The Vibrant Venice of Brazil

Cruise to Recife, Brazil

Northeastern Brazil is a culturally fascinating region, with a different kind of life from the more frequently visited cities and the rest of the South. Brazil's fourth-largest city offers a fascinating cultural, entertainment and restaurant scene during your cruises to Recife, Brazil. The city was founded in 1537, during the early Portuguese colonisation of Brazil. In the 17th century, the city was called Mauritsstad. It was the capital of New Holland, or Dutch Brazil, before the Portuguese recaptured the city in 1654. Today, it is a large modern city with 1.6 million inhabitants, but you can also find charming historic quarters. The Beberibe and Capibaribe rivers flow into the South Atlantic Ocean here. Recife has been called the 'Venice of Brazil' because of the numerous picturesque waterways and more than 50 bridges. You can best appreciate this from a ride on an open-air catamaran, which is one of the best things to do in Recife, Brazil.

National Language Portuguese

Currency Accepted Real (R$)

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Things To Do in Recife

Ricardo Brennand Institute Recife Pernambuco-Brazil Photo Formats

Surreal Sculptures

The Oficina Cerâmica Francisco Brennand is a museum on the outskirts of Recife. In this unusual space you can view the works of Francisco Brennand, who was born in 1927 and considered the country's greatest ceramicist. The rainforest garden includes fascinating sculptures, temples and arches. It's best reached by taxi and can be combined with a visit to Instituto Ricardo Brennand.

Church in Recife, Brazil

Charming Churches

Old Recife boasts many charming historical churches that are worth a visit. One in particular is Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, or the Church of Our Lady of Good Voyage, in the south part of town. The photogenic turquoise church was built in 1656 on the ground of a significant battle that ousted the occupying Dutch forces.

Aerial View of Boa Viagem Beach, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil

Beautiful Beaches

Many people visit Recife for its warm-water, white-sand beaches. The lively 7-kilometre-long Boa Viagem Beach is lined with kiosks, bars, hotels and restaurants, offering superb views of the Atlantic. Along the shoreline are natural reefs, which the city was named after. Look for tide pools when the tide is low. The beach of Porto de Galinhas, 60 kilometres south, is also gorgeous.

Seafood. Lobster, shrimp, octopus and fish in white bowl on wooden table. Brazilian food.

LOCAL CUISINE

Mouthwatering food is everywhere in Recife. The restaurants in the old town stay open until late at night, but those in the city centre area close earlier. Enjoy some grilled fish, prawn dishes and local tropical fruit cocktails. Bercy Village is a great place for crepes, salads and sandwiches. Go to Chica Pitanga for a well-stocked buffet and to Restaurante do Geraldo for excellent omelettes, local dishes and desserts.

A view of the Handicraft's Market in Olinda's historic center, cityscape of Recife

SHOPPING

Oficina Ceramica Francisco Brennand is the place to go for extraordinary pottery. In the area around Igreja São Pedro, you'll find lots of artesanato (craft goods), including in the Mercado de São José. Look out for stunning woodwork and paper and cloth prints. The Casa da Cultura, located in a historic former prison, is another lovely artisanal marketplace.