The heart of the city
The ingenuity behind this Brazilian capital is one of its best assets. Carefully planned and executed, it was built in the shape of an airplane. No doubt this modernist marvel looks fantastic from the air, but it's also easily navigated with the heart of the city steadily beating from the centre of the fuselage.
Known as the Monumental Axis, this area of Brasilia is packed with cultural heritage, shops, restaurants and hotels. Star rated stays with amenities to spare are readily available, including the Bluepoint Suites Bonaparte and Cullinan Hplus Premium – both of which are within two kilometres of the Catedral Metropolitana.
See the city for less
Travelling through Basilia on the cheap is entirely possible with a number of budget-friendly ways to spend your time. Cost effective transport is available to take you to many of the sites through the city centre such as the Esplanada Dos Ministerios, Three Powers Plaza, Palace of Justice and TV Tower.
Accommodation to suit your pocket is also easily found. If mid-range pricing is what you seek, a stay in the historic Brasilia Palace Hotel can't be passed up. It was designed by famed city architect Oscar Neimeyer and is close to the Brasilia Art Museum and Alvorada Palace. For even lower costs, the Hostel 7 provides clean accommodation that won't hurt the hip pocket.
A trip outside the city
The call of the wild resounds when in Brasilia as the city is set just over an hour south of the Brasilia National Park. This lush oasis is teeming with native flora and fauna, providing visitors the chance to traverse its trails and sooth tired soles in one of the many mineral springs. Attempt a count of the countless species of birds, and if you're lucky you may even spy a capybara or pampas deer.
You can bunk up in Brasilia and plan on a day trip to the national park with a handful of hotels positioned at the edge of the city's closest wing. Mercure offers two quality locations within seven kilometres of the park, presenting excellent value for money with on-site restaurants and swimming pools.
