Brasília Travel Guide: A Futuristic City You’ll Love

Brasília TRAVEL GUIDE

Brasília Brazil: A Quick Look

Traveling is more than just going to see the sights in a new place. If you are anything like me, then you probably like to understand how the place works a little better.

And you may have arrived at this Brasília travel guide wanting to find out more about the capital of Brazil. Not only does it house our executive power, but it showcases a number of wonderful architectural and engineering feats. 

This article will help you begin a packing list, know where to book your accommodation, which tours to take, and safety tips for a better feel of Brasília. This is a destination for everyone hoping to spend time at a different kind of destination. If you are traveling all around Brazil, make sure to read our Brazil travel guide, as it will give you a good feel for the country as a whole.

Whether you hope to explore the town quickly before heading to another destination or get lost in a place where history is made, just follow me along with this Brasília travel guide for all you need to know. If you are unsure about the best times to travel to Brazil based on the trip you want to plan, you can also read about the best time to visit Brazil.

Now onto Brasília!

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Brasília Brazil: Quick travel tips before you go

🛫 Airport: The closest airport to Brasília, Brazil, is in town. It is called Brasília International Airport. The airport code is BSB.

🤑 Currency: Brazilian Real, represented by the R$ symbol.

🗣️ Language: The primary language is Portuguese, but English is standard in tourist areas and hotels. 

🕰️ Time Zone: Brasilia Standard Time (GMT-3). This means it’s regularly one hour ahead of EST and 4 hours ahead of PST. 

💵 Cost: Super affordable if you come from stronger currencies such as the US dollar, EURO, or Yen.

🛜 Internet: It is not as fast as in Rio or São Paulo, but it isn’t terrible either. It is a solid middle ground.

📄 Brazil Visa: As of now, If you are traveling from the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan, then NO. This could change as of October 1, 2023. Track the status and details here. For EU Nationals, you do NOT need a visa, and you may not be affected by the Oct 1, 2023 change. You can see the details here.

🔌 Power Outlets: We have two associated plug types in Brazil, types C and N. Type C is the one with two round pins, while Type N has both round pins and a third one for grounding. Consider bringing a universal travel adapter to ensure compatibility with these outlets during your travels.

🔋 Power Grid:  It is excellent. Brazil mainly operates on a 127/220V supply voltage and 60Hz. Some newer buildings are working on 220V, but don’t count on it everywhere.

📳 SIM Card: You may be thinking, ‘Is it indispensable to get a SIM card for my trip to Brazil?’ It definitely is if you plan on relying on Uber or Google Maps, and it’s just better to be safe.

🚘 Car Rentals: Renting a car can be an overwhelming process, especially when you consider driving abroad. But depending on your plan, it could be the best way to go places for your group.

Brasília Brazil: Safety Travel Tips (Use Common Sense)

🍏 Food safety: All foods are safe to eat! Just use your common sense to avoid sketchy-looking street food.

💧Water safety: Tap water isn’t safe for drinking without a filter, but most places have one and make their ice with filtered water, too. So try to keep a refillable bottle around or buy bottled water. Consider using a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for convenient access to clean and safe drinking water during your travels.

👷‍♀️ Daytime safety: Petty theft is a rather common crime in tourist destinations all over the world, so avoid carrying flashy items. And only take your phone out when needed.

🦺 Nighttime safety: Your constant company needs to be common sense. Valuable items should be properly stored, not in your pockets. And avoid walking alone at night, try to use ride-sharing apps or a rental car.

👺 Avoiding scams: Scams often happen during sales, so get your tickets to activities and tours online. As for transportation, always book your rides through trusted apps or have your hotel call a taxi.

Brasília Brazil Travel Tips: A Locals Perspective

🏨 Best neighborhoods for tourists: South Hotel sector, North Hotel sector, Vila Planalto/Shore of Paranoá Lake, and W3 South Avenue.

🎄Top Brazilian holidays and traditions: Our main celebratory dates are Carnival in February, Festa Junina in June, Independence Day in September, and the Holiday season in December.

🍜 Local food to try: Cachorro quente, brigadeiro, coxinha, feijoda, pao de quejo, pork meat, cheeses, and churrasco.

