Things to do in Recife

About Recife

Recife is the capital of Pernambuco, uniquely defined by its geography as a city built across islands, peninsulas, and bridges often compared to Venice. This coastal hub serves as the epicenter of Frevo music and dance, a culture celebrated at the Paço do Frevo. Visitors can explore the region's complex history at the Centro Cultural Cais do Sertão or view the city's origins at the Praça do Marco Zero. The surrounding metropolitan area also hosts elevated historical viewpoints like Alto Da Sé, which offers panoramic vistas of the Atlantic coastline.

Good to know

1. 1

   Recife was the site of the first synagogue in the Americas, Kahal Zur Israel, established during the Dutch occupation in the 17th century.

2. 2

   The city is home to a unique urban phenomenon involving bull sharks, which has led to strict swimming restrictions along specific metropolitan beaches.

3. 3

   Frevo, the city's signature dance, uses small umbrellas as props and was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

4. 4

   Recife shares its coastline with Olinda, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colonial architecture and preservation of baroque churches.

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   The city features a series of intricate bridges and canals that were heavily influenced by 17th-century Dutch urban planning during the era of New Holland.