Brazil · 2026 itinerary
Brasilia 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Brasilia: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
The political heart of Brazil, where you'll find the Palácio do Planalto, Congresso Nacional, and Supremo Tribunal Federal. Oscar Niemeyer's bold architecture on full display.
🕐 Open 24 hours, outdoor area
Free entry💡 Go on a Sunday when traffic is quiet and you can really take in the scale. The changing of the guard happens at 9:30am on some days.
Hotels near Praça dos Três Poderes →A dome-shaped museum on the Monumental Axis, housing rotating exhibitions of modern Brazilian art and photography. The building is a work of art in itself.
🕐 09:00-18:30, closed Mondays
Free entry💡 Wednesday and Thursday afternoons are quietest. Check the website for free guided tours in English. The neighbouring National Library has a good free exhibition too.
Hotels near Museu Nacional do Conjunto Cultural da República →Artigo e Prosa · ££
Alfredo's Pizzaria · ££
Deeper Into Brasilia
Niemeyer's crown-like cathedral with 16 concrete columns and stunning stained glass. The interior is surprisingly intimate for such a famous building.
🕐 07:00-19:00 daily
💡 Visit just before noon on a sunny day to see the light beam through the glass panels onto the altar. Skip the elevator – the spiral ramp is worth the walk.
One of the largest urban parks in Latin America, covering 420 hectares. Running tracks, lakes, cycling paths, and plenty of green space. Locals call it the city's lung.
🕐 04:00-22:00 daily
💡 Rent a bike from the stands near the south entrance for about R$5 an hour. The 5km loop around the lake is the best way to see it all. Avoid weekends after 10am when it gets crowded.
Bar Pôr do Sol
Vale da Lua
Final Favourites & Departure
A 182-metre viewing tower designed by Niemeyer, offering panoramic views over the city's planned layout. The observation deck is free and open to the public.
💡 Go at sunset for the best light over the lake and presidential palace. There's a small craft market at the base on weekends. Bring binoculars if you have them.
ASTER
Fred
Getting Around Brasilia
Bus line 0.113 goes from airport to the central bus station. From there, catch a local bus or taxi to the hotel — it's a 10-minute ride. Avoid this with lots of luggage; the bus can get crowded.
Take any 'Eixão' bus heading south from the Rodoviária — they stop at 109 Sul. Walk one block west to the hotel. Pay with a rechargeable card or exact change; drivers don't give change.
The metro doesn't go direct to the airport. Use the bus to Rodoviária first. Hotel is a 10-minute walk from 108 Sul station along the Eixo Rodoviário — cross the grass axis carefully. Buy a Bilhete Único card for easy tap-and-go.
Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals. Rideshare apps like Uber and 99 work well too; usually cheaper by 10-15 reais, but pickup is on the departures level roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Brasilia?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Praça dos Três Poderes and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Brasilia?
See our full best time to visit Brasilia guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Clube de Tênis Resort, Hotel Bonaparte Bluepoint, Mansoori I Apart Hotel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.