You will soon be traveling to Brazil and you wonder which are the dangerous neighborhoods to avoid in Brasilia and the best ones to stay.
Indeed, although Brasilia is a beautiful city with many tourist attractions, visitors should exercise caution when traveling to certain neighborhoods.
And even if it is true that Brasilia is less dangerous than Fortaleza, Sao Paulo or to Rio de Janeiro, it is, all the same, recommended to avoid certain favelas and some dangerous districts.
Dans cet item, you will find all the useful information on the areas, favelas and neighborhoods to avoid in Brasilia. You will also find a Google Map of the main districts of the Brazilian capital to identify the best areas to stay.
This article is a simple summary of information on the security of Brasilia's neighborhoods from various sources (forums, press articles, studies and rankings). It therefore does not contain any judgment or discriminatory remarks.
Is Brasilia a safe city in 2024?
In 2024, Brasilia is among the least dangerous cities in South America.
This is what we see when we study the Numbeo 2024 ranking. Indeed, of the 26 most criminal cities in South America, Brasilia is ranked 21st at the bottom of the table.
But, on the 2024 world ranking of Numbeo.com, Brasilia is in 85th position out of the 425 ranked cities. According to this classification, in 2023, Brasilia would be more dangerous than Cancun, Medellin, Casablanca, Istanbul, , Delhi. ou Paris.
However, despite a high crime index (60.15), Brasilia (in orange on the map) is not among the most criminal cities in the world (in red on the map). This is also confirmed by the latest rankings of the most dangerous cities in the world of Statistics and Wikipedia where Brasilia does not appear.
To conclude, we can say that Brasilia has a high crime rate and some dangerous areas, but we cannot qualify the city as entirely dangerous.
Brasilia dangerous for tourists?
While Brasilia is a beautiful city with a lot to offer, visitors should be aware of the dangerous areas and neighborhoods that exist. By exercising caution and common sense, visitors can enjoy all that Brasilia has to offer while staying safe.
Canada tells tourists who go to major Brazilian cities, including of course Brasilia:
“Crime is a serious problem throughout Brazil. Crimes are more frequent in urban centers, particularly in areas adjacent to disadvantaged neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasilia, Recife, Salvador. " Source travel.gc.ca
The French Government has placed the capital of Brazil in an enhanced vigilance zone. Here is their recommendation for travelers to Brasilia:
“The Federal District is relatively safe, the center of Brasilia (Pilot Plan, Lago Sul and Lago Norte but also the Aguas Claras district) benefiting from the presence of administrations, embassies and security forces. However, snatchings have been reported there, as well as at cash machines. Several armed attacks on extra-urban public transport have been reported.
Extreme caution is recommended in towns near the capital. " Source France Diplomacy
So while Brasilia has its share of safety issues, it's important to note that not all neighborhoods in Brasilia are equally dangerous. The city is divided into several zones, some of which are safer than others (see list and details below).
By taking the appropriate security measures, it is therefore entirely possible to enjoy all the tourist attractions that Brasilia has to offer without putting yourself in unnecessary danger.
Brasilia districts map
Brasília has 33 administrative regions: Ceilândia, Samambaia, Plano Piloto, Taguatinga, Planaltina, Guará, Gama, Recanto das Emas, Santa Maria, Águas Claras, São Sebastião, Riacho Fundo 2, Sol Nascente/Pôr do Sol, Sobradinho 1 + Sobradinho 2 , Vicente Pires, Paranoá, Itapoã, Sudoeste/Octogonal, Brazlândia, Jardim Botânico, Riacho Fundo, Arniqueira, Lago Norte, SCIA, Cruzeiro, Lago Sul, Núcleo Bandeirante, Park Way, Candangolândia, Varjão, Fercal, SIA, North Wing and Wing South, Northwest Sector, South Lake and North Lake.
Each of these regions includes several districts, the list of which you will find on the site: meulugar.quintoandar.com.br.
