Prosperous and artistic, Brasilia is today designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its modern architectural style and progressive urban planning. The city's futuristic vibe and perfect order appeals to travelers, as does the color and culture to be found in every part of town.
Brasilia's display of modernist architecture means there are several must-see spots like the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil and the Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida.
Brasilia abounds in natural wonders, as apparent in such sites as the Paranoá Lake and the Itiquira waterfall.
Take in an evening of contemporary opera, a classical symphony, or a modern play at the Cláudio Santoro National Theater.
The city has distinct zones for housing, shopping, and business, which means that its easy to take in all activities, without missing a beat.
The economic prosperity and preference for progressive design of the city has influenced the restaurant scene, with eateries serving up artistically presented Brazilian cuisine.
You can find stellar Peruvian cuisine at Taypá Sabores Del Perú, where two can eat for R$84. Or, check out Carpe Diem, a hot spot where two can dine for R$64.
Unlike the rest of the country, temperatures are moderate and extremely pleasant in Brasilia, though May and June are the best. It gets as warm as 82 degrees in the summer months and as cold as 33 degrees in the winter.
The Brasilía International Airport (BSB) is just 7 miles from the city center and is a major international hub. Catch an Executive Bus from the airport to downtown for just R$10 or get a taxi for R$30-40.
If you're coming in from the south or any of the central-western states, take the Saída Sul entrance. If you're driving in from any of the other states, take the Saída Norte.
Brasilia's main bus station is Rodoviária, which connects to other major cities such as Rio De Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and São Paulo.
Check out the Kubitschek Plaza Hotel, or pamper yourself at the Windsor Plaza Brasilia. The S4 Hotel is a great budget stay.
Paranoá - this neighborhood is famous for Paranoá Lake, a beautiful man-made lake with plenty of water activities such as swimming, paddle-boarding, and boating.
Lago Sul - because of its great restaurants and gorgeous views of Brasilia, the Lago Sul neighborhood gets very crowded during the weekends. Walk along the lakeshore and take the kids biking!
Brazlândia - this area is home to all Brasilia's natural wonders. There are three waterfalls - Cachoeira Poço Azul, Cachoeira Rainha, and Chapada Imperial - as well as camping activities.
Rodovária, Brasilia's main bus station, links the central areas of the city to areas like the Setor Comercial, Esplanada dos Ministérios, and the airport. To get on, flag the bus down. A single adult fare is R$3.
Taxis are relatively expensive in Brasilia and usually cannot be hailed on the streets. Fares start at a flat rate of R$5, with R$4.6 per mile after that.
Cars are the best way to get around Brasilia. The city was planned not with public transport but with driving in mind. Vehicles from National Car Rental start at R$66.24 a day.
Setor de Diversões, close to Rodovária bus station, is a popular shopping area. Check out the Sunday flea market at the base of the TV Tower, famous for its local crafts and souvenirs.
A quart of milk will run you R$3.41 while a dozen eggs will cost you R$9.