A Favorita
The starter suggestion is the mushroom mix (porto belo, shimejie de Paris) creamy with butter of fruits and poached egg. Main dish: cherne on crust of sausage and siliciano lemon with mustard, with potatoes and spinach.
Address: Rua Santa Catarina ,1235 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
Acervo da Carne
At lunch time, on Friday, the restaurant is very frequented by executive people, and on Saturday and Sunday it receives families. At night, the cold weather and the low light create a romantic ambiance appropriated for couples.
Address: Rua da Saudade ,169 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
Adega do Sul
The Adega do Sul Restaurant is specialized in rodízio of meats and it possesses dig of wines. With own parking, its assists from Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 16:00 and of 18:00 to 24:00 and Sunday of 12:00 at 18:30 hours.
Address: Av do Contorno, 8835 - Gutierrez - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brasil
Alguidares
Specialized in food from Bahia, Alguidares Restaurant is open from Monday to Friday from 19:00 to 00:00 and from Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 19:00 to 00:00 hours.
Address: R Pium-í, 1037 - Anchieta - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brasil
Ambrosio's
In comfortable environment, the Ambrosio's Restaurant offers rodízio of meats and puts at your disposal the dig of wines of the house. Its assists from 12:00 to 24:00 hours.
Address: Av Getúlio Vargas, 880 - Savassi - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brasil
Badejo
The Badejo Restaurant is specialized in capixaba kitchen. With own parking, its assists from Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 to 15:00 and of 18:00 at 23:30, Saturday of 12:00 to 23:30 and Sunday of 12:00 at 17:00 hours.
Address: R Rio Grande do Norte, 836 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brasil
Café do Museu
Among the main international dishes, the start suggestion is the saucepan full of vegetables for two persons. The main dish is the tuna on crust of herbs with musselini de baroa and Dijon mustard.
Address: Avenida Prudente de Morais ,202 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
Dona Derna
The menu offers pastry, meats, fish, crustacean, and birds´ meat. Among the main dishes are the cod of Doña Derna, with vegetables, broccolis, onion and red pepper. El Vulcano is one of the most preferred deserts.
Address: Rua Tomé de Souza ,1343 - 2º piso - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
Dona Lucinha
Chicken with ora-pro-nobis, tropeiro, salads, cold cutlet and ox tail with watercress are the most outstanding recipes. The moranga with shred meat is the new menu. On Saturday, there is feijoada.
Address: Rua Sergipe ,811 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
Fiesta Brava
The Fiesta Brava Restaurant is specialized in meats. With own parking, its assists Monday and Tuesday from 11:30 to 15:00, of Wednesday to Friday of 11:30 at 15:00 and of 18:30 at 23:30, Saturday of 12:00 to 24:00, and Sunday of 12:00 at 17:00 hours.
Address: Av Sta Rosa, 538 - Belo Horiozonte - MG - Brasil
Fogo de Chão
The cutlets are cooked during five hours before being barbecued. In the middle, the buffet has cold dishes as endive, green asparagus, shiitake mushrooms and other hot dishes.
Address: Rua Sergipe ,1208 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
Haus München
Haus München Restaurant is specialized in German cuisine and also in marks of beer, besides possessing a digs of wines. It works from Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 18:00 to 1:00, Saturday from 12:00 to 1:00 and Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00 h
Address: R Juiz de Fora, 1257 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brasil
Marília Pizzeria
It is very frequented by young public, of 35 years old; its tables let to share with friends and are appropriated for couples. All pizzas are well served, with six pieces, baked in oven.
Address: Rua Montes Claros ,526 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brasil
Osteria Mattiazzi
It offers specialties as the tagliatelle al nero with squids, one of the most preferred ones is the steamed cavaquinha with tagliolino and lemon. The chef´s suggestive menu is the carpaccio of prawns with oil of anchovies, wild rucula and mushrooms.
Address: Rua Soledade ,28 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
Paladino
The specialty of the Paladino Restaurant is the Brazilian cuisine. With own parking, its assists from Wednesday to Saturday from 12:00 to 16:00 and of 18:00 at 24:00 hours. Sunday assists from 12:00 to 18:00 hours.
Address: Av Gildo Macedo Lacerda, 300 - Braúnas/Pampulha - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brasil
Parrilla del Mercado
The Parrilla del Mercado Restaurant specializes in meats. Assists from Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 1:30 and Sunday of 11:00 at 19:00 hours.
Address: R Ouro Fino, 452, lj 14 -Mercado do Cruz. -Cruzeiro- Belo Horizonte -MG- Brasil
Patuscada
The international gastronomy is the inspiration of Clovis Vianna chef in dishes, served in a wide room or in tables on the sidewalk full of trees. Main dish: steak au poivre, parmentier of leg of lamb with green pepper.
Address: Avenida Bernardo Monteiro ,1548 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
Speciali Pizza Bar
The clients mix the pizza with a happy hour. Taste the special margherita that has green dough made of manjericao, exclusiveness of the house. The rounded pizza has buffalo mozzarella cheese, tomato, apple, parmesano cheese and manjericao.
Address: Rua Fernandes Tourinho ,805 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brasil
Splendido Ristorante
One of the attractions of the restaurant is the wine list; among the starters are the crispy vieiras with sausage of cauliflower. Main dish: ravioli of hen d´angola with its own sauce and black truffle.
