Things to do in Olinda
Discover the best attractions and experiences Olinda has to offer
Historic Monuments
Olinda’s hillsides are an open-air museum of colonial churches, convents and stairways, all within a UNESCO-listed historic center.
Centro Histórico de Olinda
UNESCO-listed historic center with colonial churches, colorful houses and winding cobbled lanes.
Igreja da Sé de Olinda
Hilltop cathedral overlooking the city with a simple yet sweeping interior.
Convento de São Bento
Historic Benedictine convent with a tranquil cloister and church.
Museums
Cultural spaces in Olinda showcase contemporary art and traditional Pernambuco crafts.
MACO – Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Olinda
Modern art housed in a historic building with rotating exhibitions.
Mamulengo Museum (Olinda)
Exhibits celebrating the traditional puppetry (mamulengo) of Pernambuco.
Casa da Cultura de Olinda
Cultural center with crafts, exhibitions and local history.
Religious Monuments
The religious architecture of Olinda reflects its deep colonial-era roots.
Igreja da Sé de Olinda
Historic hilltop church with simple interior and sweeping views.
Igreja de Carmo (Igreja do Carmo)
Baroque church in the historic center with a serenely ornate interior.
Mosteiro de São Bento (Olinda)
Ancient Benedictine monastery with a tranquil cloister.
National & Theme Parks
Nearby green spaces offer nature breaks outside the city center.
Coming Soon!
We're currently working on adding national & theme parks recommendations for Olinda. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Neighborhoods
Explore the distinct districts that give Olinda its character, from hilltop viewpoints to artsy lanes.
Alto da Sé
Historic hillside area around the cathedral, with steps and viewpoints.
Amparo
Colorful street-fronts, crafts, and intimate cafés in a lively neighborhood.
Carmo (Bairro do Carmo)
Historic quarter with colonial houses and artisan shops.
Free Things to Do
Some of Olinda’s best experiences are free: strolls, viewpoints and street life.
Stroll through the Historic Centre (Centro Histórico)
Wander cobbled lanes, admire colorful façades and churches.
Sunset from Alto da Sé
Watch the city glow from the elevated viewpoint.
Walk along Rua do Amparo
Explore artistic storefronts and stairways in a quintessential Olinda block.
Gastronomy
Pernambuco flavors shine in Olinda with sweet treats and hearty regional dishes.
Bolo de Rolo
A delicate layered cake rolled into ribbons, a Pernambuco specialty.
Carne de Sol com Macaxeira
Salt-cured beef served with tapioca manioc flour on the side.
Rapadura
Traditional sugar cane candy with natural, rustic sweetness.
Nightlife
Evenings in Olinda vibrate with music, parades and street performances during festival seasons.
Carnaval de Olinda (bonecos gigantes)
Famed parade with giant puppets and exuberant parades.
Forró nights in the historic center
Dance-friendly venues offering lively northeastern rhythms.
Frevo street performances
Energetic brass bands and dancers on the cobbled streets.
Entertainment
Cultural events and street performances bring Olinda’s squares to life.
Festival de Jazz de Olinda
Seasonal jazz shows in historic venues and plazas.
Bonecos Gigantes parades
Giant puppets featured in seasonal processions.
Theater and music performances in Praça do Carmo
Outdoor shows beneath colonial façades.
Sports
Active travelers can hike hills, explore on foot, or enjoy coastal walks nearby.
Hiking around Olinda’s hills
Gentle to moderate hikes with city views.
Coastal walks near Olinda
Seaside strolls along the nearby beaches.
Bike tours of the historic center
Self-guided rides through cobbled lanes and hill climbs.
Off the Track
Discover less-touristy corners and local stories beyond the main sights.
Hidden viewpoints around Alto da Sé
Small nooks with sweeping city views.
Local artisan workshops in Amparo
Watch craftspeople at work and pick up handmade souvenirs.
Campus art strolls in the outskirts
Explore small galleries and street art near the historic center.