Small cute colonial town in Northeast Brasil.
Go here because it’s got some personality and vibe, rather than the big city Recife nearby. It’s relatively safe, cheap, and some interesting viewpoints. Easy to spend just 2 days to see all main parts…or spend 3 or 4 if you want to relax.
Where to stay:
- Hotels – if you want a private room for yourself, or for a couple.
- Hostels – nice and cheap. Pretty much synonymous with “pousada”.
- Pousadas – basically run like hostels. Some of them have huge community spaces and run party events. Check the photos before you book.
My recommendation is to check the photos to see what the community spaces will be. That’ll tell you if your place is peaceful or party vibes.
Hostels:
- Hostel da 13 e suites – popular spot with great reviews
- Girassol Olinda – another highly rated spot…few blocks further from the noise
- Hotel 7 Colinas – not a hostel but beautifully place in nature, green all over.
- Hostel Cantos dos Artistas
- Pousada do Amparo
- many nice pousadas and casas – look at their photos to see the backyard view and inside view. either chill bum vibe, or fancy party vibe
Neighborhoods & Walking areas:
- the bend – pretty much the historic area
- the uphill viewpoints – go uphill for views of the city
- the park – go to the park to see lots of people around, also drumming bands for the Sao Joao festival
- the water – for beach stuff. I haven’t gone.
Activities to do:
Restaurants & Cafes:
- A handful of solid and cheap eats. Check Google maps as they’re all conveniently within 2-5 blocks of each other. Some will have nice overhead views of the city.
Bars & Clubs:
- Bars – the popular scene is
- Clubs – I didn’t go out at all so i have no idea
Beware…there isn’t much life on certain hours of somedays. The town is often a ghost-town with nearly nobody around. At least when I went (weekend in mid June).
Miscellaneous tips:
- Safety – Olinda seems pretty safe. They main historic/touristic areas have lots of people around. Be careful when leaving the touristic areas.
Nearby towns:
- Recife – from everything I’ve read. Recife has nothing valuable to see or be there for. Unless you really want big shopping areas and restaurants.