Palmas is the capital of Tocantins, a planned city in Brazil's interior north. For a visitor it is a straightforward place to use as a base: the city has its own airport, and the accommodation that appears in traveller listings clusters around the main square.
This guide covers where to base yourself in Palmas, which areas suit different kinds of trips, and what to expect at each price level. It deals with areas rather than individual properties, so you can decide on a location first and then look at what is available there.
Best areas to stay in Palmas
1. Around the main square
The main square is the one area of Palmas that the travel sources describe in concrete terms for sleeping, and it is where you find accommodation within easy walking distance of the centre of things. Staying just off the square puts you next to the everyday life of the city rather than on its edges.
This suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be able to step out of their door and be among shops, services and the square itself. The listings here include simple, inexpensive places, so it is also the practical choice for budget travellers. Note that some of the cheapest rooms come with a shared bathroom rather than a private one, so check what you are booking if that matters to you.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Simple rooms, sometimes with a shared bathroom rather than a private one, in the central area around the main square. Expect basic furnishings and the essentials rather than extras.
- Mid-range: Private rooms with their own bathroom and more space and comfort than the cheapest options, still within reach of the centre.
- Splurge: The largest rooms and the most facilities in the city, with private bathrooms as standard and services beyond the basics.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself around the main square. It is the area the sources actually describe for visitors, it keeps you within walking distance of the centre, and it gives you the widest choice of places to sleep at the lower end of the price range. From there you can get to know the rest of Palmas without committing to a location you have not yet seen.
Frequently asked questions
Where do most visitors stay in Palmas?
The accommodation described for travellers is concentrated around the main square, just off it and close to the bank on the square. That is the natural first place to look.
Do I need a private bathroom?
Not necessarily. Some of the cheapest rooms in the central area have a shared bathroom, while rooms with their own bathroom cost more. Decide which you want before you book.
Is the main square a good base for budget travellers?
Yes. The inexpensive rooms listed in Palmas are in this area, including the lowest-priced options with shared facilities.
How do I get to Palmas?
Palmas has its own airport, so you can fly in and base yourself in the city without a long overland transfer.
Compare live prices for the area you have chosen using the booking tools on this page.