September 2023
Back to the Capital
After the breathtaking hike in Chapada dos Veadeiros, we headed back to Brasília. As we approached, the lush greenery gave way to a striking sight: a city carefully planned with wide, open streets and distinct zones for living, working, and government.
Brasília isn’t just a city—it’s a bold vision brought to life.
Officially opened in 1960, Brasília was built in just over three years, thanks to urban planner Lúcio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer. Their aim was to create a new capital that broke from Brazil’s colonial past, with every street, building, and even the large nearby lake part of the design. That’s why Brasília feels so orderly—almost too perfect—offering a calm, modern, and peaceful atmosphere.
Brasília’s one of the safest cities in Brazil. Expecting a gunfight here like in the movies? Sorry, you’re gonna have to try your luck somewhere else. It’s all calm vibes and easy living around here.
A City Built Around the Lake
Unlike Rio’s vibrant buzz, Brasília felt made for living rather than sightseeing. It doesn’t rely on noise or crowds but offers space—wide boulevards, clean lines, and a measured pace that invites you to slow down.
At the heart is Paranoá Lake, the city’s shimmering centerpiece. Surprisingly, it’s man-made, created alongside the city in the late 1950s. The planners imagined a capital flowing with water, light, and open space, making the lake an integral part of the city’s rhythm.
Despite its artificial origin, the lake fits naturally, curving through the landscape with embassies, homes, parks, and restaurants lining its shores. Life here revolves around the water, moving at an intentional, unhurried pace.
I stayed at the Royal Tulip Brasília Alvorada, a resort-style hotel on the lake’s edge. Waking to swaying palms and shimmering reflections felt more like a tropical retreat than a political capital. Most days passed slowly by design—the lake didn’t just set the scene; it set the mood.
There’s a calmness here—people move at their own pace, and the dry, sun-soaked air feels clean and still. It’s a place where slowing down comes naturally.
Stay: Royal Tulip Brasília Alvorada(Official/Qantas Hotel)
Exploring Brasília: A City of Giants
Brasília’s architecture doesn’t do subtle. Everything is big. Monuments rise like sculptures across a vast urban canvas, designed to impress from every angle.
We explored by car—honestly the only practical way in the heat. Our first stop was the Cathedral of Brasília, one of the most unique religious buildings I’ve seen. Its glass-and-concrete crown bursts from the ground, while inside, blue-tinted glass and suspended angel sculptures create a serene, almost space-age spirituality.
Nearby are iconic government buildings like the Procuradoria-Geral da República (PGR) and the Tribunal Superior do Trabalho. These aren’t your typical offices—they look like monolithic, sci-fi structures. Brasília doesn’t just house government—it showcases it.
Everywhere you look, there’s open space—giant lawns, long avenues, and reflecting pools. This city was built for big ideas and grand gestures.
Lunch by the Lake at Manzuá restaurant
After a morning of monumental sights, we lunched at Manzuá, a lakeside restaurant where views rival the food. Set on Lago Paranoá, locals linger over long meals as sunlight dances on the water.
We began with acarajé, a deep-fried Afro-Brazilian delicacy—crispy outside, soft inside, stuffed with shrimp, onions, and a savory filling likely vatapá or caruru, then doused in rich dendê oil. A bright red chili oil on the side looked innocent but packed a punch—my lips tingled deliciously.
Next was moqueca, a Bahian fish stew with coconut milk, herbs, peppers, and more red palm oil. Thick and fragrant, it layered flavors beautifully. I loved it so much I shamelessly scooped up the last bites, earning a laugh and the nickname Kelvin’s Spoon. Honestly, I’d return just for this stew.
Dine: Manzuá (Google Maps)
Reflections on a City Like No Other
Brasília truly surprised me. In stark contrast to the kinetic energy of Rio, it offered a profound sense of space to breathe, room for thought, and the striking presence of bold modernist architecture. It doesn't charm with conventional allure but instead captivates with its structure, order, and a serene beauty. Perhaps not for everyone, it proved to be a welcome, contemplative pause in an otherwise energetic journey. Brasília left me with a lasting impression of a city where thoughtful design and calm coalesce into something truly special.
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