Integrative Chemistry, Biology
& Translational Medicine

Old Town Recife (Recife Antigo)

The historic heart of Recife is one of the best places to start exploring the city. Walk around Marco Zero, explore the historic streets and visit museums and cultural spaces nearby. The area is served with several bars, cafes and restaurants.

Marco Zero Square

A vibrant plaza offering stunning views, historical significance, and a gathering point for visitors.

Bom Jesus Street

Renowned for its beautifully restored, multi-colored colonial buildings and towering imperial palm trees. Voted the third most beautiful street in the world. It is also home to the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, recognized as the first synagogue established in the Americas.

Cultural Spaces & Museums

• Cais do Sertão Museum: A modern museum dedicated to the culture and history of Brazil's northeastern hinterland.
• The Pernambuco Casa da Cultura: An old prison adapted to become a mall of artscraft and all sorts of local products.
• Francisco Brennand Sculpture Park: Located offshore from Recife Antigo, featuring works by Pernambuco's celebrated artist Francisco Brennand.

Churches & Cathedrals

Recife features some of Brazil's finest colonial, Baroque, and Rococo religious architecture, reflecting its rich history under Portuguese and Dutch influences.

Boa Viagem Beach

One of Recife's most recognizable landmarks. It is a beautiful place where you can stroll the promenade, walk on the fine sand, ride a rented bike, play sports, and eat local food like fried shrimp, cheese on a stick, or cold coconut water from the beach kiosks.

Recife's Culture & Frevo

Recife is famous for its cultural diversity, particularly frevo, maracatu, Carnival traditions, regional music and dance.

Ricardo Brennand Institute

A spectacular cultural complex surrounded by gardens, with an impressive collection of art, historical objects and weapons.

Paço do Frevo Museum

Discover frevo, one of Pernambuco's most distinctive cultural traditions. The museum offers an excellent introduction to the history, music and dance of frevo.

Markets & Local Shopping

• Pernambuco Handicrafts Center: Showcases the diversity of the state's traditional and contemporary crafts, featuring ceramics, woodwork, textiles, and lace.
• Mercado de São José: A traditional Recife market and an excellent place to discover local crafts, food and regional products like traditional musical instruments and souvenirs.

Taste Pernambuco

One of the best ways to experience Pernambuco is through its cuisine. Recife and its sister city Olinda are served with superb restaurants where you taste authentic Brazilian food and northeast cuisine.

Don't leave Recife without trying:

• 🥩 Carne de sol (Sundried beef): Traditional northeastern Brazilian dried/cured beef, usually served with regional accompaniments (rice, green beans and fried cassava).
• 🧀 Queijo coalho (Coalho cheese): A firm Brazilian cheese commonly grilled and served as a snack. You can top with molasses.
• 🌽 Tapioca: A traditional preparation made from cassava starch, served with sweet or savoury fillings.
• 🍰 Bolo de rolo: One of Pernambuco's most famous desserts — a thin rolled cake traditionally filled with guava paste.
• 🥥 Cartola: A traditional Pernambuco dessert combining banana, cheese, sugar and cinnamon.

Day Trips: Olinda & Beyond

If you have an extra day, these nearby destinations should be at the top of your list.

Don't Miss Olinda

The historic city is located just outside Recife and is famous for its colonial architecture, historic churches, colorful houses, art studios, Carnival traditions, Olinda Giant Dolls, and panoramic views of the coast.

Suggested half-day trip: Recife → Olinda Historic Centre → Alto da Sé → São Bento Monastery → lunch → return to Recife.

For Beach Lovers

• Porto de Galinhas Beach: One of Pernambuco's most famous destinations, known for its crystal-clear natural pools, warm waters, and coral reefs. Located about 60 km from Recife.
• Muro Alto Beach: Known for its calm, warm waters and extensive natural reef barrier, forming a large natural pool at low tide.
• Coroa do Avião: A paradisiacal, narrow sandbar island featuring calm, warm turquoise waters and white sandbanks. Also visit nearby Orange Fort, a 17th-century Dutch fortress.