{"id":63538,"date":"2024-08-07T15:12:27","date_gmt":"2024-08-07T13:12:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travander.nl\/?p=63538"},"modified":"2025-09-16T15:07:43","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T13:07:43","slug":"what-to-do-olinda-brazil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travander.nl\/en\/olinda-brazilie-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover Olinda, Brazil: historic charm, top attractions & insider tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u201cO linda situa\u00e7\u00e3o para uma vila,\u201d is what Duarte Coelho Pereira, the first governor who arrived here in 1535, reportedly said. What a beautiful place for a settlement! Since then, the charming town of Olinda has been known for its stunning hilltop location overlooking the coastline in Brazil<\/a>. But Olinda is more than just a scenic viewpoint. It is Brazil\u2019s best-preserved colonial town and was declared a national monument in 1980. Stroll past pastel-colored houses, winding cobblestone streets, and baroque churches, and immerse yourself in a world full of history. Explore Brazil\u2019s rich colonial heritage, admire the historic highlights, and be enchanted by all the beauty Olinda has to offer. In this article, we share our top tips for an unforgettable visit to Olinda.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The rich history of Olinda, Brazil: from colonial town to UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/h2>

Olinda is located on the coast of the Brazilian state of Pernambuco, just a few kilometers from the city of Recife. The town was officially founded on March 12, 1537. Five years later, the Portuguese brought sugarcane to the region and established the first plantations. Olinda quickly grew into a prosperous administrative and religious center of this part of the new colony, with churches, monasteries, and schools being built. However, in 1631, the Dutch abruptly ended this period of prosperity, setting the town on fire, plundering it, and leaving much of it in ruins. After the Dutch were expelled, the Portuguese rebuilt and restored Olinda.\u00a0<\/p>

In 1980, Olinda was designated a national monument, and in 1982 it was recognized as an ecological city of Brazil. On December 14 of that year, Olinda was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is a vibrant and charming town filled with artists, artisans, and musicians. That\u2019s why it\u2019s featured in our article on the most beautiful places in Brazil<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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1. What to do in Olinda: explore the historic center of Brazil\u2019s colonial gem<\/h2>

Olinda is a city best explored on foot, letting yourself be enchanted by its unique character. Every corner and narrow alley tells a story about Olinda\u2019s rich history and vibrant culture.<\/span> The narrow streets, steep hills, and colorful houses invite you not only to explore but also to capture stunning photos!<\/span><\/p>

You can still spot many of the city\u2019s historical features, even though Olinda isn\u2019t as well-preserved as other colonial towns in Brazil, such as Paraty<\/a><\/strong> and Ouro Preto<\/a><\/strong>. The overhead cables are unavoidable, but in our opinion, they actually add a bit of charm to Olinda.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Colorful streets in Olinda<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Colonial houses in Olinda<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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2. Celebrate Carnival in Olinda: Brazil\u2019s colorful festival experience<\/h2>

The town of Olinda is especially famous for its carnival. If you\u2019re planning to visit Brazil during carnival season, the parade with the giant puppets in Olinda is an absolute must-see. Olinda\u2019s carnival is very different from Rio de Janeiro<\/a><\/strong>. It stands out for its traditional maracatu music and parades featuring enormous puppets through the narrow, historic streets. This contrasts with Rio de Janeiro, where carnival is known for spectacular samba shows and large-scale parades, making both celebrations worth experiencing.<\/span> Of course, you can only be in one place at a time\u2014another great reason to return to Brazil!<\/p>

Don\u2019t worry if you visit Olinda at another time of year. You can still get a taste of how carnival is celebrated here. Casa dos Bonecos Gigantes<\/a><\/strong> is open year-round. In this museum, you can admire the impressive giant puppets up close. Each puppet is a work of art in itself, full of colorful details and rich history. Small performances are also held here, making it a fun way to experience a piece of Olinda\u2019s carnival magic, no matter when you visit.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Casa dos Bonecos Gigantes<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Casa dos Bonecos Gigantes<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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3. Explore the Alto da S\u00e9 Open-Air Market in Olinda<\/h2>

Want to buy authentic handicrafts in Olinda? Head to the Mercado Artesanato at Alto da S\u00e9! Perched on a hill above Olinda\u2019s historic center, this open-air market is filled with charming stalls. Here, you can find beautifully handmade items, from woven grass bags and embroidered works to unique art pieces and colorful souvenirs.\u00a0<\/p>

Alto da S\u00e9 is worth a visit not just for the market. From here, you\u2019ll also enjoy the best panoramic views of Olinda. Plus, there are several charming eateries and occasionally live performances. It\u2019s the perfect spot to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Pernambuco.<\/p>

