Recife, Brazil

Recife Travel Guide

BrazilPernambuco
Trek Zone
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  5. Pernambuco
  6. Recife
City

Facts and practical information

Alternative names: Population: 1.65 mil. (2020)Area: 84.17 mi²Elevation: 43 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 8°3'45"S, 34°53'3"W
Location

PernambucoBrazil

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Recife Top Attractions

Recife Attractions - What to See and Explore

Recife offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Santa Isabel Theater, Ricardo Brennand Institute, Church of Our Lady of the Conception of the Military, Torre Malakoff. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

  • santa isabel theater recife
    Theater • Concerts and shows • Performing arts

    Santa Isabel Theater

    The Santa Isabel Theater is a cultural jewel nestled in the heart of Recife, Brazil. Inaugurated in 1850, this historic venue has been a beacon of the performing arts, witnessing the evolution of Brazilian theater and music over the centuries.

  • ricardo brennand institute recife
    Stately place for art and history exhibits

    Ricardo Brennand Institute

    Nestled within the vibrant city of Recife, Brazil, the Ricardo Brennand Institute stands as a cultural treasure and a testament to the power of private passion turned into public legacy. This sprawling museum complex, set amidst lush gardens and a replica of a medieval...

  • church of our lady of the conception of the military recife
    Church • Baroque architecture • Colonial architecture

    Church of Our Lady of the Conception of the Military

    The Church of Our Lady of the Conception of the Military stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Recife, Brazil. This Baroque-style Roman Catholic church, located in the bustling heart of the city, dates back to the 18th century, with its...

  • torre malakoff recife
    Observation decks and towers • Observatories and planetariums

    Torre Malakoff

    Torre Malakoff, nestled in the vibrant city of Recife, Brazil, stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural and architectural heritage. This historical tower, functioning as a planetarium, invites visitors to embark on an astronomical journey, exploring the...

  • kahal zur israel synagogue recife
    Museum • Sacred and religious sites • Synagogue

    Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue

    Nestled in the historic heart of Recife, Brazil, the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue stands as a testament to the rich Jewish heritage of the region. Established in the 17th century, it is recognized as the first synagogue in the Americas, a fact that makes it not just an...

  • forte do brum recife
    Military museum • Observation decks and towers • Museum

    Forte do Brum

    Forte do Brum, also known as Forte do Buraco, stands as a testament to Recife's rich history and military past. This imposing fortress, dating back to the early 17th century, is located at the edge of the city's harbor, offering a glimpse into Brazil's colonial...

  • ricardo brennand institute recife
    8°3'57"S • 34°57'50"W

    Ricardo Brennand Institute

    Museum • Specialty museum • History museum

  • unicap recife
    Universities and schools • Santo Amaro

    Unicap

    The Catholic University of Pernambuco in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, is a Catholic University, private and non-profit, run by the Society of Jesus.

  • co cathedral of st peter of clerics recife
    Church • Baroque architecture

    Co-Cathedral of Recife

    The Co-Cathedral of St. Peter of Clerics Also Recife Co-Cathedral It is a Catholic church located in the city of Recife, state of Pernambuco in the South American country of Brazil.

  • museu do estado de pernambuco recife
    Museum • History museum • Art museum

    Museu do Estado de Pernambuco

    The Museu do Estado de Pernambuco is housed in a 19th-century mansion on the Av. Rui Barbosa in Recife, capital of Pernambuco state, Brazil. It was opened in 1929.

  • recife brazil temple
    Temple • Spiritual

    Recife Brazil Temple

    The Recife Brazil Temple is the 101st operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Recife Brazil Temple sits on 5.59 acres in the city of Recife, capital of the Brazilian state of Pernambuco, shaded by mango trees and towering royal palms, and is surrounded by a beautiful garden.

  • mooring mast recife
    Tower • Jiquiá

    Mooring mast

    A mooring mast, or mooring tower, is a structure designed to allow for the docking of an airship outside of an airship hangar or similar structure. More specifically, a mooring mast is a mast or tower that contains a fitting on its top that allows for the bow of the airship to attach its mooring line to the structure.

  • academia pernambucana de letras recife
    Library • Graças

    Academia Pernambucana de Letras

    The Academia Pernambucana de Letras is a Brazilian literary society established in the manner of the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, on January 26, 1901, in Recife by Carneiro Vilela and other writers from the state of Pernambuco, with a total of 20 seats.

