Brasília has two main diplomatic sectors — the Setor de Embaixadas Norte (SES) along the lakeshore and the Setor de Embaixadas Sul (SEN) parallel to Asa Sul. Each cluster has dozens of embassies on generous plots, many in striking architecture commissioned to express national identity. Highlights include the British Embassy in red sandstone, the French Embassy by Le Corbusier disciple Guy Lagneau, the chunky concrete US Embassy, the floating glass Italian Embassy, and Niemeyer's own embassy designs for Algeria and Cuba.
The embassies are private but the streets are public, and the area is pleasant to drive or cycle through. A few embassies open for the annual Volta ao Mundo em 8 horas festival.