A Travel Price Comparison for Brazil Recife vs. Florianopolis for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Recife or Florianopolis?

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 Florianopolis 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 beaches, shopping, and museums. See Recife travel costs.

Florianopolis

Florianopolis is a scenic, vibrant, and relaxing city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Florianopolis travel costs.

Recife and Florianopolis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Recife or Florianopolis?

You'll generally find more things to do in Recife than Florianopolis. Recife is bigger than Florianopolis, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Recife is better known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Florianopolis is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Recife is well known for its football and music scenes. Also, Recife is famous for Praia de Boa Viagem. Florianopolis is well known for its sandy beaches, world-class surfing, and beautiful nature.

How is Recife different from Florianopolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis?

Recife is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Florianopolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Recife offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Florianopolis. There are a number of science and cultural museums in the area that will introduce you to the region's local wildlife and history.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Recife and Florianopolis can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Recife. 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).

Florianopolis has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Perhaps the most popular local dish is feijoada, which is a stew that's slow cooked in a clay pot. It's a great dish for sharing and it originated in the region's African slave population. Another common food is pão de queijo, which is a dough that is made from cassava root flour. Also make sure you try the seafood, which is available in many restaurants around town.

Is Recife or Florianopolis Better for Nightlife?

Both Recife and Florianopolis are excellent when it comes to partying.

Recife offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Florianopolis has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene can vary between peak tourism times and the low season. There are plenty of bars around town that cater to the locals, and you can expect these to be open year round. Alternatively, there are also places that specifically open during the summer months and will close during the off season.

Is Recife or Florianopolis Better for Resorts?

Florianopolis is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Recife is not a resort destination.

In Florianopolis, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a wide range of resorts that include everything from 5 star to more budget-friendly. There are also all-inclusive resorts and smaller, more personal places.

Recife is not a resort destination.

Is Recife or Florianopolis Better for Beaches?

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

Florianopolis is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are miles of beautiful beaches that are popular for surfing. Joaquina Beach is one of the most popular beaches, particularly with surfers, but Mole Beach is quickly catching up in popularity. Campeche Beach is one of the widest and longest stretches of beach on the island.

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 Florianopolis Better for Hiking?

Florianopolis is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Recife is not a hiking destination.

Florianopolis is a popular spot for hiking. The island is filled with beautiful jungles, striking beaches, and many dramatic settings that make it a great place to hike. The hikes also vary in length and skill level, so there really is something for everyone.

Recife is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Recife or Florianopolis?

Recife is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and boutique retail shops that make for a great shopping experience.

Is Recife or Florianopolis Better for Families?

Florianopolis is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Recife is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Florianopolis is a family-friendly place to visit. There are many outdoor activities, sports, beaches, and parks in the city. If your kids like to run around and have fun, you'll find some diverse experiences here.

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 Florianopolis Better for Couples?

Both Recife and Florianopolis are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Recife makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Florianopolis is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy the beautiful beaches and walking paths in the area. There's impressive natural beauty and a touch of undiscovered charm.

Is Recife or Florianopolis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Recife and Florianopolis are notable destinations for backpackers.

Recife is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Florianopolis. While it's not the most popular destination in Brazil, it does have a huge appeal with surfers.

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

Both Recife and Florianopolis offer notable public transit options.

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

Florianopolis has some public transit options. There are buses around town, including buses that travel between the downtown and the beaches.

Is Recife or Florianopolis a more walkable city?

Recife is a decent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Florianopolis is not a walkable destination.

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.

Florianopolis is not a walkable destination. Most people get around the city with a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Florianopolis or Recife?

How long in Recife or Florianopolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Recife or Florianopolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Florianopolis due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Recife, and 3-4 days is enough time in Florianopolis.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Recife than Florianopolis 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 Recife.

One day in Recife or Florianopolis?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Recife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Florianopolis. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Recife or Florianopolis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Recife. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Florianopolis is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 Florianopolis?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Recife. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florianopolis. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Recife or Florianopolis?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Recife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Florianopolis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, and The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Recife or Florianopolis?

Recife has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Florianopolis. When comparing the sizes of Recife and Florianopolis, 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 Recife or Florianopolis?

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 Recife or Florianopolis in the Summer?

Both Florianopolis and Recife during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Recife for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florianopolis in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Recife is around the same temperature as Florianopolis in the summer. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Florianopolis fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Recife. In the summer, Recife often gets more sunshine than Florianopolis. Recife gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florianopolis receives 198 hours of full sun.

Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Recife. Recife usually gets less rain in January than Florianopolis. Recife gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year. March to August is the rainy season in Recife.

Should I visit Recife or Florianopolis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Recife and Florianopolis. Many visitors come to Recife in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florianopolis for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Recife is a little warmer than Florianopolis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Recife in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Florianopolis averages at about 22°C (71°F).

Recife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florianopolis during autumn. Recife gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Florianopolis receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Recife gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Recife usually receives more rain than Florianopolis. Recife gets 338 mm (13.3 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Recife or Florianopolis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Recife as well as Florianopolis. Most visitors come to Recife for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Florianopolis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Recife is generally a little warmer than Florianopolis. Daily temperatures in Recife average around 24°C (76°F), and Florianopolis fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the winter, Recife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florianopolis. Recife gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florianopolis receives 170 hours of full sun.

Recife receives a lot of rain in the winter. Recife usually gets more rain in July than Florianopolis. Recife gets 388 mm (15.3 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year. March to August in Recife is the rainy season.

Should I visit Recife or Florianopolis in the Spring?

Both Florianopolis and Recife are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Recife because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Florianopolis this time of year.

Recife is a little warmer than Florianopolis in the spring. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Florianopolis fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Recife. Recife usually receives more sunshine than Florianopolis during spring. Recife gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Florianopolis receives 159 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Florianopolis. In October, Recife usually receives less rain than Florianopolis. Recife gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Recife is October to December.

Typical Weather for Florianopolis and Recife