recife brazil tourist attractions

The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Recife, Brazil

Dubbed the “Venice of Brazil” for the abundance of picturesque waterways that sliver throughout the city, Recife is a touristic and commercial powerhouse in northern Brazil and a must for travelers traversing the region. From a crazy carnival parade to pristine beaches and thumping nightlife, here are the top 10 things to see and do in this vibrant tropical city.

Go crazy at carnival.

Give the tourist throngs of Rio a miss and go a little loco Brazilian-style at Recife’s world-class carnival . Try to arrive on Saturday to witness the Galo da Madrugada, an epic parade that follows a giant route across a bridge and attracts some two million revelers. It’s the biggest street party in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records.

1. Check out neighboring Olinda

A sister city just a short drive from Recife, colorful Olinda is famous for its pastel-colored houses and quaint colonial churches. Culture vultures will adore this open-air living museum, especially considering the entire historical center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

Olinda, State of Pernambuco, Brazil

Olinda | © Prefeitura de Olinda / Flickr

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3. Shop till you drop

4. Visit the Culture House

After some shopping of a more traditional kind? Then pay a visit to the Casa da Cultura, a stunning artisanal marketplace that has been converted from a notorious prison. Live performances of traditional and contemporary music are common in the evenings.

Casa de Cultura, R. Floriano Peixoto, 141 Santo Antônio, Recife PE, 50020-060, Brazil , +55 81 3224 0557

Souvenirs at the Casa da Cultura | © Alberto …. / Flickr

5. Wander around the old city

Although clearly not as quaint as neighboring Olinda, Recife’s old town is jam-packed full of imposing architecture and colorful markets. Highlights include Praca da Republica, Teatro Santa Isabel, Catedral de Sao Pedro dos Clerigos, and Mercado do Sao Jose.

Praca da Republica, R. Imperador Pedro Segundo, s/n Santo Antônio, Recife PE, 50010-240, Brazil

Recife Old Town | © fgmsp / Pixabay

6. Explore a majestic castle

Okay, it might not be medieval, but the stunning estate of the Instituto Ricardo Brennand is home to a castle full of swords, suits of armor, and plenty of other knightly paraphernalia. Expect to find fantastic Brazilian and European artwork plus other historical artifacts.

Instituto Ricardo Brennand, Alameda Antônio Brennand, s/n Várzea, Recife PE, 50791-904, Brazil , +55 81 2121 0365

Instituto Ricardo Brennand | © Luci Correia / Flickr

7. Marvel at some incredible pottery

Brazil’s finest ceramicist set up shop on the outskirts of Recife, converting his family’s abandoned tile factory into a whimsical array of immaculately crafted artworks. It’s within a short distance of Instituto Ricardo Brennand, so be sure to combine a trip to both.

Oficina Ceramica Francisco Brennand, Propriedade Santos Cosme e Damião, Rua Diogo de Vasconcellos, S/N Várzea, Recife PE, 50740-970, Brazil , +55 81 3271 2466

Oficina Ceramica Francisco Brennand | © Valdiney Pimenta / WikiCommons

8. Learn to dance frevo

The official dance of Recife’s feverish carnival, all things frevo can be found in the central Paço do Frevo museum. Expect to find exhibits of former carnival floats, live performances, and dance schools which welcome foreigners eager to learn a few moves.

Paço do Frevo, R. da Guia, s.n. Recife, PE, 50030-360, Brazil , +55 81 3355 9500

Frevo | © Prefeitura de Olinda / Flickr

Head out for an unforgettable evening

The thriving city of Recife has no shortage of excellent dining and entertainment options, with many of the most happening spots lining the upmarket Boa Viagem.

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The Ultimate Recife Travel Guide: Explore Brazil Like a Local [2024]

Table of Contents

Recife TRAVEL GUIDE

Recife brazil: a quick look.

Hello, adventurers of this world! I’m going to tell you about an incredible destination affectionately known as Brazilian Venice. Recife is brimming with history! It is the capital of Pernambuco and also the oldest capital in the country. It has stunning beauty, is full of gastronomic delights, breathtaking architecture, a pleasant climate, and colorful streets with lots of maracatu and frevo.

In this Recife travel guide, you will find everything you need to know, from pre-planning your trip to staying safe.  For an in-depth country guide, see our complete  Brazil travel guide . 

As expected, Recife has one of the main carnivals in Brazil. Well, it’s no surprise that the biggest carnival block in the world, according to the Guinness Book, O Galo da Madrugada, receives around two million excited revelers on the morning of Carnival Saturday. They say location is everything. So, Recife is privileged. With beautiful beaches a city with a very rich and diverse history, it is one of the most fascinating cities in Brazil.

I believe that I am a very lucky person, as I had the opportunity to visit many places in Brazil, and now I want to be able to share with you everything I experienced. I know many tips and curiosities that only locals know. So, with so much information in hand, I hope I can help you on your adventure in Recife.

Side note: One of the main questions we get when planning a trip to our country is “when is the best time to visit Brazil ”, which you can read later.

Now let’s get to know this Recife travel guide. Here we go!

Recife Brazil: Quick travel tips before you go

🛫 Airport: Recife’s main airport is Recife International Airport (Guararapes) (REC).

🤑 Currency: Brazilian Real, denoted by the symbol R$

🗣️ Language: Portuguese is the official language in Recife, but English is spoken in tourist areas and hotels.

🕰️ Time Zone: Brasilia Standard Time (GMT-3). One hour before EST and 4 hours before PST.

💵 Cost: Recife is even more affordable if it’s in a stronger currency, such as the US dollar, euro, or yen.

🛜 Internet: nternet speeds in Recife may vary, as they do in other cities in Brazil. However, you will find reasonably fast Internet connections.

📄 Brazil Visa: As of now, If you are traveling from the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan, then NO. This could change as of October 1, 2023. Track the status and details here . You do NOT need a visa for EU Nationals, and you may not be affected by the Oct 1, 2023 change. You can see the details here .

🔌 Power Outlets: Excellent! Brazil operates entirely on 127/220V and 60 Hz. In Recife specifically, it works on 220 volts with a frequency of 60 hertz (Hz), but some older installations may run on 127 volts, so it’s wise to ask first. Make sure to bring a universal travel adapter to ensure your electronic devices are compatible with the local power outlets.

🔋 Power Grid: It is excellent. Brazil mainly operates on a 127/220V supply voltage and 60Hz. Some newer buildings are working on 220V, but don’t count on it everywhere.

📳 SIM Card: If you have any doubts about the need for a SIM card for Brazil, the answer to that is YES: they are very cheap, and buying one in any country you visit is a matter of necessity.

🚘 Car Rentals: It can seem a bit daunting to rent a car in Brazil , especially when you’re visiting another country. But it can be an excellent alternative.

recife travel guide

Recife brazil: safety travel tips (use common sense).

🍏 Food safety: The food in Recife is safe. However, as there are many seafood dishes, you should be aware if you have a food intolerance or allergy.

💧 Water safety: Tap water is not recommended for drinking, but you can use it to brush your teeth, shower, and wash your hands. I recommend that you always buy filtered water so that it can be consumed. Consider bringing a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for convenient access to clean and safe drinking water during your travels.

👷‍♀️ Daytime safety: During the day, Recife is relatively safe for residents and visitors, especially in more touristy and commercial areas. However, it is always important that you take basic precautions to ensure you are safe.

🦺 Nighttime safety: It’s always important to use your common sense wherever you go. Don’t keep valuables in your pockets, stay in well-lit and busy areas, don’t walk alone at night, don’t pick up your phone in the street, and don’t wear jewelry or anything of considerable value.

👺 Avoiding scams: Make sure all your valuables are stored in a safe place. Uber or cabs should be booked directly through the app or the place where you are staying. Also, don’t leave your water or other drinks unattended.

Recife Brazil Travel Tips: A Locals Perspective

🏨 Best neighborhoods for tourists: Choosing the neighborhood you want to stay in will depend on your interests and the type of experience you want to have. Boa Viagem (Family), Pina (Individual travelers and groups). Casa Forte (couples).

🎄 Top Brazilian holidays and traditions: This Recife travel guide recommends trying Carnival, Easter, Independence Day (September 7), Our Lady of Aparecida Day (October 12), and Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

🍜 Local food to try: Carne de Sol (It is beef that is salted and dried in the sun. It is generally served grilled with side dishes). Caldo de Sururu (It is a broth made from shellfish, which are cooked with seasonings, coconut milk, and other ingredients). Buchada de Bode (a dish made with the goat’s entrails, such as the stomach, cooked with spices and herbs, a delicacy that may not please everyone). Arrumadinho (It is a dish that consists of green beans, shredded corned beef, fried cassava, curd cheese, and vinaigrette). Shrimp and Seafood (Due to Recife’s beachfront location, fresh seafood is abundant). Tapioca (It is a type of crepe made with cassava starch. It can be filled with different ingredients such as banana, cheese, and meat).

🍹 Local drinks to try (alcoholic): Cerveja de mandioca – Cassava beer (Some local breweries produce beers that incorporate regional ingredients, such as cassava). Jenipapo Liqueur (Genipapo is a fruit from the region and is used to make a sweet, full-bodied liqueur) Cachaça (It is a distilled alcoholic drink made from sugar cane and is the base for many Brazilian cocktails). Caipirinha (Caipirinha is a classic Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, lemon, sugar, and ice. It is very refreshing and a perfect choice on hot days.

🧉 Local drinks to try (non-alcoholic): Cajuína (It is a sweet drink made from concentrated cashew juice, typical of the Brazilian Northeast). Natural Juices (fresh fruit juice, such as mango, pineapple, acerola, passion fruit, and guava). Guaraná (It is a Brazilian soft drink made from the fruit of the same name). Coconut Water (Fresh coconut water is a very popular drink in Brazil and especially in Recife due to the hot climate).

🚶‍♂️ Walkability: A great choice! Walking in Recife is a great option, especially in certain areas of the city. The city offers beautiful landscapes to hike and explore on foot. By taking these walks, you’ll have the opportunity to explore nature, beaches, and spectacular views.

🎉 Nightlife: It’s GREAT! The nightlife in Recife is lively. The city has many options for those who like to go out at night. The city has a lively and vibrant cultural scene, with bars, pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, and cultural events to suit different tastes.

😀 Friendly to Foreigners: Like many cities in Brazil, Recife is a warm and welcoming city. Brazilians are generally known for their friendliness and hospitality. Therefore, the experience of making friends in Recife is a way of getting to know the local culture even better.

🏥 Hospitals: In Recife, you will find health units that offer medical care and assistance in case of emergencies. Hospitals in Recife, as in other Brazilian cities, vary in terms of infrastructure and quality.

🇺🇸 English speaking: English is spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas to welcome foreign visitors.

