A northeastern Brazilian city with colonial architecture and lively beaches. Birthplace of singer Gilberto Gil, it hosts numerous festivals and carnivals year-round.
Recife, the capital of Brazil's Pernambuco state, sits on the Atlantic coast. The city is crisscrossed by rivers and bridges, giving it a unique layout. In Recife, you'll find colonial-era churches like the Matriz de Santo Antonio, modern museums such as the Ricardo Brennand Institute, and long stretches of urban beaches like Boa Viagem. The city comes alive during Carnival, when musical groups lead crowds through the streets. When you want a break from city life, you can take a short trip to nearby beach towns like Porto de Galinhas.
Wandering Through Recife Antigo
In Recife Antigo, the city's historic center, you'll walk narrow streets lined with colorful houses and churches from the 16th century. Look for the Matriz de Santo Antonio, built by the Dutch in the 17th century. Near the church, you'll find Pátio de São Pedro square, surrounded by historic buildings that now house craft shops and restaurants.
Exploring Recife's Beaches
Boa Viagem Beach extends for several kilometers along Recife's southern coast. While sharks in the area make swimming risky, many people use the beach promenade for walking, jogging, and cycling. For safer swimming, take a day trip to Porto de Galinhas, about 60 km south of Recife. There, you can swim in clear waters and natural pools formed by coral reefs.
Visiting Recife's Museums
At the Ricardo Brennand Institute, you'll see art and artifacts from the Dutch and Portuguese colonial era. The Francisco Brennand Workshop displays ceramics and sculptures in a park-like setting. For a look at regional history, visit the Pernambuco State Museum, located in a 19th-century prison building.
Experiencing Carnival in Recife
During Carnival in Recife, you won't see organized parades. Instead, you'll join crowds following musical groups through the streets. The largest group, Galo da Madrugada, attracts millions of participants. Listen for traditional music styles like frevo and maracatu. Throughout Carnival, you'll hear music and see street performances across the city.
Tasting Local Cuisine at São José Market
São José Market, housed in a 19th-century building, contains hundreds of stalls. Here, you can buy local produce and handicrafts, and try traditional foods. Sample regional specialties like bolo de rolo (a rolled cake with guava paste) or tapioca (a pancake made from manioc flour). For seafood, head to the restaurants along Boa Viagem beach, which serve fresh fish and shellfish dishes.
Navigating Recife
To get around Recife, you can use the metro system, which connects the city center with some outer areas. Buses serve as the main form of public transportation. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. In the Boa Viagem area, you can walk to many attractions. For trips to nearby towns like Olinda or Porto de Galinhas, take intercity buses or rent a car.
Staying Safe in Recife
Some areas of Recife have high crime rates. Stay alert, especially at night, and keep valuable items out of sight. Tourist areas like Boa Viagem and Recife Antigo have police presence, but remain cautious. Remember that swimming at Recife's urban beaches is risky due to shark activity.
