Recife spreads across a low-lying coastline in northeastern Brazil, shaped by rivers, bridges, and a long history of Atlantic exchange. Founded by the Portuguese and later occupied by the Dutch in the 17th century, the city carries layered influences visible in its street layout, fortifications, and religious buildings. Its historic districts reflect a past tied to sugar, trade, and early urban planning in the tropics.

The landscape is defined by water. The Capibaribe and Beberibe rivers weave through the city before meeting the sea, creating islands, canals, and mangrove-lined edges alongside dense neighborhoods. Offshore reefs give the city its name and calm some stretches of coastline, while nearby beaches and estuaries extend the urban rhythm outward.

Recife’s atmosphere is expressive and intellectually engaged. Music, literature, and dance shape public life and reinforce a strong regional identity.