Olinda Travel Guide

  Santo Antonio do Carmo
by neverstoptravel
 
  • Santo Antonio do Carmo
      Santo Antonio do Carmo
    by neverstoptravel
  • View from Olinda
      View from Olinda
    by neverstoptravel
  •   Olinda
    by sachara
  • Igreja da Sé
      Igreja da Sé
    by sachara
  • Cappoueira
      Cappoueira
    by sachara
 

Pro

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 A PLACE YOU JUST MUST VISIT! 


Con

NedHopkins profile photo

 Old bones may ache climbing the many hills 


In a nutshell

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 Matacatu in the streets 

 

Explore Olinda

Things to Do  

Slave Market

Slave Market, Olinda

 solopes Says:  I read that the so called slave market never was used for that purpose. I don't know the truth, but if it did, then the look should be different from what it is: There are no dramatic references in the place, with shops covering it all, respecting the ambiance but giving... 

St Francisco church

St Francisco church, Olinda

 solopes Says:  The most beautiful church I saw in Olinda, St Francis suffered the common mistreatment of the war, but kept the appearance of its reconstruction in the 17th century. Nested in green, its sober cloisters contrast with its rich baroque decoration 

S Bento Church - Golden Altar

S Bento Church - Golden Altar, Olinda

 solopes Says:  I left Portugal with a severe warning from a friend: I should not miss this church. Thanks for the warning! I didn't and agree that the richness and beauty of the altar are unbeatable. Unfortunately the photo of the altar (flash forbidden) was so lousy I don't dare to... 

Recife

Recife, Olinda

 solopes Says:  I was in Recife and visited Olinda from there, but nothing stops you to do it the opposite way. No matter where you are, one thing is clear: both places must be seen,and it will take only some minutes to move between them. 

Old Town

Old Town, Olinda

 solopes Says:  Where am I? In Obidos? Monsaraz? Castelo de Vide? No! With this temperature in March it cannot be Portugal. But it looks like! Sorry folks, this sensation is reserved for the Portuguese, but the visual pleasure is shareable. So, walk slow, breed deeply, and... enjoy! There... 

Cathedral

Cathedral, Olinda

 solopes Says:  Created in the 16th century, this church was destroyed during the war between Portuguese and Dutch. Rebuilt in the 17th and ruined again, the final version is about 100 years old. It's far from being among the best in Olinda, but it surely is located in the best sightseeing... 

Hotels  

Hotel 7 Colinas

 17 Opinions

Amoaras

 1 Opinions

Restaurants  

Estrela do Mar: Good Seafood

Estrela do Mar: Good Seafood, Olinda

 solopes Says:  Roberto, our driver took us to this restaurant saying that it was good, with a small price. It was his biggest mistake: It was veeeery good, with a not so small price. But it served us one of the best meals he had In Brazil. CrabMoqueca of lobster, fish and shrimps 

Street Vendor: Coconut Water

Street Vendor: Coconut Water, Olinda

 kaloz Says:  Brasil is very hot and it is important to stay hydrated, especially on the hills of Olinda. Partake of the local coconut water stand where the proprietor will hack the top off of a coconut with a machete to reach the refreshing water. Coconut water is cool and refreshing. 

Nightlife  

Cantina Z-4: Nice live local music

Cantina Z-4: Nice live local music, Olinda

 jessys Says:  If you get there during the day, it looks a bit shabby... it is an openair podium and it could use a paint-job, but if you get there during the night... they have live music all night long, cheap bear... and a lot of localsIf you want to buy a beer, get a ticket first and... 

Transportation  

To Olinda from Recife by bus

To Olinda from Recife by bus, Olinda

 neverstoptravel Says:  Taxi is always the easiest way. But for some visitors travelling on budget, it's convenient, economic and safe to take a bus in Recife during the day.Take the bus #910 Heading Picdade/Rio Doce from downtown Recife or Boa Viagem, it will stop on Av. Sigismundo Goncalves in... 

Hilly terrain

Hilly terrain, Olinda

 kaloz Says:  Getting to Olinda is very easy. You can go by public transportation (Bus), or by Taxi (on the meter). Once you have arrived, it is possible to travel on foot. But beware that this is a hilly region, good shoes should be worn, and if you are not in good shape, starting at the... 

Shopping  

Local Crafts and Artists

Local Crafts and Artists, Olinda

 kaloz Says:  There are many artisans and vendors in the square in front of the Igreja da Sé. Scan them all before deciding on your purchases. Here you will find all manor of goods from bead work, wood carvings, paintings, linens, and clothing. Something for everyone on your shopping... 

Street....: Loads of street vendors!

Street....: Loads of street vendors!, Olinda

 worldcam Says:  There are loads of people selling crafts throughout Olinda - althoug most are up on the Alto da Se during the day. There are some good deals to be had with linen - like table runners and place mats and the like. Also, the artists do some nice work with wood -- creating... 

Warnings and Dangers  

Advance of the sea

Advance of the sea, Olinda

 solopes Says:  In some areas the sea is advancing, swallowing beach and everything unprotected. Some friends of mine bought an apartment near Recife, and their beach... is gone. In Olinda it's easy to see the struggle to sustain the sea. To win or to loose? If you plan any kind of... 

Tour Guides

Tour Guides, Olinda

 kaloz Says:  The guides are very pushy, and in cahoots with the taxi drivers. Even travelling on the meter my taxi beeped to alert these guides who swarmed over to the cab. Helpfully, the cab driver dispatched those who did not speak English, then let them accost me with offers of help.... 

Tourist Traps  

Tour guides

Tour guides, Olinda

 kaloz Says:  Please see warnings and dangers for more information. Here are the guides waiting to take you around for a fee. If you want a guide make sure that he speaks your language. Some taxis will offer to be your guide for the day and run you around "off the meter" which is at least... 

Tourist Guides

Tourist Guides, Olinda

 aeroarce Says:  You will hear from all sides aroun the city: Amigo do you need a guide.They will even follow you around and are very perssistant, seems that if they don-t recognice the word No.Threre will approach you people official guides, they wear a Blue and yellow polo shirt and will... 

Off The Beaten Path  

Capoeira at Escola Rotary de Olinda

Capoeira at Escola Rotary de Olinda, Olinda

 SaraFlor Says:  Beyond avenida Joaquim Nabuco start a barrio of Olinda.Ask to one of young guides of touristic center (in rua 4 cantos)to bring you there to visit Escola Rotary of Olinda. Is an elementary school where, in the evening, some local voluntary meet children of the Barrio to... 

The Puppet Museum

The Puppet Museum, Olinda

 NedHopkins Says:  The small Museu do Mamulenco exhibits scores of puppets used by traveling troupes to entertain children (of all ages), especially before the age of cinema and television.There's a R$2 admission charge. A handsome booklet is provided and photographs are allowed.The museum is... 

Favorites  

Walk around

Walk around, Olinda

 aeroarce Says:  Olinda is an easy walking city, The area is beautiful, it has lots of one floor colonial buildings and streetsa are colourfull and full of trees and palms. There are interesting churches but dificult to visit by yourself unless you have a guide to open them for you, only a... 

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Map of Olinda