Recife, Brazil 7 Day Itinerary

Recife, Brazil 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Recife’s Beaches

  • Arrival: Boa Viagem International Airport (REC) is the main gateway to Recife. After settling in, head out and explore some of Recife’s beautiful beaches.
  • Beaches: Boa Viagem Beach, Porto de Galinhas, and Praia do Pajeú are great starting points for beach adventures.
  • Accommodation: Stay at Pestana Paraíso Resort & Spa (4-star) or Recife Atlântico Hotel (3-star), both offering ocean views, pools, and easy access to nearby attractions.
  • Lunch: Try a casual seafood restaurant like Casa de Caranguejos or Kiosque do Pajeú for fresh local cuisine.
  • Evening: Relax at the beach, watch the sunset, and enjoy traditional Brazilian music at a local bar.

Day 2: Old Recife & Historic Sites

  • Morning: Visit Recife Antigo (Old Recife) with its colorful houses and narrow streets. Explore Santo Antônio Church, Recife Cathedral, and Solar do Unhão Museum.
  • Lunch: Dine at Confeitaria Peixe, a historic café with delicious pastries and sandwiches.
  • Afternoon: Wander around the Recife Art Museum (MAR) or visit the Manuel Maria Square and its surrounding historic buildings.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a fine dining experience at Restaurante de Chef, which serves creative Brazilian cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Day 3: Olinda & Craft Markets

  • Morning: Take a short trip to Olinda, Recife’s picturesque sister city. Visit the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Nossa Senhora do Carmo) and enjoy the colorful streets.
  • Lunch: Savor traditional Brazilian dishes at Restaurante O Arteiro.
  • Afternoon: Explore local craft markets like Mercado de Artesanatos or Mercado dos Artesãos da Olinda for souvenirs, jewelry, and textiles.
  • Dinner: Head back to Recife for dinner at one of the city’s many churrascarias (Brazilian steakhouse).

Day 4: Recife Zoo & Aquarium

  • Morning: Visit the largest zoo in Brazil, Recife Zoo. Marvel at its vast collection of exotic animals and aquatic species.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite to eat inside the zoo or nearby.
  • Afternoon: Head to the nearby Recife Aquarium (Aquário do Cabo Branco) and explore Brazil’s unique marine life.
  • Dinner: Dine at Restaurante O Craveiro, known for its seafood dishes.

Day 5: Boat Tour & Santa Cruz Fortress

  • Morning: Book a boat tour to explore Recife’s mangroves and see the famous ‘recifes’ (reefs) that give the city its name.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Restaurante Bambú, offering a variety of traditional dishes in a lush tropical setting.
  • Afternoon: Visit the historic Santa Cruz Fortress, which played a crucial role during Brazil’s colonial period.
  • Dinner: Head to the trendy Boa Viagem neighborhood and dine at Restaurante Fórum or La Casa del Gusto, both offering international cuisines.

Day 6: Recife’s Nightlife & Culture

  • Evening: Experience Recife’s vibrant nightlife. Check out live music venues like Bar da Mineira or Ponto Verde, or explore the clubs in the Boa Viagem area.
  • Late Night Bites: Grab a bite at one of the late-night food stalls near the beaches.

Day 7: Farewell Recife & Departure

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend your last hours exploring any remaining attractions or relaxing on the beach before heading to the airport.
  • Lunch: Enjoy one final delicious meal at a favorite spot from throughout your trip.
  • Departure: Make your way to Boa Viagem International Airport for your departure. Obrigado e tchau! (Thank you and goodbye in Portuguese)