Brazil

AI may have contributed to this destination’s text and activity data. Confirm opening days, transport, prices and entry conditions with the relevant operator or authority; automatic live-data updates do not verify these descriptions.

Brasília

Modernist capital on the high plains

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Brasília Plan a trip around Brazil

Best time to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Currency: BRL
Time zone: UTC-3
Country: Brazil

Photo: Cayambe, CC BY-SA 3.0

Brasília is Brazil's purpose-built capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of white modernist architecture laid out in the shape of an airplane. People come to see Oscar Niemeyer's monuments, the vast Monumental Axis and the planned city's unique urban design.

Largest cities

São Paulo
Rio de Janeiro
Brasília
Salvador
Fortaleza

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Brazil
Capital: Brasília
City population: 3M
Population of Brazil: 214.2M
Country area: 8,515,767 km²
Official language: Portuguese
Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL) · 1 USD ≈ 5 BRL
Time zone: UTC-3
Calling code: +55
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 1,092 m
Plugs: A / B / C · 127V / 220V
Emergency numbers: 190 (police) · 192 (ambulance) · 193 (fire)
Best time to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	26°	27°	27°	27°	26°	26°	26°	28°	30°	29°	27°	27°
Low	19°	19°	19°	18°	16°	15°	15°	16°	19°	20°	19°	19°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$35
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$77
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$190

Plan a trip to Brasília

Top things to do

Free
Praça dos Três Poderes
The square at the head of the Monumental Axis where the executive, legislative and judiciary buildings face each other; go early to avoid the midday heat and see the Museum of the Republic nearby.
- Half day
- Monumental Axis (Eixo Monumental)
- Good for kids
Free
National Congress
Niemeyer's twin towers and dome-and-bowl chambers are the city's signature image; guided visits run on weekdays and photo stops are best from the lawn in front.
- Half day
- Monumental Axis (Eixo Monumental)
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Cathedral of Brasília
Six curved columns rise to a glass roof with suspended angels inside; the light through the stained glass is best in the morning.
- Half day
- Monumental Axis (Eixo Monumental)
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
TV Tower lookout
A free viewing platform gives a clear view down the Monumental Axis and over the wings; it is open late and pairs well with the craft fair at its base.
- Half day
- Monumental Axis (Eixo Monumental)
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Paranoá Lake
The artificial lake has a marina and spots for wakeboarding, windsurfing and diving; the waterfront restaurants and sunset views make it a good evening stop.
- Half day
- Paranoá Lake
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
North Wing superquadras
Walk the residential blocks to see how Costa's plan houses residents among trees and local commerce; the small local commerce streets are good for a coffee stop.
- Half day
- North Wing (Asa Norte)
- Good for kids
Free
Plano Piloto full-day walk and ride
Cover the Monumental Axis, the cathedral, the banking and hotel sectors and the south wing by bus and on foot; distances are long, so plan bus or ride-hailing hops between stops.
- Full day
- South Wing (Asa Sul)
- Good for kids
Free
Vale do Amanhecer day trip
A short trip out to this spiritual community near Planaltina shows a very different side of the region; check opening times before going and arrange transport in advance.
- Full day
- Paranoá Lake
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

British citizens can visit Brazil without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism; other nationalities should check their own visa requirements, as many can enter visa-free or with an e-visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, and you should ensure it is stamped on entry. For the most current rules, check the official Brazilian government immigration page or your nearest Brazilian embassy.

Official website

From the airport

Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (BSB) is about 11 km from the city centre. An executive bus runs to the hotel zone and central area, regular buses 102 and 102.1 go to the main bus terminal at Rodoviária, and taxis take around 20 minutes to the hotel sector.

Getting around

Public buses and the metro connect the central area, the wings and satellite cities, but the city is spread out and not walkable, so many visitors use buses, the metro or ride-hailing apps.

Local tips

Addresses use acronyms (SHN, SCS, SQN) — note whether the sector ends in N (north) or S (south) before setting off.
In the dry months from August to September humidity can drop below 20%, so drink plenty of water and use lip balm and eye drops.
Sunscreen is essential year-round because ultraviolet radiation is very high even on cloudy days.
Buses must be flagged down and you board at the front door; a prepaid transport card works without a CPF.

Areas worth knowing

North Wing (Asa Norte)
South Wing (Asa Sul)
Hotel Sector (Setor Hoteleiro)
Paranoá Lake
Monumental Axis (Eixo Monumental)

Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on September 29, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.

Read the advice on GOV.UK