If you love trying local dishes and want to taste something typical from Brazil\u2019s northeast, don\u2019t miss the tapioca at Cafetaria Alto da S\u00e9<\/a><\/strong>. Housed in a historic residence transformed into both a restaurant and souvenir shop, it\u2019s famous for \u201cgrandma\u2019s tapioca.\u201d Tapiocas are tortilla-like flatbreads made from cassava, filled with a variety of sweet and savory ingredients\u2014think butter, cheese, coconut, condensed milk, or beef. Absolutely delicious!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The view at Alto da S\u00e9<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Grandma's tapioca<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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4. Admire the Cathedral of S\u00e3o Salvador do Mundo in Olinda<\/h2>

A visit to Alto da S\u00e9 isn\u2019t complete without stopping by the Cathedral of S\u00e3o Salvador do Mundo, also known as the Catedral da S\u00e9. It\u2019s the most famous and visited architectural landmark in Olinda, and the largest 16th-century church in Brazil. This centuries-old cathedral, the second-oldest religious building in Pernambuco, is a true masterpiece. We were amazed by the stunning Renaissance and Baroque features that make this cathedral so remarkable!\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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5. Don\u2019t miss the Igreja do Carmo church\u00a0<\/h2>

Did you know that Olinda is home to no less than 20 baroque churches? The Igreja do Carmo is one of the most beautiful and impressive examples. Its stunning architecture makes it a true feast for the eyes, and the church is very well maintained. Definitely worth a visit when exploring Olinda.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Cathedral S\u00e3o Salvador do Mundo<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Igreja do Carmo<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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6. Enjoy the views at Caixa d\u2019\u00c1gua<\/h2>

The Caixa d\u2019\u00c1gua is a historic water reservoir built in 1934 to improve Olinda\u2019s water supply. Today, it houses a viewpoint offering a stunning 360-degree panoramic view over both Olinda and Recife.<\/p>

To reach the Caixa d\u2019\u00c1gua, take the staircase starting at Pra\u00e7a do Carmo. Entrance costs just 2 Brazilian Reais.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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7. Stroll through the Convento de S\u00e3o Francisco, one of Brazil\u2019s oldest monasteries<\/h2>

The Convento de S\u00e3o Francisco is one of Brazil\u2019s oldest monasteries, built in 1585. This impressive complex includes several buildings, such as a church, a chapel, a library, and a museum.<\/p>

Inside, you are greeted by interiors richly decorated with azulejos (blue-and-white tiles), intricate wood carvings, and gilded details. The museum houses a remarkable collection of religious artworks, colonial furniture, and ancient books, offering a deep insight into the colonial history and culture of the region.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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8. Immerse yourself in Olinda\u2019s vibrant art scene\u00a0<\/h2>

Art and the city of Olinda are inseparable, and you\u2019ll find countless galleries scattered throughout town. It\u2019s the perfect place to pick up a colorful painting or other artwork for your home.\u00a0<\/p>

One street you definitely shouldn\u2019t miss is Rua do Amparo. Packed with local artists\u2019 studios, restaurants, and boutique pousadas (B&Bs), it\u2019s the cultural hub of Olinda. Some buildings have even swapped their original pastel colors for full street-art murals\u2014an exciting sight to behold! Be sure to stop by the charming hotspot Bodega de V\u00e9io<\/a><\/strong>, a small shop that doubles as a bar. With only a few stools, you might need a bit of luck to grab a seat, but it\u2019s the perfect spot to soak up the life of Olinda while enjoying a refreshing caipirinha.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Street art in Olinda <\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Wandering around Olinda<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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The best and easiest way to reach Olinda\u00a0<\/h2>

Olinda isn\u2019t very large, which makes it possible to explore the city in just one day. It\u2019s often visited as a day trip from Recife or the nearby beach town of Porto de Galinhas. The easiest way to reach Olinda is by flying into Recife International Airport (REC)<\/strong><\/a>. From the airport, a taxi ride to Olinda takes about 20 minutes. There are also organized tours from both Recife and Porto de Galinhas that make visiting Olinda simple and convenient.<\/p>

If you have the time to explore Olinda at a more relaxed pace, we definitely recommend spending at least one night in the city!\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The best places to stay in Olinda: hotels we recommend<\/h2>

The colorful colonial town of Olinda is considerably calmer than its big brother, Recife. It\u2019s a striking contrast: a picturesque, relaxed village right next to a bustling modern metropolis. With that in mind, it\u2019s no surprise that Olinda is full of cozy and charming boutique pousadas for an overnight stay.<\/p>

To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Olinda, we recommend spending a night in the historic center. Accommodations we suggest include Hotel 7 Colinas, Pousada Flor de Olinda and Pousada dos Quatro Cantos. Hotel 7 Colinas<\/a><\/strong> is a luxury property featuring a swimming pool and a beautiful garden, with an average rate of around \u20ac100 per night.\n\nPousada Flor de Olinda<\/a><\/strong> is a simple yet tidy pousada, where rates are approximately \u20ac30 per night. The third option, Pousada dos Quatro Cantos<\/a><\/strong>, offers a comfortable middle ground, complete with a pool and sunny terrace with garden, at around \u20ac60 per night.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHotel 7 Colinas\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOlinda\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
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