TRAVEL TIPS
BRASILIA
OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER
OVERVIEW Brasilia was built with one purpose: to be the new capital of Brazil. After being carefully planned and built, the city got new objectives. With the appropriate infrastructure to receive its guests, Brasilia surprises everybody. Its breathtaking monuments, beautiful scenery and countless attractions provide an unforgettable trip. Discover why Brasilia is such an excellent tourist destination. Located in the Federal District, in the CentralWest region of the country, the city was devised by the ex-president Juscelino Kubitschek. It took 3 years to build the capital. What used to be na uninhabited área in the Cerrado is now a beautiful and important city, with an área of almost 6 thousand km². The city Project, known as Plano Piloto, was made by the great brazilian architect and urban planner Lucio Costa. Brasilia got worldwide fame because of its airplane shape. On December 7th 1987 the city was awarded as an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the only one built in the 20th century that got this award. Built in the 50’s, Brasilia is one of the administrative regions from the Federal District. The city hosts the most important political and administrative decisions from the entire country. Besides that, its architectural beauty draws the attention of people from all over the world. Wonderful concrete monuments house the main attractions. Most of the buildings where designed by Oscar Niemeyer, who got famous because of his modernists works.
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Brasilia is based on two axes that intersect
With a tropical climate, the temperature in
with each other in the central region: the
Brasilia stays around 21°C. In the summer the
Eixo Monumental that divides the North and
temperatures can reach 27°C and it gets more
South sides of the city and where you can
humid, since it is the raining season. During the
find the governmental buildings and the civic monuments; and the Eixo Rodoviario, which takes to the residential, commercial and functional areas. As long as it may seem strange, the addresses in Brasilia are well organized with acronyms. To understand it a little more, check out some of the most used acronyms: CLN/ CLS/ CLSW –
winter the temperatures go around 15°C and the climate is really dry, which requires special cares such as extra skin hydratation. Do not forget that during the night it is colder. At any time of the year there is always a good reason to get to know Brasilia. Between May and July the weather is milder and more pleasant, but with cold temperatures during the night. Beyond that, it does not rain a lot,
Local Business North / South / Southwest; SCN/
what makes the outdoor excursions really
SCS – Commercial Sector North / South; SHN/
interesting. During August and September
SHS – Hotelier Sector North / South; SHTN/ SHTS
the climate is drier and there is a wonderful
– Tourism Hotels Sector North / South.
attraction: the sunset. In this season, the sky
has beautiful colors with orange, red and pink
On April 21st the city’s birthday is celebrated
shades. But between November and February
with several activities throughout the city. With
it gets hotter and rainy, which make the
a diversified Schedule, all ages and tastes will
vegetation much more exuberant.
find something interesting to do. It is possible to see concerts of brazilian artists, circus
The Festival de Brasilia brings many people
performances, theater, symphony orchestra,
to the city. Its official name is Festival de
tents withelectronic music and even and even
Brasilia do Cinema Brasileiro, or FBCB, and
soccer matches for free. The event happens
happens since 1965. Its differential is the
simultaneously in all the city.
exclusive exhibition of brand new brazilian movies, in other words, the movies cannot
The International Puppet Festival takes
have been awarded before. The winner wins
place in Brasilia for 10 years. Stimulating the
the Candango Trophy (people who are born in
cultural tourism, this is na event that brings
Brasilia are called brasiliense or candango). The
different generations toghetes and enchants
exhibition happens in many theaters in the city
kids and parents. Known as “Mamulengo”,
and has no set date.
this kind of puppet is also called as ”Babau” (in Paraiba), “Calunga”, “João Redondo” (in Ceara, Piaui, Pará) and ”Briguela” (in Minas
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Gerais). According to folklore tales the name
TRANSPORT
“Mamulengo” comes from “mão molenga”, which means “limp hand” in english. The festival usually happens in September or
Since the long distances between the places,
October and brings many stories, tales, music
there is always the need to use some kind of
and dance presentations.
transportation.
