Brasília
A capital built from scratch in four years, a masterpiece of modern architecture by Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer.
Region
Federal District, Central West
Recommended stay
1 to 2 nights
Best time to go
May to September
Getting there
Direct flights from most of Brazil’s major cities
A utopia turned capital
Inaugurated in 1960 in the middle of the cerrado, Brasília was born of a bold bet: moving the capital to the heart of the country. Urban planner Lúcio Costa drew its airplane-shaped plan, and Oscar Niemeyer designed its most famous buildings: the National Congress, the cathedral, the Itamaraty Palace. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
One or two nights are enough to grasp the essentials, from the Esplanade of the Ministries and Three Powers Square to the superquadras, residential blocks set among gardens. In the center of the country, Brasília also makes an ideal stopover between the Northeast and the Pantanal, or on the way to Jalapão.
When to go
Brasília has two well-defined seasons. From May to September, the dry season brings almost constant blue skies, with very dry air in August and September. From November to March, the rainy season brings short storms, often in the afternoon. Sightseeing is possible year-round.
- May to September: dry season, blue skies
- April, October: transition
- November to March: rainy season, afternoon storms
Months
Legend
Things to do
The Esplanade of the Ministries and the Congress
The city’s Monumental Axis, leading up to the twin towers and domes of the National Congress.
Three Powers Square
The political heart of the country, between the Planalto Palace, the Supreme Court and the Congress, with the famous Warriors sculpture.
Brasília Cathedral
Sixteen concrete columns rising like hands joined in prayer, and blue and green light inside.
Niemeyer’s palaces and their water gardens
The Itamaraty Palace and its Burle Marx gardens, and the Palace of Justice with its waterfalls between the arches.
Dom Bosco Sanctuary
A church bathed in blue light from its stained-glass windows, best seen in the late afternoon.
Where to stay
Brasília Palace
For the architecture. A historic hotel designed by Oscar Niemeyer, on the shore of Lake Paranoá.
Hotel Sector
For convenience. Modern hotels in the middle of the city plan, a few minutes from the Esplanade.
Combine with
Text
Combine
Our tours
Tours
FAQ
How long does it take to visit Brasília?
One full day is enough for the main monuments. Plan on two nights if you also want to see the superquadras and Lake Paranoá at a relaxed pace.
Can you explore Brasília on foot?
Not really: the city was designed for cars and distances are long. A guided tour with a driver is the most comfortable option.
What can I combine Brasília with?
Brasília is in the center of the country and well connected by air: it fits easily between the Northeast and the Pantanal, or before Jalapão.
Tempted by this trip?
Text
{"hp":"center 45%","mo":"bbbpiiiiipbb","lg":[["i","May to September","dry season, blue skies"],["p","April, October","transition"],["b","November to March","rainy season, afternoon storms"]],"tt":"Things to do in Brasília","ti":[["6ac8b1bd08b5ff402c2ce592_Brasilia%20-%20esplanada%20dos%20ministerios.jpg","The Esplanade of the Ministries and the National Congress"],["6ac8b1bdf352c1aedb99b710_Brasilia%20foto%20conceitual.jpg","Bruno Giorgi’s Warriors, Three Powers Square"],["","Brasília Cathedral"],["6ac8b1bd7b9bf127ac234644_Brasilia%20-%20ministerio%20da%20justica.jpg","The Palace of Justice and its waterfalls"],["","Dom Bosco Sanctuary"]],"ct":"Brasília is in the center of the country: an easy stopover on the way to Chapada dos Veadeiros, the Pantanal or Jalapão.","cb":[["Northern Pantanal","For wildlife, one flight from Brasília.","/brazil-destinations/northern-pantanal","6ac4fa75fb9fe081cc7b4a5a_jaguar%20pantanal.jpg","Jaguar in the Pantanal"],["Jalapão","Dunes, waterfalls and springs, via Palmas.","/brazil-destinations/jalapao","6ac63f6d64233867b389b4cc_Jalapa%CC%83o%20-%20dunas.jpg","Jalapão dunes"],["Chapada dos Veadeiros","Cerrado waterfalls and canyons, a 3.5-hour drive away.","/brazil-regions/cerrado-central-west","6ac8d37b89873b7bbabac460_Chapada%20dos%20Veadeiros.jpg","Plateaus of Chapada dos Veadeiros"]],"cht":"Our tours with Brasília","ci":[["Northeast, Brasília and Pantanal","22 days, from US$7,280","/brazil-tours/northeast-brasilia-and-pantanal","6ac63f6c64233867b389b3e1_Lencois%20maranhenses%20lindo.jpg","Lagoons of the Lençóis Maranhenses"]],"cta":["Brasília on your trip","We arrange the guided tour with a driver and fit it in at the right point in your itinerary."]}