A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Recife for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Auckland or Recife?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Recife can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and thrill-seeking city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Auckland travel costs.

Recife

Recife is a under-rated, authentic, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Recife travel costs.

Auckland and Recife: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Recife?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Auckland than Recife. While Recife is larger than Auckland, Auckland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Auckland is more touristy than Recife and is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. Also, Auckland is famous for the Sky Tower. Recife is well known for its football and music scenes.

How is Auckland different from Recife?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Recife and Auckland. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auckland or Recife?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Auckland and Recife.

Many visitors head to Auckland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Recife can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Is the Food Better in Auckland or Recife? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Auckland and Recife offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Auckland has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Dining out in Recife is an experience not to be missed. 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).

Is Auckland or Recife Better for Nightlife?

Both Auckland and Recife have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

The people in Recife know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Auckland or Recife Better for Beaches?

Auckland and Recife are superb choices for a beach vacation.

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Recife. 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.

Is Auckland or Recife Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a city with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Recife is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Auckland. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Recife is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Recife?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Auckland and Recife.

Auckland is well-known for its shopping. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Recife. 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.

Is Auckland or Recife Better for Families?

Auckland is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Recife is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Auckland is a very kid-friendly city. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Recife is not always a place people visit with their families. There are a couple of museums that are good for kids, like Museu do Mamulengo. There are also beaches that are relatively clean for swimming, but make sure you go where the locals go and be very aware of the water conditions.

Is Auckland or Recife Better for Couples?

Auckland is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Recife is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Recife is a good city for couples to visit. There are beaches and restaurants that make for a nice date day. You can explore the city, visit some museums, and soak up the local culture.

Is Auckland or Recife Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Recife is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Auckland is a great city to visit for backpackers. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Plenty of backpackers visit Recife. There are a few hostels around town, but they do fill up quickly. The city is often overlooked by tourists but if you're looking for an authentic experience, then this is your place.

Is Auckland or Recife Better for Students?

Auckland is a well-known place for students. However, Recife is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Auckland. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Recife is not popular with students.

Is Auckland or Recife Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Auckland and Recife.

Auckland has some public transit options. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

You'll find some public transit in Recife, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has a metro system as well as city buses.

Is Auckland or Recife a more walkable city?

Auckland and Recife are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Auckland is generally not a very walkable city. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

Recife is generally not very walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others. It's also best not to walk alone at night.

For even more information, also check out Is Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is Recife Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Recife or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Recife?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Auckland and Recife. In our opinion, Auckland has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Auckland than Recife. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Auckland, and 1-3 days is enough time in Recife.

Families should spend more time in Auckland than Recife. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Auckland, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Auckland than Recife. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Auckland that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland than Recife if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Auckland.

One day in Auckland or Recife?

Auckland is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Recife offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Auckland or Recife?

Auckland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Recife is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Recife, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Recife?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Recife is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or Recife?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the thrill-seeking big city of Auckland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Recife is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Recife, we can see that Recife is more expensive. And not only is Auckland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Recife is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Auckland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auckland and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Recife would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Recife than you might in Auckland.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Recife Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Recife?

Recife has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Recife, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Auckland or Recife?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Auckland or Recife in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Recife. Many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Recife in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Auckland is cooler than Recife in the summer. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Recife fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Recife. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auckland this time of the year. In the summer, Auckland often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Recife. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Recife receives 246 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Recife. Auckland usually gets less rain in January than Recife. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Recife receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. March to August in Recife is the rainy season.

Should I visit Auckland or Recife in the Autumn?

Both Recife and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Auckland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Recife for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Auckland is much colder than Recife. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auckland in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Recife averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Recife during autumn. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Recife receives 185 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Recife. In April, Auckland usually receives less rain than Recife. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Recife receives 338 mm (13.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Auckland or Recife in the Winter?

Both Recife and Auckland during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Recife because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Auckland is generally much colder than Recife. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 11°C (52°F), and Recife fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In the winter, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Recife. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Recife receives 170 hours of full sun.

Recife gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually gets less rain in July than Recife. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Recife receives 388 mm (15.3 in) of rain this time of the year. March to August is the rainy season in Recife.

Should I visit Auckland or Recife in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Recife. The spring months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Recife this time of year.

Auckland is much colder than Recife in the spring. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Recife fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Recife this time of the year. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Recife during spring. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Recife receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Auckland usually receives more rain than Recife. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Recife receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. October to December in Recife is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Recife and Auckland