It was purpose-built as the new capital in the late 1950s, designed by urban planner Lúcio Costa with buildings by Oscar Niemeyer - the whole layout is a planned modernist project, not an organic old town.
Discover Authentic Brasília: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, exploring Brasília shouldn't require a guidebook. Since 1973, our hotels have been built into their neighbourhoods, not just placed in them. Recommended by the team at Mercure Brasília Líder. Below: our picks for Brasília, an interactive map, and the questions travellers ask us most.
Our map pins local favourites such as Praça do Cruzeiro, the National Museum of the Republic and Mané Garrincha stadium, alongside our Mercure hotel.
Top 5 Things to Do in Brasília
Catedral Metropolitana
Oscar Niemeyer's hyperboloid cathedral, its ring of curved concrete columns visible long before you reach the entrance. Step inside and look up - the stained-glass ceiling floods the space with blue and green light.
Esplanada dos Ministérios
The monumental axis at the heart of Brasília's planned layout, government ministries lined up in identical blocks leading toward the Congress building. Walk it in the early morning before the heat sets in.
Feira da Torre de TV
A craft fair held at the base of the TV Tower, a few hundred meters from the hotel, selling regional handicrafts, gemstones and Brazilian souvenirs.
Memorial JK
A monument to Juscelino Kubitschek, the president who built Brasília from nothing in the late 1950s - his mausoleum and personal effects are on display inside.
Parque da Cidade
One of the largest urban parks in the world, popular with locals for weekend jogging, cycling and picnics - a green break from the city's concrete monumentality.
Explore Brasília's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Brasília
We've mapped local spots across Brasília, Niemeyer's modernist capital.
Modernist landmarks
Camelo bike tours
Planned by Lúcio Costa and designed by Oscar Niemeyer, Brasília is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and best seen by bike. Ride between landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and Planalto Palace; in warmer months, join the 8.30am tours.
City centre · Bike tour · Perfect for architecture
National Museum of the Republic
Brazilian art and photography inside Niemeyer's white concrete dome, with cultural events on the square outside. Admission is free.
Esplanada · Museum, free entry · Made for art lovers
Marco Zero de Brasília
Where the Monumental and Residential Axes meet, construction of the city began in the 1950s. Come on a Sunday, when the Eixão is car-free.
Near the Metropolitan Cathedral · Landmark · Ideal for history
Casa de Chá
A half-underground café on the Three Powers Plaza, looking out at the Supreme Court and Planalto Palace. Many of the staff are young people training for work.
Three Powers Plaza · Café · Perfect for a break
Feira da Torre de TV
A sprawling craft market at the foot of the TV Tower: ceramics, jewellery, books, vinyl and food stalls. Take your time.
TV Tower · Craft market · Great for souvenirs
Parks & leisure
Praça do Cruzeiro
At more than 1,100 metres, Brasília's highest point. City views, food stalls, live music – and sunsets that stay with you.
Eixo Monumental · Square · Perfect for sunsets
Parque Olhos d'Água
Shady trails, native birds and a small lagoon in Asa Norte. Jog, picnic or simply sit for a while.
Asa Norte · Park · Ideal for relaxing
Mané Garrincha National Stadium
Rebuilt for the 2014 World Cup, the 72,000-seat stadium hosts football and big concerts, with the Mané Mercado food court and tennis courts next door.
Eixo Monumental · Stadium and food court · Great for sport and events
Mané Mercado
15 restaurants and three bars under one roof, next to the Mané Garrincha stadium. Bring friends and share.
Monumental Axis · Food market · Perfect for groups
Dom Bosco 414 Sul
A local favourite pizzeria, known for its stacked 'double pizza'. Come hungry.
Asa Sul · Pizzeria · Great for a casual meal
Dom Francisco
Award-winning cooking that celebrates the Cerrado, with lake views and Brazilian wines.
Lake Paranoá · Restaurant · Ideal for dinner
Ricco Burger
Gourmet Wagyu burgers in a casual-chic setting.
Burger restaurant · Perfect for a quick meal
Feira Central da Ceilândia
Where locals go for Brazilian street food such as rabada and pão de queijo. Follow your nose.
Ceilândia · Market · Made for street food
FAQ
A one-way walk from the Congress end to the Praça dos Três Poderes covers a few kilometers, so many visitors combine walking with a taxi for the return.
It runs regularly through the week - check ahead if you have a specific day planned, since hours can shift.
Yes. The modernist capital planned by Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer is UNESCO-listed. A bike tour is a great way to see it.
Praça do Cruzeiro, the city's highest point at over 1,100 metres, is a favourite sunset spot.
Yes, admission is free.
Where to Sleep in Brasília
This Mercure hotel appears on our map:
- Mercure Brasilia Lider