Recife is a beautiful and vibrant city in northeastern Brazil, full of history, culture and stunning beaches. Here are our picks to visit in the Venice of America.
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The historic center of Recife
If you want to know the roots of Brazil, Recife’s old town (known as the “Old Recife” or “Recife Antigo“) is a fascinating place to explore.
Recife Antigo is located on the banks of the Capibaribe River and features a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, well-preserved colonial buildings and a picturesque harbor.
In addition to the historic sites, Recife Antigo also boasts a vibrant nightlife, restaurants and stores, as well as a host of festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
This historic area has recently been reclaimed and is now home to several nightclubs, bars and a high-tech center called Porto Digital.
Fort of the five points
Your visit to Recife will probably coincide with a cultural event or exhibition held in this historic fort, now a cultural center.
It is an impressive fortress built by the Dutch in 1630 and was used as a defensive structure in colonial times.
It is shaped like a five-pointed star, hence its name, and has thick stone walls and watchtowers that offer panoramic views of the port and the Capibaribe River. It also has a drawbridge that was used to control access to the fort.
Today, the Fort of the Five Points houses a museum that tells the history of the fort and the region.
Francisco Brennand Sculpture Park
The Sculpture Park is composed of works by the artist Francisco Brennand, and was inaugurated as a celebration of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Brazil.
If you want to visit a magical place, do not miss this park installed on the breakwater of the port. Turtles, pelicans, eggs, torch, rattle and sentinel guard the main work of the park: the glass tower, inspired by a flower discovered by the landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx.
São José Market
The São José Market is one of the oldest markets in Recife and is an excellent place to buy souvenirs and souvenirs. Here you will find a wide variety of products, such as handicrafts, clothes, food and drinks.
If you are interested in architecture there is a curious fact because this market was designed by the French engineer Louis Léger Vauthier who lived in Recife back in 1860.
Mauricio de Nassau Bridge
This is an iconic bridge in Recife that spans the Capibaribe River.
Built in 1644 by the Dutch, it is one of the oldest bridges in Brazil and owes its name to the Dutch governor Mauricio de Nassau, who led the construction of the bridge as part of an effort to improve the city’s infrastructure.
If you want panoramic views of the river and the city, you should visit its lookout point.
Today, the Mauricio de Nassau Bridge is an important road and pedestrian artery, and is an integral part of Recife’s transportation infrastructure.
Francisco Brennand Ceramics Office
It is a monumental complex comprising a museum and studio with about 2,000 works, including sculptures, murals, panels, paintings, drawings and ceramic objects. The main theme of Francisco Brennand’s work is the origin of life and the eternity of things.
The complex also has spaces such as the Academy (Pinacoteca), the Amphitheater, the Sculpture Hall, the Central Temple, the Temple of Sacrifice, the Stadium (space for events), auditorium, Imaculada Conceição Chapel, designed by the architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha, souvenir store and utilitarian objects, Brennand Café, as well as gardens designed by Burle Marx.
Ricardo Brennand Institute
If you visit, you will surely be amazed by the history of Brazil and its differences with the rest of South America. For starters, the museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a building reminiscent of a medieval castle.
Among the collections are armor, ancient weapons, rare books, paintings, sculptures and ceramics, among other art objects and historical artifacts. Many of the items on display date from the 15th and 16th centuries and come from different parts of the world, including Europe, Africa and Asia.
It is a museum founded in 2002 by businessman and art collector Ricardo Brennand and houses an impressive collection of art and historical artifacts.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Ricardo Brennand Institute also has a number of temporary exhibitions, as well as educational and cultural programs for visitors of all ages. The museum also has a library specializing in art history and a souvenir store where unique souvenirs of the visit can be purchased.
Dois Irmãos Park
If you are looking for a place to enjoy nature and at the same time relax between activities, this park has plenty of hiking trails, as well as picnic areas and lakes where you can rent pedal boats. In addition, the park is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, including more than 400 species of trees and a wide variety of birds and wildlife.
One of the biggest attractions of Parque Dois Irmãos is its zoo, which is one of the largest and oldest in Brazil. Its zoo has a wide variety of animals, from lions and tigers to monkeys and snakes, and is an ideal place to visit with children because of its educational programs and activities.
The park was inaugurated in 1974 and occupies an area of more than 300 hectares.
Boa Viagem and Pina Beaches
If you love going to the beach in Recife there are two very popular ones: Boa Viagem which is known for its long stretch of white sand and crystal clear waters. It is surrounded by modern buildings and hotels, and has a lot of bars, restaurants and stores along the coast. Here you can practice water sports such as surfing and bodyboarding.
Pina beach, on the other hand, is a little quieter than Boa Viagem, and we recommend it if you are looking for a quieter atmosphere. It has a wide promenade and plenty of bars and restaurants serving typical Brazilian food and fresh seafood. Pina is also a popular spot for water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.
YOU CAN ALSO VISIT…
Porto de Galinhas
Located in the so-called “Brazilian Caribbean” in northeastern Brazil, 60 kilometers from Recife. This beach is a true paradise for those seeking the most beautiful landscapes, a privileged natural environment and truly warm waters.
Olinda
Olinda is right next to Recife, about 10 minutes away by car. You can go by cab or bus as one day is enough to get to know this historic city.
FAQ
What is the rainy season in Recife?
The climate is humid tropical with abundant rainfall and stable temperatures throughout the year, but the rains are more abundant between March and August, specifically between June and August it is not advisable to visit.
Don’t miss Recife Antigo! It is a unique and picturesque place that offers a glimpse of Brazil’s rich history and culture.
All illustrations on this site are courtesy of Pictographic.