The twin cities of Olinda & Recife

Recife is one of the most important port cities in northeastern Brazil and is often referred to as a working-class city. Based on the recommendation of our tour guides, we chose to stay in Olinda. A day trip to Recife was sufficient for us. We experienced the city center full of markets, stalls, and shops, nestled among skyscrapers, forming a rather grungy business district.

The golden beach of Boa Viagem in Recife is a popular spot for tourists. However, it is also one of the most dangerous beaches in the world, as sharks often stray to the coast. We decided to skip the beach visit to avoid a shark attack.

In contrast, the picturesque sister city of Olinda is full of art and colors. The historic center is filled with small colorful houses, studios, and amazing architecture. Paintings, crafts, and many wooden carvings are sold in shops and along the streets. Numerous churches line the old town, winding along cobblestone streets up and down the hill. It was delightful to wander through the narrow alleyways.

An art, music, and film festival took place in Olinda on the weekend. In the evenings, there were concerts, performances, and film screenings on numerous stages spread throughout the old town. It was a huge celebration with thousands of visitors! We could hear music everywhere, and there were many stalls offering Brazilian delicacies. We had a great time celebrating with tourists and locals.