Kayak search engine data shows that Recife was the third most popular city for domestic flights in 2021, and this high demand for capital of Pernambuco it’s easy to understand. The city goes far beyond sea and sun, it is a full plate for lovers of history, culture and good gastronomy.
With so many tour options, choose what to visit in reef it is a difficult task.
and that’s why CNN Travel & Gastronomy chose the destination for the premiere of the new column, 48 hour itinerarywhich will present throughout this year what to do on short trips around Brazil, of up to two days – for those who don’t know, there are few long holidays in 2022. Now, to the tips of the joyful capital of Pernambuco:
Day 1
If it’s a Saturday, start the day with a whimsical breakfast at the Oma Patisserie Bistro – but the cafe is only on Saturdays, stay tuned. There, croissants, couscous, exquisite breads and yogurts.
Impossible to go to Recife and not visit Olinda, which is actually a neighboring municipality, but so close (about 15 minutes from the center of Recife) many think it’s just a neighborhood in the city. Things to do in Olinda is simple: walk, with very comfortable shoes, through all the cobbled streets and alleys of this city that is Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and one of the most important places in Imperial Brazil.
Visit spots like Largo do Varadouro; the Eufrásio Market, which is a large Popular Culture Center; the São Bento Monastery, an important Baroque architectural complex; visit the house of the great singer and composer Alceu Valença; go to Alto da Sé, the highest point in Olinda that offers a spectacular view; and get lost in its symbolic houses with colorful facades.
At lunchtime, the suggestion is the famous Oficina do Sabor restaurant, which is located in a historic house and has a privileged view of Recife. On the menu, well-executed dishes of Pernambuco cuisine attract tourists and locals, so make a reservation if you don’t want to wait in line.
In the afternoon, visit old reefa neighborhood that breathes history and where important points such as Marco Zero are located, where we can find the artist’s wind rose on the ground Cicero Dias; The Mother of God Church, with jacaranda furniture and gold columns, all in 17th century colonial style; and the Rua da Coinwhere the sculpture of Chico Science and many bars – which only open at the end of the day.
Other tips: stop for shopping at Pernambuco Handicraft Center; walk through the famous and charming Bom Jesus Street; meet the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, the first synagogue in the Americas and which also functions as a museum with archaeological excavations; and visit the Wharf do Sertãoa small and unmissable, super-modern interactive museum that talks about the life of Luiz Gonzaga and other characters from the Sertão.
Leaving the museum, stop for a drink at the Rooftop Pierwhich usually has live music and a beautiful view of downtown.
For dinner, stop by Cá-já Restaurantof chef Yuri Machado, in the Aflitos neighborhood. In addition to the charming house, built in 1950 and with a cozy garden, Brazilian food with refined technique is cozy. The hearty vinaigrette, the mixed ceviche, the gnocchi de chama, or the wet rice with shredded chicken accompanied by the good caipirinhas of the place are unmissable requests.
Have a healthy breakfast at Greenmix Zona Norte or not Borsoi Coffeewith items like egg in purgatory, berry parfait, tapioca and pancakes, and head to the Beach – after all, going to Recife and not stepping on the sand is no fun!
After a few hours enjoying the sea, go to lunch at withheldhouse run by the chef Thiago das Chagas and which is based on the techniques and flavors of Northeastern cuisine. The place is pleasant, with a cozy garden, which makes you want to spend hours sharing the delicious dishes and stories around the table.
Must-sees on the menu: rib coxinha; crab cake; sun-dried meat with onions in butter from a bottle from Cachoeirinha; and the goat’s sun-dried beef fillet with pumpkin farofa and manioc purée.
then go to Ricardo Brennand Institute for your last few hours in the city. A huge non-profit cultural space opened in 2002, which safeguards a valuable artistic and historical collection originating from the private collection of the Pernambuco industrialist. Ricardo Coimbra de Almeida Brennand.
Located on the lands of the former São João mill, in the Várzea neighborhood, it occupies an area of 77,603 m² surrounded by a preserved Atlantic forest reserve. It has one of the most modern museum facilities in Brazil, comprising a complex of buildings consisting of the Castelo São João Museum (museum of white weapons), Pinacoteca, Library, Auditorium, Sculpture Gardens and a Gallery for temporary exhibitions and events.
If you still have a few hours to dine in town, end the day with dinner at the Japanese restaurant Quina do Futuroopened in 1986 by Shigero Matsumoto and run by his son, renowned chef André Saburo Matsumotothe house is a trip to Japan. Ask for the tuna tasting.
Source: CNN Brasil
