Recife, Brazil 5 Day Itinerary
Title: 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Recife, Brazil
Day 1 - Explore the Historic Center (Centro Histórico)
- Morning: Start your day with a traditional Brazilian breakfast at
Café Arte
located in Praça do Republica. - Afternoon: Visit the
Recife Antigo
, walk through its narrow and colorful streets, explore the Church of Our Lady of the Conception, and the Old Customs House (Ruinas do Alfândega). - Evening: Enjoy a riverside stroll at
Ponte Mauricio de Nassau
and witness the sunset. Have dinner at local restaurantCasa do Forte
, offering a variety of regional dishes.
Day 2 - Boa Viagem Beach and Culture
- Morning: Visit the
Boa Viagem Beach
, one of Brazil’s most beautiful urban beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. - Afternoon: Head to the
Recife Modern Art Museum (MAR)
or thePernambuco State Museum
. Both offer insight into Pernambucan culture and history. - Evening: Dine at
Casa de Terezinha
, famous for its seafood dishes, located in Boa Viagem.
Day 3 - Olinda
- Morning: Take a day trip to the charming colonial town of Olinda (approx. 40 minutes by bus from Recife). Explore its historic center, colorful streets, and stunning views from the hillsides.
- Afternoon: Visit
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição dos Milagres
, the largest baroque church in Latin America. Have lunch at a local restaurant such asCasa do Forte de Olinda
. - Evening: Return to Recife and relax at your accommodation. Alternatively, if you’re up for more adventure, visit the vibrant nightlife in Boa Viagem or the trendy bars around
Rua Nova Venecia
.
Day 4 - Recife Zoo (Zoológico de Recife) & Recife City Park (Parque do Pacotil)
- Morning: Visit the
Recife Zoo
to see a variety of animals, including jaguars, tapirs, and monkeys. - Afternoon: Head to the
Recife City Park
, where you can relax, enjoy a picnic, or rent a bike to explore the park’s trails. - Evening: Enjoy dinner at
Casa das Doces
, famous for its sweet treats and traditional dishes.
Day 5 - Shopping and Departure
- Morning: Spend your last morning shopping for souvenirs at local markets such as
Feira Hippie
orFeira de Santo Antônio
. - Afternoon: Depending on your flight schedule, explore any areas you may have missed or revisit your favorite spots one more time.
Things to Know:
- Recife is known for its friendly people and vibrant culture. Be open to trying new things and interacting with locals.
- Portuguese is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
- Brazil uses the Real (BRL) as currency. ATMs are widely available throughout the city.
- The best way to get around Recife is by bus or taxi. Uber is also available.
- Summer (December to March) can be very hot and humid, while winter (June to September) can be a bit cooler. Pack accordingly.
- Brazil is a tropical country with a variety of insects and mosquitoes. Bring insect repellent and wear long sleeves at night.
- Always keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings, especially during the evening.
Stay:
- Budget:
Recife Hostel
orLagoa Suites
- Mid-range:
Hotel Recife Park
orWindsor Santa Maria
- Luxury:
Tropical Park Hotel
orHotel Pestana Recife