Where is Recife Brazil Located?

Recife map .

Recife is located in the northeastern region of Brazil. It is the capital of the state of Pernambuco and is situated on the east coast of the country, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Recife is positioned near the mouth of the Capibaribe River, which makes it a privileged coastal location. It is one of the most important cities in the northeast of Brazil in economic and cultural terms.

What State is Recife In? 

Recife is located in the state of Pernambuco and is one of the states that make up the Northeast region of Brazil. As Recife is the capital of Pernambuco, it is one of the most important cities in the area and is well known for its rich history, culture, and economy.

What’s the Closest Airport to Recife Brazil?

Recife/Guararapes International Airport (REC) is the closest airport to Recife. This is the gateway airport to the city and also to the Pernambuco region. It is located approximately 11 kilometers (6 mi) south of Recife’s city center, making it the most convenient option for travelers wishing to visit Recife.

What is the Best Way to Get to Your Recife Hotel?

When you arrive at Recife/Guararapes International Airport (REC), there are several means of transportation to get to your chosen place of accommodation:

Taxi: When you land at Recife International Airport, you will probably find a line of taxis available to take you to your hotel. If you want to use this means of transport, check the fare in advance and also make sure the meter is working.

Uber: Uber is a very good alternative and also often cheaper than taking a taxi. You can request an Uber through the app, and it will then arrive at your hotel.

Airport Transfer: Many hotels in Recife offer an airport transfer service to their guests. Therefore, it is a good idea to check with your hotel to see if they provide this type of service and how you will need to make an appointment.

Rent a car : If you want to have greater flexibility on your trip and want to explore areas beyond Recife, a good option is to rent a car at the airport. There are several car rental companies available at Recife International Airport. That is great.

How to Get Around Recife?

Ride Sharing (top choice): One of my favorite options, walking can be one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the city, places like Recife Antigo and the Boa Viagem waterfront, for example, and especially in locations with attractions close to each other. When I went to Recife, this was the method I used the most to get around the city.

Rent a Car (top choice): If you are exploring Recife in more depth or have specific travel plans, renting a car will be an excellent option. There are several car rental agencies available in the city and at Recife International Airport.

Take a Taxi: You will always have a taxi available in Recife. You can find them at taxi ranks, in front of hotels, and on the streets.

Extra Tip: Recife has an initiative called “Bike PE” that encourages the use of bicycles as a means of transport. There are bike rental stations in various parts of the city, and you can also use an app to rent a bike for a short period if you prefer. I thought this was fantastic.

Extra Tip: To cross the Capibaribe River and visit neighboring neighborhoods, you can use boat services that operate in the city.

When to Go to Recife?

The best time for you to travel and take advantage of all these tips on what to do in Recife is summer. In other words, if you can, visit the capital of Pernambuco between September and March. It’s even better if you can come just before or after Carnival, so you can enjoy the city and the festivities. Let’s take a look at the best time to visit Recife. 

Recife Brazil Summer (December to February): During the summer, which runs from December to February, the weather is hot and humid in Recife, with average temperatures in the 30°C (86°F) range. This is beach season, and they are very busy.

Summer Carnival: Carnival is celebrated in style in Recife. It is a unique experience with a contagious atmosphere of party and celebration. So, suppose you like music, dance, and Brazilian culture. In that case,, Carnival is a wonderful time to visit the city and be captivated by this beautiful party. So, if you want to experience this party, you will have to plan ahead. Booking a hotel in advance will be essential if you don’t want to pay stratospheric prices.

Recife Brazil Fall (March to May): The climate is milder, with more comfortable temperatures, ranging between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The city tends to be less busy. It’s a good time to avoid large crowds.

Recife Brazil Winter (June to August): Winter in Recife is mild, with cooler temperatures compared to summer, with night temperatures that can drop to around 20°C (68°F). It’s a good time to visit if you prefer to avoid Recife’s intense heat. Recife Brazil Spring (September to November): Spring is the beginning of gradual warming, with temperatures gradually rising. The climate is more pleasant, with temperatures varying between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F).

Where to Stay in Recife Brazil? (By Neighborhood)

There are many good places to stay in Recife, so the best choice will depend on how much you are willing to pay for accommodation and the type of trip you want to take.

The options presented in this Belo Horizonte guide are Boa Viagem (family). Pina (Individual travelers and groups. Casa Forte (couples).

I summarized this topic so that you can more easily understand what each of these neighborhoods has to offer.

 Recife Antigo – Old Recife (Best Central Location And Nightlife)

This is the best central location in Recife. It’s an area rich in culture and history and has a lively nightlife with lots of bars, restaurants, and live music. It’s also central, so it’s easy to get to other parts of the city. 

Pina (Individual Travelers and Groups) 

Located next to the Boa Viagem neighborhood, Pina offers a very beautiful and pleasant coastal area with beaches, many beach bars, and restaurants. Ideal for enjoying alone or with friends. 

Boa Viagem – Bon Voyage  (Family) 

This seaside neighborhood has a wide range of hotels, rental apartments and tourist infrastructure. The beach is suitable for families, as there are plenty of restaurants and activities in the vicinity. 

Casa Forte – Strong house (Couples)

For couples looking for a quieter, more romantic place, Casa Forte offers a more charming yet relaxing atmosphere.

Best Things to Do in Recife Brazil

• Carnival in Recife: Carnival in Recife is an attraction you need to go to. So if you visit Recife during the Carnival season, don’t miss the lively street parties, parades, and cultural events. Recife’s Carnival is one of the most famous in Brazil.
• Mercado de São José: Visit this historic and bustling market where you can buy local handicrafts, food, and souvenirs to take home.
• Rua do Bom Jesus: already elected as one of the most beautiful in the world. In addition to the colorful buildings, it houses the first synagogue in the Americas, Kahal Zur Israel, which can be visited. Still, on the street, you will find the Embaixada dos Bonecos Gigantes, a very simple mini “museum” that houses many dolls that are a trademark of Carnival in Recife.
• Francisco Brennand Museum: This museum has the works of Pernambuco artist Francisco Brennand in an impressive environment with his sculptures, ceramics, and contemporary art.
• Boa Viagem Beach: Enjoy relaxing on the famous urban beach of Boa Viagem. Enjoy the sun, swim in the warm waters, and take walks along the boardwalk. But pay attention to shark warnings and stay close to shore.
• Recife Antigo: It is the most touristic neighborhood in the city, called Bairro do Recife, it is in the central region of Recife and it is lovely. Walking aimlessly through its cobblestone streets is worth it. But don’t think that’s all. Recife Antigo also has several cool attractions, as well as good restaurants and bars.
• Cais do Sertão: Discover the Cais do Sertão museum, one of the coolest I’ve ever visited. The museum uses the life of artist Luiz Gonzaga as a guiding thread, mixing the traditional with the modern. It was installed in the place of old warehouses in the Port of Recife and uses technological resources to show different points of country life: living, working, singing, occupying, believing, migrating, and creating. Find out more about
• Capibaribe River: Take the opportunity to take a boat trip along the Capibaribe River to get a unique view of the city and enjoy the landscape along the banks of the river.
• Local Food: My favorite part of the whole trip. Try the rich northeastern cuisine, with dishes such as tapioca, acarajé, sun-dried meat, and the traditional Pernambuco feijoada.

Regardless of the tours you choose, Recife has beautiful places that allow you to enjoy many unforgettable moments in this tropical paradise.

Best Recife Tours

Visiting Recife is an incredible experience. The city has a huge variety of tourist attractions, and one of my favorites was enjoying the beautiful beaches and tasting the local cuisine.

 I believe that with all the attractions there are to do, it is possible to please everyone who comes to visit this wonderful city. With this travel guide to Recife, you will find the best tours to take.

💡Pro Tip: As Recife has many tours and tourist attractions to do, you must have a broader idea of the places you want to visit so you can outline your destinations in more detail. This way, you will be able to adjust your days and your time so as not to leave anything out of your plans.

💡Pro Tip: When you book tours, don’t ask just anyone on the street. It is very reliable and safe to buy online or see if your hotel can help you with this. However, hotels may charge a little more for this service.

Here Are the Top Tours for Recife:

• Catamaran Tour along the Capibaribe and Beberibe Rivers: A catamaran is a model of a vessel that has two parallel and identical hulls, known as “pontoons.” Catamarans range in size from small pleasure craft to large passenger ferries and commercial vessels. So think how cool it is to explore the city on the water.
• City Tour in Recife: A City Tour is a wonderful tour that will take you to the city’s main tourist attractions, such as Recife Antigo, where Praça do Marco Zero is located and with well-preserved colonial architecture. During this tour, you will learn more about the city’s history, architecture, and culture.
• Instituto Ricardo Brennand: Also, visit this impressive private museum. It has a collection of art and fantastic armor. Take the opportunity to explore the gardens and the unique architecture that the place has.
• Buggy Ride on the Beaches: One of the most exciting rides and the one I liked most. The buggy tour takes you along the beautiful beaches of Recife, natural pools, and coastal landscapes, stops for a meal, and includes optional activities.
• Catamaran Trip to Itamaracá Island: This catamaran trip will take you to Itamaracá Island, where you can visit Forte Orange and enjoy the local beaches.
• Gastronomic Tour: A unique and delicious experience on the trip. Try Pernambuco cuisine on a gastronomic tour of Recife, so you can try traditional dishes such as acarajé, sun-dried meat, and tapioca.
• Visit the Cais do Sertão Museum: Discover this interactive museum that tells the history and culture of the Brazilian Northeast in a magical and very engaging way.
• Night Tour through Recife Antigo: Take a night tour and experience the charming atmosphere of Recife Antigo. On this tour, you will listen to live music and go to beautiful restaurants and bars along the riverside.
• Visit the São José Market: Discover this historic and lively local market. At the market, you can buy local handicrafts, souvenirs, and various foods.
• Tour of Dona Lindu Park: Visit the park. It is located on the seafront in Boa Viagem, designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer. In addition to the park, there is also a cultural center that has cultural events and exhibitions.
• Bike Tour: If you like cycling, like me, there are companies in Recife that offer bike tours. It’s a really fun way to explore Recife.

Always remember that it is important to check tour availability and times. These were some of the many tours you can take in Recife to make your trip memorable.

Is Recife Safe for Tourists?

On my visit to Recife, I found it to be a safe city. Recife receives a large number of tourists every year. The city also has a well-established tourist industry, this is a factor that contributes to a safer city in tourist areas. However, just like anywhere you visit, you must be aware of your surroundings to ensure your trip is enjoyable.

I believe the main concern is petty theft. Because, anywhere in the world, this could happen. That’s why the more organized and planned your trip is, the safer you will be.

