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Home / Destinations / Recife

Recife

Brazil · Coast · BRL · -8.053900, -34.881100
Family friendly 6.3/10 · Rank 1406 of 2 709
Best season: September-March

Best for

Suitable for urban tourism, history, culture, gastronomy, and nightlife lovers. Not suitable for ocean swimming

Best season

September-March

Daily budget
$68.00 (≈ 5 707 ₽ · ≈ 374 BRL)
For 7 days
$476.00 (≈ 39 946 ₽ · ≈ 2 618 BRL)
Recife is the capital of Pernambuco state, known as the "Venice of Brazil" for its numerous canals and bridges. The city is a major cultural and economic hub of the northeast, with rich colonial architecture and living traditions of frevo and maracatu. Recife is also known for its beaches, including the popular Boa Viagem, and excellent seafood restaurants. It is the gateway to the famous Fernando de Noronha archipelago.
Summer
33.0°C
Winter
23.0°C
Sea
29.6°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

active

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Friendly, cheerful, proud of their culture and history, hospitable

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Rich history and colonial architecture
  • Excellent Pernambuco gastronomy
  • Vibrant nightlife in Recife Antigo
  • Cultural attractions and museums
  • Visa-free entry for Russians up to 90 days
  • Good base for trips to Olinda and Porto de Galinhas

Cons

  • Ocean swimming dangerous due to sharks
  • High crime rate in some areas
  • Rainy season from April to July
  • Traffic congestion
  • No direct flights from Moscow
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
30.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
33.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
27.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
28.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
23.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
28.5°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.6°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
April-July
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
moderate
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
moderate
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Praia de Boa Viagem
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
No
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
Present
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
Present
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
high
Note

Ocean swimming in Recife is extremely dangerous due to shark attacks and strong currents. Relaxing on the beach is recommended, not entering the water

Sea urchins — details

  • Echinometra lucunter — found on rocky coastal areas of Recife, stings are painful but not fatal
  • Lytechinus variegatus — inhabits sandy bottoms, less frequently encountered by humans
  • Special swimming shoes recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs present along the coast, forming natural pools
  • Do not step on corals

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish may appear in warmer months, especially during rainy season
  • Check with locals about jellyfish

Sharks — details

  • 59 shark attacks recorded since 1992, 24 fatal
  • Ocean swimming strongly discouraged, especially beyond the reef line
Attractions

Recife Antigo

Historic city center with colonial architecture, museums, bars, and nightlife

Marco Zero

Zero point of Pernambuco highways, symbol of the city with panoramic views of Capibaribe River

Instituto Ricardo Brennand

One of Brazil's largest museums with collection of weapons, paintings, and decorative arts

Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue

First synagogue in the Americas, founded in 1636, historic museum

Praia de Boa Viagem

Main city beach with golden sand, restaurants, and promenade

Oficina Cerâmica Francisco Brennand

Ceramic workshop with collection of Francisco Brennand's works

Parque da Jaqueira

City park with lakes, museums, and outdoor activities

Best areas

Boa Viagem

Prestigious area with hotels, restaurants, and beach, best choice for tourists

Recife Antigo

Historic area with nightlife, bars, and cultural attractions

Pina

Residential area with hotels, restaurants, and proximity to beach

Casa Amarela

Prestigious area with shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels

Must-try food

Bolo de Rolo

Rolled cake with guava, traditional Pernambuco sweet

Caranguejada

Crab stew with coconut milk and spices

Baião de Dois

Black bean soup with meat, traditional dish

Tapioca

Starch crepes with cheese, coconut, or guava filling

Acarajé

Fried beans with vatapá, traditional street food

Caldo de Canja

Chicken soup with rice and spices

Cachaça

National strong sugarcane spirit

Where to go next

Olinda

Colonial town with historic center, UNESCO site, 20 minutes away

Porto de Galinhas

Scenic beach with natural pools and snorkeling, 1 hour away

Cabo de Santo Agostinho

Beach resort with hotels and restaurants, 40 minutes away

Itamaracá

Town with beaches and historic center, 1.5 hours away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
high
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Гуарарапис (REC).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
September-March
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 83 BRL
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 248 BRL
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 440 BRL
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$160.00
≈ 13 427 ₽ · ≈ 880 BRL
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 660 BRL
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 275 BRL
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 33 BRL
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$14.00
≈ 1 175 ₽ · ≈ 77 BRL
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 14 BRL
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 11 BRL
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.80
≈ 67 ₽ · ≈ 4 BRL
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 44 BRL
Burger
Average price for a burger
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 33 BRL
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 17 BRL
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 33 BRL
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 66 BRL
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 6 BRL
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 22 BRL
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 165 BRL
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 28 BRL
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 83 BRL
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 165 BRL
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 275 BRL
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 165 BRL
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 55 BRL
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 44 BRL
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Frequently asked questions
Recife: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is September-March. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Recife: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +33.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Recife: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +23.0°C, during the day — up to +28.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Recife: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.6°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Recife: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on April-July. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Recife: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, moderate water. The most popular beaches: Praia de Boa Viagem. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Recife: is it safe to swim in the sea?
The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas.
Recife: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: corals, jellyfish, sharks. Ocean swimming in Recife is extremely dangerous due to shark attacks and strong currents. Relaxing on the beach is recommended, not entering the water. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Recife: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $68.00 (≈ 5 707 ₽ · ≈ 374 BRL) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Recife: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $45.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $80.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $160.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Recife: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $6.00, dinner at a restaurant — $14.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.80. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Recife: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $12.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $4.00, car rental — $30.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Recife: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Recife Antigo — Historic city center with colonial architecture, museums, bars, and nightlife; Marco Zero — Zero point of Pernambuco highways, symbol of the city with panoramic views of Capibaribe River; Instituto Ricardo Brennand — One of Brazil's largest museums with collection of weapons, paintings, and decorative arts; Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue — First synagogue in the Americas, founded in 1636, historic museum; Praia de Boa Viagem — Main city beach with golden sand, restaurants, and promenade. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Recife: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Bolo de Rolo — Rolled cake with guava, traditional Pernambuco sweet; Caranguejada — Crab stew with coconut milk and spices; Baião de Dois — Black bean soup with meat, traditional dish; Tapioca — Starch crepes with cheese, coconut, or guava filling; Acarajé — Fried beans with vatapá, traditional street food; Caldo de Canja — Chicken soup with rice and spices; Cachaça — National strong sugarcane spirit. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Recife: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Boa Viagem — Prestigious area with hotels, restaurants, and beach, best choice for tourists; Recife Antigo — Historic area with nightlife, bars, and cultural attractions; Pina — Residential area with hotels, restaurants, and proximity to beach; Casa Amarela — Prestigious area with shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Recife: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Recife: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Гуарарапис (code REC). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $12.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Recife: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — BRL. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $68.00 (≈ 5 707 ₽ · ≈ 374 BRL). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Recife: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Recife: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as high. There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open until morning.
Recife: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Olinda — Colonial town with historic center, UNESCO site, 20 minutes away; Porto de Galinhas — Scenic beach with natural pools and snorkeling, 1 hour away; Cabo de Santo Agostinho — Beach resort with hotels and restaurants, 40 minutes away; Itamaracá — Town with beaches and historic center, 1.5 hours away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.3/10
Overall rank: 1406 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 895

Best season

September-March

Useful information

Currency: BRL
Coordinates: -8.053900, -34.881100