T & G
Things To Do/Resources
Safety Tips
1. Be discreet with your belongings and aware of your surroundings - Leave passport in hotel safe - Don't leave belongings unattended - Consider leaving phone and wallet in the hotel + bring cash if going to the beach across the street - Wear purses in front of you, closed - Guys, put phone/wallet in front pockets - Dress modestly; leave necklaces, expensive rings and jewelry at home - Be discreet with electronics, they are worth a lot of $ in Brazil 2. Try to fit in - Know where you’re going, refrain from drawing attention to yourselves, etc. 3. When in open spaces - If walking somewhere, avoid taking valuables like phones/wallets/jewelry - Don’t hang out on the sidewalk; wait for your ride or friends inside establishments If approached, NEVER fight/refuse/react to a robbery—just give them what they want.
Cultural Norms
Brazilians are very warm and joyful people! We hug, give kisses on the cheek when saying hi, laugh and speak loudly, etc. Below are some things you may find different: 1. Tap water is NOT drinkable! 2. Tipping: we tip 10% and that is often included in the restaurant/bar tab (make sure to check it); if it isn't, ask them to include it before you pay. There's no option to add a tip after the card is swiped. Tax is already included in prices. 3. When paying for something, you'll be asked "credit or debit" before inserting your card. You'll also be asked about splitting the price into installments, a big Brazilian habit often denied by US cards; just say "a vista" (in full) 4. Your hotel/host will likely ask you to dispose toilet paper in the trash bin to avoid clogging 5. When going to a restroom, M is for "mulher" (woman), H is for "homem" (man) 6. After 10pm, drivers often yield + drive through red lights—it's okay 7. Many restaurants close on Mondays 8. Keep a translator app handy :)
Beauty, Spa & Wellness
Spa & Beauty Salon: Villa Bem Estar Other Beauty Salons: In the malls—Brow Bar, Bessie Beauty Club (considered "express salons", cheaper and faster), Anna Klein Beauty. Outside of the mall: Trois Beauté, Spa Beaute. Gyms: Race (like orangetheory—running + some weights), Tonus Gym (lifting only), Vidya (hot yoga), Santé, Cia Athletica, Bodytech, SmartFit.
Restaurants in Recife
- Steak: Ponteio Steakhouse (Greg's favorite), Spettus Steakhouse, and Entre Amigos, O Bode - French: Le Chef, Ça Va, Mingus and Nez Bistrô - Sushi: Tetsu, Kojima, Nikko, Quina do Futuro - Local Northeastern Cuisine: Chica Pitanga (buffet-style at lunch, à la carte at dinner), Arvo, Parraxaxá - Italian: Buca Trattoria (Tati's favorite, make sure you order the lava cake "desidério"), Pecora Nera, Famiglia Giuliano - Le Fondue (Tati's family's favorite) - Seafood: Bargaço, Entre Amigos Praia, Tasquinha - Ice Cream: Fri Sabor (especially fruit-based flavors), Bacio di Latte (gelato)
Shopping & Entertainment
Recife has lots of stores but you can find EVERYTHING at the mall, from stores to restaurants, movie theaters, bowling alleys, pharmacies, beauty salons, services like clothing repairs, etc. We recommend "Shopping Recife" and "Rio Mar Shopping," both close to Boa Viagem.
Boa Viagem Beach (in the city)
Fun, relaxing and refreshing. Chairs and umbrella rentals are cheap and negotiable, and the owners often sell food and drinks as well, so you can order beers, capirinhas and more from your seat. When the tide is low, water will be below your knees, like a natural pool. You'll see signs warning about sharks—they live beyond the natural stone wall and you should NEVER go beyond it (they will bite). We also don't recommend going too deep when the tide is high because the waves can be strong. Otherwise, it's a great beach that we always go to—enjoy!
Marco Zero & Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (in/near the city)
Marco Zero is the starting point of Recife, while Olinda is its sister city. Both are directly related to Recife's culture and Carnaval, and bring over 1 million people to its streets every year to celebrate it. It's the heart of "frevo", famous dance & rhythm from Recife, and both have many landmarks around it, like museums, colorful houses, Sé Cathedral (Olinda), and wonderful restaurants (we highly recommend either Beijupirá or Oficina do Sabor in Olinda). Catamaran tours are also available around Marco Zero and provide stunning views from the city by navigating its rivers and under its bridges—Recife is called "the Brazilian Venice" due to its rivers. Tati's favorite tour is the sunset one. A 2-in-1 excursion is available: https://www.luckreceptivo.com.br/passeio/recife/city-tour-recife-e-olinda-rec_45?partner=ea3f As well as catamaran tours: https://reservas.catamarantours.com.br/passeio/recife-e-suas-pontes
Ricardo Brennand Institute and Castle (in the city)
IRB is a not-for-profit institute that comprises a museum, art gallery, library and large park. It holds a permanent collection of historic and artistic objects of diversified provenience, ranging from Early Middle Ages to 20th century, with strong emphasis in objects, documents and artwork related to Colonial and Dutch Brazil, including the world's largest assemblage of paintings by Frans Post. It also houses one of the largest collections of armory in the world, with 3,000 pieces, the majority of which were produced in Europe and Asia between the 14th and 19th centuries.
Fernando de Noronha Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1hr flight)
Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago just 1-hour away from Recife by plane. It consists of 21 islands and islets but only the eponymous main island is inhabited. It is a natural paradise, inhabited by many sea species and characterized by its stunning beaches and views.
Porto de Galinhas/Muro Alto (1hr drive)
Our most famous beach! Lots of resorts in the area (both at Muro Alto and Porto de Galinhas). Stunning and very fun—a place both locals and tourists enjoy. No sharks :) Many day-long excursions are available, such as: https://www.luckreceptivo.com.br/passeio/recife/city-tour-recife-e-olinda-rec_45?partner=ea3f
Carneiros Beach (1.5hr drive)
One of our most famous beaches, Carneiros is stunning and provides a great day-trip. Take a boat/catamaran ride, spend the day at Bora Bora restaurant/bar and enjoy. No sharks :) Many day-long excursions are available from Recife, such as: https://www.luckreceptivo.com.br/passeio/recife/praia-dos-carneiros-com-passeio-de-catamara-rec_44?partner=ea3f
Maragogi (2hr drive)
Our "Brazilian Caribbean." Relaxing and beautiful beach in our nearby state of Alagoas. Very fun! Day-long excursions are also available, such as: https://www.luckreceptivo.com.br/passeio/recife/passeio-para-maragogi-rec_41?partner=ea3f
Other Places to Visit in Brazil
- Amazon Rainforest (fly into Manaus, AM) - Salvador, BA (very cultural, Brazil's first capital) - Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil's postcard) - São Paulo, SP (our "NYC") - Natal and Pipa, RN (beaches, northeast shore) - Ouro Preto & Tiradentes, MG (very historic) - Brasília (Brazil's capital—a totally planned and man-made city)