Brasilia tours

Things to do in Brasilia

Brasilia doesn't quite fit the mould of a typical capital city. Its architectural landscapes are a testament to bold visions and ambitious dreams. As you stand amidst the iconic structures, there's a sense of being part of something grand and transformative. A local guide can transform your experience of Brasilia, weaving tales that give life to the sweeping curves of the Cathedral of Brasília and the sharp lines of the National Congress. On a private tour, the city unfolds like a narrative, each building and boulevard adding layers to your understanding. The political pulse of the nation beats here, and its cultural expressions are as diverse as they are rich. Walking through the city's core or indulging in a culinary exploration, the experience becomes deeply personal, connecting you with the essence of Brasilia in a way that lingers long after you've left. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Brasilia. Explore Brasilia your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Brasilia tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Brasilia for every interest, including: Layover tours: Get picked up at BSB and zip along the Monumental Axis to step inside the Cathedral of Brasília, view the Palácio do Planalto from Praça dos Três Poderes, and ride up the TV Tower for a skyline look, then finish with an açaí at Pontão do Lago Sul. Your guide adjusts the route to your layover window and security times. Hiking tours: Explore the cerrado on shaded trails in Brasília National Park, with time for a dip in the Água Mineral pools. For more adventure, go to Chapada Imperial, a private reserve with guided hikes to canyon viewpoints and waterfalls where you can swim. Distances are large and the city is car‑centric; there’s a metro and buses, but walking between sights is limited. You can book chauffeured tours or ask your guide to include private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Brasilia inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Embark on a private walking tour of Brasília to explore its unique neighborhoods with a local guide, who offers a deeper understanding of this modernist city. Consider these neighborhoods for your visit: - Asa Sul: Known for its residential charm and local eateries, Asa Sul is ideal for families and food lovers. Your guide can introduce you to the best local dishes and the area's distinct architectural style. - Asa Norte: Perfect for those interested in the city's modernist design, Asa Norte offers green spaces and a laid-back vibe. With your guide, explore the local parks and understand the area's urban planning. - Lago Sul: This upscale neighborhood is great for multi-generational groups seeking luxury and leisure. Enjoy scenic views of Lake Paranoá and discover exclusive dining options with your guide. - Sudoeste: Known for its vibrant community life, Sudoeste is perfect for those looking to experience local culture and festivals. Your guide can share insights into the area's community events and local hangouts. Day trip ideas from Brasilia From Brasília, nearby towns, canyons, and waterfall valleys make easy day trips and tours, so you can trade sleek monuments for nature and small town streets without long hours on the road. - Pirenópolis, about 150 kilometres from Brasília, mixes cobbled lanes, simple baroque churches, and farm kitchens, and if you like local history and time in the water, your tour can split the day between the old centre and easy waterfall trails on the edge of town. - Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park puts you on wide plateaus with quartz outcrops, clear rivers, and canyon viewpoints, so hikers and photographers get variety in one place, and your tour can match trail length to your pace while keeping time for a swim. - Formosa and the Itiquira Falls area deliver a tall cascade, river pools, and cerrado scenery close to the highway, which suits you if you want a shorter drive, and your tour can focus on scenic stops and relaxed time by the water instead of long hikes. - Goiânia offers tree‑lined parks, art deco streets, and lively food markets, a good pick if you enjoy city culture and green space, and your tour can lean into architecture, street food, or neighbourhood walks based on what you feel like that day. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Brasilia most travellers miss.