Recife Brazil 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Recife Itinerary:

Where to Stay: Boa Viagem is a popular neighborhood for tourists due to its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and numerous hotels and restaurants. For a more historical experience, consider staying in the charming streets of the Old Town (Olinda or Recife Antigo).

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Recife enjoys a tropical climate with warm weather year-round. Be prepared for high humidity and frequent rain showers, especially during the rainy season (May-July).
  • Language: Portuguese is the official language. While some locals may speak English in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases will enhance your experience and be appreciated by the people.

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Guararapes International Airport (REC) and take a taxi or Uber to your hotel in Boa Viagem. Enjoy the morning strolling along the beach, soaking in the sun and taking a dip in the turquoise waters.
  • Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Praia de Boa Viagem, the most famous beach in Recife.

Food:

  • Dinner: Sample fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants lining the beach. “Restaurante do Camarão” (meaning “Shrimp Restaurant”) is a great option for a casual, beachfront dining experience.

Things to Do:

  • Evening: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Boa Viagem. Many bars and restaurants offer live music and traditional Brazilian drinks like Caipirinhas.

Day 2-4: Immerse Yourself in History and Culture

  • Day 2:

    • Morning: Explore Recife’s historic Old Town (Recife Antigo). Visit the vibrant streets, admire the colorful colonial architecture, and browse the local artisan shops.
    • Afternoon: Take a stroll through the Boa Vista Park, relax by the pond, and enjoy the scenery.

  • Day 3: Discover the cultural charm of Recife Antigo and its rich history.

  • Day 4: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Olinda with its museums, art galleries, and colonial architecture.

Food:

  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional “Comida de Boteco” (bar food) experience at a local eatery in Recife Antigo. Try the “Baião de Dois,” a delicious dish of rice, beans, cheese, and bacon.
  • Dinner: Sample the diverse cuisine of Recife’s Olinda neighborhood with its local restaurants offering delicious seafood, Brazilian stews, and fresh tropical fruits.

Day 5: Beaches and Relaxation

  • Morning: Relax on the beach or by the pool in your hotel.

  • Afternoon: Explore the beaches of Boa Viagem further. Enjoy a refreshing “Suco de Manga” (mango juice) at a beachfront kiosk while watching the locals play volleyball or football.

Day 6-7: Cultural Immersion and Culinary Delights

  • Day 6: Experience the vibrant “Recife Antigo” scene with a visit to the Mercado da Boa Viagem (Recife’s antique market). Find unique souvenirs and enjoy the traditional music and dance performances often held there.
  • Day 7: Enjoy the fresh seafood and indulge in the local delicacies like “Tapioca” (Brazilian flatbread) and “Paçoca” (sweet peanut candy) at a restaurant with live music.

Where to Eat:

  • Recife Antigo: Explore the local restaurants for traditional Northeastern Brazilian cuisine, including:

    • “Baião de Dois” in Recife Antigo: A vibrant beachfront restaurant serving delicious and authentic “Comida de Boteco.” Enjoy the lively atmosphere and try their local specialties.
    • “Restaurante da Praia” (meaning “Restaurant on the Beach”): Fresh seafood with a modern twist.

  • “Cozinha Tropical” (Tropical Kitchen) in Recife: Sample dishes like “Moqueca,” a rich fish stew, or “Baião de Dois,” a traditional dish of rice and beans with rice, beans, cheese, and bacon.

  • Day Trip Options:

Where to Stay:

  • Recife Beach Hotels: Opt for a hotel in Recife Antigo that offers stunning views of the ocean and easy access to the beach scene.

Things to Do:

  • Explore the beaches:
    • Visit Praia de Boa Viagem, a popular beach destination with beautiful scenery and a variety of activities.
    • Take a boat trip to the islands off the coast of Recife: Enjoy the beauty of the “Recife Antigo” scene (especially for traditional Brazilian food)

Day Trip to Olinda:

  • Explore the beaches: Enjoy the vibrant beach culture of Recife, taking in the sights and sounds of the city by the sea.
  • Visit a local “Comida de Boteco” restaurant: Experience the authentic taste of the region with a delicious meal and a cold beer.

