Did you know?

Brasília, inaugurated as Brazil’s capital in 1960, is a planned city distinguished by its white, modern architecture, chiefly designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Laid out in the shape of an airplane, its “fuselage” is the Monumental Axis, 2 wide avenues flanking a massive park. In the “cockpit” is Praça dos Três Poderes, named for the 3 branches of government surrounding it.

Attractions

Praça dos Tràs Poderes, Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida, Palácio dos Arcos, Memorial dos Povos Indígenas (Museum of Indigenous People), Santuario Dom Bosco (Sanctuary of Dom Bosco), Torre de TV (Television Tower).

Travel like a local

The main bus center (Rodoviaria) is in the center of the city, at the intersection of the Eixo Monumental and Eixo Rodoviario. The city is basically divided into a cross for public transportation, with bus routes running east-to-west and north-to-south.

Local currency

The Brazilian real is the official currency of Brazil. It is subdivided into 100 centavos. The Central Bank of Brazil is the central bank and the issuing authority.

Delicacies

Brazilian cuisine is the set of cooking practices and traditions of Brazil, and is characterized by African, Amerindian, Asian and European influences. It varies greatly by region, reflecting the country's mix of native and immigrant populations, and its continental size as well.