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

Should you visit Recife or Salvador?

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 Salvador 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 authentic, cultural, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Recife travel costs.

Salvador

Salvador is a cultural, historical, and authentic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Salvador travel costs.

Recife and Salvador: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Recife or Salvador?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Recife than Salvador. While Salvador is larger than Recife, Recife has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Recife is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Salvador is known for its historical sights. Salvador is more touristy than Recife and is known for its West African influence, rich culinary scene, and colonial architecture. Recife is popular for its football and music scenes. It is also home to Praia de Boa Viagem.

How is Recife different from Salvador?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Recife and Salvador.

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 Salvador. Many of the main sights are found in the historic part of town. In this area you'll find the Museu da Cidade, the Abelardo Rodrigues Museum, and the Casa do Benin. There are many ornate churches as well such as the São Francisco and the Carmelite Church.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Recife and Salvador 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).

Salvador has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has rich African roots that are noticeable in the cuisine around town. Buffets have become popular in restaurants and many places offer a lunch buffet. They range in price and quality and you often pay by the weight. Common dishes include moqueca (seafood stew), vatapá (a type of curry), and acarajé (fried balls of beans and shrimp).

Is Recife or Salvador Better for Nightlife?

Both Recife and Salvador are high quality 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.

Salvador has a large number of nightlife venues. Head to the old city for a mix of local music and authentic Brazilian activities. Further out, along the stretches of beach, you'll find larger music venues and dance clubs. The atmosphere is laid back and relaxed throughout the city and you'll find a very local vibe in many neighborhoods.

Is Recife or Salvador Better for Beaches?

Both Recife and Salvador are considered to be high quality beach destinations.

The beaches at Recife attract visitors from all over. 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.

Many people visit Salvador for it's beautiful beaches. Many of the beaches are sandy with warm water and tidal pools to explore. The most popular beach is Praia Farol da Barra, which can get crowded. North of the city is the more relaxed Praia Farol de Itapuã and if you want to learn to surf, head to Praia da Jaguaribe, which is home to several surfing schools.

Is Recife or Salvador Better for its Old Town?

Salvador is a city with good options for its old town. However, Recife does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Salvador to see the old town. The city served as the first Portuguese capital and today it still has colonial architecture and a historic atmosphere. At the historic heart of the city is the Pelourinho neighborhood, which has nice squares and cobblestone streets.

Recife does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Recife or Salvador?

Recife is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Salvador is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Salvador. There are many local markets and shops around town where you can pick up traditional Brazilian items and artisan crafts.

Is Recife or Salvador Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Recife or Salvador as a family destination.

Recife is not the most family-friendly destination. 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.

Salvador is not always a place people visit with their families. It has a reputation for being dangerous, so many families don't plan to spend much time here, but the city has parks, recreational activities like climbing, and a number of kid-friendly museums to explore. There are also many ice cream shops and family-friendly restaurants.

Is Recife or Salvador Better for Couples?

Salvador 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.

Salvador is a very popular place to visit for couples. The historical center is charming and the perfect place to explore as a couple. There are also parks around town and many cultural experiences that visitors truly enjoy.

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 Salvador Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salvador 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.

Salvador is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers love the historical architecture and the authenticity that this city offers. There are also a number of hostels around town.

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 Salvador Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Recife and Salvador offer good public transit options.

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

Salvador has some public transit options. There are buses around town that are divided into two different classes - the common bus and the executive bus.

Is Recife or Salvador a more walkable city?

Recife and Salvador both are decent when exploring on foot.

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.

Salvador is generally not a very walkable city. While it's possible to walk around town, you should really understand which areas are safe and which parts of town are dangerous. Sometimes the dangerous areas are just a couple of blocks that are surrounded by an otherwise safe neighborhood, so you should really understand where you are before heading out on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Salvador or Recife?

How long in Recife or Salvador?

It's fun to spend time in either Recife or Salvador. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Salvador 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 Salvador.

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

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

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

One day in Recife or Salvador?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Salvador. 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 Salvador?

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.

Salvador 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 Salvador?

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.

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

A week in Recife or Salvador?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Salvador. 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.

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 Salvador, we can see that Recife is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Salvador.

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

Which is Bigger, Recife or Salvador?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Recife. When comparing the sizes of Recife and Salvador, 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 Salvador?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Recife or Salvador in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Recife and Salvador. Most visitors come to Recife for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Salvador because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Recife is around the same temperature as Salvador. Typically, the summer temperatures in Recife in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Salvador averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salvador this time of the year. In Recife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Recife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Salvador during summer. Recife gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Salvador receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

Salvador receives a lot of rain in the summer. Recife gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Recife usually receives less rain than Salvador. Recife gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Recife. September to February in Salvador is the dry season. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Salvador.

Should I visit Recife or Salvador in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Recife as well as Salvador. The autumn months attract visitors to Recife because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Salvador this time of year.

In April, Recife is generally around the same temperature as Salvador. Daily temperatures in Recife average around 26°C (79°F), and Salvador fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In the autumn, Recife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Salvador. Recife gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salvador receives 190 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Salvador. Recife receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Recife usually gets more rain in April than Salvador. Recife gets 338 mm (13.3 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Recife or Salvador in the Winter?

Both Salvador and Recife are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Recife this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Salvador for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Recife is around the same temperature as Salvador in the winter. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Salvador fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Recife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Salvador during winter. Recife gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Salvador receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. It's quite rainy in Recife. In July, Recife usually receives more rain than Salvador. Recife gets 388 mm (15.3 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Recife is March to August. The dry season in Salvador is September to February. The rainy season in Salvador is March to August.

Should I visit Recife or Salvador in the Spring?

Both Salvador and Recife during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Recife for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Salvador in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Recife is around the same temperature as Salvador. Typically, the spring temperatures in Recife in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Salvador averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In Salvador, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Recife. In the spring, Recife often gets more sunshine than Salvador. Recife gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salvador receives 228 hours of full sun.

Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Recife usually gets less rain in October than Salvador. Recife gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to December is the dry season in Recife.

Typical Weather for Salvador and Recife