What to do and see in Federal District, Brazil: The Best Free Things to do

Once exiled Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer designed this government building, which houses the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.

Another structure by award-winning architect Oscar Niemeyer, this landmark cathedral features stunning interior glasswork.

The tours happen on Sundays, from 9 a.m to 1:30 p.m. Groups of 20 people are arranged to visit the Palacio do Planalto, every 30 minutes and guided by a Public Relations professional. The visit program includes a tour to the Noble, East and West Rooms, the Supreme Meeting Room, the Guest Room, the Presidential Office and a showcase of the art pieces. The Palacio do Planalto is the official workplace of the President of Brazil. It is located in the national capital of Brasilia. The building was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and inaugurated on April 21, 1960. It has been the workplace of every Brazilian president since Juscelino Kubitschek. It is located at the Praca dos Tres Poderes (Three Powers Plaza), to the east of the National Congress and across from the Supreme Federal Court.

Tue-Sun 9am-5pm

Exhibition space, beautiful garden, theater, cinema, multimedia stage, the CCBB has been a center of reference for cultural activities in the city of Brasilia. Since its inauguration in 1993, it has been taking the institutional role for the development and preservation of all kinds of art.

Mon 9am-9pm, Tue-Sat 6am-8pm, Sun 6am-9pm

Open Tuesday to Friday, from 9 am to 5pm (last entry 4:30 pm). Closed on national holidays. Visit the Art Gallery on 8th floor (10 am to 5 pm). Bring na ID with photo for identification. closing dates: from Dec 20th, 2019 to Jan 06th 2020.

Designed by Oscar Niemeyer and inaugurated in 1970, Itamaraty Palace is the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the design conception, Ambassador Wladimir Murtinho was in charge of informing the architect about the needs that had to be addressed. The partnership was so successful that, up to this day, no structural changes have been made to the building for they have not been necessary. The structural calculation, which allowed for the construction of an impressive main hall, free of columns, was carried out by engineer Joaquim Cardoso. Itamaraty Palace was conceived with the purpose of introducing Brazil to foreign visitors; therefore, it was built only with national materials and their halls harbor works by Brazilian or naturalized Brazilian artists exclusively, such as Athos Bulcão, Alfredo Volpi, Bruno Giorgi, Frans Krajcberg, Franz Weissmann, Maria Martins, Mary Vieira, Iberê Camargo, Ione Saldanha, Rubem Valentim, Sérgio de Camargo, and Tomie Ohtake.