Brasilia's nightlife is scattered across the city's numbered blocks, so you need to know where you are heading before hailing a cab. The pattern is bars first, clubs later — locals typically start at a bar around 9pm and move to a club around midnight. Bars must close at 1am Sunday through Wednesday, and 2am Thursday through Saturday.
The pub scene centres on Asa Sul: Gates (403 Sul), UK Brasil (410 Sul), and O'Rilley (408 Sul) all draw a slightly older crowd with good music and a relaxed atmosphere.