Brasília

Castles & palaces

Palácio do Planalto

The presidential palace in Brasília, where the vice president and other key government figures are based. It offers a firsthand look at the center of Brazilian politics.

Temples & religious sites

Cathedral of Brasília

The leading Roman Catholic cathedral of Brasília, designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer. Its striking exterior features 16 curving concrete columns, each weighing up to 90 tons.

Castles & palaces

Palácio da Alvorada

This is the official residence of Brazil's president, located on a peninsula of Lake Paranoá in Brasília. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, it's a masterpiece of modernist architecture and a popular destination for architecture enthusiasts.

Parks & gardens

Praça dos Três Poderes

This square in the heart of Brasília is surrounded by buildings representing the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. With the Presidential Palace, National Congress, and Supreme Court all in one place, it's the symbolic heart of Brazilian politics.

Parks & gardens

Brasília National Park

Located northwest of Brasília, this national park is a vast protected area covering 420 square kilometers. Its proximity to downtown makes it an easy spot for a relaxed nature walk.

Culture & venues

Cláudio Santoro National Theater

This performing arts complex is striking for its unique truncated-pyramid design by Oscar Niemeyer. It is considered the largest building in Brasília that Niemeyer designed exclusively for the arts.

Castles & palaces

Palácio do Jaburu

This is the official residence of Brazil's vice president, also built by Oscar Niemeyer, who designed the entire city. It pairs well with a visit to the nearby Palácio da Alvorada, and its name comes from the jabiru, a bird common to the region.

Museums & galleries

Memorial JK

A memorial honoring President Kubitschek, founder of Brasília, conveniently located on the Monumental Axis. Here you can see Oscar Niemeyer's distinctive architecture as well as Kubitschek's final resting place.