On September 7th it is the Brazilian
BUS
Independence Day and to celebrate this date
There are different kinds of bus services
there is a special Schedule with a military
available: the “Serviço Convencional”,
parade and the Smoke Squadron show.
with almost 800 bus lines; the “Serviço de
The main monuments in the city have free
Transporte Público Básico” with microbuses
entrance during this day.
(also known as “Zebrinha”) that connect the
Plano Piloto with faster and more convenient
TAXI
tracks and there is also the “Serviço Autonomo
In the brazilian capital the taxis are gray, silver
Rural” with more than 100 lines uniting Brasilia
or white with a Green and yellow stripe on
to other cities like Planaltina e Brazlandia. Do
the side. Most of the times, taking a taxi cab
not forget to check out the end times of the
is the only avaible option, once the public
lines. Most of them operate only until 12am.
transportation ends its service early. If possible,
The rates vary according to the track but they
look for a taxi stand, they are licensed and safer.
usually cost around 2 or 3 Reais.
CARS
SUBWAY
Just as in any touristic town, there is the
The subway’s purpose is to connect Brasilia
possibility of renting a car. But when driving
with its satellite cities like Samambaia,
around Brasilia, watch out some important tips.
Ceilândia, Guará, Águas Claras and Taguatinga.
Pedestrian have the preference when crossing
Its main station is next to the bus station and
the streets, so it is important to pay attention
it works Mon-Fry from 6am to 11:30pm and
because pedestrian just cross the streets and
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from 7am to
infer that you will stop for them. The horn is
7pm with cheaper rates.
used just in case of risk. If you use it when there is no real need, people will find it hostile. Take care with the speed limit, the main streets have electronic inspection.
ATTRACTIONS Brasília offers a great variety of entertainment options to its visitors and residents. Its beauties please all kinds of tastes.
NATIONAL CONGRESS OF BRAZIL Located in the middle of the Eixo Monumental, the Brazilian Congress was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and inaugurated in 1960. The famous monument houses the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. Beyond that, its immense lawn is stage for countless public demonstrations. Visitations to the National Congress happen every day from 9:30am to 5pm with groups starting the tour every
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30min. The tour can eventually be suspended
PALACIO DO ITAMARATY
for safety reasons or when there is an official
It is located at the Esplanada dos Ministerios, in
visitation. During the tour it is possible to learn
the Parque Nacional de Brasilia. The Itamaraty
about the building’s architecture, its history,
Palace is the headquarters of the Ministry of
structure and how the Legislative in Brazil
External Relations of Brazil and its architecture
works. They also have guides that speak
is admirable. There are also many panels,
other languages, including Libras (the Brazilian
paintings and tapestries in the whole building.
Sign Language), but for that it is necessary to
Surrounding the Palace there is a water surface
Schedule the tour in advance.
with “the Meteor” sculpture, that symbolizes
PALACIO DO PLANALTO
the continents of the planet. The guided tours happen Mon-Fri from 3pm to 5pm and
It is the official workplace of the President
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from 10am to
of Brazil. Besides the President, a few high
3:30pm.
advisers also have offices in the Planalto, including the Vice President and the Chief of
CATHEDRAL OF BRASILIA
Staff. The building is also part of the Plano
The “Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora
Piloto, designed by Oscar Niemeyer and was
Aparecida” was also designed by Niemeyer
one of the first buildings to be built in Brasilia.
and is the most famous touristic place in
The guided tours happen Sundays from
the city. Inaugurated in 1970, its architecture
9:30am to 2pm.
enchants. The Cathedral is a hyperboloid structure constructed from 16 concrete
columns. Inside the Cathedral there is a
brazilian history like Tiradentes, Zumbi dos
wonderful stained glass window and sculptures
Palmares, Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca, Dom
of angels suspended in the center giving a
Pedro I and many others. Located at the Praça
special touch to the church. It is located at the
dos Três Poderes, it opens Tue-Fri from 9am
Esplanada dos Ministerios.
to 6pm and Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE REPUBLIC
from 10am to 6pm.
