In the capital of Pernambuco Brazil, you are wondering which are the dangerous neighborhoods to avoid in Recife and the safest ones to stay in.

Indeed, Recife is a city that has long been associated with high rates of crime, giving it a reputation as a dangerous city. However, is this reputation as a dangerous city still relevant in 2024?

Plus, whether you plan to relax on its beautiful beaches, discover the city's rich history, or venture into its vibrant nightlife, it's important to know which neighborhoods and areas to avoid.

In this article, we will therefore examine the reality of crime in this city and list the dangerous neighborhoods of Recife but also the safest ones to stay in.

This article summarizes the most recent information on crime in Recife published on the web (rankings, studies, statistics, newspaper articles).

Recife dangerous city in 2024?

First of all you should know that Recife is located in the northeastern Brazilian region which is one of the most beautiful coasts in the world. But this region experienced a very worrying wave of violence last year, see the article: Wave of terror in the northeast ou Drug traffickers sow terror in northeastern Brazil.

And, in 2024 Recife unfortunately has a very high crime rate which makes it theone of the most dangerous cities in Brazil (as Christmas, Rio de Janeiro, Fortaleza, Brasilia, or Sao Paulo).

But beyond Brazil, Recife is also one of the most dangerous cities in the world. This is what the article reveals dailymail.co.uk where Recife is ranked 35th most dangerous city in the world.

Also on the Numbeo.com world ranking of 2024, Recife is ranked the 12th most crime-ridden city in the world with a crime index above 75.

In comparison on this ranking, Recife is more dangerous than Lima, Bogota, Cape Town en South Africa ou Tijuana au Mexico.

Is Recife safe for tourists?

Recife known for its magnificent beaches, vibrant culture and colonial architecture attracts many tourists. But are visitors safe in this city which is part of the very criminal Brazilian Nordeste?

France Diplomacy states this: “The Northeast states are among those with the highest homicide rates. The majority of homicides do not target tourists (however, you should not draw attention to yourself with jewelry, cell phones or valuable objects). Thefts and assaults are common, even in the safest areas. »

However, according to some press articles (diariodepernambuco ou cnnbrasil.com), we see that violence is increasing and that there have been fatal attacks on tourists over the last 2 years.

According to the latest study by the Fogo Cruzado Institute, last year there were a thousand shootings recorded in Greater Recife. These 1000 shootings resulted in the deaths of 812 people. Additionally, 328 people were shot and injured.

Map of neighborhoods in Recife

To identify the neighborhoods to avoid in Recife and the safest (listed below), here is a map to better locate them: Google map

Areas to avoid in Recife

Recife is made up of 2 islands linked together by bridges and extends inland and then south, between the beach and the international airport.

To the north, the suburbs of Recife extend to the city ofOlinda.

To the east, the poorest neighborhoods (favelas) have developed, which are areas that tourists should avoid in Recife:

• Ibura (dangerous favela)
• Do Coque (Linha do Metro)
• Do Detran
• Brasilia Stubborn
• Vila de Deus
• Iraque
• Cobra Island
• Ilha Joana Bezerra
• Viola dos Milagres
• Cobra Suvaco
• Entra a Pulso

Most dangerous neighborhoods in Recife

Among the most dangerous neighborhoods in Recife, Floodplain, Torroes et Iputinga are at the top of the list with Ibura favela.

Santo Amaro is another neighborhood to avoid due to its reputation for high crime. Thefts, assaults and drug trafficking are common in this area. It is recommended to avoid walking alone at night in this area.

Among the most dangerous neighborhoods in Recife we ​​also find the downtown, renowned for its high crime rate especially at night. The city center in particularAvenida Conde da Boa Vista is often frequented by criminals and drug dealers, making it a risky area for tourists and residents.

In addition, we can cite the districts of Rabbits and Joana Bezerra which are also to be avoided because they are known for their violence.

Safest neighborhoods in Recife

The Graças, Poço de Panela, Casa Forte, Jaqueira, Apipucos, Rosarinho, Tamarineira and Parnamirim neighborhoods are considered the safest. But even in these neighborhoods, caution should always be exercised.

Best neighborhoods to stay in Recife

Recife is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and colorful festivals. As a tourist destination, Recife offers a wide variety of activities and attractions to suit all tastes. It is also an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding areas, including the beaches of Porto de Galinhas, the island of Itamaracá and the Fernando de Noronha nature reserve.

With so much to see and do, choosing well-located accommodation is essential to fully enjoy your stay in Recife.

Here are the 3 favorite neighborhoods for tourists staying in Recife:

1. Good trip : This emblematic beach of Recife is a very tourist destination. It offers miles of fine sand, warm waters and tourist infrastructure such as hotels, restaurants and bars. Be careful though as Boa Viagem is also known for its security issues at night. Indeed, at nightfall, if Boa Viagem Avenue which runs along the sea remains relatively safe, the same is not true of the rest of the district which empties of its pedestrians.
2. The historic district of Recife: Known as ancient reef, this part of the city is famous for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and historic buildings. You will also find museums, churches and traditional restaurants here.
3. Olinda : Located near Recife, Olinda is a charming historic town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its colorful streets, baroque churches and panoramic views make it an ideal destination.

See this very well located hotel in Olinda: Hotel 7 Colinas

However, it is important to note that even in these neighborhoods you should still exercise caution and follow safety tips.

Where to stay in Recife?

For a tourist stay, the ideal is to stay facing the beach, in a beautiful hotel well located far from the favelas and dangerous neighborhoods of Recife.

The Hotel Atlante Plaza is located in a prime location facing Boa Viagem beach and features a rooftop swimming pool, sun terrace, restaurant, fitness center and bar.

This is a hotel that is highly rated by guests and received the Travellers' Choice Best of the Best 2023 on Tripadvisor!