Pernambuco

Recife is the capital of Pernambuco and one of the largest cities on Brazil's northeast coast. Built across islands, rivers and canals and linked by dozens of bridges, it has long been called the Venice of Brazil and serves as the economic and cultural gateway of the region.

Founded in 1537, Recife grew from a port settlement and experienced a notable Dutch occupation in the 17th century, when parts of the city were laid out as Mauritsstad. That layered past remains visible in the historic centre, where colonial-era churches, warehouses and narrow streets stand beside modern cultural venues. Landmarks include Marco Zero, the brightly painted Rua do Bom Jesus, Paço do Frevo, the Cais do Sertão museum and the art collections of the Instituto Ricardo Brennand.

The most visited districts include Boa Viagem, the beachfront area with hotels, restaurants and the city's main urban beach, and Recife Antigo, the riverside old town with museums, bars and evening music. Neighbourhoods such as Graças, Espinheiro and Casa Forte offer quieter streets, cafés, parks and shopping, while the colonial town of Olinda is a short journey away.

Culture is central to Recife's identity: the February Carnival is one of Brazil's largest, led by the giant Galo da Madrugada block and the rhythms of frevo and maracatu. The city is also a growing technology and business centre, with the Porto Digital innovation district in Recife Antigo and the industrial port complex of Suape nearby.

For travellers, Recife mixes urban beach life with a strong regional food scene built on bolo de rolo, tapioca, caldinho and fresh seafood, and it works well as a base for day trips along the Pernambuco coast. Business visitors arrive for technology, medical and port-related activity, while leisure travellers come for Carnival, beaches, music and history.