Also known as National Museum Honestino Guimarães, the museum was inaugurated in 2007 in celebration to the 99 years of its architect, Oscar Niemeyer. The building Consist of a 14.500 square meters exhibit area and the space is covered with a dome with ramps leading to the entrance. Not only renowned artists had its works exhibited there, but also movies, seminars and workshops already took place in the museum. It is located at the Setor Cultural Sul – Lote 2 and it open Tue-Sun from 9am to 6:30pm. Pontão do Lago Sul – located at the Lago Sul, the noble region of the city, it is the biggest leisure and entertainment center in Brasilia. Around the shores of the Paranoa Lake, the view is amazing. At night the lights and its colours turn the Pontão even more attractive, charming and sophisticated. Visitors will find not only many restaurants and bars, but also sports and cultural activities. It opens Sundays
JK MEMORIAL
and Thursdays from 7am to 12am, Fridays and
The Memorial was inaugurated on September
Saturdays from 7am to 2am.
12th 1981, the same day and month that
PANTEAO DA PATRIA
Juscelino Kubitschek was born. The 25 thousand square meters museum and
Inaugurated on 1986 as a tribute to the
memorial are are managed by the Kubitschek
ex-president Tancredo Neves. As almost
Family and counts with a large collection of
everything in Brasilia, this monument was
clothes, medals, personal belongings and even
also designed by Oscar Niemeyer. There are
original documents and correspondences. The
permanent exhibitions with famous works like
JK Memorial is located on Eixo Monumental
the “Livro de Aço dos Heróis Nacionais”, where
Oeste, right in the middle of the town. It is
there is the Record of important names in the
open Tue-Sun from 9am to 6pm.
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daily from 8 am to 4pm. Children under 6 years old and people older than 65 years old do not pay the entrance. The park is located at the Estrada Parque Industria e Abastecimentos, Saída Norte de Brasília (EPIA BR 040), KM 9 – Setor Militar Urbano.
WHERE TO STAY Visitor can choose between many different kinds of accommodation in Brasilia. Most options are located at the SHS (Hotelier Sector South) and SHN (Hotelier Sector North), close
JK BRIDGE Its beauty and engineering are impressive. It links the southern part of the Lake Paranoa to the Plano Piloto. Inaugurated on December 2002, it was inspired on the movement of a Stone bouncing on the water. The architect, Alexandre Chan, was awarded twice for his work. During the day, visitors and locals go for a walk along the bridge and enjoy the landscape. At night, its illumination just emphasizes its magnificence and charm. The bridge is located in the Via L4 Sul / Lago Sul QL 24/26.
BRASILIA NATIONAL PARK The brazilian capital has not only buildings and monuments as an attraction. The National Park offers many trails, ecological tours, picnic areas and a stunning scenery. Beyond that, visitors can see more than 700 types of plants and 300 birds species. As main attraction there are two pools with mineral water. Visitations happen
to the Eixo Monumental. Usually this area receives more guests during the week due to the governmental activities. For the ones who are looking for quality and tradition there is the Hotel Casablanca. Founded in 1977, it is one of the oldest and most traditional in town. With a great location (at the SHN Quadra 3 – Bloco A), it is really close to the TV Tower, the bus station and many malls. The Carlton Hotel is also a good option at the SHS Quadra 5 – Bloco G, just 14 minutes away from the airport and 5 minutes away from the most important touristic and politic points. Visitors can also stay in the hotels at the SHTN and SHTS (Tourism Hotels Sectors) that offer aparthotels, resorts and also more accessible options for those who do not want to spend much money on accommodation. Remember to book you stay in advance and to check the rates, some hotels offer an interesting discount during the weekends.
DINING OUT Brasilia does not have a specific regional gastronomy, but the differents brazilian flavours can all be find in the countless cafés, tea houses, crêperies, candy shops, bars and pubs. Not only brazilian food will be found there, but also international restaurants. It is possible to find establishments with japanese, italian, french, moroccan, “nordestina”, “gaúcha” and “mineira” culinary. At the “Pontão do Lago Sul” visitors can enjoy the best restaurants in the city and have a great view from the lake. With so many options, the brazilian capital offers a great variety of restaurants, “churrascarias” and “pizzarias”. One interesting fact is the high standard from all those restaurants, making the city a national prominence in the gastronomic sector.
