Known as the “Brazilian Venice” for its many rivers and also as the land of Frevo, Recife is one of the main capitals of Northeast Brazil, with a rich history, vibrant culture and natural beauty.
If you want to know what to do in the city, see the main tourist attractions in Recife to add to your itinerary, as well as some tips on what to do at night in the city.
Where to visit in Recife? 13 tourist spots to visit
From Marco Zero in the city to the beach in the south zone, there are several options for tourist places in Recife. See below.
ground zero
It is the zero point where the city of Recife was founded, in the 16th century and, without a doubt, the great postcard of the city.
In the center of the square, located in the Recife neighborhood — which is listed by Iphan —, the “Rose of the Winds” is painted, warning that this is where it all began.
The site also brings together several historical and cultural monuments, such as Caixa Cultural do Recife, the Pernambuco Handicraft Center, as well as a deck with several bars.
Marco Zero is one of the main tourist attractions in Recife: an ideal place to take pictures, enjoy the view of the Capibaribe River (and also see the Francisco Brennand Sculpture Park from afar) and feel the atmosphere of the city.
Francisco Brennand Sculpture Park
The Francisco Brennand Sculpture Park is one of the tourist sites in Recife that also draws attention: a set of works by the artist from Pernambuco, Francisco Brennand, installed on an artificial reef on the edge of Marco Zero.
The park’s highlight is the Column of Crystal, a 32-meter-high sculpture that symbolizes the milestone of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Brazil.
The park can be accessed through a catamaran ride on the Capibaribe River or by car through the neighborhood of Brasília Teimosa.
Paço do Frevo
Paço do Frevo is a museum dedicated to the musical rhythm and dance that emerged in Pernambuco over 100 years ago.
The construction is more recent and is located in the Recife neighborhood, also known as Old Recife.
The museum occupies a historic building in the Recife Antigo neighborhood and features interactive exhibitions, workshops, concerts and a collection of over 12,000 items related to frevo.
It is an option of where to visit Recife and an opportunity to learn more about this cultural expression from Pernambuco, which is an Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Rua do Bom Jesus
Rua do Bom Jesus is one of the oldest and most charming streets in Recife, in the Recife neighborhood as well, with colorful mansions dating from the 17th century. It was considered the 3rd most beautiful street in the world by Architectural Digest.
But in addition to beauty, it holds a part of the city’s history: the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, the first in the Americas, which today functions as a museum about the Jewish presence in the region. The previous name of the street was Rua dos Judeus.
Still in it, it is possible to take the opportunity to visit the Embaixada dos Bonecos Gigantes, a space that houses more than 100 dolls that parade in the carnival of Olinda, a neighboring city. The street also has bars and a seasonal feirinha.
Boa Vista Market
Mercado da Boa Vista, located in the neighborhood of the same name, is one of the places to visit in Recife that holds one of the most traditional public markets in the city, opened in 1875.
The site used to be the stable and Cemetery of the Chapel, which today is the Church of Santa Cruz, and functioned as a slave market.
In it, you can find a variety of regional products, such as handicrafts, clothing, food and spices.
It is also an option to discover some of the delicacies of Recife’s local cuisine, such as bolo de rolo and tapioca.
Malakoff Tower
The Malakoff Tower is a historic monument that was built in 1855 to serve as an astronomical observatory and gateway to the Navy Yard.
The military character of the work appears both in the façade and in its plan, also making reference to the mosques of the East.
It is opposite Praça do Arsenal, close to Paço do Frevo and Rua do Bom Jesus. Currently, it is a cultural center that hosts art exhibitions, events and a digital planetarium. From the top of the tower, you can have a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
Golden Chapel
The Capela Dourada, formally named Capela dos Novices da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco de Assis, is one of the main tourist attractions in Recife and one of the most impressive churches, located in the Convent of Santo Antônio.
The chapel was built in the 18th century and has an exuberant Baroque decoration, with lots of gold, carvings and Portuguese tiles. The artistic and historical wealth draws attention.