🍹 Local drinks to try (alcoholic): The town’s main alcoholic drink is Cachaça, but try the traditional caipirinha and Catuaba.

🧉 Local drinks to try (non-alcoholic): Coffee in Brasília is excellent. But you HAVE TO try our traditional guaraná soda, açaí juice, and caldo de cana.

🚶‍♂️Walkability: Streets here are super walkable because they’re mostly plain; it’s great to bike to places, too.

🎉 Nightlife: It is almost non-existent here if we’re honest. This town is for those hoping for a more relaxed type of holiday.

😀 Friendly to Foreigners: Brasília is super nice to foreigners because many end up coming here because of political reasons, so you shouldn’t worry.

🏥 Hospitals: Public health is generally great here, given we’re in the country’s capital.

🇺🇸 English speaking: English speakers are widely available in most places, especially in the hospitality industry.

Brasília TRAVEL GUIDE

Where is Brasília Brazil Located?

Brasília Map 

Brasília occupies the position of the country’s capital. Nestled in the midwestern part of Brazil, bordered by Goiás on all sides, this town is waiting for you.

What State is Brasília In? 

Brasília is Brazil’s capital city, in its own district. So, fun fact: it kinda is a state in itself. Federal District is encompassed by a condition called Goiás. Visitors of all kinds can find something to do in this beautiful state, and you can even go on to Rio, just a short flight away.

What’s the Closest Airport to Brasília Brazil?

The closest airport is actually in town! It is called Brasília International Airport, code BSB. It is a short way from the most central part of town so there’s no need to plan for a long trip to your hotel. And it is an international airport, so chances are you can just land here with no connecting flights in the country.

What is the Best Way to Get to Your Brasília Hotel?

When you reach Brasília International Airport (BSB), there are a number of ways to get your accommodation.

The easier and better way to make your trip begin smoothly is to have a private shuttle ready to take you to your accommodation’s doorstep.  It’ll save you the trouble of figuring out one more thing when you land.

💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to take an Uber, ensure you have a Brazil SIM card so your phone operates appropriately. You never want to depend on free public WIFI for using your ride-share apps.

Another way to leave the airport is to take a taxi, but make sure your driver has their meter on to avoid being overcharged; it is a good habit to adopt. 

But your best choice would be to rent a car. Not every Brasília travel guide tells you about how much better it is to have your own way to move. Like this you get to go around Brasília and then some with the amazing towns around.

Plus, if your trip is more of a family affair, you should also consider renting a car. Not everyone can fit into the Uber sometimes.

How to Get Around Brasília?

Ride Sharing (top choice): A town like this has plenty of drivers in ride-sharing apps for you to call. It is a cheap and convenient way to move, allowing you to avoid the stress that comes with driving.

Rent a Car (top choice): You know our Brasília travel guide recommends renting a car, and we do that because it will give you so much freedom. Like this, you will be able to go places any time you want; just remember to have a valid license and money for eventual parking costs.

Take a Taxi: As the person behind your Brasília Travel Guide, I do have to talk about how taxis are a convenient way to move around Brasília. Just always pay attention to the meter to avoid scams.

Get on a Bike: Because Brasília is mostly plain, getting on a bike is a nice idea but not as your main mode of transportation since that’ll get tiring quickly.

Public transportation (last choice): Brasília has great public transport since it is the home of Brazil’s executive power. But historically, it ends up late often, so it’s best to save it as a last resource.

Brasília TRAVEL GUIDE

When to Go to Brasília?

When you’re scheduling your trip to Brasília, it will depend on more than when you can take your vacation days. It is important to know what each season brings to your time here. Since seasons are the opposite of Northern Hemisphere ones.

Brasília Brazil Summer (December to March): The summer here is marked by frequent rain showers in the late afternoon, with temperatures going down during the evening. So you should have plenty of time to explore the city’s open-air attractions before heading inside for dinner and a movie.

Summer Carnival: The Brazilian Carnival is a worldwide famous celebration. It takes place in February, usually the second and third week of the month. So if you want to enjoy it more traditionally, with street parties and such, then come to Brasília.

Brasília Brazil Fall (April and May): Fall in Brasília means rain showers are going away for some time, and it is a shoulder season, so you may win the gamble on good weather and better prices. You may face cloudy skies quite often, but they’ll protect you from the thick heat.

