Visit Olinda in Brazil
Olinda is my favorite city in Brazil. I was captivated by its colorful beauty and its slow, peaceful pace within seconds of arriving. I often say that one day I will buy a house in Olinda. In the meantime, I return to spend a few days there every time I go to Recife to slow down and be dazzled by its beauty. If you want to visit Olinda, here is some information to ensure a successful stay.
Olinda in a nutshell
The Portuguese founded this charming city in 1535, perched on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, although indigenous tribes had long occupied its territory.
It was the entry point for slaves forced to travel from Africa, whose fate ended in one of the plantations in the Pernambuco region in northeastern Brazil.
Olinda, the capital of the region, was burned by the Dutch nearly a century later, but was rebuilt toward the end of the 17th century.
Today, it is an extremely well-preserved colonial city known for its lively carnival and its beauty, which tourists come to admire, fully aware that the city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.
Visit Olinda: 6 must-do
Even though I could spend weeks enjoying the laid-back lifestyle of Olinda, Brazil, it’s a city you can easily explore in a day.
Explore the historic center
Steep cobblestone streets and colorful facades are the essence of Olinda. To discover the city, don’t try to navigate with Google Maps, but wander at your leisure.
If you are the kind of tourist who prefers to be guided while discovering the charms of your destination, I recommend this tour to unlock the secrets of Olinda and visit one of the best museums I have ever seen in Brazil.
Visit its churches
Olinda has nearly 22 churches. So you won’t get bored!
Here are my favorite ones, you can really not miss them!
- Sé de Olinda: This impressive 18th-century cathedral sits atop a hill. I recommend visiting its terrace, which offers an incredible view of the city.
- Igreja de São Bento: Known for its stunning blue and white azulejos, this church is a true gem. The interior features beautifully crafted altars.
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo: With its stunning baroque architecture and rich history, it is a visual delight. The church often hosts cultural events and concerts.
Buy local souvenirs
There are a few local craft centers in Olinda. I suggest visiting them to discover the region’s craftsmanship, which offers a wide range of colorful souvenirs.
Enjoy a drink in a bar
Drinking a cold beer while listening to Brazilians laughing loudly or local artists playing music is an activity you can do throughout the country, and Olinda is no exception!
Relax at the beach
Olinda has several beaches where you can soak up the sun and gaze at the ocean. Here is a short list: Praia dos Milagres, Praia da Olinda, Praia do Farol and Praia da Casa Caiada.
Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and sunscreen to enjoy your relaxing time!
Finish the evening at Alto da Sé
On the main hill overlooking the city, with a view of Recife in the distance, many food stalls are present from late afternoon.
It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy tapioca with coconut and cheese, or a Romeu e Julieta while surrounded by Brazilians and tourists.
ALSO : Visit Recife
Olinda is a beautiful city perfect for slow travel, but you’ll quickly explore it. You can spend a weekend there and combine your visit with a trip to Recife, the actual capital of the state.
Bustling city center and very long beach to relax, the city is perfect for a short stay between history, culture, and chill.
How to get to Olinda?
Whether you’re coming from Natal, Salvador, João Pessoa, or anywhere else in Brazil, chances are you’ll arrive in Recife by plane or bus.
How to get to Olinda from Recife?
By bus
Several buses connect Recife to Olinda and take you there in 30 minutes.
Ask locals for the bus stops because Google Maps is not very reliable.
By taxi
From Recife airport or Recife bus station, you can take a taxi to Olinda.
By Uber
You have the option of taking a motorcycle or car to get to Olinda from Recife.
How to get around in Olinda?
Of course, you can take an Uber or a taxi, but the tourist center is quite small, so you can easily walk everywhere.
Just for you to know: numerous streets are very steep, so if you have knees or back problems or just a bit of vertigo, it can be quite challenging.
Take your time or look for an alternative route to avoid these streets.
Where to Stay in Olinda?
Olinda is the perfect destination in Brazil for a short stay in a beautiful and charming city, ideal for relaxing on your own! It is also a great romantic spot for couples who want to enjoy a nice place while spending quality time together.
That’s why I always think it is a shame to spend only a day in the city and treat it as just a quick getaway.
While I don’t recommend staying for too many days—unless you’re a fellow slow traveler—I definitely suggest spending at least a weekend here.
And good news, I have a few hotel recommendations to help you make the most of your time in Olinda!
I spent 3 nights in the most amazing hotel during my first visit in Olinda! Pousada Convento da Conceição is housed in a former convent, giving it an incredibly serene atmosphere. Not only is it clean and peaceful, but it also has a fantastic terrace with panoramic views of part of the city.
For a relaxing weekend, you might also consider staying at Pousada Baobá e SPA, ideally located in the historic center. You can enjoy the spacious outdoor swimming pool after a day of exploring the city.
If you are traveling with kids, Hotel 7 Colinas is a great option. Nestled within lush tropical gardens, its spacious rooms and large outdoor pool make it a fantastic choice for families, while still offering easy access to the city’s vibrant heritage.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for the perfect getaway for two, Hotel Colonial is an excellent choice, as it’s adults-only. This tranquil and intimate hotel is located in the historic center, making it easy to explore Olinda’s top attractions.
Finally, if you’re on a budget or traveling with friends, Hostel e Pousada da 13 Olinda is a great affordable option. Located in the heart of the historic center, it offers both private rooms and shared dorms. The relaxed common areas, including a small courtyard, provide a perfect spot to meet fellow travelers.
WHEN TO VISIT OLINDA BRAZIL?
Olinda boasts beautiful weather throughout the year, but the best time to experience the city is from September to April.
Between May and August, heavy rains can be quite common, so it’s advisable to avoid that period.
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, consider visiting Olinda during Carnaval.
It’s one of the top Brazilian destinations for this spectacular event, which is celebrated vigorously for weeks, if not months in the small city!
Is it safe to visit Olinda?
As in any part of Brazil, there is no such thing as zero risk. However, since the city is smaller, the risk is lower.
That being said, avoid walking at night and exposing valuables or money to everyone‘s eyes.
Being a digital nomad in Olinda
Honestly, Olinda is a perfect city for a tourist stay. For working there, since the city is small, you will quickly explore it, and it may be more challenging to meet people and even more so to meet other remote workers.
Responsible travel in Olinda
Wherever you are in Brazil, it’s important to travel responsibly to protect the planet and improve the living conditions of the locals.
There are many actions you can take during your travels. Here is a very short list:
- Avoid very expensive Airbnbs that disrupt the local market and prevent locals from finding proper accommodation.
- Bring a reusable container to avoid unnecessary plastic consumption when eating on the street.
- Apply eco-friendly sunscreen when swimming.
- Opt for walking to explore the city instead of taking taxis or Ubers.
- Learn about the social, economic, and environmental context of your destination to better understand the locals’ situation.
If you visit Olinda, you will discover a charming city to enjoy a colorful excursion or a peaceful stay to recharge your batteries.
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