Recife is Brazil's fifth, and Pernambuco State's largest city and capital. It is located right where the Beberibe and Capibaribe rivers meets before they flow into the Atlantic Ocean. With all the surrounding small islands and more than 50 bridges, the city has been referred to as the "Brazilian Venice."
The city is composed of four major parts: Northern, Southern and Western Recife and the city center. The city attracts many tourists, with its historical structures, beaches, diving activities, carnival, museums and art galleries. The historic center of Olinda has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Being close to the equator, the weather is generally warm, so it would be best to come between the months of April and September. You may reach the city through Guararapes-Gilberto Freyre International Airport. The city's proximity to Sao Paulo may also be an advantage.
Where to stay?
The city, housing over 50 hotels, offers many kinds of accomodation. Most luxury hotels are four starred. Internacional Palace Hotel, Nobile Inn Beach Class Convention and Hotel Dan Inn are the most popular choices.
Where to stop by?
First I go to the Dona Lindu Park for a visit, where the Mendonça Luiz Theater resides. The park didn't allow a dull moment to happen thanks to the sports fields and art galleries. While I was there, I got a taste of the popular local coconut juice.
I then went into the Pernambuco State Museum (Museu do Estado de Pernambuco), housing Brazilian cultural objects, the military museum at Forte do Brum, The Gilberto Freyre Foundation, housing folkloric art and the eponymous writer and sociologist's personal belongings, the Ricardo Brennand Institute, which is really an art gallery, the Pernambuco Handcraft School, run by the Pernambuco Catholic University, the Recife Antigo neighborhood, with its exquisite streets, the Frevo Palace and the Malakoff Cultural Center.
I should also mention Recife's beaches. It would be a mistake to return home without having a taste of Recife's sea, sand and sun. Places I can recommend include Paiva Beach, Coroa do Aviao Beach, Itamaraca Beach, Maria Farinha Beach (it is the preferred beach in the North), Pedra do Xareu Beach, Pina Beach and Piedade Beach. But the most popular one is, without a doubt Boa Viagem. You absolutely have to go to this beach, where you can lay down relax under the shade of a coconut tree.
Coroa do Aviao Beach
Boa Viagem
Where to shop?
You have many alternatives for shopping. Mercando San Jose is a municipal marketplace offering many options, from traditional cuisine to handcrafts. Some other popular shopping spots in Recife include Riomar Shopping Recife, Centro de Artesanato de Pernambuco Unidade Recife, Shopping Recife, Feirinha De Boa Viagem, Paco Alfandega, Mercado Sao Jose, Mercado Da Boa Vista, Shopping Tacaruna and Vitoria Park Shopping.
Mercando San Jose
How about food?
Recife has a rich food culture, offering a large range of options, from African cuisine to Spanish, Dutch and Portuguese restaurants. Some of the most popular meals involve seafood like crabs, shrimps and lobsters. Many of them make use of coconut and palm oil. If you'd rather have some red meat, beef and goat meat are popular choices.
If you've got the time, and you are on time, don't miss out on the carnival festivities! The preparations begin in January, and once the celebration starts, the colorful shows on the streets and the non-stop bustling that extends all the way to Boa Viagem beach will amaze you. So plan accordingly! I intend to make a second trip to Recife just for this, in fact.
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