Brasília Brazil Winter (June to August): During winter, Brasília is perfect to enjoy a mild winter with higher temperatures. It can get pretty hot during daylight hours, so you have perfect exploring weather.

Brasília Brazil Spring (September to November): Spring is perhaps the only time I wouldn’t recommend a hundred percent; I’d say to wait until September is done because it is the driest month we have. October brings a new air, and then the historical places are waiting for you to come.

You should keep in mind that no matter when you visit, there’s no way to go wrong with Brasília!

Brasília TRAVEL GUIDE

Where to Stay in Brasília Brazil? (By Neighborhood)

Brasília travel guides all agree that this town’s uniqueness goes all the way to how the accommodations are distributed. In this town, it goes beyond what kind of trip you’re planning and who is coming along with you.

Your options are South Hotel sector, North Hotel sector, Vila Planalto/Shore of Paranoá Lake, and W3 South Avenue. Every area has options for groups, solo travelers, couples, and families. Plus, Brasília is super small, so every location is kinda central if you think about it.

Our first step is to decide your goal for the trip since each area has a unique characteristic to it. So whether you want to explore the town, go to museums, enjoy your company, or just see where the day takes you, here is a low down on each area.

South Hotel Sector

Both the south and north hotel sectors are great central locations, but the south hotel sector was the first area built with accommodating visitors in mind. Most people consider it to be the best place to stay whenever you’re in town. However, some areas can get dicey when the sun goes down.

Staying here lets you easily access places like the subway, and from there, Brasília is yours for the taking. 

North Hotel Sector 

This area is separated from the south sector by the Eixo Monumental, but they’re super different.

It was built more recently, so you will find more modern buildings full of amenities. This part of town will give you safer streets with plenty of options for entertainment and dining. A small disadvantage is that there is no subway station directly in the neighborhood.

But if you walk just a few minutes, you can go to the central station and from there the city is waiting for you!

Vila Planalto/Shore of Paranoá Lake 

This neighborhood feels like your typical countryside town. It is different because it wasn’t planned along with other parts of town; it naturally grew around the Planalto Palace. Staying here will offer you a different angle of Brasília’s streets, a natural retreat in a big city.

If you plan to rent a car, then book your stay here for an idyllic retreat.

W3 South Avenue 

This area in town came up to deal with the demand for long-term and more economical accommodation. Here is where you’ll find most of the town’s rental properties on Airbnb and booking.

Booking your stay in this area gives you great mobility and is an ideal base for your Brasília trip.

Brasília TRAVEL GUIDE

Best Things to Do in Brasília Brazil

• Visit the National Congress: The National Congress is where the country is made every day, so take an hour or two out of your schedule to take in this amazing building.
• Tour the Planalto Palace: This is Brazil’s version of the White House. You can take official guided tours through the halls where important meetings happen and admire some beautiful art pieces that decorate the building.
• Go to the Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial: This museum is dedicated to the man who idealized the city you’re going to. These walls are home to many personal items and mementos to help you understand who JK was.
• Spend Some Time in the National Brasília Museum: No matter how many times you come here, this museum will always have a new exposition for you to look at. Whether you prefer art, history, or nature, this place has something for everyone to enjoy.
• Enjoy Man-Made Nature: Paranoá Lake is an unmissable attraction for every visitor in town. This artificial lake is perfect for people who want to enjoy water sports, a quick dip in the water, or just take in an amazing engineering feat.
• Rest at Pontão Do Lago Sul: Every Brasília travel guide will tell you to check out this pier right on the shores of Paranoá Lake. You can take a scenic walk, eat amazing food, or just enjoy a killer sunset.
• Walk Through Brasília’s Botanical Garden: This place is almost an open-air museum. It has several areas dedicated to research, preservation, and observation. Visitation is practically free, and it’s worth every penny.

Best Brasília Tours

If you are anything like me, then we’re all about having the most fun by making the least amount of effort. Booking a tour is a great way to do it since taking Uber or taxis can be expensive,’ and driving comes with the trouble of finding and paying for parking.

This section of our Brasília travel guide is dedicated to the best ways to tour the town. They go from seeing the sights to enjoying a specific portion of the city, just so you can do it all your way.

