Best things to do in Recife

Recife Essentials

Recife's landscape is defined by its historic center, Recife Antigo, where the 17th-century Kahal-Zur-Israel synagogue and the Baroque Golden Chapel stand. Cultural heritage is preserved in the Paço do Frevo and Cais do Sertão museums. The city's artistic legacy is showcased through the works of Francisco Brennand at his ceramic workshop and the offshore Sculpture Park. Beyond the urban beaches of Boa Viagem, visitors can explore the Ricardo Brennand Institute’s vast collection of European weaponry and the São José Market’s traditional Pernambucan handicrafts.

Recife Essentials — Map

A

Paço do Frevo

A cultural center dedicated to the history and practice of Frevo, a traditional music and dance style from Pernambuco. It features interactive exhibits, dance studios, and a music school housed in a restored historic building.

David Moraes de Andrade / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Ricardo Brennand Institute

The Ricardo Brennand Institute is a cultural institution located in the city of Recife, Brazil.

C

Sinagoga Kahal-Zur-Israel

Established in 1636 during the Dutch occupation, this is the first synagogue founded in the Americas. It now serves as a museum and Jewish cultural center, displaying archaeological remains and historical documents.

LuÃs Guilherme / CC BY-SA 2.0

D

Praça Rio Branco

The city's ground zero located in the historic port area. The square features a large compass rose mural by artist Cícero Dias and offers views of the Francisco Brennand Sculpture Park across the water.

Raul DS / CC BY 2.0

E

Boa Viagem Beach

Out of all the amazing beaches you can choose from, the one near the Boa Viagem district stands out. A great place to chill out at!

A. Júnior / CC BY 2.0

F

Rua do Bom Jesus

One of the oldest streets in Recife, known for its colorful colonial architecture and the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue. It hosts an outdoor craft fair on Sundays.

Nathalia Verony / CC BY 2.0

G

São José Market

The place offers all sorts of souvenirs and traditional Pernambuco's handicrafts, such as wood carvings, clay figurines, leather goods, etc.

adonis / CC BY-SA 2.5

H

Sculpture Park

A sculpture park on the reefs of the port of Recife features over 90 sculptures by Francisco Brennand. Definitely a must-see.

I

Museu Cais do Sertão

An interactive museum celebrating the culture and music of the Brazilian Sertão, specifically focusing on the legacy of musician Luiz Gonzaga and the life of the sertanejo people.

Alberto.. / CC BY 2.0

J

Embassy of Giant Puppets

The amazing place is filled with huge dolls portraying a variety of famous personalities that seem very much alive! Well worth the visit.

Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) / CC BY-SA 4.0

K

Casa da Cultura

A former 19th-century prison converted into a regional craft center. Each cell now serves as a shop selling traditional lace, leather goods, ceramics, and artwork from across the state of Pernambuco.

L

Golden Chapel

The Golden Chapel was built at the end of the 17th century and is one of the most marvellous gems Brazilian baroque has to offer.

M

Oficina de Cerâmica Francisco Brannand

A massive ceramic workshop and museum set in a former brick factory. It houses over 2,000 sculptures and paintings by artist Francisco Brennand, surrounded by botanical gardens and monumental architecture.

Johannes Vingboons / Public domain

N

Forte de São Tiago das Cinco Pontas

Forte de São Tiago das Cinco Pontas is a fort located in Recife, Pernambuco in Brazil.

O

Malakoff Tower

Malakoff Tower is a tower located in Recife Antigo, Recife. This monument was built between 1835 and 1855 to be used as an observatory and…

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