Brasília, Brazil: travel guide
A modernist capital designed by Niemeyer and Costa as an open-air museum
Brazil's modernist capital — UNESCO World Heritage. Niemeyer's National Congress, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Palácio da Alvorada form an open-air museum of 20th-century architecture.
About Brasília
Brasília was built from scratch in the late 1950s as Brazil's new capital, and it is one of the world's great experiments in modernist urban planning. The city's layout, often compared to an aeroplane, and its sweeping spaces are as much the sight as any individual building.
Oscar Niemeyer's architecture is the highlight: the twin towers and domes of the Congresso Nacional, the crown-like Catedral Metropolitana and the elegant palaces around the Esplanada. The Memorial JK adds context on the city's founding.
Brasília suits architecture and design lovers, and works well as a short stop. It is high and dry, with most rain falling from October to April.
- Country
- Brazil
- Currency
- BRL
- Time zone
- America/Sao_Paulo
- Nearest airport
- BSB
Last updated
Top places to visit in Brasília
Congresso Nacional
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Oscar Niemeyer's masterpiece — twin 28-storey towers flanked by a concave bowl (Senate) and convex dome (Chamber of Deputies). Free guided tours available weekdays.
Catedral Metropolitana de Brasília
church · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Niemeyer's 1970 crown-of-thorns concrete cathedral, with stunning stained glass interior. 16 curved columns represent the hands of the faithful reaching towards heaven.
Memorial JK
Museum · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · entry R$15 (≈ ₹290)
Monument and museum honouring Juscelino Kubitschek, the president who built Brasília. Houses his tomb and personal objects. The eternal flame burns outside.
Things to do
- Architecture Bike Tour of Brasília Cultural · 3 h · from 80 per person
- Kayak at Lago Paranoá Adventure · 2 h · from 80 per person
Where to stay in Brasília
- Asa Sul - Setor Hoteleiro Sul about BRL 380 per night
The designated hotel district of Niemeyer's planned city — walking distance to Congresso Nacional and the main sights. Hotel Nacional and many chain hotels here.
Hotels
- Royal Tulip Brasília Alvorada 5-star · BRL 550 to BRL 1,600 per night
- Hotel Nacional Brasília 4-star · BRL 320 to BRL 720 per night
Where to eat
- Restaurante Beirute bar, lebanese, sandwiches · about BRL 40 per person
- Pontão do Lago Sul varied, waterfront, contemporary · about BRL 100 per person
- Noura lebanese, middle-eastern · about BRL 90 per person
Getting to Brasília
Airport: Brasília (JK Intl) (BSB)
Getting around
- Bus
- Car Rental Self
- Ride Hail
- Walking
More in Brazil
Frequently asked questions about Brasília
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Brasília?
- The highest-rated places in our Brasília guide are Congresso Nacional, Catedral Metropolitana de Brasília, Memorial JK.
- Where should I stay in Brasília?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Brasília: Asa Sul - Setor Hoteleiro Sul.
- How do I get around Brasília?
- Ways to get around Brasília covered in our guide: City bus, Self-drive car, Ride-hailing app, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Brasília?
- The nearest airport to Brasília has the code BSB.