Brasília is now gaining attention as a design destination, with Instagrammable modernist angles, neon-lit rooftop bars, and bike tours that reveal Oscar Niemeyer’s genius in motion. It’s not just politics—it’s architecture with attitude.

Depending on how many days I stay in town, I take a quick tour of every neighborhood in the city to see where I want to spend more of my time, and I reckon you should do the same. It is awful to find a great place on your last day.

💡Pro Tip: It is very unsafe to book a tour with random people in the street. Always book them online or through your hotel. Your concierge should be a last resort since hotels can hike up prices for profit.

Tours are your simplified way to be immersed in new places. You get to visit cultural spots, historical sites, and natural landmarks without having to plan a thing.

Here are the ways you can tour Brasília: 

• Complete Brasília City Tour: This one can be different depending on which you book, but it is my favorite way to get the most sightseeing done in a few hours. You are guided by English-speaking guides through the city’s main spots.
• Eixo Monumental Bike Tour: If you are a physically active person and want to keep up during your holiday, book a tour of what Brasilienses call the ‘Eixo Monumental.’ You will see many popular spots and architectural designs by Oscar Niemeyer,
• Brasília Nature Tour: These tours show an often forgotten side of Brasīlia. By booking a nature tour, you will see the city’s parks and greenery uniquely.
• Lake Paranoá Tour: Not many people think of taking a boat into the lake for a different angle of this amazing city. By taking a boat tour, you also escape the heat, so it’s a win-win.
• Architecture and Food Tour: Some places offer a unique blend of sightseeing and tasting throughout Brasília. Like this, you get to see amazing views while trying some of Brazil’s delicious food.
• Brasília Grafitti Tour: Some parts of Brasília are known for their beautiful street art, and what better way to check it out than with a tour?
• Private Custom Tours: If you have room in your budget, I’d tell you to book a customizable tour for your time here. You get to build your own itinerary, go at your own pace, and avoid dealing with other people who may end up in your group.

Brasília TRAVEL GUIDE

Is Brasília Safe for Tourists?

A hundred percent! Brasília has been getting increasingly safer for both tourists and visitors. That is not to say it has absolutely no crime; your common sense still needs to come along.

Your main concern in every touristic area is petty crime, meaning theft, especially during busy times around popular tourist spots. It could be anywhere in the world; the risk of something happening is the same.

If you prepare well, you make yourself less of a target, so here are my

💡Pro Safety Tips (For Any City You Travel To):

• Valuables always go in two spots on your person. Your small, more important things, like cellphones, documents, and cards, go on a thin fanny pack under clothing. Other items can go in pockets or a bag. This strategy will help avoid losing important stuff if a confrontation happens.
• When you go to a super popular or crowded spot, avoid handling your most valuable items if not necessary.
• Always be aware of sudden chaos since they can be created by petty thieves as a distraction for stealing from unsuspecting tourists.
• Ask your front desk at the hotel which areas should be avoided at certain times of the day and which ones to avoid at all costs.
• Don’t wear flashy items or ones with visible designer logos on them; they call unnecessary attention to your person.

When visiting new places, we always have to take some precautions. It doesn’t matter if the town, like Brasília, has a lower crime rate than other destinations. You will find that the streets there are very well taken care of, and people are ready to make you feel welcome.

Just keep your guard up and avoid poorly lit areas and deserted places. Your safety depends mostly on being careful and making smart decisions.

What is the Best Travel Insurance for Brazil?

This is a question that I get a lot, as travel insurance can get confusing. This is a critical part of your trip though so that you do not have to worry when visiting Brasília or any other part of the world. 

Figuring out travel insurance can be overwhelming. However, having the right travel insurance coverage is essential for a stress-free trip to Brasilia, Brazil. The key is to make sure it is simple and flexible. 

To streamline this, we have broken down the best travel insurance companies out there in the industry that are all great but also serve different needs.

Let’s explore what each of them brings to the table: 

✅ World Nomads: Best for comprehensive coverage, flexibility, AND adventure sports. Covers trip cancellation, emergency medical costs, and emergency medical transportation and protects your travel gear. 

✅ SafetyWing: This is for general travelers, frequent travelers,  and long-term digital nomads in Brazil. Provides lots of flexibility as far as start date, coverage extension, and automatic renewals. It also has limited home-country coverage. 