Other things to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Visit the beaches in Praia de Boa Viagem, such as Praia da Ribeira, Praia do Pina and Praia de Boa Viagem itself
  • Visit “Praia de Pina” for its stunning views.
  • Take a cooking class: Learn how to prepare local dishes like “Comida de Pina” (a dish of fresh fish and vegetables cooked with coconut milk) and “Bolo de Rolo” (a sweet cake with a thin layer of dulce de leche).

Day 2-3:

  • Visit the beaches in Recife: Explore the vibrant beach culture and enjoy the local cuisine.

  • Take a walking tour of Recife: Learn about the history and architecture from a knowledgeable guide.

  • Things to Consider:

    • Weather: Be aware that Recife experiences rainy seasons, so it’s best to pack accordingly (raincoat, umbrella).

Day 3-4: Enjoy the historical charm of “Olinda,” checking out the colorful colonial architecture and learning about local legends and history.

  • “Mercado da Ribeira” (a market with a variety of stalls, including those selling fresh seafood and fish stews like “Moqueca”

Day 3-7: Enjoy the vibrant culture and nightlife of Recife. Check out the “Recife Antigo” neighborhood for its historical buildings and museums

  • Other things to do in Recife:

Things to know:

  • Safety: Be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep valuables secure.

  • Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL) is the local currency.

  • Currency: Carry Brazilian Reals and avoid using excessive amounts of cash.

  • Activities: Recife offers a variety of activities:

    • Beachfront relaxation: Enjoy “sunbathing,” swimming, and surfing in the city’s beautiful beaches

  • Food: Indulge in the local cuisine like “Baião de Dois” with delicious seafood and local specialties.

Day 7: Relax on the beach and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Recife.

Things to note:

  • Brazil uses a voltage of 220V and plugs are Type A and Type C.
  • Transportation: Bring a “universal adapter” for your electronics, as Brazil’s outlets are different from those in the US.

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife: Recife offers a range of nightlife options from lively “bars” and clubs to traditional music venues.

Day 3-7:

  • Transportation:
    • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and beach culture of “Recife” by taking advantage of the city’s vibrant nightlife with local “Comida de” restaurants
  • Things to try:
  • Enjoy the vibrant beachfront:

“Cultura e traditions”:

Try a variety of “Recife” restaurants: This refers to the lively “beachfront culture” you can find in the “Recife” area, offering a range of drinks and entertainment.

Learn about the history of “Recife”:

  • Visit the historic “Recife” neighborhood:

  • Enjoy the nightlife and the vibrant “Olinda” scene

  • “Mercado de Artesanatos” (Craft Market) in Olinda: Enjoy traditional Brazilian cuisine like “Baião de Dois” at a local “restaurante” offering fresh seafood.

Enjoy the “Recife” experience:

  • Explore historical Recife:

  • Wander through the colorful streets of “Olinda,”

  • Take a cooking class:

  • Learn about the history and preparation of “Comida de” (food from) dishes, like “Pão de Queijo” (cheese bread), “Moqueca” (Brazilian seafood stew), and “Baião de Dois” (a dish with a unique name and history).

Enjoy the vibrant “Recife” scene:

  • Visit the “Mercado da Artesanatos” and enjoy the local “markets” in general.
  • Sample “Caranguejo” dishes at a “caranguejo” restaurant: Enjoy the vibrant “beach” atmosphere, but be aware of the potential for theft and pickpockets.

Enjoy the vibrant “Recife” culture:

  • Enjoy the nightlife and nightlife scene: This is likely referring to enjoying the “Olinda” scene, which could include a variety of activities like visiting bars, clubs, or attending cultural events.

Remember:

  • Be aware of your surroundings and personal belongings at all times.
  • Use caution with carrying and handling cash when out in Recife.