💡 Here, I Will Give You Some Professional Safety Tips for Each City You Travel To:

• Taking care of your belongings: Regardless of where you are traveling, it is very important to take care of your personal belongings, such as wallets, watches, bags, and smartphones. Do not leave your valuables visible in vehicles.
• Avoid going to dangerous places: You shouldn’t trust a certain area with your eyes closed just because it’s touristy. Therefore, avoid unknown neighborhoods because there is a danger of petty theft.
• Safe transportation: Only use reliable transportation like Taxi or Uber to get around the city at night; do not walk in unfamiliar areas.
• Do not display valuables: Avoid displaying valuables such as expensive jewelry, cameras, and watches in public places, as this may attract a lot of unwanted attention to you.
• Local information: Ask your hotel about safe places and places to avoid that could be considered dangerous.
• Emergency information: Always have emergency phone numbers, such as medical services and police, so you can call if you need anything.
• Pay attention to traffic: Traffic in Recife can be a little chaotic, so be careful when crossing streets or driving. Use pedestrian crossings and also respect the signage.

Therefore, all the precautions we take when traveling are essential, regardless of the destination you choose. Recife is a safe city for tourists, yet it is very important to always be aware of your surroundings and take secure measures to ensure that your trip is pleasant and peaceful.

As safety conditions may vary from time to time, always check for up-to-date safety information before taking your trip.

What is the Best Travel Insurance for Brazil?

This is a question that I get a lot, as travel insurance can get confusing. This is a critical part of your trip though so that you do not have to worry when visiting Recife or any other part of the world. 

Figuring out travel insurance can be overwhelming. However, having the right travel insurance coverage is essential for a stress-free trip to Ouro Preto, Brazil. The key is to make sure it is simple and flexible. 

To streamline this, we have broken down the best travel insurance companies out there in the industry that are all great but also serve different needs.  

Let’s explore what each of them brings to the table: 

✅ World Nomads : Best for comprehensive coverage, flexibility, AND adventure sports. Covers trip cancellation, emergency medical costs, and emergency medical transportation and protects your travel gear. 

✅ SafetyWing : This is for general travelers, frequent travelers,  and long-term digital nomads in Brazil. Provides lots of flexibility as far as start date, coverage extension, and automatic renewals. It also has limited home-country coverage. 

✅ Travel Insurance Master : Brazil travel insurance search tool, this is for people who really want to compare policies. 

Recife Travel: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drink the water in recife brazil.

Straight from the tap is a big NO .

This Recife guide recommends that you don’t drink tap water. It is safe for general use, so don’t risk drinking it.

You can use tap water to brush your teeth and take a shower! I recommend that you always buy bottled water whenever necessary.

Bottled water is sold in supermarkets and stores in Recife. Furthermore, always pay attention to the temperature during the day, as the Brazilian sun is VERY hot, so you always need to be well hydrated.

These are the steps to staying safe with healthy water: 

• In an Airbnb, you will need to boil water if you don’t have bottled or filtered water.
• In a hotel that does not have filtered water, buy bottled water.
• I recommend that you always buy bottled water. This way, you will have the convenience of carrying it in your bag or backpack. And what’s more, you will always be well hydrated. Consider investing in a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic bottles, allowing you to refill and filter water on the go.

What’s the Recife Weather Like?

Recife has a tropical monsoon climate, which is strongly characterized by high temperatures throughout the year and a well-defined rainy season.

Average annual temperatures in Recife range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). The rainy season runs from March to July, with April and May being the wettest. The dry season is from August to February. During this period, the rains are less frequent.

Recife has a high relative humidity, which makes it humid for much of the year. And the seawater temperature is very pleasant throughout the year, so you can enjoy Recife’s beaches.

  During the summer, average temperatures range from 28°C (82.4°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). The nights are milder, and temperatures are around 23°C (73.4 °F) to 25°C (77 °F). This is my favorite season. In autumn, it is still quite warm, with averages between 28°C (82.4°F) and 30°C (86°F). The nights are more pleasant, with average temperatures of 23°C (73.4°F) to 25°C (77°F). This is the beginning of the rainy season. Winter in Recife has temperatures between 27°C (80.6°F) and 29°C (84.2°F) and nights with pleasant temperatures of 22°C (71.6°F) to 24°C (75.2 °F), this is the dry season. In spring, temperatures are similar to winter, ranging from 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F).

Is Recife Expensive?

Saying that Recife is an expensive city or not can vary greatly from each person’s perspective. Costs will depend on each choice, such as accommodation, activities, and food. Recife has options for different budgets, making it a very attractive city for its visitors and residents.

Recife has a wide variety of restaurants and bars. So there you can find everything, from simple local restaurants to the most sophisticated.

Therefore, costs in Recife vary according to each individual’s choices. But always be aware that costs increase during peak season. So, organize your budget before making the details of your trip.

Is Recife Worth Visiting?

If you have doubts about whether Recife is a good destination, I can say that and yes! Recife is a destination that is VERY worth visiting, especially if you are interested in exploring the culture, natural beauty of Northeast Brazil, and history.

Recife is a city rich in its culture and history. It has a preserved historic center that features charming colonial architecture with museums, baroque churches, and a unique atmosphere. The city is also famous for its cultural festivities, such as Carnival, which is a unique experience that you will have the opportunity to experience.

The Recife region has enchanting beaches. It’s impossible not to fall in love. I can highlight Boa Viagem, which is an urban beach with warm waters. It’s wonderful to relax in this place.

Northeastern cuisine, the best part of the trip, is an attraction in itself. On my visit to Recife, I had the opportunity to try delicious dishes, such as acarajé, sun-dried meat, tapioca, and fresh seafood.

The region of Recife and its surroundings offer opportunities for you to experience ecotourism. This includes boat trips, beautiful trails, visits to natural parks, and you can even watch dolphins. Have you ever thought what a unique experience?

The local population is very friendly and hospitable, which contributes greatly to a welcoming experience for tourists.

How Many Days Do I Need in Recife Brazil?

The number of days you should choose to spend in Recife largely depends on the time you have available and your personal interests, such as what you want to do in the city and the pace you want to have on your trip.

Recife is so enchanting that four or five days may not be enough to enjoy everything it has to offer. It is important to remember that in high season, beaches and accommodations are more crowded. This can affect the pace of the activities you want to carry out, as everything can take a little longer.

Therefore, choosing the number of days will depend on your personal preferences and also how much you want to enjoy the trip. Regardless of the length of your stay, having adequate planning is essential so that you can have an unforgettable experience.

General Recife, Brazil Travel Info & FAQ

🌞 Recife Weather The climate in Recife, Brazil, is characterized by being very hot and humid throughout the year due to its tropical monsoon climate.

In general, temperatures in Recife are hot all year round. The city has a rainy season that runs from March to July, with April and May being the wettest. So during this period, heavy rains are very common. The dry season in Recife takes place from August to February, so during this period, the showers are less frequent. The relative humidity is high throughout the year, making Recife a humid city.

It is worth remembering that these are general conditions, and actual weather conditions vary from year to year. Recife is known for its warm and pleasant tropical climate, which is an attractive factor for those who love beaches and outdoor activities for much of the year. But I always like to highlight that it’s important to always have good planning, because if you don’t keep this in mind, you might choose a not-so-great season and this could affect your trip and the activities you’d like to do.

💰 Brazil Currency  The official currency of Brazil is the Brazilian real, indicated by BRL or R$. Nowadays, cards are accepted practically everywhere, but this Recife travel guide advises that you always have some cash on hand, a small amount, as Recife has a lot of local crafts and really cool things to take as souvenirs. So I would hate for you to miss something like that because you didn’t take a small amount of money with you on your trips.

🗣️ Brazil Language  As the official language of Brazil is Portuguese, both in Recife and throughout the country, this is what you will hear on the streets.

However, English is present in places that have tourist attractions and hotels. However, this Recife travel guide recommends that you learn a few things in the native language. It could just be a few easy words or phrases in Portuguese, as this will help you become more immersed in the local culture and also in your trip.

If you want to learn a little Portuguese before traveling, use DuoLingo or Pimsleur; they are great tools.

🛫 Recife Brazil Busy Season & Slow Season Recife Busy Season: The busy season in Recife is during the summer, in the months of December, January, and February. During this period, there are many tourists in Recife, both Brazilian and foreign, who are attracted by the combination of warm weather, end-of-year festivities such as New Year’s Eve, stunning beaches, and Carnival.

Recife Slow Season: The slow season in Recife is when the city is least visited by tourists. It is the rainy season period, which is from March to July. So during this period, if you visit Recife, you will find fewer crowds and also lower prices. However, be aware of the weather conditions, especially during this rainy season.

Recife Shoulder Season: This season runs from September to November. The shoulder season in Recife is the intermediary between the high season and the low season. In shoulder season, you will find a balance between fewer crowds and good weather conditions. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere without so many groups, this is the ideal time to visit Recife.

Do I Need a Visa for Brazil? 

The Short Answer: If you are traveling from the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan, the answer is no, UNTIL October 1, 2023, then the answer is yes. Currently, no visa is necessary from European Union (EU) countries. This looks like it will be the case even after October 1, 2023. 

The Longer Answer: Traveling to Brazil is a great experience, but it is important to make sure you have all your ducks in a row so to speak. That means having the proper documentation needed to enter the country. 

Here’s what you need to know about securing a visa for Brazil, specifically for citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and European Union (EU) countries.

Section 1: US, Canada, Australia, and Japan Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan can currently enter visa-free travel to Brazil for tourism or business purposes. 

This applies to stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period. All you need is a valid passport with an expiry date at least six months beyond your intended departure from Brazil.

Brazil is looking to implement the visa requirement again for these four countries as of October 1, 2023, so plan in advance for this. 

Section 2: European Union (EU)  Nationals

For most European Union citizens, including those from the UK, Germany, France, and Italy, also benefit from visa-free entry to Brazil. 

This policy permits EU nationals to stay in Brazil for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within a 12-month period. Like others, they will need a passport that is valid for at least six months past the date of entry into Brazil.

Visa and immigration requirements can and do change. It is always advised to check the latest information from the official government websites of Brazil or your home country’s foreign travel advisory services before making travel plans.

For the most recent and comprehensive information about visa requirements for all nationalities, consult the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or a Brazilian embassy or consulate near you during your pre-planning phase of your trip. 

The October 1st, 2023 update does not look like it will affect EU Nationals, but research accordingly here .

What Do I Need on My Brazil Packing List? 

Perhaps packing a suitcase that is too big and taking things that are not important to the other side of the world is one of the worst things about traveling. On the other hand, it’s also terrible to really need something and not have it. This can ruin anyone’s mood.

Packing your bags for a trip to Brazil or any other destination must be done in advance! This way you will only take what you need and won’t need to carry a lot of luggage.

