A Travel Price Comparison for Brazil Recife vs. Buzios for Food, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Recife or Buzios?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Recife and Buzios can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Recife

Recife is a under-rated, authentic, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Recife travel costs.

Buzios

And you can't forget about the food. See Buzios travel costs.

Recife and Buzios: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Recife or Buzios?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Recife than Buzios, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Recife is more touristy than Buzios and is popular for its football and music scenes. Also, Recife is famous for Praia de Boa Viagem. Buzios is well known for

How is Recife different from Buzios?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Buzios and Recife. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Recife or Buzios?

Recife
Buzios

Recife is a great city for its historical sights. However, Buzios does not have museums and landmarks.

Recife offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is large and cultural, so there are a number of museums that you can explore. Some of the favorites include the Instituto Ricardo Brennand, the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center, the State of Pernambuco Museum, and the Recife City Museum.

Buzios does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Recife or Buzios? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Recife
Buzios

Recife is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Buzios is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Recife has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find plenty of local restaurants around town. Grilled meat is a staple in many of the dishes and you should definitely visit a churrascaria, which is a restaurant that specializes in cooking meat in the churrasco style. Food carts are great for picking up a coxinha (a pastry), and other local dishes include camarão na moranga (pumpkin stuffed with shrimp) and picanha (sirloin cap).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Buzios area. You'll find fresh seafood, Brazilian flavors, and international cuisine. Many beachfront restaurants serve dishes like grilled fish, moqueca (Brazilian seafood stew), and shrimp pastéis. Rua das Pedras, the town's main street, is packed with places to eat. There's everything from fine dining to casual eateries that offer pizza, sushi, and Argentine barbecue. The city also has many street vendors where you can grab a meal for very little money.

Is Recife or Buzios Better for Nightlife?

Recife
Buzios

Recife is a great city for nightlife and partying. However, Buzios is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Recife has something for everybody. Many visitors come for Carnival, and this is the obvious time to visit if you're looking for the best parties. Even during the other times of the year, you'll find many happy hours, dance clubs, and live music to enjoy.

Buzios is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Recife or Buzios Better for Beaches?

Recife
Buzios

Recife is a great city for the beach. However, Buzios is not a beach destination.

Recife is considered a top beach destination. The city's beaches are clean and enjoyable to visit and one of the most famous is Praia de Boa Viagem. Some beaches are lined with hotels and nightclubs while others are a bit more removed. If you decide to swim, do take note that shark attacks in the area are a real concern.

Buzios is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Recife or Buzios?

Recife
Buzios

Recife is a great city for its shopping opportunities. However, Buzios is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Recife is well-known for its shopping. The city has many local shops, art galleries, and larger shopping centers. Whether you're looking for clothing or a cultural souvenir, there are many places to browse.

Buzios is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Recife or Buzios Better for Families?

Recife
Buzios

Buzios is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Recife is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Buzios is a very kid-friendly . Families enjoy hanging out at Ferradura Beach, which usually has calm waters where you can swim and play. A boat tour around the peninsula lets families explore hidden beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and even spot marine life. Strolling down Rua das Pedras in the evening offers a mix of delicious restaurants, ice cream shops, and lively street performances. For a bit of adventure, families can take a buggy ride to explore the scenic coastline and visit panoramic viewpoints like Mirante do Forno.

Recife is not always a place people visit with their families. There are a couple of museums that are good for kids, like Museu do Mamulengo. There are also beaches that are relatively clean for swimming, but make sure you go where the locals go and be very aware of the water conditions.

Is Recife or Buzios Better for Couples?

Recife
Buzios

Both Recife and Buzios are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Recife makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beaches and restaurants that make for a nice date day. You can explore the city, visit some museums, and soak up the local culture.

Buzios is a good city for couples to visit. There are sunset cruises along the coast that offer champagne and beautiful views. You can also take a stroll down the charming Rua das Pedras and enjoy a meal at a cozy restaurant. A day at the beach is a fun activity and adventure-loving couples can explore hidden coves on a boat tour, go snorkeling together, or take a scenic hike to Mirante do Forno for stunning panoramic views.


