Recife travel guide

Past in Present, Traditional in Contemporary Life

Known as the "Brazilian Venice" due to its labyrinth of waterways from the Beberibe and Capibaribe rivers that run through the city, Recife is the oldest capital in Brazil-it is the capital of the state of Pernambuco. Although Recife is a modern city, colonial architecture is nestled among modern skyscrapers, giving it a particular charm, much like San Francisco. Culture is the city's driving force. Restaurants and nightclubs host music shows as well as visual arts exhibitions. There are also many famous tourist attractions: the Capela Dourada (Golden Chapel), the Boa Viagem beach, the San Antonio Convent, and the São Pedro Praça. The San Pedro Praça hosts free music shows on Tuesday nights, called Black Tuesdays, where local and national bands delight music fans of all ages in its huge open plaza surrounded by quaint bars and cafés. Recife is a center for regional music, especially maracatu. Recife lauds an exciting array of Carnaval activities with maracatu troupes filling the city streets in a frenzy of sound and color, with giant puppets and all types of popular revelry. The neighboring city of Olinda, just ten minutes away, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved Baroque cathedrals from the 1600s dotting the hilly landscape of colonial flats. The sacred art is thrilling, as are the views of Recife from the cathedral patios on the hill. Carnaval in Olinda is considered one of the most beautiful and popular in all of Brazil. Along with a wealth of cultural programs, there are plenty of beach sports, such as surfing, kite-surfing, and beach volleyball.