Your guide to Brasilia
Brasilia highlights
Lakeside adventure
In the heart of the city, Lake Paranoá is Brasilia’s green lung. Stroll along the banks, or get out on the water on a stand-up paddle board or wakeboard. Better yet, let someone else take the helm while you relax on a sunset cruise. Experienced divers can even explore the submerged village of Vila Amaury, which was flooded when the artificial lake was created.
Savanna escapes
Savannah escapes Beyond the celebrated curves and concrete, Brasilia is about nature. Sitting on the city’s doorstep is the Brasilia National Park, a vast protected reserve of Cerrado savannah, one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. Hike forest trails, swim in mineral pools, and keep an eye out for local wildlife like giant anteaters and armadillos.
Modernist masterpieces
Brasilia feels like an open-air gallery of bold ideas. As you wander its wide avenues, the sweeping curves of Oscar Niemeyer’s designs rise into view. Step inside the Cathedral of Brasilia, admire the twin domes of the National Congress, and follow the Monumental Axis past futuristic landmarks that look lifted from a sci-fi film set.
Brasilia: Know before you go
| Language | Portuguese |
|---|---|
| Currency | Brazilian real (R$) |
| Time zone | UTC-3 (BRT) |
| High season | December - February |
| Low season | April - June |
Find the best time to go to Brasilia
Weather in Brasilia
May – September: Warm, sunny days and clear blue skies mark the city’s dry season. Comfortable temperatures make this a great time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The air in Brasilia is often dry, and humidity can drop to very low levels, so be sure to carry bottled water with you, especially on active days.
October – April: Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the rainy season. Mornings tend to be sunny, so it’s a good idea to plan your sightseeing for earlier in the day. The city is at its greenest at this time of year, with plants like orchids in full bloom in the parks.
Events in Brasilia
Carnaval (February or March): The scale may be smaller than in Rio de Janeiro, but Brasilia still throws a loud, lively and colourful party at Carnaval time, with street parties, costumes and dancing.
Porão do Rock (May): Brazilian and international rock bands lure thousands of fans to the capital for two days of power chords and screaming guitar solos.
Na Praia (June to September): For several weeks during the dry season, the Paranoá lakefront transforms into a pop-up beach with sand, water sports and open-air lounges. Each year, the festival spotlights a different country, shaping the food, music and design. Enjoy concerts, DJ sets and even an inflatable water park along the shore.
The best neighbourhoods in Brasilia
Lago Sul
This is where to stay in Brasilia if you want a relaxing retreat by the water. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Paranoá, Lago Sul is also known for its luxurious homes. Stroll along the grassy banks, browse open-air shops, and enjoy water sports. At meal time, pick a waterfront restaurant with views of the city skyline.
Good for: Water sports, lakeside dining, shopping
Asa Norte
The bohemian sibling of its southern counterpart, Asa Norte (North Wing) is home to the University of Brasilia and a thriving artistic community. Discover its laid-back charm in leafy commercial strips featuring arthouse cinemas, indie coffee shops and bars serving craft beers. You’ll also find plenty of lodging options, from suite-style apartments to international chains.
Good for: Cafes, cinemas, hotels
Asa Sul
One of the city’s earliest residential areas, Asa Sul is where the Modernist vision originally took shape. See landmarks like the Sanctuary of Dom Bosco and old superquadras — immense concrete structures that house thousands of residents. Kids love the playgrounds and pedalos at Sarah Kubitschek City Park.
Good for: Modernist landmarks, green spaces, families
Things to do in Brasilia
Free things to do
It costs nothing to get out in nature. Follow the winding forest trails through Olhos d'Água Park, a lush ecological reserve of native Cerrado vegetation. Cooling off in the designated swimming areas of Lake Paranoá is also free. Many museums also have free admission, including the National Museum of the Republic and the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil.
Shopping
For local treasures, souvenirs and handcrafted furniture, browse the stalls of the long-standing craft market beneath the television tower. Asa Sul’s boutiques and stores are a great place for a wardrobe refresh. Leave time to explore some of the sprawling shopping centres, such as the glass-domed Brasilia Shopping or Conjunto Nacional, the oldest in the city.
Nightlife
You’ll find nightlife options to match every mood and vibe. Asa Sul and Asa Norte’s streets keep things lively with bars, restaurants, pubs and patios. For cocktails in a sophisticated setting, plant yourself at a rooftop bar in the Setor Hoteleiro Norte. Or enjoy drinks and live music in one of the lakeside venues in the Setor de Clubes.
Places to eat
From ‘carne de sol’ (sun-dried salted beef) to ‘feijoada’ (black bean stew), restaurants in Brasilia showcase Brazil’s regional flavours. Pop into a ‘churrascaria’ (traditional steakhouse), where skewers of flame-grilled meat are carved at your table. Or pick up gourmet ingredients from Mané Mercado in Asa Norte and prepare your own meals.
Take in the culture
The most fascinating museums in Brasilia trace the bold vision behind the capital’s creation. Venture underground at Espaço Lúcio Costa to see a scale model of the city and archival photos from its construction. At the Memorial JK, view personal artefacts of the founding president, Juscelino Kubitschek. The Memorial of Indigenous Peoples showcases traditional crafts and cultural heritage from across Brazil.
Family friendly
There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Journey through the cosmos at the Brasilia Planetarium, then climb the nearby Brasilia TV Tower for bird’s-eye views of the city. When the kids are itching to move on, make tracks for the Sarah Kubitschek City Park, home to playgrounds, sports fields, a go-kart track and a fairground.
Get ready for Brasilia
Budget
The low cost of food and drink makes it easy to discover Brasilia. You can kick off your day with a coffee for around 11 Brazilian reais (R$). A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will set you back R$45. Wash it down with a local draught beer for less than R$15.
Day trips from Brasilia
Drive just under two hours to Salto do Itiquira, one of Brazil’s tallest accessible waterfalls. A paved trail leads to the base, where water thunders down 168 metres into natural pools. Salto Corumbá, also within a couple of hours, pairs waterfall hikes with zip lines, tree climbing and a small water park for a full day outdoors.
Getting around Brasilia
Brasilia’s long, wide avenues were designed with driving in mind. Taxis and rideshare services are among the most popular ways to get around. You can hop on one of the two metro lines, which connect major commercial and residential areas. Public buses and a bike share programme are other options.
