All citiesBrasília Things to do and walking itinerary
Brazil Brasília travel guide
10 things to do in Brasília, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Brasília
- Palácio do Planalto — palace in Brasília, Brazil (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Cathedral of Brasília — Catholic church in Brasília, Brazil (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Praça dos Três Poderes — central square in Brasília with the seats of the three government branches (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Cláudio Santoro National Theater — theater in Brasília, Brazil (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Brasilia TV Tower — architectural structure (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Tancredo Neves Pantheon of Fatherland and Freedom — cenotaph in Brasília (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Palácio do Jaburu — building in Brasília, Brazil (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Catedral Militar Rainha da Paz — church building in Brasília, Brazil (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Cultural Complex of the Republic — building in Brasilia, Brazil (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Memorial JK — museum, memorial, mausoleum in Eixo Monumental, Brasília (visit ≈ 120 min)
2-day Brasília walking itinerary
Starting point: Northern Hotel Sector. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 9.9 km · 13,420 steps · 2 h 12 min on the way): Cláudio Santoro National Theater → Palácio do Planalto → Tancredo Neves Pantheon of Fatherland and Freedom → Praça dos Três Poderes → Cathedral of Brasília → Cultural Complex of the Republic → Brasilia TV Tower
- Day 2 (≈ 7.2 km · 9,670 steps · 1 h 36 min on the way): Memorial JK
Where to stay in Brasília
- Northern Hotel Sector: The central hotel cluster; close to the TV Tower and Eixo Monumental.
- Southern Hotel Sector: Central hotels within walking distance of a mall and the bus station.
- Asa Sul: Local restaurants and bars among the superblocks.
- Asa Norte: Calm residential area near the university with cafés.
Getting from the airport to Brasília
- Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (BSB): Bus 113 to the bus station and hotel sectors ≈ 30 min; taxi or Uber ≈ 20 min.
Getting around
The city was designed for cars and distances are long. The metro only runs southwest, so Uber or 99 is the easiest way around.
Classic places to eat
- Beirute: In Asa Sul since 1966; Arab snacks and cold beer.
- Bar Brasília: Classic boteco with old-style décor; snacks and draught beer.
- Mangai: Lakeside buffet of northeastern Brazilian food.
- Pastelaria Viçosa: Giant pastel and sugarcane juice at the bus station; a city classic.
- Dom Francisco: Long-running spot for Portuguese-style fish and meat dishes.
- Daniel Briand: French-style pâtisserie and café in Asa Norte.
Romantic views
- Pontão do Lago Sul (Sunset): On the Paranoá Lake shore the sunset reflects on the water.
- JK Bridge (Sunset): The arched bridge sparkles over the lake at dusk.
- TV Tower (Sunset): From the observation deck the city's plane-shaped plan is clear at sunset.
- Ermida Dom Bosco (Sunset): From the small lakeside chapel you watch the sun set behind the city.
Good to know before visiting Brasília
- Fine: Racism is a serious crime in Brazil.
- Fine: Drug offences carry severe penalties.
- Warning: Keep phones and valuables out of sight in the street; never leave belongings unattended on the beach.
- Warning: Visit favelas only with licensed local guides.
- Warning: Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue are common; use repellent.
- Cards are widely accepted; locals use Pix for payments.
- Emergency: police 190, ambulance 192, fire 193
- Plugs: N/C, 127/220V
- Tap water: Drink filtered or bottled water rather than tap.
- Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually added.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Brazil, Wikivoyage — Brazil, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Brasília travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Brasília?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in Brasília?
- Highlights: Palácio do Planalto, Cathedral of Brasília, Praça dos Três Poderes, Cláudio Santoro National Theater and Brasilia TV Tower. The map has 10 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Brasília?
- Northern Hotel Sector: The central hotel cluster; close to the TV Tower and Eixo Monumental. Other options: Southern Hotel Sector, Asa Sul and Asa Norte.
- How do you get from the airport to Brasília city centre?
- Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (BSB): Bus 113 to the bus station and hotel sectors ≈ 30 min; taxi or Uber ≈ 20 min.
- How do you get around Brasília?
- The city was designed for cars and distances are long. The metro only runs southwest, so Uber or 99 is the easiest way around.
- What is the emergency number in Brasília?
- Emergency: police 190, ambulance 192, fire 193.
- Do you tip in Brasília?
- A 10% service charge is usually added.
Nearby cities
São Paulo · Rio de Janeiro · Asunción · Sucre · La Paz · Montevideo · Buenos Aires · Paramaribo
Brazil travel guide: all cities · All cities