Brasilia, The Futuristic Capital [VIDEO]

In 1956, Brazilian President, Juscelino Kubitschek decided it was time to move the nation’s capital from the southern city of Rio de Janeiro to a more central location.

He marked off vacant land in the middle of the country and commissioned renowned Brazilian architects, Lucio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer to create the urban landscape.

The result was a modern city that is funky and futuristic and very well organized.

It is safe, clean and not the typical tourist destination for those thinking about traveling to Brazil.

Home to the President, branches of government and most major political organizations, Brasilia is a must-visit for those who wish to travel deeper in Brazil.

I was so thankful to have local friends to show me the best things to do in Brasilia, but even if you don’t, it’s an easy city to navigate and explore.

Here are some of my favorite places and activities as seen in this Travel Deeper Brazil Episode, and also some spots I didn’t show…

Brasilia Must-See Architecture:

1. The Flame of Eternal Freedom (Chama de Eterna Liberdade)
2. National Congress (Congresso Nacional)
3. Cathedral of Brasilia (Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida)
4. National Museum (Museu Nacional da República)
5. Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial (Memorial JK)

Brasilia Must-Try Restaurants: 

1. Beirute – Known by many as the first bar in Brasilia, this traditional Arabic spot is a great place for lunch and happy hour.
2. Mormaii – or Surf Bar, is located in the beautiful lakeside district of Pontao in Lago Sur and offers fresh food with perfect views of the lake and city skyline.
3. Praca de Alimentacao – For the best variety of Brazilian food in the city, you should go to Praca de Alimentacao (food court) just below the Torre de TV (TV Tower).
4. Fogao Nativo – This is a very popular lunch spot amongst locals and it’s a great place to try food from the Goias region around Brasilia.

More of history, architecture and my Brasilia Restaurant recommendations coming soon to the Visit Brasil Blog!

Brasilia Must-Do Activities:

1. Rent a bike and cruise around the newly established bike paths in the city center.
2. Get out on a boat. I know a great boat-rental guy, so let me know if you’re going.
3. Visit the national park, it’s easy and quiet and a good escape from the city.
4. If you have time, you need to explore the chapadas and national parks further outside the city (like Poço Azul).

More photos of my trip to Brasilia here -> “Visual Highlights from Brasilia”

Watch Episode 5 of Travel Deeper Brazil: Brasilia, the Futuristic Capital now