✅ Travel Insurance Master: Brazil travel insurance search tool, this is for people who really want to compare policies. 

Brasília TRAVEL GUIDE

Brasília Travel: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drink the water in Brasília Brazil?

Drinking tap water is a no in Brazil.

Not just in Brasília but in the whole country actually, it is best to avoid drinking unfiltered tap water. It is treated and safe to use, but drinking it as is may not be good.

You won’t have a problem with brushing your teeth, showering, and everything else, but this Brasília travel guide recommends buying bottled water or carrying a refillable bottle. 

But not to worry, most restaurants in Brasília have filtered water available for free and use it to prepare ice, making your drinks safe for consumption. Just ask the establishment, and if they don’t have it, then buy a bottle of water.

Also, not all Brasília travel guides are clear about how hot it gets, so you need to stay hydrated. The last thing you want is to get dehydrated and have your trip ruined.

So Your Steps to Stay Safe With the Water Are:

1. If you stay in an Airbnb, boil the water in case there isn’t a filter.
2. At a hotel, buy bottled water in the absence of filters, but this can get expensive quickly.
3. Get a reusable water bottle to refill, and since refilling is free, you don’t have to worry about something so simple as buying drinking water while in Brasília, Brazil. Consider bringing along a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for convenient access to clean and safe drinking water during your travels.

What’s the Brasília Weather Like?

Brasília, the capital of Brazil, has nice tropical weather unique to the central part of our country. It has two very defined seasons: dry and wet, with mostly stable temperatures year-round.

Summer months, from December to March, temperatures go from 18°C to 28°C (64,4°F to 82,4°). And it can rain a little bit more than usual because we’re finishing up the wet season, so come prepared for that. 

Winter months, June to September, get a little colder because we’re inland, but not by much. It is definitely not as hard as it gets in Santa Catarina, for example. Thermometers in town usually stay between 13°C to 28°C ( 55,4°F to 82,4°2). It barely rains, so the air gets a lot dryer.

Our Brasília travel guide also would like to talk a little about shoulder seasons!

Shoulder seasons for tourism are always Fall (March through June) and Spring (September through late December). You will have milder temperatures and a better balance of humidity in the air. It is a perfect moment for people hoping to avoid extremes.

When you’re coming doesn’t matter as much as the type of experience you are looking for. Brasília’s weather is so stable, but always check the weather forecast for your trip beforehand.

Is Brasília Expensive?

Suppose you are coming from a place like the USA or European countries. In that case, Brasília is an affordable destination because of favorable exchange rates. Basic expenses like accommodation, food, and transport end up cheaper than your country’s equivalents.

It is also much cheaper than usual to enjoy local cuisine if you compare it to US or EU pricing. Of course, higher-end places can cost a lot more compared to your regular expenses.

You will have no trouble finding local goods or services at reasonable prices, including those unique items that make for a perfect souvenir.

This Brasília travel guide will touch on peak and slow seasons in a bit, but it’s good to know that prices can increase in peak months. Especially if you want to visit all the popular sights/attractions, so plan for the shoulder seasons to make your money go even further.

Is Brasília Worth Visiting?

Absolutely yes! Brasílias is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Brazil, but don’t just take my word for it. Come here to be immersed in the beating heart of this country. You can explore a unique place since Brasília was projected to have the shape of a plane all those years ago.

Brasília deserves a spot on your travel bucket list if you want to be amazed by the planned architecture and natural beauties. You can visit places where history was made as the city was built to become a nation’s capital.

And the food scene leaves nothing to be desired because we have some of this country’s best restaurants, too. 

Locals are always happy to welcome you for the duration of your trip and share these perfectly safe streets for some time.

How Many Days Do I Need in Brasília Brazil?

Brasília is Brazil’s capital, so there is a lot to do here for all kinds of visitors. If you want to take your time in each place, take some guided tours, and still relax here, you should plan for seven to nine days. Especially when coming in peak tourist times.

Your goal can be just to see the main sights before continuing on to another place; still, try to plan for three to four days. A lot is waiting for you to rush by.

Thinking of you as I put together a Brasília travel guide, I’d recommend thinking of how many days you’d spend here and adding a couple more, just in case.