Recife Antigo: The Heartbeat of Recife

• HelloOi
  [oy]
• GoodbyeTchau
  [chow]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/de nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-gah-doh]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sen-sah/dehs-kool-peh]
• How are you?Como vai você?
  [koh-moh vah-ee vo-seh]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [behn/eh vo-seh]
• Do you speak English?Você fala inglês?
  [vo-seh fah-lah een-glehz]
• I don't understandEu não entendo
  [eh-oo now een-ten-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEu gostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr oo kahr-dah-pyoh/por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatEu não como carne
  [eh-oo now koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEu gostaria de pagar, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr/por fah-vohr]

• Help!Socorro!
  [soh-koh-roh]
• Go away!Vá embora!
  [vah ehm-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a polícia!
  [shah-meh ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-meh oom meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [ehs-toh pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [ehs-toh doh-en-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Eu gostaria de comprar...
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só olhando
  [ehs-toh soh oh-lahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwahn-too koos-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh muy-toh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Você pode baixar o preço?
  [vo-seh poh-deh bahy-shahr oo preh-soh]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sah-oh]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meio-dia
  [may-oh dee-ah]
• MorningManhã
  [mahn-yah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noh-ee-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehn]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zheh]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mahn-yah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-eez]
• 3Três
  [trehz]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seeng-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sayz]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehz]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [ohn-deh fee-kah oh/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh oh ehn-deh-reh-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Você pode me mostrar (no mapa)?
  [vo-seh poh-deh meh moh-strahr (noh mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?
  [kwahn-doh eh oh proh-kssee-moh (oh-nee-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Uma passagem (para ....)
  [oo-mah pah-sah-zheh (pah-rah)]

Recife Antigo, the historical heart of Recife, was established in the early 16th century when the Portuguese colonized Brazil. The neighborhood's strategic location along the Capibaribe River made it a key port for the sugar trade, leading to rapid development and the construction of significant structures such as the São Pedro dos Clérigos Church and the first fortifications, which laid the groundwork for the city's growth.

From 1630 to 1654, Recife Antigo came under Dutch control, a period marked by cultural exchange and architectural innovation. The Dutch West India Company promoted religious tolerance, attracting Jews and other European settlers. During this time, notable figures like Frans Post painted the landscape, and the neighborhood saw the construction of the Mauritsstad, a model city that incorporated parks, bridges, and vibrant public spaces.

The 19th century brought significant changes to Recife Antigo, as it transformed into a bustling commercial center. The construction of the Rua do Bom Jesus, home to the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue—one of the oldest synagogues in the Americas—symbolized the neighborhood's growing multiculturalism. This era also saw the establishment of cultural institutions and the introduction of railways, linking Recife to other regions.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a period of industrial growth in Recife, leading to urbanization and the decline of Recife Antigo as a commercial hub. Factories and residential areas spread, and many original structures fell into disrepair. This decline was accompanied by social challenges, including poverty and crime, as the population expanded beyond the historic core.

In recent decades, Recife Antigo has undergone significant revitalization efforts, transforming it into a cultural and tourist destination. The neighborhood now hosts vibrant festivals, art galleries, and music venues, celebrating its rich history and cultural diversity. Key events like the Carnival and the Festival de Inverno showcase the local culture, while projects such as the revitalization of the Praça do Arsenal reflect a commitment to preserving its historical heritage.

Recife Antigo is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Recife. The most common way to reach it is by taking a taxi or rideshare service, which provides a direct and convenient option. Public transport options include the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system, with the nearest station being 'Barro', followed by a short taxi ride. If you’re coming from the airport, consider taking a taxi or shuttle service directly to Recife Antigo, which is about 12 km away.

Recife Antigo is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, ideal for exploring on foot. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, and there are bike lanes available. Public transportation options include local buses, but given the compact nature of the area, walking is often the best way to soak in the architecture and vibrant street life. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available for longer distances.

Recife Antigo is generally safe during the day, but caution is advised, especially at night. Avoid wandering into deserted areas, particularly along the waterfront after dark. Areas known for higher crime rates include parts of the neighborhoods surrounding Recife Antigo. Always keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 190 for police assistance or 192 for ambulance services. Local hospitals are available for urgent medical needs. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. Pharmacies in the area can provide over-the-counter medications and first aid supplies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing due to the tropical climate. Don’t wear excessively revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches; cover shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers and women with children. Don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Olá' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food and enjoy meals at family-run establishments. Don’t drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Recife Antigo like a local, visit the Mercado de São José for fresh produce and local crafts. Spend time at the Praça do Arsenal, especially during the weekends when local artists perform. Engage with the local community through festivals, particularly the Carnival season, which is vibrant in this area. Don't forget to try the local delicacy, 'bolo de rolo', a traditional rolled cake.