Where to Stay in Recife – A Guide to the “Venice of Brazil”
Recife is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and northeast of Brazil.
This city is the capital of the state of Pernambuco and stands out for being a city full of rivers and bridges, which is why it is known as the “Brazilian Venice”.
Recife is one of the largest cities in Brazil and is also known for its culture, its history and, of course, its beaches.
Add to this the natural scenarios formed by rivers and diverse beaches, such as Boa Viagem, with natural pools, many bridges, and art.
As far as attractions are concerned, Recife has a nice contrast between old monuments and modern buildings in the city’s business center.
It is possible to reach this city through the Recife International Airport, which receives flights from Frankfurt, Buenos Aires, Miami, Lisbon, and Panama City, among others.
The Recife Bus Terminal is the largest in Pernambuco and allows you to reach the city by land from, pretty much, every other city in Brazil.
The best area to stay in Recife is Boa Viagem, as it has many hotels and holiday homes that adapt to the travelers’ needs (See accommodation in Boa Viagem).
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Recife, Brazil
The best areas to stay in Recife, Pernambuco
1. Our favorite area: Boa Viagem
The Boa Viagem area is one of the most beautiful and visited beaches in Recife.
Boa Viagem offers an interesting combination of natural attractions and the impressive skyscrapers distributed along the coast.
This beach has natural pools created in the sea, between the sand and the reef. In addition, it is bordered by a large avenue with numerous palm trees and a promenade of stones.
This beach is located in the Zona Sul, one of the most modern areas in Recife.
What makes Boa Viagem special is that there are many hotels, shops, restaurants, and a great nightlife, which makes this area a lively place 24 hours a day.
Here, you will find extraordinary hotels, in addition to guest houses and all kinds of accommodation near the beach, so it is considered one of the best areas to stay in Recife.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Recife, Brazil:
- Beach area
- Best area for nightlife
- Great hotels
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Internacional Palace Hotel
The International Palace Hotel is located in front of Boa Viagem beach. This hotel features an outdoor pool and a bar, provides free Wi-Fi and serves a daily buffet breakfast with croissants, jams and natural juices.
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Budget
Arcada Hotel & Bistro
Located just 2 blocks from the famous Boa Viagem Beach, Arcada Hotel offers an outdoor pool and air-conditioned rooms. The Arcada hotel offers simple accommodation, equipped with TV and minibar. The safe is available upon request.
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Luxury
Grand Mercure Recife Boa Viagem
The Grand Mercure Recife Boa Viagem is ideally located just in front of the famous Boa Viagem beach, within walking distance of several shops and entertainment venues, and features an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi throughout and parking private.
2. Historic Center
The Historic Center of Recife houses most of the city’s diplomatic and religious buildings, including chapels, churches, and Catholic convents.
It is in the Historic Center or Old Town where you can find many of the tourist attractions of Recife, such as the market, the cathedral and many of its squares.
An interesting place in the area is the ‘Capela Dourada’ or Baroque Golden Chapel, which represents the golden age of the religious orders of the past.
Important cultural centers also stand out on Benfic Street, known as the “street of palaces,” with old, summer houses that belonged to nobility such as solar Benfica.
Here, you will also find the oldest synagogue in America, Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, and the Sao Jose Market, the Apollo Theater, the Torre Malakoff Cultural Observatory, the Placa do Arsenal and the Marco Zero.
The Historic Center is a dynamic business district and, at the same time, a lively point of the city during weekends. For these and other reasons, it is among the best areas to stay in Recife.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Recife, Brazil:
- Historical monuments
- Good transport connections
- Good area for business travelers
3. Boa Vista
The Boa Vista area is close to the Old Town and is where the embassy headquarters in Recife are located, as well as shops and cafés.
It is considered the bohemian area of the city.
In addition, it is where the Carnival of Recife is celebrated every year, one of the most important holidays in the city.
Boa Vista is also a meeting place for intellectuals and poets, with bars where poetry recitals are improvised from time to time.
Boa Vista is one of the best areas to stay in Recife, for having hostels, hotels and all types of accommodation.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Recife, Brazil:
- Bohemian area
- Bars and restaurants
- Near the City Center
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
NovoHotell Recife
NovoHotell Recife is located in Recife, 400 meters from the US Consulate. It offers free Wi-Fi and a free breakfast, which is served on the outdoor terrace surrounded by greenery.
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Budget
Reef Hostel & Pousada
The Reef Hostel & amp; Pousada offers rooms with free Wi-Fi in Recife, 500 meters from the US Consulate and 16 km from Guararapes Shopping Mall.
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Luxury
Othon Suites Recife Metrópolis
The Othon Suites Recife Metropolis Hotel offers free parking and spacious rooms with air conditioning, a bathroom and an equipped kitchen. Free WiFi is available throughout.
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