Here’s a curated list focusing on your primary needs: 🔌 Power Adapters: Brazil has type C and N sockets, which can be inconvenient if you don’t plan everything in advance. Therefore, buy the right adapters for your devices before traveling so you won’t waste time buying one when you arrive at your destination. Consider investing in a universal travel adapter to cover your needs efficiently.

📳 Brazil and Florianopolis SIM Card: Having internet these days is essential, even more so when traveling far from your home country. So don’t forget to buy a Brazilian SIM card so you can use the internet and communicate. This is an essential tool if you intend to use Uber and Google Maps, for example.

💧 Filterable Water Bottle: Tap water in Recife is not safe to drink. So, do what I do: buy water and take your bottle wherever you go. Consider investing in a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for convenient access to clean and safe drinking water during your travels.

💊 Anti-Hangover Meds: Brazil’s nightlife is wild. It’s for sure worth carrying anti-hangover medications to make sure your trip runs smoother. The last thing you want to do is waste an entire day out of a seven-day trip in bed with a hangover. 

👒 Sun Protection: The Brazilian sun is VERY intense. This Recife travel guide recommends that you take your favorite sunscreen with HIGH SPF and hats for extra protection. Because even if you are exposed to the sun for a short time, you may regret it. Trust a person who has had some unfortunate sunburns.

🦟 Bug Repellent: By now, you should know that Brazil is a tropical country, and as such, you will have plenty of mosquitoes and insects to keep you company. Repellent is a REQUIRED item. Nobody likes itching or catching dengue fever and other diseases. Consider using an eco-friendly bug repellent to protect yourself while minimizing environmental impact.

🩴 Comfortable Footwear: There are different terrains in Recife. Therefore, bring comfortable walking shoes, sneakers, sandals, flip-flops, and whatever else you think is necessary.

📄 Travel Documents: Make sure you have collected all the necessary documents, such as passport, visa (if required), travel insurance documents, and everything else. Furthermore, have copies of everything. If it is lost or stolen, you will have extra copies. Avoid frustration so you can enjoy your trip.

And don’t forget to bring clothes suitable for the season in which you will travel to Recife. This travel list can be changed whenever you want, as long as you enjoy every minute of your trip without forgetting any details!

Is it Safe to Rent a Car and Drive in Recife Brazil? 

Renting a car and driving in Recife can be a great option, but you need to pay attention to several details to avoid any problems.

  Please be aware that road conditions in Recife can vary, and less busy roads may not be in good condition. So, drive carefully and be prepared to deal with possible potholes on the streets.

In high season, in the summer months, Recife is very busy, and traffic can be somewhat chaotic, with traffic jams in some areas, for example. If possible, try to avoid peak times and plan your trips well in advance.

Use a good GPS to help you get around Recife. Signage may be limited in certain areas. Be aware of Brazilian traffic laws and follow them. This includes speed limits, wearing a seat belt, and driving on the right side.

You need to have an international driver’s license to drive legally in the country. So if you choose to rent a car, take out good insurance to give you peace of mind.

Personal Safety: Always keep your belongings in a safe place and avoid leaving valuables in sight in the car. Because crimes of opportunity, such as vehicle break-ins, can occur in some areas.

Do I Need to Speak Portuguese to Visit Brazil?

Visiting Recife is something unique, a wonderful experience. The vast majority of locals will be very welcoming, regardless of how well you speak the language (Portuguese). But in situations where English may not be said, a tool like Duoling can be very useful! Not just Duo, but other platforms are very easy to use and great.

However, in my opinion, learning some basic phrases and words can open doors for you to have even more affectionate contact with the local population. Imagine how a simple “Obrigada” (thank you) or “Bom dia” (Good morning) in Portuguese can light up someone’s face when they see that you’re really making an effort to speak the language, even if it’s just something very basic.

It’s like a small gesture of affection that can make your stay even more pleasant. Don’t worry if you don’t speak the language, as the locals will welcome you just the same. One piece of advice: make the most of this experience!

Here are some great language preparation options for your trip to Brazil:

Learning basic Portuguese: Using good platforms to learn the basics of the language is really cool. I particularly like using DuoLingo, but there is also Pimsleur, for example. They have quick, interactive courses to help you gain more confidence and speak some Portuguese before your trip.

Use the Google Translate app: This app can be a lifesaver when it comes to language barriers. Remember that it works online, so you will need a Brazilian SIM card with good internet.

Get a Portuguese phrasebook : Consider carrying a Portuguese phrasebook , for example, the Lonely Planet Portuguese Phrasebook . This book can be very useful in helping you understand the local language a little, even in emergency situations. You won’t become fluent in the language, but you will gain some knowledge that could be very useful. This will certainly enrich your trip to Recife. Locals really appreciate it when visitors make an effort, no matter how small it may seem.

Is Brazil Safe for Solo Female Travel? 

Brazil can be a safe destination! But using common sense is always a good idea on any trip you take around the world.

There are some safety measures that I consider essential, such as avoiding going out alone at night and always being aware of your surroundings, staying in hotels that have a good rating and in safe areas, and booking tours only online.

Don’t go out with anything that attracts a lot of attention on the street, whether it’s something expensive or branded. Leave your valuables in a safe at your hotel.

I don’t think any Recife travel guide dictates any dress code or behavior, but they all recommend that you only use reliable transportation. And if you prefer to go out after 8 p.m., call an Uber! Remember that you will need mobile internet to use it!

Tell your family and friends everything about your trip, what your plans and steps are, and when you want to go back to the hotel for the night. A tip: share your location with your friends and family until you are safe.

As I am an experienced traveler, you can trust this Recife travel guide because it is a unique experience! Whether for a weekend or a longer trip, Recife awaits your visit!

Hello, adventurers of the world! my name is Talia Cordeiro and I am 26 years old. I was born in the coldest city in the state of Paraná, located in the south of Brazil. For as long as I can remember, I have been an adventurer at heart. And over the years, I had the opportunity to explore different corners of Brazil. My trip is not just about stunning landscapes but also about immersing myself in local culture and cuisine. I want to inspire all of you to explore the wonders of my country and experience the magic I find everywhere I go.

My story is an invitation to everyone who wants to know Brazil through my eyes. Our adventure starts now!

The 8 Best Things to Do in Recife, Brazil

Frazao Media/Getty Images

Although it is ​ Brazil's fourth largest city, Recife hasn't lost its traditional and cultural attractions to commercial development. The capital of Pernambuco state in northeast Brazil, Recife is a fluid mix of new and old.

Protected by the reef that gives the city its name, Recife is built around a number of inlets, canals, and bridges, living up to its name as the "Venice of Brazil." It offers walkable tours,  great beaches , and lively arts and entertainment.

Recife is beautiful anytime thanks to its  average year-round temperature  in the 80s F. However, the city puts on a great carnival so you might want to schedule a visit to the Recife and Olinda carnivals in February/March, or to the off-season carnival, called  Recifolia,  in October. Either occasion means thousands of visitors, so make your reservations early.

Lounge on Boa Viagem Beach

Michael Runkel / robertharding / Getty Images

Brazil is known for its beaches and Recife is no different. One of the best places to catch some sun is  Boa Viagem , an upscale area, which also offers most of the restaurants and nightclubs—some of which are oceanfront. Just keep in mind that this beach is known to have bull sharks, so you may want to stay on the sand instead of going for a swim.

Take a Cultural Walking Tour

Marco Simoni / robertharding / Getty Images 

Take a walking tour of the old city from the Praca da Republica to the impressive, 19th-century Teatro Santa Isabel. From there head to the Catedral de Sao Pedro dos Clerigos (also called Recife Co-Cathedral). Next, browse through the colorful Mercado do Sao Jose (Saint John's Market) for local arts and crafts and handiwork, including a special section for lace, and finish your walk at the Basilica de NS da Penha.

Shop Until You Drop

 Courtesy of Shopping Recife

Shopping Recife is Brazil's second-largest shopping center. It's been open for more than 30 years and now features around over 450 stores, 90 food options, and 14 cinemas. The mall is just five minutes from the Recife International Airport and a few blocks from the Boa Viagem beach, so it's a prime spot for tourists and locals alike.

Buy Souvenirs in a Former Prison

 chivunck / Wikimedia Commons /  CC BY-SA 3.0

The cross-shaped Casa da Cultura is one of the most interesting buildings in Recife. Dating back to 1850, it was originally a prison and is now a crafts and arts center that sells souvenirs. There are around 150 shops selling local pottery, dolls, board games, leather accessories, embroidery, paintings, and more. There's also a food court where you can try some of Pernambuco's local cuisine and on the third floor is Frevo Museum, which showcases traditional music.

Tour a Ceramics Factory and Museum

Set in the building of his family's old brick factory, the Oficina Ceramica de Francisco Brennand is a ceramics factory, art studio, gallery, and museum all wrapped in one. Brennand comes from a long line of ceramicists and he started work on this factory in 1971 after studying in Europe. While there, admire the fountains, sculptures, and wander the extensive gardens

Visit the City's Best Museum

Museu do Homem do Nordeste / Wikimedia Commons /  CC BY-SA 4.0

Museu do Homem do Nordeste is considered one of Recife's best museums. It displays art and objects that depict the anthropology, history, and culture of the people in this region. The museum's modern galleries were built in 1979 to showcase local artifacts and works.

Wander the Colorful Streets of Olinda

Olinda is the reason many visitors travel to Recife. Olinda is a living museum, a UNESCO heritage city, and considered to be the origin of the entire Brazilian culture of the 16th century. It's also very charming, with old stone churches, bright and colorful buildings, a stunning beach with coral reef pools, and more.

Celebrate Carnival

Two months before the actual date, the Carnival rehearsals start and the  blocos , or carnival section or group, draw in hundreds of watchers. The main dance is the  frevo , an energetic, exhilarating experience. In Olinda, everybody participates. Don't forget to bring your costume—you'll need it to fit in with the festivities.