It is part of the Recife Sagrado project, along with other temples: Madre de Deus, Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black Men of Recife, Basilica of Our Lady of Penha, Santa Tereza D’Ávila of the Third Order of Carmo and the Kahal-Zur Israel Synagogue .
Cais do Sertão Museum
The Cais do Sertão Museum is one of the places to visit in Recife. A modern and interactive structure, its purpose is to pay homage to the culture and history of the northeastern hinterland. It was opened in 2014.
It is located in the former Armazém 10 in Porto do Recife and is inspired by the life and work of singer Luiz Gonzaga, who was born in Pernambuco.
There are thematic rooms, objects, videos, music and recreational activities that portray the diversity and beauty of the hinterland. The museum offers visitors both temporary exhibitions and a permanent collection,
Patio de San Pedro
Pátio de São Pedro is a historic square located in the São José neighborhood, surrounded by colorful houses and the Basilica Cathedral of São Pedro dos Clérigos.
The courtyard is a cultural space that hosts events such as handicraft fairs, nightly music shows and popular festivals.
It is also home to the Chico Science Memorial, the singer from Recife who was an exponent of manguebeat. It is possible to appreciate the colonial architecture and the typical gastronomy, through the restaurants in the region.
Five Points Fort
Forte das Cinco Pontas, in the neighborhood of São José, is the only remaining fort from the time of the Dutch occupation in Recife, built in 1630. It has this name because it originally had five bulwarks, but today only four remain.
Historically, the fortress had the function of defending Recife and also functioning as a prison.
Today, the Museum of the City of Recife operates inside the fort, which has exhibitions on the history and heritage of the capital of Pernambuco. It’s more of a tour to learn more about the history of the city’s population.
Baobab Garden
Jardim do Baobá is one of the places to visit in Recife, being a space for contemplating the Capibaribe River, in the neighborhood of Graças, in the North Zone of the city.
Its icon is the centenary tree, sacred to indigenous, African and Brazilian cultures.
The 15-meter tree has been listed as a Recife heritage site since 1988.
The natural space also has special lighting, spaces for picnics and a floating pier to enjoy the river landscape. It is an ideal place to relax and get in touch with nature.
jackfruit park
Parque da Jaqueira is one of the largest urban parks in Recife, also located in the neighborhood of Graças, it is another option of where to walk in Recife.
The park has a green area of more than 70,000 square meters, where jackfruit trees stand out, fruit trees typical of the region.
The site also offers leisure options for all ages, such as walking and cycling tracks, sports courts, playgrounds and gym equipment.
Boa Viagem beach
In the South Zone of Recife, there is the only beach in the city — along with Pina —, with about 7 kilometers. The beach has a well-structured edge, with a boardwalk, bike path, kiosks and coconut trees.
The water is clean and very warm, but you have to be careful with sharks that can appear in the deeper area.
With cases of attacks in Pernambuco, some parts contain warnings for bathers not to enter. However, it is still one of the places to visit in Recife, where it is possible to enjoy the sun, the sand and the view to the full extent — and the water, with due care.
What to do in Recife at night?
If you want to enjoy Recife’s nightlife after seeing the sights during the day, there are some suggestions for what to do in the city at night.
- Currency Street : It is a historic street that turns into a bohemian point at night and is located in the Recife Antigo region. There you can find several bars and restaurants with live music. It’s a place in Recife to have fun, dance and meet new people;
- Catamaran Tour : as Recife is a city crossed by several rivers. A different and romantic way to see the city at night is to take a catamaran ride along the Capibaribe River. The tour lasts about an hour and a half and passes through several illuminated points of the city, such as the historic bridges;
- Boa Viagem Fair : if you like shopping or just strolling along the beachfront at night, you can visit the Feirinha de Boa Viagem. There you can find various handicraft products, such as clothes, bags, jewelry and souvenirs.
(Posted by João Guimarães)
Source: CNN Brasil
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