About
Recife is a major city in northeastern Brazil, set on the Atlantic coast of South America. It is the regional capital of Pernambuco and one of the country's largest urban centres, and it is sometimes called the "Venice of Brazil" because of the rivers, canals and bridges that run through it.
What the city offers
Recife is known for its colonial architecture, and its older districts give a sense of the city's long history as a port. Visitors come as much for the cultural scene as for the buildings, with music, art and local traditions that shape daily life across the city.
Beyond the city
One of the main reasons to plan a trip here is the coast nearby. Porto de Galinhas, a beach area a short journey from Recife, is the most widely known of the beaches close to the city, and it makes an easy day trip or a relaxed stay for those who want sand and sea after time spent in town.
Planning a visit
- Spend time in the older quarters to see the colonial buildings up close.
- Follow the rivers and bridges, which give the city its Venice comparison.
- Combine city days with a trip to the beaches of Porto de Galinhas.
Recife suits travellers interested in Brazilian culture, architecture and the coast of the northeast, and it rewards a visit that moves between the city and the sea.