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Must-see attractions in Recife

Oficina Cerâmica Francisco Brennand

Francisco Brennand, born in 1927 into an Irish immigrant family and now considered Brazil’s greatest ceramicist, revitalized his family’s abandoned tile…

Paço do Frevo

This strikingly red museum is a small and modern house of worship for frevo, the quintessential dance of the Recife Carnaval that is easily identified by…

Museu Cais do Sertão

Inaugurated in 2014, this bold museum highlights the culture of the sertão (the interior of Pernambuco state), especially as it relates to the godfather…

Capela Dourada

Built between 1696 and 1724, this gem of Brazilian baroque, part of the Convento de Santo Antônio, owes its name to the huge quantities of gold (said to…

Concatedral de São Pedro dos Clérigos

The 18th-century baroque Concatedral de São Pedro dos Clérigos has been totally renovated and contains incredibly fine stonework and wood carvings…

Instituto Ricardo Brennand

This scenic museum in Várzea, 11km west of central Recife, contains a huge collection of European and Brazilian art, swords, armor and historical…

Pátio de São Pedro

This traffic-free square, lined with bars, restaurants and colorful 19th-century houses, is one of Santo Antônio's more peaceful spots and a good place to…

Praça do Arsenal

Surrounded by many elegant colonial buildings, this square is at the heart of Recife Antigo. Colorful Rua do Bom Jesus, to the south of the square, was…

Museu de Arte Moderna Aloisio Magalhães

In a lovely historical house, this museum was the first gallery in Pernambuco and has three floors of changing exhibitions of interesting contemporary art…

The Marco Zero, a small 'Km 0' marker in the middle of the broad waterside Praça Rio Branco, marks the place where the Portuguese founded Recife in 1537…

Embaixada dos Bonecos Gigantes

Displays some of the giant fibreglass puppets that feature in the Olinda Carnaval. There's a host of national and international sports and musical stars…

Sinagoga Kahal Zur Israel

The oldest synagogue in the Americas, Sinagoga Kahal Zur Israel is now a Jewish cultural center and has interesting murals (in Portuguese and English)…

Igreja Madre de Deus

A striking example of formal baroque architecture, the Madre Deus church serves as a nice contrast to the nearby Paço Alfândega mall. The facade has been…

Memorial Chico Science

Though the government could have (and should have) done so much more, the Memorial Chico Science pays brief homage to the work of former Nação Zumbi…

Museu da Cidade do Recife

Recife's City Museum is housed in the Forte das Cinco Pontas (Five-Pointed Fort), originally built by the Dutch in 1630 and later reconstructed by the…

Paço Alfândega

This 19th-century customs house has been converted into a glitzy shopping mall; it's worth dropping in for a coffee or a bite in its food court to check…

Praça da República

Praça da República contains a formal park with tall trees and a pretty fountain, and includes the Palácio do Campo das Princesas, seat of the Pernambuco…

Caixa Cultural

A well-run cultural center in the historic center hosting rotating high-quality exhibitions and films.

Memorial Luiz Gonzaga

A small state-run museum dedicated to Luiz Gonzaga, the father of baião, a traditional music from the sertão (the interior of the Northeast). It has been…

Centro Cultural dos Correios

Hosts changing exhibitions and films but the quality of offerings is inconsistent.

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The 14 BEST things to do in Recife, Brazil

• January 4, 2023
• 14 Best Things

Introduction

Welcome to The Journey Seeker! Find out all about best things to do in Recife, Brazil!

Atmosphere / Vibes

Weather throughout the year

Why Recife, Brazil is the best place to be

• Beautiful beaches: Recife has some of the most stunning beaches in Brazil, with crystal clear waters and soft, white sands. Whether you want to relax on the beach or try your hand at water sports, you’ll find something to suit your interests.
• Rich history and culture: Recife has a rich and fascinating history, with a mix of Portuguese, African, and indigenous influences. You can learn more about this history by visiting the city’s many museums and historical sites.
• Delicious food: Recife has a diverse and vibrant food scene, with something for every taste. From fresh seafood to traditional Brazilian dishes, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to choose from.

Cost of Travel

Top 14 best things to do in recife, brazil.

• Visit Boa Viagem Beach: Boa Viagem is Recife’s most popular beach, with its wide stretches of soft, white sands and crystal clear waters. You can relax on the beach, take a swim, or try your hand at some water sports.
• Explore the Recife Antigo district: The Recife Antigo district is the city’s historic center, with charming cobblestone streets and colonial-style buildings. You can visit the city’s museums, churches, and squares, or just take a leisurely stroll and soak up the atmosphere.
• Go on a boat tour: Recife is a city of waterways, and one of the best ways to see it is by boat. You can take a tour of the city’s rivers and canals, and see the city from a different perspective.
• Try some local cuisine: Recife has a diverse and vibrant food scene, with something for every taste. You can try traditional Brazilian dishes like feijoada (a hearty stew made with beans and meat) or moqueca (a seafood stew).
• Visit the Mercado de São José: The Mercado de São José is a bustling market in the heart of Recife, selling everything from fresh produce and seafood to handmade crafts and souvenirs. You can spend hours exploring the stalls and trying new foods.
• Take a stroll through the Jardim Japones: The Jardim Japones (Japanese Garden) is a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city, with beautiful gardens, koi ponds, and a teahouse. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.
• Go shopping at Boa Vista Mall: If you’re looking for some retail therapy, Boa Vista Mall is the place to be. It’s the largest mall in Recife, with hundreds of stores and restaurants. You can spend the whole day here, trying on clothes, eating delicious food, and catching a movie.
• Visit the Recife Art Museum: The Recife Art Museum is home to a collection of Brazilian art from the 19th and 20th centuries. You can see works by famous artists like Candido Portinari and Carybé, as well as contemporary pieces.
• Check out the Donana National Park: The Donana National Park is a protected area just outside Recife, with a rich array of flora and fauna. You can take a guided tour and see animals like jaguars, monkeys, and exotic birds.
• Take a surfing lesson: Recife has some great waves, making it a popular spot for surfing. If you’ve never tried it before, you can take a lesson and learn from the pros.
• Visit the Recife Shark Aquarium: The Recife Shark Aquarium is home to a variety of marine animals, including sharks, rays, and turtles. You can see these creatures up close and learn about their habitats and behavior.
• Enjoy a night out in Boa Viagem: Boa Viagem is the city’s nightlife hub, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. You can dance the night away or just relax with a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
• Go on a street art tour: Recife is known for its vibrant street art scene, with murals and graffiti covering the city’s walls. You can take a tour and see some of the best pieces, or just wander the streets and see what you can find.

Have you thought about staying in Recife for a little longer and working remotely? Here is another blog post about becoming a Digital Nomad in Recife

Did you like this post? Have a look at our other blog posts about living in Brazil , such as Belo Horizonte , Porto Alegre or Porto Alegre .

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Recife

Things to do in recife.

• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Centro de Artesanato de Pernambuco Unidade Recife

2. Feirinha De Boa Viagem

3. Shopping Tacaruna

4. Mercado Da Boa Vista

5. Mercado Sao Jose

6. Shopping Center Boa Vista

7. Campo da Serra

9. Petrolina Park Shopping

10. vitoria park shopping.

11. Ingá Vinhos Finos

12. trocando em miudos, what travellers are saying.

• Fshoq! Blog
• » Travel blog
• » South America
• » Brazil
• » Exploring Brazil #1: The city of Recife and surroundings

Exploring Brazil #1: The city of Recife and surroundings

Is it already? Finally! I was waiting for my trip to that biggest country in South America for months to write my Brazil travel blog! I'm not regretting any day and penny spend there, as my adventure was amazing!

Let's start my Brazil travel guide by visiting the city of Recife with a great Old Town, Marco Zero Square, Sculptures at the waterfront, and Boa Viagem Beach. We will also visit great tourist attractions and interesting places like Francisco Brennand's Ceramic Workshop, Ricardo Brennand Institute, and New Jerusalem Theater. So let's get to it!

Recife Old Town

Recife Old Town (called also Recife Antigo) is the oldest part of the city, founded in 1537. The place was chosen because of its great place near the South Atlantic bay, so the huge port was created here. In 1837, the Recife became a strategic trading place and a capital of Pernambuco state.

If you want to visit the biggest tourist attractions in the city, you should start right here. It combines an excellent mix of history, culture, and entertainment like restaurants, bars, and cafes. Oh, and don't forget about the Carnival, that takes place in Recife every year. The city during Carnival changes a lot, with many themed ornamentations.

Marco Zero Square

Marco Zero Square is the main part of the Recife Old Town. You can find here a lot of old, colorful buildings from the colonial times. It's the best place to start visiting Old Town and to have a long wander. The whole square is full of colors and a great place for a photography.

The Marco Zero Square was founded by Portuguese settlers in the 16th century. You can also find here a small monument called Marco Zero (called also "Km 0") - it marks the place where the Portuguese founded Recife.

Sculpture Park at the Waterfront

The Sculpture Park can be found near the Recife Shopping Mall and it's the place where we can find 35 different sculptures in the green area of almost 19000 m2. It was opened in 1998.

There are many famous Brazilian artists that were working on the Sculpture Park in Recife: Augusto Ferrer, Francisco Brennand, Abelardo da Hora, and Marianne Peretti. All of them was chosen by Rogélia Peres, the architect who created this exhibition. The Sculpture Park in Recife is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city and for sure a very interesting place full of art and culture.

Boa Viagem Beach

I cannot imagine visiting Brazil without swimming! If you going on a trip to the city, the best place you can do this is a Boa Viagem Beach in Recife. Well, not only I think this way, as this beach is one of the most visited beaches in Northeastern Brazil.

The Boa Viagem is the longest stretch of urbanized seafront in Brazil and it's more than 8 kilometers long. The water has the temperature about 25 °C.

Beware that the Boa Viagem Beach in Recife is plagued by tiger shark attacks that happens here sometimes. Well, not too many tourists or locals care.

Francisco Brennand's Ceramic Workshop

Francisco Brennand was born in northern Brazil in 1927 in a rich family. His interesting to pottery and other kinds of art began very early. His father opened a pottery in Recife in 1917 and he started to work there when he was just a boy. He even traveled to Europe, Italy and Spain to search for the inspiration, based on such famous people as Gaudi or Picasso.

After he came back in 1971, his family pottery was on the verge of bankruptcy. To preserve that, he combined his love and talent to ceramics with an architect Roberto Brule Marx, which resulted in the creation of Francisco Brennand's Ceramic Workshop with beautiful gardens, reflecting pools, fountains, and temples.

Nowadays the Francisco Brennand's Ceramic Workshop is filled with hundreds of statues that he created, numerous amount of paintings and ceramics. Many of the gardens have Brennand’s work with ceramics and statues. The whole complex looks amazing, like nothing else in the world. The gardens and museums are open to the public whole week.

Ricardo Brennand Institute

The Ricardo Brennand Institute looks like a Tudor-style European castle and it's nothing strange because it was built by the Dutch people.It is a museum that holds South America's biggest collection of different kind of armor and weapons, like swords, maces, crossbows or daggers or a 27 full-plate armor. It takes us back to a time of medieval knights, and it was a world in which I immersed myself with great pleasure.

Not only weapons can be found here. Ricardo Brennand Institute is also a library that holds over 60 000 items, it's also the world's largest collection of paintings and drawings by the renowned New World landscape artist Frans Post.

