Recife
Also known as the Brazilian Venice, Recife is a city that has plenty of ocean, rivers, bridges, islands and mangroves. Its natural beauty amazes tourists and its historic center, in addition to being beautiful, also tells a lot about the history of Brazil.
Recife, the capital city in the state of Pernambuco, is a renowned cultural and gastronomic center in Brazil. The city has plenty of attractions. All you have to do is take a look at the harmonious contrast between ancient monuments in the Old Town and the modern buildings in the city’s business center.
The city has options that will please everyone, such as the beautiful Boa Viagem beach, with its warm and calm sea and natural pools formed by coral reefs, and the Old Town (Recife Antigo), the historic center of the capital of Pernambuco, where visitors will be able to see Marco Zero, the exact place where the city was founded. A walk along the charming Bom Jesus Street is also a wonderful option. The street was voted the third most beautiful street in the world by American magazine Architectural Digest.
Marco Zero Square, one of Recife’s icons
Another worthwhile attraction in Recife is the Ricardo Brennand Institute. Brennand was a famous Brazilian art collector, and his cultural complex, containing red-brick castles and large gardens, is part of an extensive stretch of native Atlantic Forest. The institute’s collection includes Brennand’s personal art pieces and armors, gathered during his life.
Another interesting attraction in the city is the Sculpture Park (Parque das Esculturas), an open-air museum containing around 90 pieces by Brazilian plastic artist Francisco Brennand. The Park was built in the year 2000 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Brazil by the Portuguese. For those who like ceramics, a visit to the Francisco Brennand Ceramic Workshop is mandatory. In the middle of the large gardens designed by Roberto Burle Marx, the plastic artist and landscape designer responsible for introducing modernist landscaping in Brazil, visitors will be able to admire more than two thousand pieces by Brennand.
During Carnival, Recife is one of the most visited cities in Brazil. The sound of frevo, a Brazilian dance and musical style originating from Pernambuco state, draws huge crowds to accompany the parade of street carnival blocks and troças, unique carnival orchestras that play frevo and other typical carnival rhythms, combined with other musical genres, such as maracatu and forró. The one that stands out is called Galo da Madrugada, considered the largest carnival block in the world by the Guinness Book of records.
If you happen to be in Recife, you must visit Olinda, a historic city on the UNESCO World Historic and Cultural Heritage List located only 10 kilometers from the capital. If you have a little more time, a visit to Porto de Galinhas Beach is also worthwhile. The beach, located in the municipality of Ipojuca, is only a 50km drive from Recife, and the region is renowned for its beautiful locations, such as the local mangroves and white-sand beaches with their coconut trees and crystal-clear waters.
That is Recife, naturally beautiful, and full of personality.
By Plane
+55 (81) 3322-4188
The International Airport of Recife receives domestic flights from most Brazilian capitals, as well as international flights.
By Bus
+55 (81) 3207-1088
Recife’s Bus Terminal is the largest in the state of Pernambuco, and operates 300 daily arrivals and departures from various interstate and national bus routes.
By Bus
The Integrated Transport System in Recife is a network that comprises bus lines and the subway. There are a total of ten companies in the system, and they are responsible for 185 lines that serve 14 municipalities in Recife’s Metropolitan Region.
On Foot
The Recife waterfront is an extensive area that is the perfect place to take a walk, especially on the Boa Viagem Promenade.
By Subway
The subway in Recife has 28 stations currently in operation, covering a total of approximately 50 km. Take a look at the subway map.
Personal Vehicles or Rentals
A good way to get around the city and to visit nearby destinations is to rent a car.
Taxis and Ridesharing Companies
Taxis and ridesharing companies are a comfortable way to get around the city of Recife.
Useful Numbers
Tourist Police:
+55 (81) 3322-4867
Tourist Help Center 24 Hours:
+55 (81) 3182-8299
Tourist Information Center – Airport:
+55 (81) 3182-8299
Military Police: 190
Paramedics: 192
Fire Department: 193
Power Voltage
220V
Local Weather
The weather in Recife is hot and humid. The rainy season occurs from June to August, but there is plenty of sunshine during the rest of the year. The average temperature is between 26°C and 28°C.
