Cheap flights to Brasilia from £575

The capital of Brazil is a planned city and a UNESCO Heritage Site. Designed in the shape of a large bird or airplane, its residential areas are located in the shape of its wings. The city is also well-known for its cathedral which features six columns. The columns represent two hands reaching up to heaven. An artificial lake is the centre of recreation in the city and offers many options for leisure activities. The Three Powers Square is worth visiting as is the Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial which is a dedication and burial site to the president. Public works of art are well represented in the city, and include art by Brazilian artists Burle Marx, famous for his landscape design, Athos Bulcão who creates geometric tile panels, Oscar Niemeyer’s buildings and sculptures and the sculpture work of Ceschiatti and Bruno Giorgio. These are viewable for free on the streets.

Basketball, jogging and wakeboarding are popular sporting activities in the area. Between January and June Brasilia’s home team plays in the national league. Locals spend a lot of time jogging and this is by far the city’s most popular sporting and recreational activity. For retail therapy, travellers can spend the day at Setor de Diversões, imports market and FNAC for records and books. Food served at local restaurants includes dishes from the Brazilian states and international styles. Brazilian, Mexican and French cuisine are all well-represented here.

Getting around Brasilia

Getting around in Brasilia is fairly simple, with options ranging from private rental cars, city buses, taking a taxi, or sharing a ride with friends, but touring on foot is not recommended. Roads have few traffic lights and crossings. Bus routes link with the Esplanada dos Ministérios, the airport and certain main avenues. Buses are boarded at the front door, not the back. The Metro subway does not offer access to most main attractions.

Brasilia airport overview

Brasilia International Airport, known officially by the rather long-winded name Brasilia-Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport, serves the capital city of Brasilia in central Brazil. Located 11km (7 miles) outside the city, the airport is the main hub for the interior of Brazil and processes more than 14 million passengers each year.

Acting as more of a regional hub than an international destination, flights to Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport come mostly from other Brazilian and South American cities, with a few connections from North America (Atlanta and Miami) and Europe (Lisbon).

Known as one of the best airports in Brazil, the facility has a reputation for cleanliness and efficiency. Bonus offerings like movie theatres and gardens add to the attractions, although you’re unlikely to spend time here on a stopover unless you’re connecting from one of the smaller Brazilian airports. The only major complaints are a lack of transport options into the city.

Like all Brazilian airports however, the facilities are in the midst of an upgrade ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. A new second terminal has already been added.