The Northeast
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Northeast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Instituto Ricardo Brennand
The impressive private archive of Pernambucan collector Ricardo Brennand is displayed in a fairy-tale castle approximately 15 km (9 miles) north of Boa Viagem and surrounded by 77 hectares of forest. While the paintings and artifacts range in origin from the 15th and 21st centuries and hail from all corners of the globe, the focus is on pieces that illuminate what life was like in Recife during the Dutch imperial rule (1600–1700).
Alameda Antônio Brennand, Recife, Pernambuco, 50741-904, Brazil081-2121–0352Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$20, Tues.–Sat. 1–5 -
2. Museu Cais do Sertão
This modern, interactive musuem is one of the new hot spots on Recife's cultural map. Regular live shows and cultural workshops add extra flavor to the top-class permanent exhibition that explores the key pillars of northeastern culture. Highlights include a film that portrays the challenges of life in the Sertão (interior drylands), interactive interviews with famous nordestino figures, and exhibitions on Recife's vibrant culture and artisan traditions. The building itself is beautifully designed and guides speak English. Check the website for their cultural agenda.
Av. Alfredo Lisboa s/n, Recife, Pernambuco, 50030-010, Brazil081-3089–2974Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$8, Tues. 9–9, Wed.–Fri. 9–5, Sat. 1–7, Sun. 11–7 -
3. Paço de Frevo
This new cultural space celebrates and showcases all things related to Frevo, the infectious music and dance that governs Pernambucan culture and Carnival. Information in this small museum is in English, and the displays and videos full of color. Regular shows take place on the third floor of the reformed townhouse, where you can also sign up for dance classes.
Praça Do Arsenal Da Marinha, Recife, Pernambuco, 50030-360, Brazil081-3355–9527Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$6, Tues.–Wed. and Fri 9–6, Thurs. 9–9, weekends noon–7 -
4. Praia da Paiva
One of the secret refuges of Recife, this long stretch of golden shore has the feel of a private beach, yet is open to the public via the pay-toll and small bridge on the road to Barra de Jangada-Gaibu (cars cost R$3.50 on weekdays and R$5.50 at weekends). The only refreshments available come from passing beach vendors, but you can stop for lunch at Marina Pôr do Sol, a decent restaurant on the water to the right of the pay-toll. From Boa Viagem, you can access Praia da Paiva by several connecting buses, although the easiest way to get there is by taxi or rental car. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: solitude; surfing; walking.
Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Pernambuco, 54500-001, Brazil -
5. Recife Antigo
Recife AntigoMost of Old Recife's colonial-era public buildings and houses have been restored. The area between Rua do Bom Jesus and Rua do Apolo is full of shops, cafés, and bars, making it the hub of downtown life both day and night. On weekends there's live maracatu music and dancing, and a handicrafts fair is held Sunday from 2 to 8 on Rua do Bom Jesus.
Recife, Pernambuco, 50010-040, Brazil -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Tamandaré
Situated 109 km (68 miles) south of Recife, this beach region shares the same calm, warm waters and natural pools as Porto das Galinhas, yet lacks the crowds. The postcard-perfect Praia dos Carneiros has brilliantly clear emerald waters that are home to shoals of tropical fish. The beach huts there serve fresh coconut water and seafood snacks. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunrise; swimming.
Recife, Pernambuco, 55578-000, Brazil -
7. Arquivo Judaico de Pernambuco
Recife AntigoIn Recife Antigo, on the site of the America's first synagogue, this excellent museum offers insight into the history and culture of the city, told through the experience of the Jewish population during the 1600s. All that remains of the original sanctuary, built in 1641, are the walls and the ground, which can be viewed through glass floor panels. Some guides speak English, and the informative signs are bilingual.
Rua do Bom Jesus 197, Recife, Pernambuco, 50030-170, Brazil081-3224–8351Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$10, Weekdays 9–4:30, Sun. 2–5:30 -
8. Boa Viagem
Boa ViagemCoconut palms line Recife's most popular beach, the 9-km-long (4-mile-long) Praia da Boa Viagem. A steady Atlantic breeze tames the hot sun, and reef formations create pools of warm water, although surfing and swimming are limited to designated areas because of the sharks beyond the reef. Sailors and fishermen beach their jangadas (handcrafted log rafts with beautiful sails), and vendors sell coconut drinks from kiosks. Avenida Boa Viagem separates a row of hotels and apartments from the beach, which is lined by a wide blue calçadão (sidewalk) that's perfect for running, bike rides, or evening promenades. On weekend afternoons there's a handicrafts fair in Praça da Boa Viagem. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee). Best for: partiers; sunrises; walking.
Recife, Pernambuco, 51021-010, Brazil -
9. Cabo de Santo Agostinho
Some of Pernambuco's finest beaches are clustered around the small town of Cabo de Santo Agostinho, 35 km (22 miles) south of the city. The town's eponymous beach is better for soaking up the view of the cliffs and surrounding colonial houses rather than sunbathing, as there is little sand to sit on. Buses to and from Recife depart regularly and cost R$2. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: sunsets.
54500-000, Brazil -
10. Casa da Cultura
The old cells of this former 19th-century prison have been transformed into shops that sell works from Pernambuco's artisans, including clay figurines, wood sculptures, carpets, leather goods, and items made from woven straw. One of the cells has been kept in its original form to give visitors an idea of how the prisoners there lived.
