Why go
- Capital city of Pernambuco, Brazil.
- Served by Recife/Guararapes - Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC).
History
Recife is the state capital of Pernambuco, Brazil, on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. It is the largest urban area within both the North and the Northeast Region of Brazil. It is the largest city in Pernambuco state, and the fourth-largest urban area in all of Brazil; the metro population of the city of Recife was 3,726,974 in 2022. Recife was founded in 1537, serving as the main harbor of the Captaincy of Pernambuco—known for its large-scale production of sugar cane. At one point, it was known as Mauritsstad, when it served as the capital city of the 17th century colony of New Holland of Dutch Brazil. Situated at the confluence of the Beberibe and Capibaribe rivers, before they drain into the South Atlantic Ocean, Recife is a major seaport along the Brazilian Atlantic coast. Its name is an allusion to the stone reefs that are present offshore. Together with the urban presence of the Beberibe and Capibaribe rivers and their tributaries, the many additional unique, small islands—and more than 50 bridges linking them throughout the city—create a distinct maritime or "riviera" atmosphere, leading to Recife being known as the "Venice of Brazil".
Where to stay
R. Barão de Santo Ângelo, 100 - Pina, Recife - PE, 51110-180, Brazil · luzeirosrecife.com.br
R. Padre Inglês, 90 - Boa Vista, Recife - PE, 50050-230, Brazil · pousadalordeingles.com.br
R. Santa Rita, Pier 46 - São José, Recife - PE, 50020-455, Brazil · all.accor.com
Av. Boa Viagem, 1906 - Boa Viagem, Recife - PE, 51011-000, Brazil · letsatlantica.com.br
Av. Boa Viagem, 420 - Boa Viagem, Recife - PE, 51011-000, Brazil · letsatlantica.com.br
Av. Norte Miguel Arraes de Alencar, 4200 - Tamarineira, Recife - PE, 51051-000, Brazil · nexoshotel.com.br
Av. João de Barros, 886 - Soledade, Recife - PE, 50100-020, Brazil · villaparkhotel.com.br
Av. Boa Viagem, 344 - Boa Viagem, Recife - PE, 51011-000, Brazil · classexecutive.tripcombined.com
Hotel - Av. Boa Viagem, 1070 - Boa Viagem, Recife - PE, 51011-000, Brazil · marante.com.br
R. Domingos José Martins, 33 - Recife, PE, 50030-200, Brazil · letsatlantica.com.br
R. Manoel de Brito, 290 - Pina, Recife - PE, 51110-100, Brazil · sunsmarthotel.com.br
R. Henrique Dias, 70 - Boa Vista, Recife - PE, 50070-140, Brazil · vilahotellrecife.com.br
R. Gen. José Semeão, 115 - Santo Amaro, Recife - PE, 50050-120, Brazil · instagram.com
Av. Manoel Borba, 209 - Boa Vista, Recife - PE, 50070-000, Brazil · instagram.com
Av. Boa Viagem, 344 - Boa Viagem, Recife - PE, 51011-000, Brazil · hy4u.com.br
Av. Pres. Kennedy, 187 - Varadouro, Olinda - PE, 53230-630, Brazil · hotelcolonialolinda.com.br
R. da Aurora, 225 - Boa Vista, Recife - PE, 50050-000, Brazil · plazarecife.com.br
R. Imperial, 175 - São José, Recife - PE, 50090-000, Brazil · pousadadoforte.com.br
R. Henrique Dias, 255 - Boa Vista, Recife - PE, 50070-140, Brazil · das-fronteiras.uhoteles.com
R. Manuel Borba, N: 228 - Carmo, Olinda - PE, 53010-270, Brazil
Indoor
R. Henrique Dias, 181 - Boa Vista, Recife - PE, 50070-140, Brazil
R. Vidal de Negreiros, 81 - São José, Recife - PE, 50020-480, Brazil
Praça Maciel Pinheiro, 48 - Boa Vista, Recife - PE, 50060-160, Brazil
Indoor
R. Comendador Queirós de Oliveira, 56 - San Martin, Recife - PE, 50760-650, Brazil · fadahotel.com.br
Restaurants & places to go
Burger, Fast Food · Aeroporto Internacional do Recife Features: takeaway · Acesso à Área de Embarque, Recife, 51210-902 · bobs.com.br
Chicken, Fast Food · Kentucky Fried Chicken é uma rede de restaurantes de fast-food estadunidense, que explora a antiga receita de frango frito do Kentucky,… · kfcbrasil.com.br
American, Steak, Restaurant · Shopping Recife Features: step-free access, air conditioning · 777 Rua Padre Carapuceiro, Recife, 51020-900 · outback.com.br
International, Carnes, Regional, Restaurant · Aeroporto Internacional do Recife Features: outdoor seating, takeaway · Acesso à Área de Embarque, Recife,… · bonaparte.com.br
Pastel, Fast Food · O Melhor Pastel do Brasil oferece uma variedade imensa de sabores em uma massa crocante e saborosa, alem de Coxinha de massa e batata em… · facebook.com
