Brasilia

Urban Riverfront

Population: 3 million

Best Season to Visit: Winter

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: March

Famous For: Modernist architecture, Political landmarks, Urban planning

Train Access: No

Bus Access: Yes (Real Expresso, Planalto, Viação Itapemirim)

Brasilia, the capital city of Brazil, is a unique destination for travelers interested in modernist architecture, cultural experiences, and Brazilian history. Designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lúcio Costa, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its innovative urban planning and distinctive architectural style. Visitors can marvel at the futuristic buildings such as the Cathedral of Brasilia with its stunning glass roof, the National Congress of Brazil with its twin towers and dome, and the Palácio do Planalto, the official workplace of the President of Brazil. Cultural enthusiasts will enjoy the various museums, including the Museu Nacional de Brasília and the Cultural Complex of the Republic. For dining, travelers can indulge in traditional Brazilian cuisine at local restaurants or enjoy fine dining with panoramic views at upscale establishments. Outdoor activities are plentiful in the Paranoá Lake area, where visitors can engage in water sports or relax by the shore. The city also hosts unique events like the Festival de Brasília do Cinema Brasileiro, showcasing the best of Brazilian cinema.

VRBO Vacation Rentals
Learn More

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.

VRBO Vacation Rentals

Planning Your Trip to Brasilia

Weather: Brasilia has a tropical savanna climate with a distinct dry season and a rainy season, resulting in warm temperatures year-round and a higher humidity during the wet months.

Festivals: The Festival de Brasília do Cinema Brasileiro is a significant event celebrating Brazilian film, while the Festa Junina brings lively music, dance, and traditional foods to the city.

Best Things for Kids to Do: The Brasília Zoo and the City Park are great places for kids to enjoy wildlife and outdoor recreation, with plenty of space for picnics and play.

Hidden Gem: The JK Bridge, with its elegant design offering picturesque views of Paranoá Lake, is a lesser-known spot perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Accessibility: Brasilia is designed with wide avenues and large public spaces, making it relatively easy for older people to navigate, though some areas may lack shade and seating.

For the Runner: Parque da Cidade Dona Sarah Kubitschek offers extensive paths for running and walking amidst greenery and recreational facilities, while the Eixo Monumental provides a long, straight route past many of Brasilia's iconic buildings.

Restaurants in Brasilia

Brasilia's culinary scene is diverse, catering to various tastes and budgets. For a high-end dining experience, Dom Francisco Restaurant is known for its exquisite Portuguese cuisine. On the mid-range spectrum, Coco Bambu offers a vast menu specializing in seafood dishes. For those looking for more casual and affordable options, the city has numerous food courts in shopping centers like Conjunto Nacional, where local fast-food chains and international eateries can be found. Additionally, food trucks around the city offer quick and tasty meals for those on the go.

Where to Stay

Brasilia has a range of hotels to suit different preferences and budgets. The Royal Tulip Brasilia Alvorada is a luxury hotel with stunning architecture and views of Paranoá Lake. For mid-range accommodations, the St. Paul Plaza Hotel offers comfortable rooms and is conveniently located near the city center. Budget travelers can consider the B Hotel Brasilia, which provides modern amenities at a more affordable price.

Best Hotels: Royal Tulip Brasília Alvorada, Brasília Palace Hotel, B Hotel Brasília

Dog-Friendly Hotels: Golden Tulip Brasília Alvorada, Windsor Brasília Hotel, Cullinan Hplus Premium