To help you identify the dangerous neighborhoods but also the best places to stay in Brasilia which we will talk about later, here is a map of the main districts of Brasilia: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y6MTtdyBGTPVLezt9
Areas to avoid in Brasilia – Favelas
Many “satellite cities” surround Brasilia and form slums. These favelas are mostly found on the outskirts of the city and are home to thousands of people.
Although not all of them are dangerous, some favelas in Brasilia are, unfortunately, notorious for high crime rates, drug trafficking and gang violence.
These are informal neighborhoods characterized by extreme poverty, high crime and the absence of basic services such as water and electricity. These neighborhoods are often taken over by drug trafficking gangs and become no-go zones for the police.
One of Brasilia's most dangerous favelas is Celandia. Located to the west of the city, the police often carry out raids there, but the situation remains tense and at risk.
Another favela considered a risk area is Santa Maria. This favela, located on the southern outskirts of Brasilia, is known for its high crime rate.
Tourists are advised not to venture there, especially after dark.
Similarly, the neighboring favela of rising sun a little further south is also an area to avoid for tourists.
Areas to avoid in Brasilia in the city center
Besides the favelas, other areas of Brasilia are considered unsafe for visitors.
The government has taken several measures to improve security in the city. The police have stepped up their patrols in high-risk areas and the government has invested in several initiatives to promote safety and reduce crime rates.
However, even in the downtown of Brasilia also called Pilot plane Though reputed to be safe, there are also a few areas to avoid.
These include the central bus station (Bus Station), known for its pickpockets and muggers and the around the football stadium, especially during major events.
It will also be necessary to avoid walking alone at night around the Esplanade des Ministries and the commercial district of South Commercial Sector.
Most dangerous neighborhoods in Brasilia
Summarizing the numerous publications on security in Brasilia, the most criminal areas of the city are as follows:
- According to official figures the most dangerous neighborhood in Brasilia is Fercal (see article on guigoxavier.jusbrasil.com.br)
- paranoá
- Structural Village
- Varjao
- itapoã
- Guara
- Recanto das emas
- deep River
- Sobradinho
- San Sebastian
You can locate these neighborhoods by clicking on the links which will direct you to their position on Google Maps.
Best neighborhoods to stay in Brasilia
It is important to note that (fortunately) not all neighborhoods in Brasilia are dangerous!
The city has many neighborhoods that are often very modern, well developed and safe. These are neighborhoods appreciated by the inhabitants of Brasilia but also by expatriates.
Still according to forums and real estate agency sites, here are the best neighborhoods to stay in Brasilia (the safest, the most chic and the most popular):
- South Lake
- North Lake
- Parkway
- Southwest Sector
- Pilot plane
- Clear waters
- Meireles
The southwest sector is one of the most expensive places in Brasilia.
Best area to stay in Brasilia for tourists?
The first and most obvious choice for a tourist stay in Brasilia is the central district or Plano Piloto.
Plano Piloto – Tourist district in Brasilia
Here is where the best tourist area of Brasilia is located: Pilot plane (downtown Brasilia)
The central district is the best area to enjoy the many tourist attractions, such as the National Museum, the Planalto Palace, the Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial, the Sanctuary of Dom Bosco, the National Congress and the Cathedral of Brasilia. This area is also ideal for tourists as it has many restaurants, cafes and shopping malls.
In addition, this district offers a large choice of hotels ranging from the most economical to the most luxurious.
Which hotel in the center of Brasilia?
If you are looking for a good hotel with excellent value for money in the best area of Brasilia, you can book at Windsor Brasília Hotel.
Indeed it is located in the heart of the most touristy area of Brasilia and has great comfort and many amenities.
Which hotel by the lake in Brasilia?
Facing Lake Paranoa, right next to the Palácio da Alvorada, here is a perfect place for a tourist stay far from the dangerous districts of Brasilia: the Royal Tulip Brasilia Alvorada
How to visit Brasilia?
Here are some ideas for interesting visits to discover Brasilia in complete safety: