Ultimate 3-Day Recife Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Start your journey at Praça do Marco Zero, the iconic heart of Recife Antigo, where street art, colorful colonial buildings, and ocean views set the tone for the city’s vibrant soul.

Praça do Marco Zero

Wander to the nearby Centro de Artesanato de Pernambuco, a treasure trove of local crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, perfect for discovering Pernambuco’s artistic heritage.

Centro de Artesanato de Pernambuco

Visit the striking Paço do Frevo, a museum and cultural center dedicated to the infectious rhythms and vibrant dances that define Recife’s Carnaval spirit.

Paço do Frevo

Have lunch at the historic Bar do Mamulengo, a quirky spot known for its regional dishes and puppet-themed décor, right in the heart of Recife Antigo.

Bar do Mamulengo

Stroll along the Cais do Sertão, a waterfront museum and cultural space celebrating the heritage of Brazil’s northeast, offering immersive exhibits and river views as the sun sets.

Cais do Sertão

Begin your day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage streets of Centro Histórico de Olinda, where pastel-hued houses, cobblestone alleys, and baroque churches paint a postcard-perfect scene.

Centro Histórico de Olinda

Step inside the ornate Mosteiro de São Bento, a 16th-century Benedictine monastery famed for its golden altar and tranquil cloisters.

Mosteiro de São Bento

Refuel with a traditional northeastern lunch at Oficina do Sabor, famed for its inventive takes on regional classics and panoramic views over Olinda and Recife.

Oficina do Sabor

Browse the vibrant art studios and galleries on Rua do Amparo, where local artists display everything from woodcuts to contemporary installations.

Rua do Amparo

As dusk falls, sip a caipirinha at Bar do Ponto de Vista, perched atop Olinda’s hills, offering sweeping city and sea views with a backdrop of live forró music on weekends.

Bar do Ponto de Vista

Soak up the tropical sun at Praia de Boa Viagem, Recife’s legendary urban beach, known for its golden sands, natural pools, and lively boardwalk.

Praia de Boa Viagem

Enjoy an authentic regional breakfast at Padaria Boa Viagem, beloved for its fresh breads, tapiocas, and sweet treats just steps from the beach.

Padaria Boa Viagem

Wander through the lush Jardim Botânico do Recife, a serene urban oasis featuring native Atlantic Forest, orchid houses, and tranquil walking trails.

Jardim Botânico do Recife

Sample a classic Brazilian lunch at Parraxaxá, a beloved buffet spot offering regional comfort food like feijoada and carne de sol in a folkloric setting.

Parraxaxá

End your Recife adventure with sunset drinks and fresh seafood at the open-air Entre Amigos o Bode, a local favorite for camarão ao alho e óleo (garlic shrimp) and casual beach vibes.

Entre Amigos o Bode