Is Recife worth visiting?
Yes, Recife is worth visiting for a number of reasons. This is a city that everyone should explore, and we loved our time here.
Whether you're a a couple or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the terrific museums and attractions and great food.
Recife is a large city and the state capital of Pernambuco in Brazil. It's located on the Atlantic Coast and there are sandy beaches and a nice cultural scene. Most visitors come for Carnival, but whenever you visit, you'll enjoy one of the less touristy urban centers in Brazil.
Recife
7 Reasons to Visit Recife
1. Museums and Attractions
The city is large and cultural, so there are a number of museums that you can explore. Some of the favorites include the Instituto Ricardo Brennand, the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center, the State of Pernambuco Museum, and the Recife City Museum.
2. Food
You'll find plenty of local restaurants around town. Grilled meat is a staple in many of the dishes and you should definitely visit a churrascaria, which is a restaurant that specializes in cooking meat in the churrasco style. Food carts are great for picking up a coxinha (a pastry), and other local dishes include camarão na moranga (pumpkin stuffed with shrimp) and picanha (sirloin cap).
3. Nightlife
Many visitors come for Carnival, and this is the obvious time to visit if you're looking for the best parties. Even during the other times of the year, you'll find many happy hours, dance clubs, and live music to enjoy.
4. Beaches
The city's beaches are clean and enjoyable to visit and one of the most famous is Praia de Boa Viagem. Some beaches are lined with hotels and nightclubs while others are a bit more removed. If you decide to swim, do take note that shark attacks in the area are a real concern.
5. Shopping
The city has many local shops, art galleries, and larger shopping centers. Whether you're looking for clothing or a cultural souvenir, there are many places to browse.
6. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Recife might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Recife here or see if Recife is expensive here.
7. Authenticity
Recife has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Recife worth visiting in the Summer?
The weather in Recife is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 26°C (79°F). But it can get as warm as 30°C (86°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The peak season for travel is summer in Recife, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so spend some time enjoying the waves and sand. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, wander through the museums, and enjoy the city's energy. Also, you can enjoy the evening activities.
Summer Weather in Recife
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 26°C (79°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| February | 26°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| March | 26°C (80°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
Is Recife worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Recife. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
The weather in Recife is fairly warm during autumn, and stays around 26°C (79°F). But it can get as warm as 30°C (85°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse through museums and discover the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Recife
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 26°C (79°F) | 338 mm (13.3 in) |
| May | 25°C (78°F) | 319 mm (12.5 in) |
| June | 25°C (77°F) | 378 mm (14.9 in) |
Is Recife worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Recife. Even though Recife is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
The weather in Recife is fairly warm during winter, and stays around 24°C (76°F). But it can get as warm as 27°C (81°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the nightlife scene. Also, you'll be able to soak up the big city atmosphere.
Winter Weather in Recife
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 24°C (76°F) | 388 mm (15.3 in) |
| August | 24°C (75°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) |
| September | 24°C (76°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
Is Recife worth visiting in the Spring?
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 25°C (77°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 29°C (84°F).
The low season for travel in Recife is during the spring. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Spring Weather in Recife
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 25°C (77°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| November | 26°C (79°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| December | 26°C (79°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Recife
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
Related
What is Recife most famous for?
Recife is most famous for its football and music scenes. It is often described as cultural, under-rated, and authentic.
What is the most famous sight in Recife?
The most popular sight in Recife is Praia de Boa Viagem. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Recife on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Praia de Boa Viagem and other attractions here.
How touristy is Recife? Is it a popular city to visit?
Recife is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Olinda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.74
- Olinda City Tour and Instituto Ricardo Brennand: $94
- Recife & Olinda City Tour: Unveiling the Charm of Two Cities: $29
- Carneiros Beach Day Tour: $39
- City Tour Recife with Catamaran included: $150
- Porto Galinhas Full Day Tour: $30
- Colonial North Coast beaches - Full-Day Tour: $32
- City Tour Recife & Olinda: $27
How long should I spend in Recife?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Recife is one to three days. Since Recife has activities such as museums and attractions, dining, nightlife, and beaches, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Recife?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Recife?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Recife?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Brazil and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.
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