Middle Eastern, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Su 08:00-22:00 Features: takeaway · 260 Avenida Engenheiro Abdias de Carvalho;Rua Gervásio Campelo, Recife,… · www1.habibs.com.br
Sandwich, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Su 11:00-22:00 Features: takeaway, step-free access · 365 Avenida Fagundes Varela, Olinda, 53140-080 · subway.com
AçAí, Fast Food · Features: takeaway, delivery, step-free access, air conditioning · 251 Avenida República do Líbano, Recife, 51110-160 · acaiconcept.com
Regional, Restaurant · Opening hours: Tu-Th 11:30-24:00, Fr,Sa 11:30-01:00, Su 11:30-23:00; Mo off Features: takeaway · 248 Avenida Dezessete de Agosto, Recife · deliverydireto.com.br
Pizza, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 16:40-23:20 · 26 Rua Trinta e Seis, Paulista, 53409-670 · afabricapizzas.com.br
Brazilian, Restaurant · Opening hours: Tu-Su 11:30-01:00 · 2237 Avenida Visconde de Jequitinhonha, 51021-190 · caldissimogrill.com.br
Donut, Fast Food · Opening hours: Tu-Su 17:00-23:59 · 56e Avenida Vice-Prefeito José Rodrigues da Costa Filho, Paulista · crazydonuts.com.br
Rodisio, Barbecue, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Th 11:30-16:30,18:30-23:30; Fr-Su 11:30-23:30 Features: outdoor seating, step-free access, air conditioning · salebrasa.com.br
Crepe, Salad, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Fr 12:00-14:30; Mo-Th 18:00-23:00; Fr, Sa 18:00-23:30; Su 18:00-22:30 Features: vegetarian options, step-free… · bercyvillage.com.br
Japanese, Asian, Ramen, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Sa 18:00-22:30 Features: air conditioning · 203 Rua Afonso Celso, Recife, 52060-110 · instagram.com
Restaurant · Opening hours: Tu-Sa 12:00-00:00; Su 12:00-22:00 · 810 Avenida Alfredo Lisboa · moendo-na-laje.cluvi.com.br
Fast Food · Opening hours: Tu-Fr 11:00-22:30; Sa-Su 16:00-22:30 Features: vegan options · 538 Rua Real da Torre, Recife · veganu.com.br
Italian, Restaurant · Opening hours: Tu-Su 11:00-15:30, 18:00-23:00 Features: vegan options · 99 Avenida Santos Dumont, 52050050
Oriental, Pizza, Sushi, Chinese, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 11:00-22:00
Chinese, Restaurant · Opening hours: Tu-Su 11:00-14:00,18:00-23:00 · 05 Rua Trinta e Seis, Paulista, 53409-670
Doces, Cafeteria, Cafe · Opening hours: Mo-Su 10:00-19:00 · 418 Rua Capitão Rebelinho, Recife, 51011-010
Steak House, Restaurant · Features: takeaway, delivery, step-free access, air conditioning · 251 Avenida República do Líbano, Recife, 51110-160 · instagram.com
Pasta, Italian, Restaurant · Pasta/Italian restaurant · 338 Avenida Doutor José Augusto Moreira, Olinda, 53130-410 · beacons.ai
Coffee Shop, Cafe · Features: takeaway
Sorvete, Fast Food · Features: takeaway · Estação Recife, Recife, 50020-065
Pretzel, Fast Food · Features: takeaway, step-free access, air conditioning
Tea, Cafe · Features: takeaway, step-free access, air conditioning
Coxinha, Fast Food · Opening hours: 24/7 · S/N Rua Odete Monteiro, Recife, 50711-280
Ice Cream, Fast Food · Features: takeaway · Avenida Alfredo Lisboa · frisabor.com.br
Local, Seafood, Restaurant · Local/Seafood restaurant · 49 Rua José Domingues da Silva · tripadvisor.com
Cafe · Features: takeaway, step-free access, air conditioning · 251 Avenida República do Líbano, Recife, 51110-160 · graoespresso.com.br
Tex-Mex, Restaurant · Features: step-free access, air conditioning · 251 Avenida República do Líbano, Recife, 51110-160
Seafood, Restaurant · Features: step-free access, air conditioning · 777 Rua Padre Carapuceiro, Recife
Brownie, Cafe · Features: outdoor seating, takeaway, delivery
Mexican, Restaurant · Features: vegan options · 336 Rua Professor Eduardo Wanderley Filho
Mineira, Restaurant · Features: outdoor seating, air conditioning · 162 Rua Nestor Silva
Sushi, Restaurant · Features: takeaway · 47 Rua Francisco da Cunha, Recife, 51020-210
Asian, Restaurant · Features: step-free access, air conditioning · 251 Avenida República do Líbano, Recife, 51110-160
AçAi, Fast Food · AçAi fast food
Korean, Restaurant · Korean restaurant · Rua Venezuela
Fish, Restaurant · Fish restaurant
Hamburger, Restaurant · Hamburger restaurant