  • basilica of our lady of the rock recife
    Church • São José

    Basilica of Our Lady of the Rock

    The Nossa Senhora de Penha or the Basilica da Penha is a Roman Catholic religious basilica located in the city of Recife, in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Belonging to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, in the archdiocese of Olinda and Recife, its patron is the Virgin of the Rock.

  • forte de sao tiago das cinco pontas recife
    Forts and castles

    Forte de São Tiago das Cinco Pontas

    Forte de São Tiago das Cinco Pontas is a fort located in Recife, Pernambuco in Brazil.

  • museum of the northeastern man recife
    8°1'50"S • 34°55'32"W

    Museum of the Northeastern Man

    Museum • Specialty museum • History museum

  • cemiterio dos ingleses recife
    Cemetery • Santo Amaro

    Cemitério dos Ingleses

    The Cemitério dos Ingleses is a cemetery in Recife, the capital of Pernambuco in Brazil. It was built in 1814, and at the time was named British Cemetery.

  • recife port
    Harbor • Piers and boardwalks • Boat or ferry

    Recife Port

    Recife Port, is located in Recife Antigo in the city of Recife. This international port serves the RMR and has two main operational areas: Cruises and cargo.

  • monumento tortura nunca mais recife
    Memorial • Santo Amaro

    Monumento Tortura Nunca Mais

    The Monument Tortura Nunca Mais is a monument located in Padre Henrique plaza in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. It was conceived by the architect Demetrio Albuquerque.

Things to See and Do in Recife by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Recife.

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Day trips

Recife – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Recife, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Fort Orange (Itamaracá), Mosteiro de São Bento (Olinda), Church of São Cosme e São Damião (Igarassu).

  • fort orange itamaraca18 milesN
    Military museum, Architecture, Museum

    Fort Orange, Itamaracá

    Nestled on the picturesque island of Itamaracá in Brazil, Fort Orange stands as a proud testament to the country's rich colonial history. This archaeological museum, once a fortification, invites visitors on a journey back to the time when the Dutch and Portuguese...

  • mosteiro de sao bento olinda3.7 miNE
    Church, Sacred and religious sites, Monastery

    Mosteiro de São Bento, Olinda

    The Basilica and Monastery of St. Benedict Also Basilica of the Monastery of St. Benedict Is an important Catholic architectural complex built in Baroque style located in Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil, which together with much of the historic center of the city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • church of saints cosme and damiao igarassu16 milesN
    Church, Historical place

    Church of São Cosme e São Damião, Igarassu

    The Church of Saints Cosme and Damião, officially called the Igreja Matriz de São Cosme e São Damião, is a Catholic church located in the city of Igarassu, Pernambuco. The church dates to 1535, early in the settlement of Pernambuco, and survived the Dutch invasion of the 17th century.

  • porto de galinhas30 milesS
    Locality

    Porto de Galinhas

    One of the main attractions of Porto de Galinhas is its incredible coral reefs, which have earned it the title of "Brazil's best beach" for several consecutive years. Snorkeling enthusiasts will be delighted by the opportunity to explore these underwater wonders...

  • paulista olinda8.4 miN
    Area

    Paulista, Olinda

    Paulista is a municipality in Pernambuco, Brazil, with a population of 334,376 as of 2020. It has the highest Human Development Index of the Recife metropolitan area. It is the birthplace of footballer Rivaldo and is also famous for its beaches, including Maria Farinha with the giant Veneza water park.

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Best Time To Visit Recife

Learn when is the best time to travel to Recife weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

February and December are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January, March and June.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The air temperature in this location remains at a similar level throughout the year.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in November. Most of it rains in April, May, June and July.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

The length of the day varies only slightly throughout the year. The difference between the longest and the shortest day is 0 hr and 56 min.

Sunrise

Best Ways to Experience the City

cuisine

Food & drink

Cuisine

A guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Recife?

The top attractions to visit in Recife are:

What is the best time to visit Recife?

February and December are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January, March and June. The air temperature in this location remains at a similar level throughout the year.

Where to next? Visit pernambuco Pernambuco region page or discover the top tourist attractions in Brazil.

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