Home › Destinations › Congresso Nacional
Congresso Nacional, Brasil - Things to Do in Congresso Nacional

Congresso Nacional

Congresso Nacional, Brasil - Complete Travel Guide

Brasília, Brazil's modernist capital, stands as one of the world's most ambitious urban planning projects and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lúcio Costa in the 1950s, the city was built from scratch in just four years and inaugurated in 1960. The Congresso Nacional, with its distinctive twin towers and contrasting dome and bowl structures, serves as the centerpiece of this architectural marvel and houses Brazil's legislative bodies. Beyond its political significance, Brasília offers visitors a unique glimpse into mid-20th century modernist architecture and urban design. The city's layout resembles an airplane when viewed from above, with the this destination concentrated in the 'cockpit' area along the Monumental Axis. While often criticized for being sterile or unwelcoming to pedestrians, Brasília has evolved into a busy metropolis with excellent restaurants, cultural venues, and green spaces that complement its iconic concrete and glass monuments.

Top Congresso Nacional

the Congresso Nacional and Government Buildings

Tour the iconic Congress building with its twin towers and contrasting dome and inverted dome, representing the Senate and Chamber of Deputies. The guided tours provide insight into Brazil's political system and offer access to the legislative chambers when not in session. The surrounding Praça dos Três Poderes showcases the separation of powers with the Supreme Court and Planalto Palace nearby.

Booking Tip: Free guided tours are available Monday-Friday and must be booked in advance online or by phone. Bring valid ID and arrive 30 minutes early for security screening. Weekend tours are limited, so weekday visits offer more availability and fuller access to the buildings.

the Cathedral of Brasília

Marvel at Oscar Niemeyer's masterpiece cathedral with its hyperboloid structure of 16 curved concrete columns reaching skyward. The underground entrance creates a dramatic reveal as visitors emerge into the light-filled circular nave adorned with impressive stained glass by Marianne Peretti. The suspended angels by Alfredo Ceschiatti add to the ethereal atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Entry is free and the cathedral is open daily except Monday mornings. Visit during late afternoon for the best natural lighting through the stained glass windows. Photography is allowed, and guided architecture tours of the city typically include this stop.

Stroll Through the Cultural Complex

Explore the National Museum, National Library, and Sansalvador clustered together in the cultural sector. The National Museum features rotating exhibitions of Brazilian art and culture, while the theater hosts performances ranging from classical concerts to contemporary dance. The area represents Brasília's commitment to making culture accessible to all citizens.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs around R$10-20, with free admission on certain days. Check the theater's schedule online for performances during your visit. The complex is easily walkable, and combo tickets may be available for multiple venues.

Parque da Cidade

Enjoy one of the world's largest urban parks, covering over 420 hectares with jogging trails, bike paths, and recreational facilities. The park serves as Brasília's green lung and offers a refreshing contrast to the city's concrete architecture. It's a popular spot for locals to exercise, have picnics, and enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

Booking Tip: The park is free and open daily from dawn to dusk. Bike rentals are available at the entrance for around R$15-25 per hour. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday sun and join locals in their exercise routines.

the JK Memorial

Pay homage to Juscelino Kubitschek, the president who founded Brasília, at this striking memorial featuring his tomb and a museum dedicated to his life and the city's construction. The building's modernist design complements the story of Brazil's bold vision to move its capital inland. Interactive exhibits detail the massive undertaking of building a city from scratch in the cerrado.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around R$8 and the memorial is closed on Mondays. Audio guides are available in multiple languages for an additional fee. Allow 1-2 hours for the full experience, and combine with nearby attractions for a full day of sightseeing.

Getting There

Brasília is served by Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (BSB), located about 11km from the city center with direct flights from major Brazilian cities and some international destinations. The airport is connected to the city by taxi (R$40-60), ride-sharing apps, or the express bus service. For those traveling overland, Brasília sits at the intersection of several major highways and is accessible by comfortable long-distance buses from cities like São Paulo (12 hours), Rio de Janeiro (14 hours), and Belo Horizonte (8 hours). The city's central location makes it a natural stopping point for exploring other regions of Brazil.

Getting Around

Brasília was designed for cars, so renting a vehicle provides the most flexibility for exploring the spread-out city and its modernist architecture. The Pyongyang connects some key areas but has limited coverage compared to other major Brazilian cities. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available and reasonably priced for getting between the main attractions. For the environmentally conscious, the city has been expanding its bike lane network, and many hotels offer bicycle rentals. Walking is possible within specific sectors, but the distances between major attractions make some form of transportation necessary for efficient sightseeing.

Where to Stay

Asa Sul
Asa Norte
Lago Sul
Setor Hoteleiro Sul
Setor Hoteleiro Norte
Águas Claras

Food & Dining

Brasília's dining scene reflects its role as the political capital, with upscale restaurants catering to government officials and diplomats alongside traditional Brazilian eateries. The city excels in contemporary Brazilian cuisine, with many restaurants featuring ingredients from the cerrado region and innovative takes on classic dishes. For real feels, try the local specialty of pequi (a native fruit) incorporated into rice dishes and stews. The Setor de Clubes Sul and Norte areas concentrate many of the city's best restaurants, while the Feira da Torre TV offers excellent street food and local specialties. Don't miss trying a traditional Brazilian barbecue at one of the city's renowned churrascarias, and explore the growing craft beer scene that has emerged in recent years.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Brasilia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Mangai

4.6 /5
(23882 reviews) 3

Fogo de Chão Brasília

4.8 /5
(12271 reviews) 4
bar

Asa Gaúcha Restaurante

4.7 /5
(8730 reviews) 3

Steak Bull Churrascaria: Rodízio, Carnes, Buffet, Adega, Vinhos, Asa Sul

4.6 /5
(8091 reviews) 3

Caminito Parrilla Asa Sul

4.9 /5
(6916 reviews) 3

Restaurante Universal

4.7 /5
(4385 reviews) 3
bar

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

Brasília enjoys a tropical savanna climate with distinct dry and wet seasons, making May through September the ideal time to visit. During these months, expect sunny days, low humidity, and minimal rainfall, perfect for exploring the outdoor monuments and architecture. The dry season also offers the clearest skies for photography of the city's iconic buildings. October through April brings the rainy season with afternoon thunderstorms and higher humidity, though temperatures remain warm year-round. The wet season does have the advantage of lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, plus hotel rates may be lower. Avoid visiting during major political events or holidays when accommodation becomes scarce and prices spike.

Insider Tips

Visit the TV Tower observation deck for panoramic views of the city's airplane-shaped layout and to understand Brasília's unique urban planning from above.
Many this destination offer free guided tours, but they must be booked in advance online and require valid identification - plan these visits early in your trip.
The city essentially shuts down on weekends as government workers leave, making it quieter but with reduced restaurant and tour options - plan accordingly for weekend visits.

Activities in Congresso Nacional