SHOPPING In Brasilia there is an infinitude of shopping centers and markets. The opening hours is Mon-Sat from 10am to 10pm and Sunday and Holidays from 12am to 8pm. The “Conjunto Nacional” was the first shopping to be built in Brasilia and the second in the whole country. With more than 300 stores there you will
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find a great variety of national and international
the most modern and searched in the region. It
brands. It is located at the Conjunto A – T119.
is located close to the airport and its stores are carefully selected. Beyond that, visitors will find
Situated at the Asa Norte, the “Boulevard
movie theaters, bowling, children’s playground,
Shopping” opened in 2009. Its clients can
numerous restaurants and candy shops.
choose between almost 150 stores and will enjoy a modern infrastructure. It is possible to
STREET MARKETS
find something for all tastes and ages, besides
Feira de Artesanato da Torre: This market is
from drugstores, bookstores, dealerships, travel
one of the most traditional in the city. Located
agencies and even more.
in the Asa Sul, more precisely in the Eixo Monumental under the TV Tower, it offers
The “Brasilia Shopping”, also known as
many handcrafts from the region. Beyond the
“Shopping Monumento de Brasilia” is a
commerce, it is possible to enjoy a wonderful
benchmark in shopping, business and services.
landscape at the tower observatory. It is open
It stays only 1.8 km from the bus station and
every weekend and during holidays.
2.4km from the famous Cathedral away. It is located at the SCN Qd 05 BL. A, and receives 35
Feira dos Importados: This is one of the most
thousand people daily. Besides the 134 stores,
famous markets in the Federal District. There is
there is also a cultural center with a theater
a great variety on imported goods. Visitors can
and a capacity of 100 people.
enjoy the food court with many restaurants and snack bars. It is located at the Setor de
Inside the “Park Shopping” you will find a small
Industria e Abastecimento Trecho 7 n. 100 and
city with 350 stores. Reference in fashion,
it opens from Tue-Sun from 8am to 6pm.
culture and entertainment, the mall is one of
cuisine with handcrafts. It is open only Saturdays and Sundays, from 9am to 6pm and is located at the QI 9/ 10 do Lago Norte, at the Canteiro Central. Feira da Ceilândia: Inaugurated in 1984, the “Feira da Ceilândia” still follows its tradition with typical food from the northeast. Known as the “Nordeste de Brasília” (Northeast from Brasilia), it opens Wed-Sun from 8am to 6pm. During December it opens every day.
CURRENCY Since 1994 it is used the Real (R$) as the Feira de Antiguidades: For almost 30 years the
brazilian money. There are 6 banknotes: 2, 5,
Antigue Market offers all kind of products like
10, 20, 50 and 100 reais. You will find coins with
furnitures, jewelery, bijouterie, glassware and
the following values: 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents
decorative items in general. The market open
and also 1 real.
every last weekend of the month in the Lago Sul, at the Centro Comercial Gilberto Salomão.
The money exchange can be done in many different places like bank agencies, travel
Feira do Guará: The Guará Market offers an
agencies and exchange houses. Credit cards
amazing variety of products. It is possible
are also widely accepted.
to find everything from organic fruits and vegetables to shoes and eletronic devices. Clients can visit more than 500 booths that will be selling cheese, sweets, spices, fish, meat, clothes, accessories, decoration objects and handcrafts. Beyond that, there is a great infrastructure with food court, parking lots, internal camera systems, toilets and even an infirmary. It is located in the Area Especial do Cave, near to the subway station 13. It opens from Thu-Sun from 8am to 6pm. Quituart: The Quituart is a market that unites delicacies from regional and international
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IMPORTANT NUMBERS
55 61 193 199 180 181 197 194 190 198 191 192
COUNTRY CODE CITY CODE FIREMEN CIVIL DEFENSE POLICE STATION FOR ASSISTANCE TO WOMEN HOTLINE CIVIL POLICE FEDERAL POLICE MILITARY POLICE STATE TRAFFIC POLICE FEDERAL HIGHWAY POLICE EMERGENCY ROOM
TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS
3905-5726 BRASILIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
3364-9000