Juices And Snacks, Fast Food · Juices And Snacks fast food · 230 Avenida Dantas Barreto, Recife
Portuguese, Restaurant · Portuguese restaurant · 165 Rua Francisco da Cunha
Tradicional, Restaurant · Tradicional restaurant · 390 Rua Lindolfo Color
357 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →
Airports
Recife/Guararapes - Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC) 8.8 km to the centre
Recife, PE, BR — You board from the indoor waiting area — no need to plan for the weather. ✈ 9 airlines (Azul, Sky Express, TAM Brazilian Airlines, Oceanair…) · direct flights to 18 destinations incl. Salvador, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Miami… (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 9 airlines, 18 direct destinations
- Azul AD (Embraer 195, ATR 72, Embraer 190) · 10 routes: Aracaju, Belo Horizonte, Campinas, Fernando Do Noronha, Fortaleza, Maceio, Natal, Salvador, Sao Paulo, Teresina
- Sky Express G3 (737-800, 737-700) · 9 routes: Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Fernando Do Noronha, Fortaleza, Juazeiro Do Norte, Petrolina, Rio De Janeiro, Salvador, Sao Paulo
- TAM Brazilian Airlines JJ (A320, A321, 757) · 7 routes: Aracaju, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Miami, Rio De Janeiro, Salvador, Sao Paulo
- Oceanair O6 (A320, 318) · 5 routes: Brasilia, Petrolina, Rio De Janeiro, Salvador, Sao Paulo
- American Airlines AA (757) · 1 route: Miami
- Condor Flugdienst DE (767) · 1 route: Frankfurt
- Copa Airlines CM (737-800, 737-700) · 1 route: Panama City
- TAP Portugal TP (A330-200) · 1 route: Lisbon
- US Airways US (757) · 1 route: Miami
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Itapessoca Airport 45 km to the centre
Goiana, PE, BR
José Múcio Monteiro Airport 77 km to the centre
Rio Formoso, PE, BR
Fazenda Lagoa do Cavalo Airport 83 km to the centre
Gravatá, PE, BR
Coroa do Avião Airport 24 km to the centre
Igarassu, PE, BR
Usina União Industria Private Airport 63 km to the centre
Primavera, PE, BR
Getting there by ferry
Pier do Catamaran Tours
Ferry terminal · 1.7 km from the centre
Terminal Marítimo de Passageiros do Recife
Ferry terminal · 1.8 km from the centre · Porto do Recife S.A.;Governo do Estado de Pernambuco;Setur;Prefeitura do Recife;Secretaria de Turismo de Pernambuco;
Pier do Parque de Esculturas
Ferry terminal · 1.9 km from the centre
Cais da Jaqueira
Ferry terminal · 3 km from the centre
Travessia Marco Zero - Parque de Esculturas
Ferry route
Jaqueira - Torre
Ferry route
Poço da Panela/Iputinga
Ferry route
Where things are
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping
base map © OSM
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
Tourist season
October – March
The warmer, longer-day half of the southern-hemisphere year.
Shoulder season
April – May, September
Milder and quieter, with better value.
Worth avoiding
June – August
The southern winter — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Recife/Guararapes - Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC); 7 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: REC has direct flights to 18 destinations on 9 airlines (incl. Salvador, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Miami…). By water: 4 ferry terminals within 20 km (nearest: Pier do Catamaran Tours, 1.7 km); routes include Travessia Marco Zero - Parque de Esculturas, Jaqueira - Torre, Poço da Panela/Iputinga.
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Recife. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.
Private aviation
On-demand charter, jet cards and the semi-private scheduled carriers that serve this city.
Charter, management, FBO · Managed fleet · Brazil's largest business-aviation company.
Broker · Any aircraft via operators worldwide · Global charter broker with 30+ offices; private jets, group charters and cargo.
FBO, charter, management · Managed fleet · FBO network and management across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
Fractional, jet card · Embraer Praetor, Bombardier Challenger & Global, Gulfstream · Fractional ownership and jet cards in North America and Europe.
Charter, management · Large-cabin & VIP airliners · Geneva-based operator known for large-cabin and VIP airliner charters.