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Brasília rose from the unpopulated plains of central Brazil in the shape of a soaring bird or plane, and took the title of capital city from Rio de Janeiro in 1960.

Architecture

Designed and built in under five years, Brasília today is a late 1950s vision of the future in concrete, a retro testament to Brazilian architecture (in particular to the genius of Oscar Niemeyer) and urban planning.

Sights like the Metropolitan Cathedral with its radiant stained glass interior (so designed because the architect believed dark interiors to be too redolent of sin) and angels hanging from the ceiling, and the Square of Three Powers with its Congress, Judicial and Presidential buildings, are well worth the time to explore.

Whether you end up loving it or hating it, the city makes for a fascinating 24-hour stopover.

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who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Tamatha

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Brasília by contacting one of our Brazil specialists

Map of Brasília

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Brasília

    Accommodation choices for Brasília

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Brasília. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Brasília

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Brasília, and which use the best local guides.

    • Brasília City Tour
      Brasília, Brazil

      Brasília City Tour

      Brasília City Tour

      The city tour will visit the most interesting points of Brasília including some of the residential neighborhoods, initially built for government workers then sold off privately.

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