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- Alto da Sé / Catedral da Sé — The classic Olinda look: a hilltop square with the cathedral, panoramic views over Recife and the coast, and the best place to watch carnival parades roll by. Great for photos, street musicians, and the cluster of colonial houses below.
- Centro Histórico (UNESCO zone) — Wander the narrow, cobbled streets and you’ll see why this whole neighborhood is protected: colorful colonial façades, carved doors, and tiny chapels at every turn. Visiting on foot is the only way to get the proper feel.
- Convento e Igreja de São Francisco — A standout for baroque decoration: gilded woodwork, azulejos (tiles) and heavy Spanish/Portuguese-era carving. It’s quieter than the main squares, so you can actually take time with the details.
- Igreja do Carmo — A graceful colonial church
- Alto da Sé / Catedral da Sé — The classic Olinda look: a hilltop square with the cathedral, panoramic views over Recife and the coast, and the best place to watch carnival parades roll by. Great for photos, street musicians, and the cluster of colonial houses below.
- Centro Histórico (UNESCO zone) — Wander the narrow, cobbled streets and you’ll see why this whole neighborhood is protected: colorful colonial façades, carved doors, and tiny chapels at every turn. Visiting on foot is the only way to get the proper feel.
- Convento e Igreja de São Francisco — A standout for baroque decoration: gilded woodwork, azulejos (tiles) and heavy Spanish/Portuguese-era carving. It’s quieter than the main squares, so you can actually take time with the details.
- Igreja do Carmo — A graceful colonial church with an atmospheric cloister and nice views of the old town. It’s a good stop to see local religious art and enjoy a peaceful minute away from the crowds.
- Casa dos Bonecos Gigantes — Where Olinda’s carnival giants live when they’re not stomping the streets. The workshop/museum shows the construction, the humor behind each puppet and the strong local carnival tradition.
- Museu do Mamulengo — A small, hands-on museum celebrating the northeastern puppet-theatre tradition. It’s compact but rich on local folklore and a lot more entertaining than a standard “do not touch” exhibit.
- Rua do Amparo and the art ateliers — A real artisan street: woodcuts, painting studios, small galleries and indie cafés. Perfect for picking up affordable prints, meeting artists, and seeing how Olinda’s contemporary art mixes with history.
- Praça do Carmo — The social heart of the old town: cafés, bars, and street life circling an elegant church. Good for a lazy drink, people-watching, and catching impromptu music or carnival rehearsals.
- Largo do Amparo and Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Amparo — A smaller square with a lovely baroque church and local character: musicians, market stalls and neighborhood bakeries. It feels authentic—less touristy than Alto da Sé.
- Feira de Artesanato da Sé (Alto da Sé crafts market) — Regular open-air stalls selling lace, ceramics, woodcuts and local jewelry. A practical spot to buy Pernambuco crafts without leaving the historic center—and to practice your bargaining.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.