It is practically mandatory and natural to think about Brasilia when it comes to architecture. Designed by urban planner Lucio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer, the city is considered a “landmark in the history of urbanism” by UNESCO.
The country’s capital holds the largest area of heritage in the world – 112.25 km² – and was inscribed by the Organization on the list of properties in the world. World Cultural Heritage of Humanity, on December 7, 1987, being the only contemporary property to deserve this distinction.
Also according to the organization, the urban structure of Brasilia includes all the necessary elements to demonstrate an exceptional universal value. The city was created to be the country’s capital and was part of President Juscelino Kubitschek’s national modernization project, bringing together ideas from large administrative centers and public spaces.
Innovation and creativity found in the organization of the city and in Niemeyer’s architectural projects, such as the Presidential Palace, Federal Supreme Court and Congress buildings, were decisive for the city to win the title.
Traveling to the capital of Brazil is the possibility of having an open-air history lesson. And more than that: being able to try new flavors and a new different way of living.
And if you’re short on time – the long holidays in 2022 are few and far between! – check out our itinerary on how to enjoy Brasilia in 48 hours .
General tips:
To spend two days in the city it is important to understand at least a little about how its map works. Formed by blocks, Brasília follows a numerical and geographical logic, which can often sound complicated to tourists, but don’t be scared: everything will be fine!
The format of Brasilia Pilot Plan it is popularly recognized as an airplane. Thus, it is easy to understand why the main neighborhoods of the city are called “Asa Norte” and “Asa Sul”. The north lake and south lake, which are “outside” the plane, have become residential neighborhoods of houses, while on the wings you will find 98% of buildings – this was part of the city planning. It is in the “Avião” that the main activities of the city, of all sectors, are located.
It is also important to know that there is nothing to do on foot, so be prepared to rent a car or use transport apps. If you are going to spend a little time and don’t know the city yet, the tip is not to use public transport – there are not many lines available and buses take a long time to pass.
Day 1
The hosting suggestion is the B Hotel . Located on the monumental axis, it has views of postcards – such as the Mané Garrincha stadium and the TV Tower. Your rooftop, Where is the bar 16 , It is one of the favorites of brasilienses and tourists, who take advantage of the great location to have a drink and watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the city – so, here is an option for the end of the first day.
Start by having breakfast at CA paddocklocated in Lago Norte, opened last year With a sustainable proposal, from Lixo Zero, this bakery has a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, with a delicious balcony.
On the menu, breads, croissants, sandwiches, snacks and sweets of all kinds. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, breakfast is all-you-can-eat, with a buffet that includes scrambled eggs, sausage, bread, bacon, carolinas, coffee, milk and orange juice (R$52 per person).
With the morning strengthened, time to go on the day’s walks. And the suggestion to start could not be different: get to know the terrace one of the most visited spots in Brasilia.
There are located the National Congress – which houses the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate -, the ministries, the Praça dos Três Poderes and the Palácio do Planalto. The guided tours of the Congress take place from Monday to Friday and are free, however, an appointment is required, which can be done on this link.
The tour lasts about 50 minutes and can be translated into English, Spanish, French or pounds. The visit to the Planalto Palace takes place on Sundays and also needs to be scheduled.
After the visits, the tip is to take advantage of the location and get to know two more nearby tourist spots. One of them the emblematic Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Aparecida, designed by the architect Oscar Niemayer and the first monument created in Brasília. Visits take place from Tuesday to Sunday – except at times of mass or events, such as baptisms and weddings.
Taking advantage of the “theme”, another nearby point (10 minutes by car), and also one of the most visited in the city, is the Our Lady of Fatima Church .
Built after a request from President Juscelino, in fulfillment of a promise made by Mrs. Sara Kubitschek, it took 100 days to be ready and was inaugurated on June 28, 1958. The project is also by Niemayer.
For lunch, the tip is to enjoy two occasions in one: get to know the Mane Garrincha Stadium and also the Mané Mercado , a gastronomic complex that recently opened and is already a success. There are different bars and restaurants of famous chefs in the city, in a space of 4.000m2. Open from Sunday to Sunday.
Returning to the hotel for a little rest after a busy day is essential. At night, there are some suggestions. If you are a fan of Peruvian food, the Taypa Flavors of Peru it’s an option. The city’s first restaurant specializing in this cuisine, it has a wide atmosphere, with a charming outdoor area, with a decoration that makes several references to the neighboring country.
Day 2
After a tiring day, the idea is to wake up a little later and leave for a brunch at the , inside Brasilia Botanical Garden ,
The house spreads tables with checkered tablecloths – picnic style – throughout the environment. The menu is extensive and there are individual options, but the tip is to choose the Jardim 1 combo, with assorted breads, yogurt, granola, cold cuts, cake, seasonal fruits, scrambled eggs, coffee and orange juice for two people (R$ 76); or Jardim 2, with flaxseed and onion bread, banana cake, waffles, vegan tapioca, couscous, scrambled eggs, among others (R$88).
THE TV tower, one of Brasilia’s main tourist attractions, could not be left out of the itinerary either. This viewpoint allows you to have a 360 degree view of the central region of the capital, 75 meters from the ground.
There is also the Mezzaninea rooftop which opened its doors last year, and brings together options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The suggestion is to go at night, to have a view of the illuminated city.
But before that, other tours can also be fitted into the day’s schedule, such as driving across the iconic JK bridge.
For lunch, the suggestion is the Lake Restaurant. led by chef Marcelo Petrarch which also has the Block C in the city, the place offers Brazilian and international food with creative touches. Take the opportunity to accompany the meal with a good drink.
With the end of the day approaching, the tip is to go to the South Lake Pontoon, an entertainment and leisure center located along Lake Paranoá. There, there are several kiosks and it is possible to do water sports. The sunset is also on the list of one of the most beautiful in the city.
To end your stay in the city, in addition to the TV Tower rooftop, suggestions are the Maria CuisineFrench and Italian cuisine restaurant in Asa Sul, or Sagresfor those who like Portuguese food – codfish balls and other typical delicacies will not be lacking there.
Source: CNN Brasil
