Top Things to Do in Recife

About the City

Nestled in the northeast of Brazil, Recife stands as a vibrant coastal gem where the joyous rhythm of frevo music infuses the balmy air. This cultural powerhouse, often called the 'Venice of Brazil' due to its intricate waterways and bridges, leads a double life as a guardian of colonial heritage and a spirited modern metropolis. Beachgoers bask on Boa Viagem's sandy stretches, daring only to dip toes in waters whispered to be patrolled by sharks. Yet, Recife's charm is not without a dash of chaos. Rush hour traffic performs a slow dance across crowded streets, and visitors must navigate the lively hustle with a keen sense of adventure. Street parties spontaneously erupt, uniting locals and tourists in a colorful celebration of life. Amidst this, Olinda, Recife's historic sibling, perches on a nearby hill, offering a tranquil counterpoint with its cobblestone roads and baroque architecture. Despite the culinary delights like succulent seafood and the quintessential 'bolo de rolo', travelers must also face the grittier sides of Recife. Torrential rains can lead to flooding, and safety becomes a concern after dark in certain districts. Nevertheless, with warm smiles and a zest for life, Recife encapsulates the resilient spirit of Brazil, equally capable of enchanting souls as it is of challenging them.

Things to Do in Recife

Munch on a Macaxeira com Charque

Food & Drink

Sink your teeth into the ultimate comfort food combo, macaxeira com charque! Picture this: soft, boiled yuca (aka cassava) paired with savory, shredded, and jerked beef - a plate that'll hug your bell...

Sandy Stroll at Praia de Boa Viagem

Outdoors

Feel the sand between your toes and the sun on your nose at Praia de Boa Viagem. Stretch your legs with a beach walk to remember, scoping out all the beach bods and cute doggos. Remember, dip those to...

Pedal-Powered Splash at Marco Zero

The Unexpected

Wanna make a splash without getting too wet? Grab a water bike at Marco Zero and pedal away on the water! It's like turning the river into your personal spinning class, but with way better views and m...

Pedal-Powered Splash at Marco Zero

The Unexpected

Wanna make a splash without getting too wet? Grab a water bike at Marco Zero and pedal away on the water! It's like turning the river into your personal spinning class, but with way better views and m...

Chill with Sea Turtles at the Tamar Project

The Unexpected

Dude, ready to meet some ancient mariners? The Tamar Project is all about sea turtle conversation, and it's like a crash course in coolness – literally. Watch these marvelous creatures glide through w...

Mingle with the Giants at the Mamulengo Museum

The Unexpected

Get ready to nudge elbows with some big-headed pals at the mesmerizing Mamulengo Museum! These ain’t your grandma’s puppets – mamulengos are a traditional Brazilian folk art form, all about storytelli...

Climb the Alto da Sé for a Panoramic Treat

Outdoors

On your mark, get set, climb! The view from Alto da Sé in Olinda is worth every huff and puff. Your reward? A breathtaking panorama of the Atlantic and Recife below. Don't miss the photo op!

Catch a Wave at Praia de Boa Viagem

Outdoors

Surf's up, dude! Boa Viagem is calling all beach bums for some wave-riding fun. Whether you're a wipeout king or a surf pro, the waves here are ready to play!

Wildlife Spotting at Jaqueira Park

Outdoors

Wanna hang out with some squawky parakeets and stealthy lizards? Hit up Jaqueira Park and turn on your wildlife radar! It's like going on a safari but with more joggers and fewer lions. Keep those pee...

Catamaran Cruise on Capibaribe River

Outdoors

All aboard the chill train – on water! Yep, we're talking 'bout a sweet, sweet catamaran cruise over the Capibaribe River. Glide through Recife's heartbeat and feel the breeze tickling your face as th...

Nibble on Acarajé

Food & Drink

Fancy a bite that's a street food sensation? Acarajé is your fiery ticket to flavor town! Bean patties fried to golden perfection and stuffed with a shrimp smorgasbord. It's like a carnival in your mo...

Stroll Through Marco Zero

Sights

Get to the heart of it all at the ground zero of Recife! Marco Zero is where the fun starts with a capital F: festivals, food, and fantastic views of the harbor. It's the chill spot everyone's talking...

Discover the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue

Sights

Step into history at the first synagogue in the Americas! Travel back to the 17th century and absorb the sacred energy of this spiritual sanctuary. A visit here is like a time travel ticket to the Jew...

Trace the Path of Recife's History

Sights

Embark on a journey through time as you encounter grandiose colonial buildings, ancient churches, and forts that once guarded the city. The relics of yesteryear stand proud, whispering tales of epic s...

Dive into the Pernambuco Art Scene

Sights

Let your inner art aficionado run wild amidst Recife's vibrant art scene! From street murals that give life to concrete jungles to intimate galleries that whisper the city's creative pulse, there's a ...

Cruise Capibaribe's Cultural Corridor

Sights

Let the gentle rhythms of the Capibaribe River guide you on a cultural escapade through Recife's lifeblood, culminating in an explosion of music, food, and picturesque waterway views that make it hard...

Crack open a Queijo Coalho

Food & Drink

Get that beach bod ready to bask in the sun and munch on some queijo coalho! This squeaky cheese on a stick is grilled to perfection, often served with a sprinkle of oregano and a drizzle of molasses....

Relish the Pernambuco Peixada

Food & Drink

Get hooked on Peixada, a stew that's stew'n something right! Featuring a fresh catch of the day bathed in a saucy ensemble with vegetables. It's like a sea-licious hug in a bowl!

Gobble up a Buchada de Bode

Food & Drink

Got guts? Literally! Buchada de Bode is a bold mix of goat offal tucked into a stomach pouch. It’s a gutsy (pun intended) dish that'll challenge your palate and have you feeling like a local food warr...

Mingle with the Giants at the Mamulengo Museum

The Unexpected

Get ready to nudge elbows with some big-headed pals at the mesmerizing Mamulengo Museum! These ain’t your grandma’s puppets – mamulengos are a traditional Brazilian folk art form, all about storytelli...