Brasília stands apart from Brazil's older cities, designed in the 20th century as the country's modern capital and shaped by the vision of urban planner Lúcio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer. The monumental central district is filled with distinctive modernist buildings, including the National Congress, Cathedral of Brasília, and Palácio do Planalto. The broad Esplanada dos Ministérios gives the city an impressive sense of scale, while the JK Memorial explores the history of Brasília and its creation. Outside the monumental axis, residential superblocks, parks, and commercial areas reveal how the original urban plan influences everyday life.

The capital's location on Brazil's central plateau also provides access to a landscape very different from the country's coastal destinations. Parque Nacional de Brasília protects areas of cerrado vegetation and offers trails, streams, and natural pools, while the Chapada dos Veadeiros region farther north is known for waterfalls, rock formations, and dramatic highland scenery. Within the city, Lake Paranoá is popular for watersports, waterfront dining, and outdoor activities. A rental car is useful for navigating Brasília's spread-out layout and venturing beyond the capital into the surrounding countryside.