Ricardo Brennand Institute was opened in 2002 and offered cultural education programs to the local community. It's opened from Tuesday to Sunday from 13:00 to 17:00.

New Jerusalem Theatre

The New Jerusalem Theater, located in a dusty region of Brejo da Madre de Deus is an open-air theater covering more than 24 acres of space and it looks like some kind of a medieval castle. The place is really huge, just imagine that the walls are 2.2 miles long and they have about 70 towers. All of this makes it the biggest open-air theater in the world.

The first play in the New Jerusalem Theater is dated in 1951 and the show was made only for friends and family that was playing different roles. This changed in 1963 when people from nearest town decided to build here a Jerusalem replica.

Nowadays 8 big plays (550 actors each) takes place in in the New Jerusalem Theater during the year, being watched by more than 8000 people per single show, mostly the Passion of Christ. Tourists that came here to see the play can stay in the inn inside the walls.

This is the end of my Recife travel guide about the city's interesting places and tourist attractions. Soon I will write on my travel blog other articles about my trips to other parts of Brazil.

Recife is a great city with so many great spots, like the Old Town, Francisco Brennand's Ceramic Workshop, New Jerusalem Theater, and Ricardo Brennand Institute. If you know other places, write me about them and I will try to describe them here. I hope you enjoyed this guide, if you have any questions about Recife or Brazil, feel free to leave me a comment.

Hey there! My name is Wojtek and I am very happy that you came to my travel blog. I've been traveling the world for a few good years now and I still want more. On my website I describe the adventures that have happened to me, you will also find here a collection of valuable tips for tourists and travelers. If you liked this article, be sure to leave a comment and read some more!

Read the next article in this series:

Brazil, unfortunately, has never seen me before, but we will try to catch up :) This text was translated automatically. Original text is below: Brazylia niestety jeszcze nigdy mnie nie widziała, ale postaramy się to nadrobić :)

This text was translated automatically. Original text is below: Warto, piekny, wielki i trochę dziki kraj. Planowaliśmy tę podróż latami, tanio i łatwo nie było, ale wspomnienia bezcenne! :-)

I was traveling to Brazil but unfortunately missed the city of Recife... Maybe next time, as I can see that you travel guide shows that there are a lot of interesting places in Recife!

Crap, I've been to Brazil several times, I even wrote some articles on my travel blog, but I was not in Recife, which is a pity. It looks like a fantastic city, especially the old town. This text was translated automatically. Original text is below: Kurcze, byłem w Brazylii kilka razy, nawet napisałem parę artykułów na moim blogu podrózniczym, ale w Recife nie byłem, a szkoda. Wygląda na fantastyczne miasto, szczególnie starówka.

We are going with my husband to Brazil in August, and after reading this travel article the city of Recife will undoubtedly be on our list! Interesting places, tourist attractions, nothing but to go and visit :-) This text was translated automatically. Original text is below: Wybieramy się z mężem do Brazylii w sierpniu, i po przeczytaniu tego artykułu podróżniczego miasto Recife bez wątpienia znajdzie się na naszej liście! Ciekawe miejsca, atrakcje turystyczne, nic tylko jechać i zwiedzać :-)

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The Northeast’s second-largest city, Recife appears shabby and dull on first impressions, but it’s lent a colonial grace and elegance by Olinda, just 6km north. Recife itself has long since burst its original colonial boundaries, and much of the centre is now given over to uninspired office blocks. But there are still a few quiet squares where an inordinate number of impressive churches lie cheek by jowl with the uglier urban sprawl of the past thirty years. North of the centre are some pleasant leafy suburbs, dotted with museums and parks, and to the south is the modern beachside district of Boa Viagem. Other beaches lie within easy reach, and there’s also all the nightlife you’d expect from a city of nearly two million Brazilians.

Arts and crafts in Recife

Recife is probably the best big Brazilian city in which to find artesanato, and the area around Igreja São Pedro is the best place to look for it. Here, stalls coagulate into a bustling complex of winding streets, lined with beautiful but dilapidated early nineteenth-century tenements. The streets are choked with people and goods, all of which converge on the market proper, the Mercado de São José, an excellent place for artesanato (craft goods). If you can’t face the crowds, there’s a very good craft shop, Penha, on the corner of the Pátio de São Pedro, which is the main city outlet for some of Recife’s excellent woodcut artists. In the same shop, you’ll also find extremely inexpensive prints on both cloth and paper, known as cordel. Outside the shop, you can dig out cordel around the mercado or in Praça de Sebo, where the secondhand booksellers have stalls.

Carnaval in Recife is overshadowed by the one in Olinda, but the city affair is still worth sampling. The best place for Carnaval information is the tourist office, which publishes a free broadsheet with timetables and route details of all the Carnaval groups. You can also get a timetable in a free supplement to the Diário de Pernambuco newspaper on the Saturday of Carnaval, but it’s only a very approximate guide.

The blocos, or Carnaval groups, come in all shapes and sizes: the most famous is the Galo da Madrugada; the most common are the frevo groups (trucks called freviocas, with an electric frevo band aboard, circulate around the centre, whipping up already frantic crowds); but most visually arresting are caboclinhos, who wear modern Brazilian interpetations of a traditional Amazon Indian costume – feathers, animal-tooth necklaces – and carry bows and arrows, which they use to beat out the rhythm as they dance. It’s also worth trying to see a maracatu group, unique to Pernambuco: they’re mainly black, and wear bright costumes, the music an interesting (and danceable) hybrid of African percussion and Latin brass.

In Recife, the main events are concentrated in Santo Antônio and Boa Vista. There are also things going on in Boa Viagem, in the area around the Recife Palace Lucsim Hotel on Avenida Boa Viagem, but it’s too middle-class for its own good and is far inferior to what’s on offer elsewhere. Carnaval officially begins with a trumpet fanfare welcoming Rei Momo, the Carnaval king and queen, on Avenida Guararapes at midnight on Friday, the cue for wild celebrations. At night, activities centre on the grandstands on Avenida Dantas Barreto, where the blocos parade under the critical eyes of the judges; the other central area to head for is the Pátio de São Pedro. During the day, the blocos follow a route of sorts: beginning in Praça Manuel Pinheiro, and then via Rua do Hospício, Avenida Conde de Boa Vista, Avenida Guararapes, Praça da República and Avenida Dantas Barreto, to Pátio de São Pedro. Good places to hang around are near churches, especially Rosário dos Pretos, on Largo do Rosário, a special target for maracatu groups. The balconies of the Hotel do Parque are a good perch, too, if you can manage to get up there. Daylight hours is the best time to see the blocos – when the crowds are smaller and there are far more children around. At night, it’s far more intense and the usual safety warnings apply.

South from Recife

The coast south of Recife has the best beaches in the state and is all too quickly realizing its tourist potential – the sleepy fishing villages are unlikely to remain so for much longer. Almost all buses take the BR-101 highway, which runs inland through fairly dull scenery, made worse by heavy traffic. The trick is to get a bus that goes along the much more scenic coastal road, the PE-60, or via litoral; they leave from either Avenida Dantas Barreto or the Recife Rodoviária for the string of towns down the coast from Cabo, through Ipojuca, Sirinhaém, Rio Formoso to São José da Coroa Grande. Before São José, where the road starts to run alongside the beach, you may need to catch another local bus to get to the beachside villages themselves. In theory, you could hop from village to village down the coast on local buses, but only with time to spare. Services are infrequent – early morning is the usual departure time – and you might have to sleep on a beach or find somewhere to sling a hammock, as not all the villages have places to stay. As you move south, bays and promontories disappear, and walking along the beaches to the next village is often quicker than waiting for a bus.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Brazil, created by local experts

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Brazilian Beaches: Copacabana, Botafogo and more

Begin at Foz do Iguaçu, where you will stand in awe of the huge Iguaçu Falls. Next up, we'll head to the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home of the legendary Copacabana, Botafogo and Flamengo beaches, and of course, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

10 days  / from 1700 USD

Blissful Brazil

Welcome to a lavish journey that marries adventure with style, featuring stays in carefully chosen four-star hotels. This reinvigorating trip will have you sightseeing in São Paulo, gazing at the spectacular Foz do Iguaçu falls and relaxing on Rio's finest beaches before you know it.

10 days  / from 2683 USD

Breathtaking Brazil: Rio, Beaches and Waterfalls

Explore the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches; experience the stunning Foz do Iguaçu National Park and see the world’s largest waterfalls system; immerse yourself in cultural Salvador, the magnificent former capital of Portugal’s New World colony.

Tailor-made trips for   Brazil

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Exploring Recife — The “Venice” of Brazil

Established in 1537, the city of Recife, the capital of the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil is one of the most unforgettable destinations for visitors when traveling to this South American country.

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Recife is located on two main islands and several small islands connected by 49 bridges, most of which were built during the Dutch colonial times. The two winding rivers, Capiraribe and Jaguaribe, bend and dividing neighborhoods in the city center, bringing the “Venice Brazil” nickname for Recife.

Like Venice, the annual carnival in Recife is very exciting and attractive. In addition, the old town with many buildings bearing traces of history, the waterways system leading to the sights, landmarks, and attractions… has created the attraction for Recife. Similarly, the popular type of tourism in Recife is also the cruise ships that bring visitors chill out between the canals interwoven between the streets and the wild mangrove forests.

Located in the center of the Recife Antigo old town, opposite the church of Sao Pedro dos Clerigos is the square that has always resounded ’frevo’ rhythm, traditional art with fast tempo and strong rhythm that combines different genres of music and dances of Brazil. This is where Recife residents and many artists come in every evening or weekend to chill out and find inspiration.

Visiting Recife, you do not forget to explore Bom Jesus, one of the oldest streets in the old town of Recife, characterized by house blocks that the front halls have been painted by colorfull brightly and often held the bustling markets. Also, try to look the Aurora street with the lovely house blocks reflected on the Capibaribe canal, discover Forte das Cinco Pontas fortress or visit the craft art workshops set in an old prison.

Porto de Galinhas is one of the most beautiful beaches of Brazil. In addition to swimming, sunbathing …, you can participate in surfing courses to try feeling adventurous on surfing the waves. In particular, coral reefs protect the shorelines creating turquoise-colored natural swimming pools at low tide and is completely covered when tide up.

If you want to experience the daily life of local people, avenue Boa Viagem opposite the beach, where gathered a large number of restaurants, bars, hotels … along the white sand beach is the road you need to go to when night falls.

The nonprofit private cultural complex Francisco Brennand Institute, 11 km to the west of the city center, is the place where visitors not to be missed. It was once a brick factory in the primeval forest of the Brennand family, a wealthy landowner who brings the soul of an artist in Varzeas street outside the city.

