Best areas to stay in Recife
1. Boa Viagem
Boa Viagem is the beachfront area where many tourists stay, about 10 km (7 mi) south of the city centre. It is the most straightforward base if you want to be near the sand and within easy reach of the airport, and it holds the widest spread of places to sleep, from hostels and small pousadas to apartment hotels and large full-service properties.
It suits first-time visitors, beach-focused travellers and anyone who prefers to have restaurants, bars and services close at hand. The trade-off is distance: you are away from the historic centre, so plan on taxis or buses for sightseeing. Note that the coastline here is exposed to the currents and shark incidents recorded along Recife's beaches, so swimming is not a casual assumption.
2. Boa Vista
Boa Vista sits just across the Ponte Velha from the train station, on the edge of the central islands. It has a number of budget and mid-range hotels, making it the practical choice if you want to be close to the centre rather than the beach.
It suits budget travellers and those who value being near transport connections and the city's commercial core. Expect simpler accommodation than the beachfront, but shorter journeys to the historic sights and the riverfront.
3. Piedade
Piedade is a beach area to the south, named in the sources for its seafront setting. It is quieter than Boa Viagem and is served by larger hotels with sea views.
It suits travellers who want a beach base away from the busiest stretch, and it works well if you have a car or don't mind longer transfers. As with the rest of the coast, treat the water with caution.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels and small pousadas, concentrated in Boa Viagem and Boa Vista. Expect shared or simple private rooms, and seasonal rates that rise around Carnival and holidays.
- Mid-range: apartment hotels and established hotels, mostly along the Boa Viagem seafront and in Boa Vista. Breakfast is often included, and some have fitness rooms and English-speaking staff.
- Splurge: large beachfront hotels in Boa Viagem and Piedade with sea-view rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, room service, and services such as childcare and spa facilities.
Best area for a first visit
Boa Viagem is the best base for a first visit, because it is where most tourists stay and it puts you on the beach with the widest choice of accommodation and services. It is also convenient for the airport, which matters if you are arriving late or leaving early. Accept that you will travel to reach the historic centre and Olinda, and plan your days accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay near the beach or in the centre?
Many tourists stay along the beach in Boa Viagem, roughly 10 km (7 mi) south of the centre, while Boa Vista, just across the Ponte Velha from the train station, has budget and mid-range hotels closer to the centre. Choose the beach for sand and services, the centre for shorter trips to the historic sights.
Is Boa Viagem good for budget travellers?
Yes. Boa Viagem has hostels and small pousadas alongside its larger hotels, and prices vary according to the season. Boa Vista is the alternative if you want budget and mid-range options near the centre.
Can I swim at the beaches?
The waters along the coastline are considered among the most dangerous, with recorded shark attacks on swimmers, including fatal incidents. Treat swimming as a serious risk and follow local advice.
How do I get to Olinda and Porto de Galinhas?
Olinda's historic centre is about 7 km (4.3 mi) north of the city, and the beach of Porto de Galinhas is about 60 km (37 mi) south. Both are day trips from a Recife base rather than places to stay for a short visit.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.