Recife, Brazil 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Vibrant City of Recife

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Casa de Tucum: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this popular local spot. Try their traditional Brazilian dish, “tapioca”. (Av. Boa Viagem, 1079 - Boa Vista)
  • Boa Viagem Beach: Take a leisurely walk along this beautiful beach, soak up the sun, or enjoy water activities like surfing or swimming.

Afternoon:

  • Recife Antigo (Old Recife): Explore the historic district, known for its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture. Don’t miss the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Augustine’s Fortress.
  • Recife Arts and Crafts Market (Feira Hippie do Recife): Pick up some unique souvenirs from local artisans selling handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles. (Rua das Flores, 361 - Santa Rita)

Evening:

  • Manuel Maria Square (Praça Manuel Maria): Enjoy a traditional Brazilian meal at one of the restaurants here. Try feijoada, moqueca, or vatapá. (Rua de São José, 234 - Santa Rita)
  • Recife City Hall and Town Hall (Câmara Municipal e Cidade do Recife): These beautiful buildings are illuminated at night and make for a stunning sight.

Day 2: Discovering Recife’s Natural Wonders

Morning:

  • Brazilian Museum of Beaches and Reefs (Museu Brasileiro das Praias e Recifes): Learn about the area’s unique ecology and marine life. (Av. Washington Soares, 3015 - Boa Vista)
  • Recife Zoo (Zoológico de Recife): Spend a few hours at this well-maintained zoo, home to over 2,000 animals. (Av. Washington Soares, 4928 - Boa Viesta)

Afternoon:

  • Schooner Bay (Baía dos Golfinhos): Take a boat tour to see playful bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for manatees and sea turtles too!
  • Olinda: This charming colonial town is just a short trip from Recife. Wander its cobblestone streets, visit the Church of Our Lady of Nazareth, and sample local sweets like bean ice cream (ice cream made with beans instead of milk).

Evening:

  • Dinner at Restaurante O Trapiche: Enjoy a delicious meal in a historic setting. The restaurant is housed in a 17th-century building and offers a variety of seafood dishes. (Rua Direita do Frei Galvao, 243 - Olinda)
  • Olinda’s Pelourinho Square (Pracinha de São Pedro): This picturesque square is the perfect place to end your day, with its colorful buildings and vibrant street performers.

Things to Know:

  • Recife is known as the “Venice of Brazil” due to its many canals and bridges.
  • The city is hot and humid year-round, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing.
  • Portuguese is the official language, but many people also speak Brazilian Portuguese (Tupi).
  • Taxis are relatively cheap, but be aware of overcharging in tourist areas. Consider using ride-hailing apps like 99Taxi or Cabify.

Transportation:

  • The best way to get around Recife is by taxi, bus, or ride-hailing app. If you prefer a more independent mode of transportation, consider renting a bike or scooter.
  • To visit Olinda from Recife, you can take a bus from the Rodoviária de Recife station or hire a shared taxi (coletivo).