Recife and Olinda
Colonial Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Recife, the “Brazilian Venice” set on its rivers: the historic and cultural heart of the Northeast.
Region
Pernambuco, Northeast
Recommended stay
2 to 3 nights
Best time to go
September to March
Getting there
Recife International Airport; Olinda is about a 20-minute drive away
Two cities, five centuries of history
Founded in 1535 on a hill facing the ocean, Olinda is one of the oldest towns in Brazil. Its baroque churches, convents and colorful houses, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are now home to many artists’ studios.
A few miles away, Recife spreads across islands linked by bridges. Its old quarter recalls the Dutch period of the 17th century, and the city is the birthplace of frevo and maracatu, two musical traditions that set the pulse of one of the country’s most popular carnivals.
When to go
Recife and Olinda can be visited year-round, with consistently warm weather. From September to March, the weather is drier and sunnier. From April to July, the rainy season brings frequent showers.
- September to March: drier, sunnier season
- April to July: rainy season
- February or March: Carnival, very festive but in very high demand
Months
Legend
Things to do
Olinda’s historic center
Cobbled lanes, colorful houses and baroque churches, with views over Recife and the ocean from Alto da Sé, where you can try a tapioca at sunset.
Olinda’s churches and convents
The São Bento Monastery and its gilded altar, the São Francisco Convent and its Portuguese azulejo tiles: among the finest baroque ensembles in the Northeast.
Recife Antigo
Recife’s old quarter, with Marco Zero square, Rua do Bom Jesus and the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, the first in the Americas, founded during Dutch rule.
The Brennands
The Ricardo Brennand Institute, a castle-museum housing paintings of Dutch Brazil by Frans Post, and Francisco Brennand’s ceramics workshop, set in a park.
Frevo and maracatu
The Paço do Frevo in Recife, the artists’ studios and the giant puppets of Olinda: Pernambuco’s popular culture, which you experience to the fullest during Carnival.
Where to stay
Olinda
For charm. Pousadas full of character in colonial houses, in the heart of the old town.
Boa Viagem, Recife
For convenience. Beachfront hotels near the airport, practical for an arrival or departure.
Combine with
Text
Combine
Our tours
Tours
FAQ
How much time should I plan?
Two nights let you visit Olinda and Recife without rushing. Add a third night for the Brennand museums or a day of relaxation.
Should I stay in Recife or Olinda?
Olinda has more charm, especially in the evening. Recife is more practical for an early-morning flight. We’ll advise you based on your itinerary.
What can I combine Recife and Olinda with?
With the natural pools of Porto de Galinhas or Maragogi, a one- to two-hour drive away, or with Fernando de Noronha, one flight from Recife.
Tempted by this trip?
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