads have few crosswalks or traffic lights, so being a pedestrian requires caution.

Most accommodation is at the Hotel Sectors (SHS and SHN) on both sides of Eixo Monumental. During weekdays, hotels are usually busy due to political activity and it is advisable to book in advance. Most hotels have off-price for weekends. Budget options like Like U Hotel start at R$181 per night.

Self-service (por quilo) restaurants are common and cheaper than à la carte. Brasilia lacks a typical regional cuisine but serves food from many Brazilian states. Tips of at least 10% are expected, often printed on the invoice. For nightlife, bars like Beirute (Arab food, cheap beer) and Pôr-do-Sol (popular with students) are favorites.

Must-see sights include Three Powers Square (Congress, Planalto Palace, Supreme Court), Brasilia Cathedral with its 16 curved pillars, Itamaraty Palace, Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial, and the Television Tower for city views. Events include the Cinema Festival in late October/early November, the Japanese Festival in August, and the Porão do Rock music festival.

The Setor de Diversões near Rodoviaria has shopping: Conjunto Nacional mall (upscale) and southern side with small shops. On Sundays, a flea market at the base of the Television Tower sells local crafts. The imports market (Feira do Paraguai) offers cheap electronics. FNAC and Livraria Cultura in malls have books and music.

Brasilia is a safe city but usual measures apply. Avoid the area near the central bus station at night (prostitution and drugs). Flash kidnappings have increased; follow police advice: walk with company, be aware when leaving banks, have keys ready. Dial 190 for police and 192 for medical emergencies. Drug consumption is not incarceration but still a crime; trafficking is serious.

The area code for Brasilia is 61. All 7-digit telephone numbers have been converted to 8-digit by adding a 3. To dial from abroad, dial +55 61 then the number. Tourist information stands are available at the airport, rodoviaria, and Praça dos Três Poderes.

You can extend your visa or visa-free stay in Brazil at the Policia Federal office at the airport. Address: Prédio de Engenharia e Manutenção - EPAR Aeroporto Internacional de Brasília.

Popular day trips include Pirenópolis (150 km west, colonial town and waterfalls), Alto Paraíso de Goiás (230 km north, gate to Chapada dos Veadeiros), Itiquira waterfall (110 km northeast), and Caldas Novas (300 km south, hot springs). Further destinations include Belo Horizonte, Ouro Preto, and direct flights to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis.