A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Recife vs. Cancun for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Recife or Cancun?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Recife and Cancun can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

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.

Cancun

Cancun is a adventurous, wild, and party-hard city. The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Cancun travel costs.

Recife and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Recife or Cancun?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cancun than Recife. While Recife is larger than Cancun, Cancun has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cancun is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Recife is more popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities. Cancun is more touristy than Recife and is popular for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Also, Cancun is famous for . Recife is well known for its football and music scenes.

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How is Recife different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Recife and Cancun.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Recife. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cancun. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

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

Recife is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Recife has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Recife or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Recife is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Cancun is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

Recife has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Recife or Cancun Better for Resorts?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Recife is not a resort destination.

Cancun is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Recife is not a resort destination.

Is Recife or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Recife is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cancun is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Recife is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Recife or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Recife is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.

Cancun is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Many people visit Recife for it's beautiful 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.

Is Recife or Cancun Better for Hiking?

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Recife is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Recife or Cancun?

Recife is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Recife is well-known for its 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.

Many visitors go to Cancun to go shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Is Recife or Cancun More Beautiful?

Cancun is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Recife is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Recife is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Recife or Cancun Better for Families?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Recife is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Cancun is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

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 Recife or Cancun Better for Couples?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Recife is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Cancun is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

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 Recife or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun 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.

Cancun is a great city to visit for backpackers. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

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

Both Recife and Cancun offer notable public transit options.

Recife has a few public transit options. The city has a metro system as well as city buses.

Cancun has some public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Is Recife or Cancun a more walkable city?

Cancun is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Recife is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Cancun is a very walkable city. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

Recife is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Recife Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Recife?

How long in Recife or Cancun?

Both Recife and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Recife. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Recife, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun 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 Cancun.

One day in Recife or Cancun?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Recife. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cancun. 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.

A weekend in Recife or Cancun?

Recife 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.

Cancun is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Recife or Cancun?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Recife. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Recife or Cancun?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Recife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tropical destination of Cancun. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Recife and Cancun, we can see that Recife is more expensive. And not only is Cancun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Recife is in South America and Cancun is in North 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 Cancun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cancun 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 Cancun.

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

Which is Bigger, Recife or Cancun?

Recife has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Recife and Cancun, 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.