Rua Floriano Peixoto, Recife, Pernambuco, 50020-060, Brazil081-3224–0557Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Mon.–Sat. 9–7, Sun. 9–2 -
11. Catedral de São Pedro dos Clérigos
São JoséThe facade of this cathedral, which was built in 1728, showcases fine wooden sculptures and a splendid trompe-l'oeil ceiling. The square surrounding the cathedral is lined with many restaurants, shops, and bars, and is a hangout for local artists, who often read their poetry or perform music, particularly on Tuesday evening. The square is a focal point during Carnival and the Festa Junina, a lively pagan festival that takes place nationwide through the month of June.
Rua Patio de São Pedro, Recife, Pernambuco, 50020-220, Brazil081-3224–2954Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Tues.–Fri. 8–11 and 2–4, Sat. 8–10:30 -
12. Forte das Cinco Pontas
São JoséOriginally constructed from mud in 1630, the "Fort of Five Points" was rebuilt in 1677 with stone and mortar; even though it now has only four sides, the fort has retained its original name. One of the last buildings built duing the era of Dutch dominance, this military fort now houses the Museu da Cidade, where an array of maps and photos illustrates Recife's history.
Praça das Cinco Pontas, Recife, Pernambuco, 50020-100, Brazil081-3224–8492Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tues.–Fri. 9–6, weekends 1–5 -
13. Gaibu
Surrounded by palm trees and favored by local surfers, beautiful Gaibu has become one of the area's most happening hangout spots. Volleyball competitions, fishing, and surfing are all practiced along the shore, while at the end of the beach, you can visit the ruins of the Fort of San Francisco Xavier. Some parts of the beach are not recommended for swimming. Its popularity means the beach can sometimes get crowded, noisy, and dirty Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards. Best for: partiers; surfing; sunset.
Recife, Pernambuco, 54505-000, Brazil -
14. Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco
Santo AntônioBuilt in 1606, this church has beautiful Portuguese tile work, while the adjoining Capela Dourada (Golden Chapel), constructed in 1697, is an outstanding example of Brazilian baroque architecture. The complex also contains a convent—the Convento Franciscano de Santo Antônio—and a museum displaying sacred art.
Rua Imperador Dom Pedro II s/n, Recife, Pernambuco, 50010-240, Brazil081-3224–0530Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$2, Weekdays 8–11:30 and 2–5, Sat. 8–11:30 -
15. Igreja e Convento do Carmo
This historic baroque-style church and convent are constructed of wood and white gold. The main altar has a life-size statue of Our Lady of Carmel.
Av. Dantas Barreto, Recife, Pernambuco, 50010-170, Brazil081-3224–3341Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Weekdays 6:30 am–8 pm, Sat. 7–noon, Sun. 10–noon and 6–9 -
16. Ilha de Itamaracá
This island is set off the coast of the historic city of Igarassu and has a number of beautiful beaches with calm waters for swimming, as well as a protected area for manatees. The best beach is Coroa do Avião. To get to its secluded golden sands and handful of pricey beach restaurants, you need to take a boat or canoe from Forte Orange (R$10 per person). Buses to Igarassu and Ilha de Itamaracá leave from the center of Recife, at the Cais de Santa Rita in front of the Fórum Thomas de Aquino. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.
Recife, Pernambuco, 53900-000, Brazil -
17. Maracaípe
South of Recife on the road past Porto das Galinha lies serene Maracaípe Beach. The excellent waves and happening Quiosques (beach bars) have made this a popular weekend spot with younger crowds, although the rough waters and strong currents make it more suited to surfers than swimming. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; surfers; windsurfing.
Recife, Pernambuco, 55590-000, Brazil -
18. Museu do Estado de Pernambuco
GraçasThe state historical museum, in a mansion once owned by a baron, seems more like a home filled with beautiful antiques than a museum, providing visitors with a taste of how life was lived in Recife 200 years ago. Among the 14,000 objects on display, there is a grand piano, a dining-room table set with 18th-century china, an ornate 19th-century crib, and many beautiful paintings.
Av. Rui Barbosa 960, Recife, Pernambuco, 52050-000, Brazil081-3184–3174Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$5, Tues.–Fri. 9–5, weekends 2–5 -
19. Museu do Homem do Nordeste
Casa ForteOffering rich insight into the history and cultural influences of Brazil's Northeast, this museum's collection ranges from utensils crafted by indigenous tribes and artifacts from European colonizers, to religious items from African slaves and ceramics by artists such as Mestre Vitalino and Mestre Zê.
Av. 17 de Agosto 2187, Recife, Pernambuco, 52061-540, Brazil081-3073–6340Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$5, Closed Mon., Tues.–Fri. 8:30–5, weekends 1–5 -
20. Oficina Cerâmica Francisco Brennand
In the old São José sugar refinery, this museum houses more than 2,000 ceramic pieces by the great (and prolific) Brazilian artist Francisco Brennand. Having studied in France, he was influenced by Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, among others, and his works also include paintings, drawings, and engravings. About 15 km (9 miles) from Recife Antigo, the museum's location amid forests and fountains is almost as appealing as its displays.
Propriedade Santo Cosme e Damião s/n, Recife, Pernambuco, 50740-970, Brazil081-3271–2466Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$8, Weekdays 8–5, weekends 10–6
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