The building has the overall architecture like a medieval castle surrounded by vegetation, including a museum, an art gallery, a library and a large park. The outdoor gallery area exhibits nearly 2,000 human and things sculptures, inside for paintings and other items.

However, the beautiful beaches or the unique architectures only contribute a small part to the charm of Recife, only the street festival makes the most impressive highlight for this city. On the occasion of the festival, all the across roads of the city become extremely lively and colorful with more than 1.5 million participants. If you miss the annual spring Carnival festival, you can visit Recife in September to attend the world famous Refeno boat race.

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Top Tourist Attractions in Recife

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Best Things To Do in Recife, Brazil

Are you looking for what to do in Recife?

THINGS TO SEE

• Instituto Ricardo Brennand: a vast collection of arms and armoury and fine art by British descended Brazilian collector, housed in a massive complex.
• Recife Antigo: The historic centre of the city of Recife. Apart from being location of Ground Zero, it also has a great nightlife, museums, religious buildings, and views of the sea. Architecture here is very charming and worth watching.
• Boa Viagem: The neighbourhood with one of Brazil’s most popular beaches. Most tourists stay in this area. It’s all about shopping, nightlife and eating.
• Oficina Ceramica Francisco Brennand: Outside of town, the works of Francisco Brennand lie scattered around an old colonial estate. Surreal, bizarre, sexual, his art - painting, mosaic tiles, sculpture – are all provocative.
• Casa da Cultura Pernambuco: A former prison that has now been made into a arts and crafts centre with the purpose of propping up local artisans.

THINGS TO DO

• Catamaran Tours - Passeios Pelo Rio Capibaribe e Outros: Take in Recife from an angle that most people tend to miss out on – from the waters. Nothing better than a sunset boat tour.
• Ciclofaixa: A cycling tour of the city. Unexpectedly enriching.
• Aquaticos Diving Center: Train up, and then dive down to an offshore wreck, of which there are hundreds.Travel guides necessary.

Below we have a list of things to do in Recife and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Recife getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Recife with confidence.

• Adventure activities in Recife
• Things to do with Family & Kids in Recife
• Leisure Activities in Recife
• Entertainment Activities in Recife
• Historical Places in Recife
• Museums in Recife
• Art & Cultural Attractions in Recife

Tourist Attractions in Recife

Here is the list of things to do in Recife and tourist attractions in city.

Instituto Ricardo Brennand

Museum, Specialty Museum

Recife Antigo

Bar, Church, Museum, Historical Site

Hotel, Bar, Church, Beach

Marco Zero At Praca Rio Branco

Light House, Architecture , Arts And Crafts, Sculpture

Oficina Ceramica Francisco Brennand

Art And Culture, Nature, Sculpture

Riomar Recife

Market, Shopping Center

Pernambuco House Of Culture

Landmark, Market, Shopping Center, Architecture

Museucais Do Sertao

Museum, Nightlife

Mosteiro De Sao Bento

Church, Religious Site, Tower, Monastery

Paco Do Frevo

Art And Culture, Museum, Specialty Museum

Se Cathedral

Church, Religious Site, Historical Site, Tower

Paiva Beach

Coroa Do Aviao Beach

Beach, Island, Water Body, Restaurant

Teatro De Santa Isabel

Historical Site, Performance, Theatre, Concert

Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue

Museum, Historical Site, Archaeological Site , Synagogue

• Created with Fabric.js 5.2.4

7 Hrs 30 Mins

• Things to do in João Pessoa
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• What to do in Recife in 2 days
• What to do in Recife in 3 days
• What to do in Recife in 5 days

18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Brazil

Written by Michael Law , Lana Law , and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Mar 29, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The largest country in South America, Brazil occupies almost half the continent. Nearly all of it is in the Southern Hemisphere, and much of it is tropical, with vast stretches of rainforest filled with exotic plants and wildlife.

Brazil's 7,400-kilometer Atlantic coast is lined with golden-sand beaches , and its interior is filled with mineral resources. Gold from Brazil's mines still lines the churches of Portugal, the colonial power that ruled Brazil until 1822. This strong Portuguese influence is evident in Brazil's colonial architecture , in decorative arts such as the glazed tiles in its churches and convents, and in the language.

For tourists, Brazil is both a tropical paradise and an exciting cultural destination with attractions for all tastes, from idyllic beach holidays and jungle explorations to world-class art museums and the pulsing rhythms of Rio's Carnival.

To discover the best places to visit and things to do, use this handy list of the top tourist attractions in Brazil.

1. Cristo Redentor and Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro

2. sugar loaf, rio de janeiro, 3. iguaçu falls, 4. copacabana, rio de janeiro, 5. amazon rainforests, 6. carnaval, rio de janeiro, 7. brasília's modernist architecture, 8. jericoacoara, 10. salvador's pelourinho, 11. ouro preto, 12. museu do amanhã (museum of tomorrow), 13. ibirapuera park, são paulo, 14. museu oscar niemeyer, curitiba, 15. botanical garden of curitiba, 16. porto de galinhas & pernambuco beaches, 17. art museums of sao paulo, 18. belo horizonte.

With arms outstretched 28 meters, as if to encompass all of humanity, the colossal Art Deco statue of Christ, called Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), gazes out over Rio de Janeiro, Sugar Loaf, and the bay from the summit of Corcovado. From here, you have possibly the best view in the city .

The 709-meter height on which it stands is part of the Tijuca National Park, and a railway climbs 3.5 kilometers to the top , where a broad plaza surrounds the statue. Completed in 1931, the 30-meter statue was the work of Polish-French sculptor Paul Landowski and Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, and is constructed of reinforced concrete and soapstone.

The steep ride up to the statue on the railway is part of the attraction as it passes through a lush forest, home to a wide variety of tropical birds, butterflies, and plants.

• Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

The easily recognized emblem of Rio de Janeiro, the rounded rock peak of Sugar Loaf juts out of a tree-covered promontory, rising 394 meters above the beaches and city. From the summit are outstanding views of Rio and the harbor , as well as a stunning view of Christ the Redeemer. This is an absolute must-do when visiting the city but plan to do this on a clear day and preferably in the morning.

Part of the attraction is the thrill of riding the cable car between Sugar Loaf and the Morro da Urca , a lower peak from which a second cableway connects to the city.

Rio's first settlement began below these peaks, near the long Praia da Urca beach, and you can tour one of the three early forts there, the star-shaped Fort São João .

Iguaçu Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. At the point where Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina meet, the Iguaçu river drops spectacularly in a semicircle of 247 waterfalls that thunder down into the gorge below. Just above the falls, the river is constricted to one-fourth of its usual width, making the force of the water even stronger.

Some of the falls are more than 100 meters high and they cover such a broad area that you'll never see all of them at once, but you do get the broadest panorama from the Brazilian side. Catwalks and a tower give you different perspectives, and one bridge reaches all the way to one of the largest falls, known as the Garganta do Diabo (Devil's Throat).

You can cross to the Argentinian side for closer views from catwalks that extend farther into the center of the falls. The two sides offer different perspectives and views, so most tourists plan to see both.

The falls are protected by the UNESCO-acclaimed Iguaçu National Park , where subtropical rainforests are home to more than 1,000 species of birds and mammals, including deer, otters, ocelots, and capybaras.

In early November 2023, water flows that were ten times normal levels caused significant damage to many of the walkways in and around the falls. The most famous, the Devil's Throat, has reopened but the Garganta del Diablo will be closed for quite some time with no reopening date announced as of writing.

It's hard to think of Rio without conjuring up an image of Copacabana. This is Rio's playground, a popular escape from the heat filled with sun-worshipers, swimmers, and kids building sand castles. A seemingly endless assortment of beach shacks offer chair and umbrella rentals, snacks, drinks, and even free showers.

Downtown Rio's most famous section follows Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana and is bordered all along one side by four kilometers of white sand and breaking surf .

The beach is separated from the buildings and traffic by a broad promenade paved in black and white mosaic in an undulating pattern reminiscent of streets in Lisbon, Portugal. Along this promenade, the famed Copacabana Palace is protected as a national monument. Inside this hotel's lobby, you can easily imagine seeing the royalty and film idols who have stayed here.

About 20 kilometers southeast of Manaus, the dark Rio Negro waters meet the light muddy water of the Rio Solimões, flowing side by side for about six kilometers before mixing as the Amazon. Boat trips from Manaus take you to this point, called Encontro das Aguas , meeting of the waters.

Other boat trips take you into the heart of the rainforests and the network of rivers, channels, and lakes formed by the three rivers. In the Rio Negro, the Anavilhanas Islands form an archipelago with lakes, streams, and flooded forests that offer a full cross-section of the Amazonian ecosystem.

You can see monkeys, sloths, parrots, toucans, caimans, turtles, and other wildlife on a boat trip here. Also close to Manaus, the 688-hectare Janauari Ecological Park has a number of different ecosystems that you can explore by boat along its narrow waterways.

An entire lake here is covered with giant water-lilies found only in the Amazon region. While in Manaus, be sure to see its famous Teatro Amazonas , the Italian Renaissance-style opera house, designed to put Manaus on the map as South America's great center of culture.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Manaus

Few shows match Rio's pre-Lenten Carnaval (Carnival) extravaganza for color, sound, action, and exuberance. Make no mistake, this is not just another rowdy street party, but a carefully staged showpiece, where spectators can watch the parades of competing samba dancers from a purpose-built stadium designed by none other than Brazil's best-known architect, Oscar Niemeyer.

Called the Sambódromo , this long series of grandstand boxes provides ringside seats to a 700-meter parade route where dancers and musicians from the competing samba schools strut their stuff in a dazzling explosion of brilliant costumes.

If mob scenes are less appealing to you than more spontaneous celebrations (that are equally riotous and colorful), you'll also find Carnivals in Salvador , Bahia, Recife, and other Brazilian cities.

Brazil's new city of Brasília was carved out of the wilderness and completed in less than three years to replace Rio de Janeiro as the country's capital in 1960. The ambitious plan by Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer became a showpiece of city planning and avant-garde architecture, and it remains today as one of the world's few cities that represent a completed plan and a single architectural concept.

Without the normal mix of residential and business districts, the entire governmental section is composed of major architectural highlights, which are the city's main tourist attractions . Some of the most striking surround Praça dos Tràs Poderes : the presidential palace, supreme court, and the two sharply contrasting congress buildings, plus the Historical Museum of Brasília and the Panteão da Liberdade (Pantheon of Freedom), designed by Oscar Niemeyer.

That architect's best-known building in the city is the circular Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida , whose curved concrete columns rise to support a glass roof. Another of Niemeyer's landmark works is the Palácio dos Arcos , surrounded by beautiful gardens designed by Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, who worked with Niemeyer on several projects throughout Brazil.

