About Recife
Recife is the state capital of Pernambuco, Brazil, on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. It is the largest urban area in both the North and the Northeast Region of Brazil. It is the largest city in Pernambuco state, and the fourth-largest urban area in all of Brazil; the metro population of the city of Recife was 3,726,974 in 2022. Recife was founded in 1537, serving as the main harbor of the Captaincy of Pernambuco—known for its large-scale production of sugar cane. At one point, it was known as Mauritsstad, when it served as the capital city of the 17th century colony of New Holland of Dutch Brazil. Situated at the confluence of the Beberibe and Capibaribe rivers, before they drain into the South Atlantic Ocean, Recife is a major seaport along the Brazilian Atlantic coast. Its name is an allusion to the stone reefs that are present offshore.
Places to visit in Recife
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Recife Antigo
NeighborhoodThe historic island district with colorful colonial buildings, cultural centers, and nightlife. Visit on Sunday when the streets are closed to traffic for a market.
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Olinda
Neighborhood · 4 mi from centreA colonial hilltop town next to Recife with baroque churches, colorful houses, and artist studios. Hire a local guide at the entrance to learn the history.
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Ricardo Brennand Institute
MuseumA castle-like museum with a huge collection of weapons, paintings, and art in large gardens. Take a taxi, as it is far from the center.
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Boa Viagem
BeachRecife's main city beach, a long strip of sand backed by high-rise buildings and protected by offshore reefs. Swim only near the reef pools and follow the warning signs, as the area has a history of shark attacks.
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Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue
ReligiousThe oldest synagogue in the Americas, founded in the 1600s and now a museum. A guide explains the history of the Jewish community in Brazil.
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Porto de Galinhas
Beach · 32 mi from centreA beach village south of Recife famous for clear natural pools at low tide. Take a raft out to the pools and check tide times.
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Mercado de São José
MarketA cast-iron market hall from the 1800s, built with parts imported from France, selling crafts, herbs, and regional foods. Go in the morning when it is busiest and combine it with a walk around the old center.
Things to do in Recife by type
11 tours, tickets and experiences across 4 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 8 experiences Capitão Beach -
Cruise & Water Tours 2 experiences Maragogi Beach -
City tours 2 experiences Olinda at sundown -
Art & culture 2 experiences Full Day Porto de Galinhas Beach
- 3-6 hours 1
- Over 6 hours 1
- Small group 4
- Shore excursions 2
Where to stay in Recife
Popular hotels in Recife, out of 98 properties you can book.
Rede Andrade Navegantes
From $70 per night
Hotel Euro Suíte Recife Boa Viagem By Nacional Inn
From $79 per night
Hotel Golden Park Boa Viagem By Nacional Inn
From $73 per night
Hotel Nacional Inn Recife Aeroporto
From $56 per night
Hotel Dan Inn Piedade - Recife By Nacional Inn
From $50 per night
Radisson Recife
From $128 per night
Park Hotel
From $103 per night
Luzeiros Recife
From $113 per night
Rede Andrade LG Inn Hotel
From $46 per night
Rede Andrade Onda Mar
From $40 per night
Rede Andrade Plaza Recife
From $47 per night
Fity Hotel
From $96 per night
Best time to visit Recife
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Recife is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 80–86°F and rain falls on about 23 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Recife weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 85° 77° 82%
- Thu 22 Oct 85° 77° 96%
- Fri 23 Oct 85° 77° 98%
- Sat 24 Oct 85° 78° 31%
- Sun 25 Oct 86° 77° 19%
- Mon 26 Oct 88° 77° 4%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Brazilian real (BRL)1 US dollar ≈ R$5.05
- Language
- Portuguese
- Calling code
- +55
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/RecifeUTC−3
- Capital
- Brasília
Upcoming public holidays in Brazil
- All Souls' DayDia de Finados
- Republic Proclamation DayProclamação da República
- Black Awareness DayDia da Consciência Negra
- Christmas DayNatal
- New Year's DayConfraternização Universal
- Good FridaySexta-feira Santa
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Recife
These are the airports closest to central Recife. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- REC Recife/Guararapes–Gilberto Freyre International Airport6 mi (9 km) from the city centre
Getting around Recife
Uber operates in Recife with available pickups at the airport.
By taxi
Look for registered taxi companies which charge standard rates. Ask for a car with air conditioning (especially in the summer).
By bus
Buses are the most useful form of mass transportation. The Sistema Estrutural Integrado (SEI), has 119 bus lines which are integrated with the subway system at 13 points throughout the metropolitan area.
By subway
Metro Recife, Recife's subway system, is the third largest in Brazil, although it covers only limited areas of the city. 13 of the 28 stations have connections to the SEI metro bus system and, depending on your destination, it may be possible to purchase a single combination subway/bus ticket. MetroRec has three basic lines:
Recife travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Recife?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Recife is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 80–86°F and rain falls on about 23 days a month.
What is the weather like in Recife?
January is usually the warmest month in Recife, with average highs of 86°F (30°C). August is the coolest, with average lows of 72°F (22°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 197 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Recife?
Recife/Guararapes–Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC) is the closest airport, about 6 miles (9 km) from the centre of Recife.
What currency is used in Recife?
Recife uses the Brazilian real (BRL). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ R$5.05.
What time zone is Recife in?
Recife uses the America/Recife time zone (currently UTC−3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Recife?
Uber operates in Recife with available pickups at the airport.
What are the best places to visit in Recife?
Top sights in Recife include Recife Antigo, Olinda, Ricardo Brennand Institute and Boa Viagem. The historic island district with colorful colonial buildings, cultural centers, and nightlife. Visit on Sunday when the streets are closed to traffic for a market.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Recife?
The most popular types of experiences in Recife are day trips & excursions (8), cruise & water tours (2), city tours (2) and art & culture (2). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Recife?
Popular areas for hotels in Recife include Recife. Well-reviewed options include Rede Andrade Navegantes and Hotel Euro Suíte Recife Boa Viagem By Nacional Inn.
How many hotels can I book in Recife?
Destina Holidays currently lists 98 properties in and around Recife, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
