Visit Recife: what are the best things to do and see in the capital of Pernambuco?
Recife, the capital of Pernambuco, is certainly the most exciting city of Nordeste after Salvador de Bahia. One cultural dynamics , a great choice of entertainment and restaurants, an interesting historical centre, an impressive coastal landscape, and a fabulous carnival (mid-February – early March). The city itself can scare with its bright skyscrapers, its intense road traffic, its extent... but Recife is more sympathetic than Fortaleza For example. It derives its name from the reefs that calm the waters of its ports and the coast. Anyway, if you still hesitate to come and spend a stay here, here are some of the best things to do in Recife that could help you make your decision!
Small development on safety in Recife Before anything, it is possible that you have read information about security in Recife: although it is called the "Brazilian Venice" for its canals, the city has one of the highest crime rates in the country and the beaches are decorated with signs to pay attention to sharks. These facts can discard the traveller you are. In spite of all, it will be necessary to pass above all this (for info, Rio may be worse about this, and yet everyone goes there...). Indeed, the many sites in the city, and the attractions around Recife, however, encourage to come and stay there.
Please read the following:
1. The visit of Recife
Flickr – Delma Paz
Recife has everything a big city can offer: museums , historic buildings , one theatre ... During the same day, you can visit several famous local spots. Start with the Mercado São José , the largest public market in the city, where you will find everything. Also in the center of Recife, Casa da Cultura is a former prison that now houses artisans and sellers. If you are not very “shopping”, the Forte de São Tiago das Cinco Pontas You'll be interested. This former Dutch fort allows you to learn more about the history of the city.
Always in the old town, do not miss the very many religious buildings (cathedrales, convents, chapels...).
Far further away from the center, Instituto Brennand and Oficina Brennand are two beautiful cultural visits. The first is located in the Varzea district and exhibits a huge private collection of armour, paintings, sculptures and weapons. The second, bearing the same name (same family), is a collection of Francisco Brennand, where one can admire sculptures and paintings, all made of his hand, and housed in an old tiles factory. To get there, you have to take a bus to the end of Caxangá Avenue.
2. The beautiful Olinda
Flickr – Prefeitura de Olinda
Olinda means "the beautiful" ( O linda ) in Portuguese. And we understand why she was so named: it’s a real architectural gem just 6 km from Recife, you can’t miss it. The historic centre of the city of Olinda is UNESCO World Heritage List . It was founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century. In addition to the 20 baroque-style churches, Olinda has many gardens, buildings and small chapels. Some of the important buildings have been restored, such as Cathedral of São Pedro , Church of Graça , Couvent do Carmo , etc... The small town is on foot through the narrow streets. On Thursday and weekend, appointment Rua do Ampara to enjoy the nightlife. On Friday, follow the serenade for a unique musical moment in the streets. On Saturday, visit Alto da Sé Preto Velho. Every first Saturday of the month, learn to dance the samba in the Largo de Guadalupe. Olinda is really worth exploring, both for its historical buildings and for its regular events.
3. South coast
Flickr – Ricardo Mendonça Ferreira
Okay, it's not in Recife itself, but these little destinations are worth a visit. First Porto de Galinhas , which is known for its natural swimming pools. It is even so famous that the old small fishing village has become an important seaside resort. You can explore the reefs by swimming or walking. There is absolutely no need to rent a jangada (barque). For young people or "routards", you will find some cheap accommodations and restaurants in the city, but in the north of the village there are resorts and hotels much more luxurious.
If you are looking for other beaches (less frequented), you can stop at Maracaípe which is the host of several surf contests during the year and which is located just south of Porto de Galinhas. In the south of the village is the Pontal, from which you can watch seahorses.
Further south again, there are other beaches like that of Praia dos Carneiros , where it is possible to make buggy in the dunes. It is really nice to swim here, or stroll along the shores of the estuary formed by the ocean and the river. Restaurants are cheap, and Tamandaré (to the south) is even cheaper (hotel, restaurant).
3 days can be allocated to these places, but avoid doing so during the weekend.
4. The island of Itamaracá
Wikimedia – LeRoc
This island, north of Recife, has three main attractions: Corõa do Avião , Centro Peixe Boi and Forte Orange .
Corõa do Avião is a small island, a sandbank more exactly, famous for its surrounding tropical waters. To access it, you will need to rent a boat from Forte Orange Beach. To be there, visit the old Dutch fort. Nearby you will find the Centro Peixe Boi, where Brazilian scientists do research and treat the lamantins (fish valleys).
In addition to the guided tours offered by local agencies or the taxi, you can reach Itamaracá Island by bus. You must first take a bus to Igarassú, then another bus to Forte Orange. Leave early.
Where to stay in Recife?
You can consider staying 1 week in Recife to visit the sites listed above, but if you only want to see Recife and Olinda, 3 days can be enough. Choose your area where to stay . Recife is also an ideal drop point to visit the state of the Pernambouco (Pernambouc). You can find a cheap hotel in Recife by searching for this Compare hotels .
Recife is easily accessible from any large Brazilian city by plane, especially thanks to the low-cost Azul and Gol companies. To stay here, it can be nicer to rent an apartment (in Olinda for example) to better enjoy the stay. See for this sites like Airbnb.
Have you visited Recife? How did you find this town?
Main photo credit : Flickr – Márcio Cabral de Moura
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