The round Memorial dos Povos Indígenas (Museum of Indigenous People) is patterned after a traditional Yąnomamö round house. But many consider Niemeyer's finest work to be the Monumento JK , a memorial to President Juscelino Kubitschek, the founder of Brasilia. Brasilia has been named a UNESCO World Heritage city.

If you've ever dreamed of a beachside village where all the streets are sand and like with good restaurants, decent hotels, and the odd donkey wandering around, Jericoacoara is the place for you. Jeri, as it's commonly referred to is, located within the confines of the spectacular Jericoacoara National Park , access is only through a huge expanse of massive sand dunes in a 4WD vehicle or, for the more adventurous, on the back of a beach buggy.

Each night the town comes alive when the mobile vendors set up shop on the sand and the band starts to play. Grab a bite from one of the small BBQ stands and catch the sunset as it sinks into the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, or even better secure a rooftop patio seat. Later on wander the sandy, pedestrian-only streets and enjoy a dinner with your toes in the sand. After dinner, check out one of the many boutiques featuring a variety of beach and resort clothing.

Windswept beaches run for hundreds of miles north and south of Jeri and this draws wind sport enthusiasts from around the world. Jeri is considered by many to be the best place in the world to go kiteboarding and as a result, draws a diverse set of participants from across the globe.

To experience the dunes or explore freshwater lagoons, where you can set up beachside at a restaurant and go for a swim, hire a buggy for the day , and go on an excursion. You can also head down towards Guiru or further along to Tatajuba to see or enjoy more kiteboarding. It's a fun trip that involves a river crossing on a small, flat barge.

You can fly directly to Jericoacoara . As an alternative, you can fly into Fortaleza and hire a car and driver to run you up the coast, which is about a five-hour drive . The best option is to stop off for a night or two along the way in some of the other beach towns like Cumbuco or Guajiru , both of which are popular kiteboarding areas.

Beyond the beaches of Copacabana, the glorious white sands merge into the just-as-famous beaches of Ipanema. The same wave design of Copacabana's wide promenade continues here, separating the sand from the line of hotels, restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and cinemas that make this a popular social zone year-round.

Farther along, beyond the Jardim de Alá Canal, which drains Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, are the beaches of Leblon . With more locals and fewer tourists, these beaches are favorites for families. Sunday is especially busy, with an antiques market at Praça de Quentaland and the Feira de Artesanato de Ipanema , alive with music, art, handicrafts, and street food.

The waves at Ipanema and Leblon can be very strong and unpredictable, so be careful where you swim. Follow the locals and stay out of the water where you don't see others swimming. If surf is what you're looking for, head to the stretch between Copacabana and Ipanema, where the surfers hang out.

The Cidade Alta (Upper Town) of Brazil's former colonial capital has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional collection of 17th- and 18th-century colonial buildings, the finest such ensemble in South America.

Called the Pelourinho, this old quarter is where you'll find Salvador's most beautiful churches and monasteries, built at a time when Brazil was the source of Portugal's riches, and the plentiful gold was lavished on the colony's religious buildings.

The finest and most opulent of the city's churches is São Francisco , built in the early 1700s and filled with intricate carvings covered in gold. In the choir and cloister, you can see excellent examples of Portuguese tile panels, called azulejos.

This was the friary church, and next to it is the church of the Franciscan Third Order. It's impossible to miss the riotously carved façade covered in statues and intricate decoration. The interior is just as ornate, surpassing even the Portuguese Baroque in its opulent detail.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Salvador

The wealth of Brazil's state of Minas Gerais in its glory days of the colonial period is easy to imagine from the interiors of the churches in its old capital, Ouro Preto. Entire walls are washed in gold that flowed – along with diamonds – from the mines surrounding the city in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Cascading down the sides of a steep valley and surrounded by mountains, Ouro Preto is a jewel of a colonial town, but its steep narrow streets and mountain setting – however captivating for tourists today – didn't meet the needs of a growing provincial capital. The government moved to the newly built capital of Belo Horizonte, leaving Ouro Preto in its time capsule.

The 17th-century Baroque and Rococo churches of São Francisco de Assis and Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar are the best examples, but the entire town is so rich in colonial architecture that Ouro Preto has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The steep streets, so precipitous in places that they become stairways, are lined by gracious colonial mansions, and white churches crown its hills with Baroque bell towers.

The futuristic architecture of the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro gives a clue about its contents. Thought-provoking exhibits invite visitors to think about what the world might be like in the future, exploring scenarios of how our planet may change in the next half-century.

Examining these times of fast-moving changes in society, technology, and the physical world, the museum prompts viewers to consider various paths into the future, and how each opens up based on the choices made every day as individuals and as a society.

This eye-catching science museum overlooking the waterfront was designed by Spanish architect and artist, Santiago Calatrava.

Address: Praça Mauá 1, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The most visited park in South America, Ibirapuera Park is a vast green space designed by Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, with buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer. The park is a showcase for modern architecture and a center for Brazilian culture.

Amid its monuments, gardens, playgrounds, trails, and lakes are museums and performance spaces that include Oscar Niemeyer's Auditório Ibirapuera , one of São Paulo's best concert venues. A Japanese Pavilion with sculptures, clothing, and traditional crafts is set in rock gardens with a fishpond.

The Museu da Aeronáutica e do Folclore , the Aeronautics and Folk Art Museum , features thousands of examples of folk arts and exhibits on traditional cultures from across Brazil. The lower floor is devoted to aeronautical equipment and model airplanes. A separate museum, the large Museu Afro-Brasil , features the culture and history of Afro-Brazilians and their contributions.

Address: Avenida Pedro Alvares Cabral, São Paulo

Paving the way for the unconventional building shapes created by later futurist architects such as Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava, Oscar Niemeyer left his native Brazil with a treasury of his most iconic buildings. One of these was built as the New Museum, completed in 2002 when Niemeyer was 95 years old, and renamed in tribute to him in 2003.

Balanced on a massive 60-foot pillar, the gallery is formed by a pair of joined arcs that resemble the shape of the human eye, hence its popular name, Museu do Olho – Eye Museum. Access to this raised structure is by a series of curved ramps. Inside the eye, the 2,000-square-foot gallery focuses on architecture, design, and the visual arts, and displays many of Niemeyer's works.

Niemeyer added a later rectangular gallery on the grounds to display changing exhibitions of works by contemporary Brazilian artists. In addition to visiting during its daytime open hours, try to see the Museu Oscar Niemeyer after dark, when it is spectacularly lighted.

Address: Rua Marechal Hermes 999, Curitiba

Reflecting the style of 17 th - and 18 th -century French palace gardens, Curitiba's Botanical Garden was opened in 1991. Formal beds are outlined by low sculpted hedges, in a geometric design inspired by the city's flag. The landscape is enlivened by fountains, waterfalls, and ponds, and in the park surrounding the gardens are forests of native trees, with walking paths.

The focal point of the botanical gardens is the main greenhouse, an Art Nouveau-style conservatory made of glass and white metal, reminiscent of the Crystal Palace in Victorian London. Its unusual shape includes three domes that merge into the rectangular base. Inside are plants native to the region.

Even the grass in the Garden of Native Plants of Curitiba is a native variety, and its flowers are especially attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. The Garden of the Senses (Jardim das Sensações) is a 200-yard path through a wisteria tunnel, where more than 70 plant species are chosen for their fragrance or tactile appeal. Visitors are invited to try walking through it blindfolded to fully appreciate the garden by using their other senses.

Behind the main greenhouse is the Frans Krajcberg Cultural Space, displaying more than 100 large sculptures created from the remains of trees that were burned or illegally cut, calling public attention to the destruction of Brazil's native forests.

The crystal waters, tall palm trees, and broad stretches of silver sand are only a few of the reasons why Porto de Galinhas is frequently cited as Brazil's best beach. For a country with more than 7,000 kilometers of Atlantic coast, much of it sandy beaches, that's saying a lot.

The town stretching along the beach is laid-back, colorful, and just the right blend of old-fashioned beach town fun and chic boutiques. Its hotels and resorts lie close to the land instead of soaring in high-rise blocks.

Jangadas, picturesque sailboats, will take you out to reef-top pools where brilliant tropical fish swim around your feet in ankle-deep water. You can also take a boat to a lagoon where tiny seahorses swim, and you can scuba dive to explore impressive coral reefs or shipwrecks, kayak in the lagoons and estuary, or buy a fanciful kite from a beach kiosk to fly in the steady breeze. Nearby Maracaipe is popular with surfers.

Porto de Galinhas is just one of the beautiful beaches on Pernambuco's 187-kilometer coast. Closer to Recife, 17th-century Olinda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking a popular beach. The main beaches in Recife itself are Praia da Boa Viagem, São José da Coroa Grande, and the Carne De Vaca.

São Paulo holds some of the best collections of fine arts in Latin America, and the buildings in which they are housed are architectural landmarks as well. The Museu de Arte, MASP, displays the continent's most comprehensive collection of western art, with representative works by artists from the Renaissance through modern masters.

There are 73 bronze sculptures by Degas and works by Renoir, Manet, Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, and Miró. From its beginning, the museum has concentrated on works of mid- to late-20th-century artists, and the building designed by architect Lina Bo Bardi is a Modernist landmark.

Oscar Niemeyer designed the Pavilhão da Bienal de Artes in Ibirapuera Park , home to the Museu de Arte Contemporânea. More than 8,000 works of art - one of Latin America's largest collections of 20th-century Western artists - includes Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky, Miró, and Modigliani along with major Brazilian painters.

Set above Versailles-inspired formal gardens, Museu do Ipiranga houses paintings and decorative arts.

For another kind of art, don't miss Batman's Alley , an open-air gallery of street art by local and international artists. It is in the bohemian Vila Madalena neighborhood, where you'll also find art galleries showing the works of well-known and rising Brazilian artists and craftspeople.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in São Paulo

The capital of the state of Minas Gerais gave the pre-eminent Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer his first commissions, and today, these early Niemeyer buildings draw tourists and fans of Modernist architecture to the city.

His first major work, which immediately set him apart from conventional architects, was the parabolic-curved São Francisco de Assis church, beside a lake in the Pampulha neighborhood. On the hillside above it, and connected by gardens designed by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, is Niemeyer's earlier casino building, now an art museum.

Overlooking the large Praça da Liberdade in the city center is the sinuous apartment building, Edificio Niemeyer , one of his most famous early works. The clean geometric lines of his later Palácio das Artes mark the edge of the Municipal Park, housing the Minas Gerais Craft Center featuring works of contemporary craftsmen.

The postmodern Rainha da Sucata – Queen of Scrap Iron – is another landmark building in Belo Horizonte, this one the work of Éolo Maia and Sylvio Podestá. It now houses the mineralogy museum.

Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Belo Horizonte & Easy Day Trips

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