Is Recife or Buzios Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Recife
Buzios

Buzios is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Recife is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Buzios is a great to visit for backpackers. There are hostels, beaches, and a variety of activities that backpackers can enjoy. With over 20 beaches and plenty of affordable street food, this is a great spot for budget travelers. You'll also find many other backpackers in the area.

Plenty of backpackers visit Recife. There are a few hostels around town, but they do fill up quickly. The city is often overlooked by tourists but if you're looking for an authentic experience, then this is your place.

Is Recife or Buzios Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Recife
Buzios

Recife is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Buzios does not have public transit.

While Recife offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has a metro system as well as city buses.

Buzios does not have public transit.

Is Recife or Buzios a more walkable city?

Recife
Buzios

Recife is adequate for its high level of walkability. However, Buzios is not a walkable destination.

Recife is generally not a very walkable city. Parts of the city are more walkable than others. It's also best not to walk alone at night.

Buzios is not a walkable destination.


Should I spend more time in Buzios or Recife?

How long in Recife or Buzios?

In either Recife or Buzios, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Buzios than Recife because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Recife, and 2-5 days is enough time in Buzios.

Couples should spend more time in Recife than Buzios. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Recife that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Recife than Buzios if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Recife.


  • How many days in Recife or Buzios? Ideal Length of Stay
    Recife 1-3 
    Buzios 2-5

One day in Recife or Buzios?


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Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Recife. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Buzios. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Recife or Buzios?


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Recife is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Buzios is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Recife or Buzios?


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It's hard to know how much time to spend in Recife. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Buzios. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Recife or Buzios?


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Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Recife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Buzios. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, and The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Buzios or Recife?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Recife is $209, while the average daily cost in Buzios is $91. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Recife and Buzios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Recife $84
    Buzios $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Recife $168
    Buzios $72
Compare Hotels in Recife and Buzios

Looking for a hotel in Recife or Buzios? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Recife


Hotels in Buzios


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Recife Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Recife $8.13
    Buzios $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Recife

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Recife:

  • Private Transfer from Igarassu to Recife (REC) Airport : $111
  • Departure Transfer from Olinda to Recife Airport: $100
  • Private Transfer from Olinda to Recife (REC) Airport: $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buzios

Also for Buzios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Beach Resorts to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) - Private Transfer: $45
  • Beach Resorts to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) - Departure Transfer : $45
  • Tour in Buzios City Tour, Lunch and Transfer: $60
  • Rio de Janeiro Transfer from Buzios to Airport (GIG)(SDU): $73
  • Private Transfer from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro: $91
  • Private Transfer Buzios to Rio de Janeiro: $91
  • Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $91
  • Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 4 pax to Buzios: $115
  • Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 3 pax to Buzios: $115
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Port to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB): $118
  • Private Transfer from Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) to Buzios Port: $118
  • Private transfer Minivan from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 6 pax to Buzios: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Recife or Buzios?

Prices for flights to both Buzios and Recife change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Recife $117
    Buzios $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Recife $11
    Buzios $25

Tours and Activities in Recife

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Recife are as follows:

  • Olinda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48

Tours and Activities in Buzios

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Buzios.

  • Tour of the most beautiful beaches and islands of Buzios by Buziana Tour: $11
  • Boat Tour Open Bar A Floor Arraial do Cabo : $13
  • Buggy Ride in Buzios by Buziana Tour: $19
  • Tour of Bugre in Arraial (Buggy): $21
  • Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo: $23
  • Catamaran Boat Tour in Búzios: $26
  • Half-Day Schooner Sightseeing Trip in Buzios Peninsula Beaches: $27
  • 3-hour Small Group Buzios Peninsula Open Air Trolley Tour: $31
  • Buzios Trolley City Tour: $31
  • Tour in Boat Tour in Buzios: $38
  • Underwater Adventure in Diving and Snorkeling: $46
  • Schooner Tour in Buzios - Departure from Buzios: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Recife -
    Buzios $17


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Recife and Buzios, we can see that Recife is more expensive. And not only is Buzios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Buzios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buzios and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Recife would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Recife than you might in Buzios.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Recife Expensive? and Is Buzios Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Recife or Buzios?

Recife has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Buzios. When comparing the sizes of Recife and Buzios, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.