Address: Rua Levindo Lopes ,251 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
Sushi Naka
Some of the main dishes of the restaurant are the sashimi of lobster, Yoshitada only prepares the lobster sausage in less than three days and they weight 800 gr and 1.2kg for guarantee the taste.
Address: Rua Gonçalves Dias ,92 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
Sushi Thai
Sushi Thai Restaurant is specialized in Asian cuisine. Open from Monday to Friday from 18:00 to 00:00 and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 00:00 hours
Address: R Grão-Mogol, 564 - Carmo - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brasil
Taste Vin
The liking for the wines and the gastronomy of the chef and owner Rodrigo Fonseca didn´t arise in his family, as usually happen with most of the chefs. Rodrigo Fonseca is ahead of Taste Vin and cooks the dishes and train to the employees.
Address: Rua Curitiba ,2105 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
Vecchio Sogno
The starter suggestion is the crespelle di pere con scaloppina di foie gras e sugo di bergamotta (pancake of pear with escalope of foie grass and tangerine). Main dish: carré d´angnello with risotto in veste di lenticchia di puy.
Address: Rua Martim de Carvalho ,75 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
Vila Árabe
The Arabian Lebanese inspiration of the house runs in the family. Among the buffet varieties are typical food, fish, red meat and salads. Curd, babaghanoush, Arabian aubergine, quibe and charutos are the most traditional recipes.
Address: Rua Pernambuco ,781 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
Vitelo's
The Vitelo's Restaurant is specialized in meats. Its assists from Tuesday to Thursday from 18:00 to 1:00, Friday of 12:00 at 15:00 and of 18:00 at 1:00, Saturday of 12:30 to 24:00 and Sunday of 12:00 at 17:30 hours.
Address: Av Francisco Deslandes, 104 - Anchieta - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brasil
Xapuri
The main cooked dish is "mineirinho from start to finish" (cutlet of pork with liquor of pequi with fried angu, rice, kidney bean and chard). Other excellent options are the chicken on green sausage with angu, quiabo, chucho, rice and kidney bean.
Address: Rua Mandacaru ,260 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
Yun Ton
The specialty of the Yun Ton Restaurant is the Chinese food. With own parking, assists from Monday to Friday from 11:30 to 14:30 and of 18:30 at 23:30, Saturday of 11:30 to 00:30 and Sunday of 11:00 at 23:00 hours.
Address: R Sta Catarina, 946 - Lourdes - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brasil
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Transportation in porto Alegre
By Metro
The Porto Alegre Metro system has 17 metro stations that serve 42 km (26 miles) of rails. Unlike other metro systems in Brazil, this one is heavily used and it is great for traveling short distances within the city. This metro system is also good for traveling to nearby metropolitan areas such as Canoas and Novo Hamburgo. The metro system is a great alternative to driving to several destinations on the BR-116 highway.
By Bus
The bus system in Porto Alegre is operated by state and private companies. Private companies operate both large autobuses and smaller mini-buses, where only seated passengers are allowed and air conditioning is provided. Riding in the mini-buses is more expensive but really worth every penny during hot, humid afternoons.
From downtown you can catch any bus to any destination around the Porto Alegre metropolitan area. From downtown you can catch buses that are part of the circular lines (all lines that start with "C") that ride on exclusive bus lanes in order to arrive to destinations faster. From the different neighborhoods in Porto Alegre you can grab 1 of the transversal lines (all lines that start with "T") to get to other neighborhoods faster by avoiding the downtown area all together.
Driving Around Porto Alegre
If you want to drive around Porto Alegre, it is best that you get an international driver's license at the country from which you are departing. Car rental agencies and local authorities prefer the international driver's license over any foreign driver's license.
The 2 main highways of Porto Alegre are the BR-290 (running from east to west) and the BR-116 (running from north to south). If you're planning to visit Argentina, you can follow the BR-290. If you're planning to visit Uruguay, you can use the BR-116.
The Porto Alegre Metro system has 17 metro stations that serve 42 km (26 miles) of rails. Unlike other metro systems in Brazil, this one is heavily used and it is great for traveling short distances within the city. This metro system is also good for traveling to nearby metropolitan areas such as Canoas and Novo Hamburgo. The metro system is a great alternative to driving to several destinations on the BR-116 highway.
By Bus
The bus system in Porto Alegre is operated by state and private companies. Private companies operate both large autobuses and smaller mini-buses, where only seated passengers are allowed and air conditioning is provided. Riding in the mini-buses is more expensive but really worth every penny during hot, humid afternoons.
From downtown you can catch any bus to any destination around the Porto Alegre metropolitan area. From downtown you can catch buses that are part of the circular lines (all lines that start with "C") that ride on exclusive bus lanes in order to arrive to destinations faster. From the different neighborhoods in Porto Alegre you can grab 1 of the transversal lines (all lines that start with "T") to get to other neighborhoods faster by avoiding the downtown area all together.
Driving Around Porto Alegre
If you want to drive around Porto Alegre, it is best that you get an international driver's license at the country from which you are departing. Car rental agencies and local authorities prefer the international driver's license over any foreign driver's license.
The 2 main highways of Porto Alegre are the BR-290 (running from east to west) and the BR-116 (running from north to south). If you're planning to visit Argentina, you can follow the BR-290. If you're planning to visit Uruguay, you can use the BR-116.
Transportation in Rio De Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a very large and quite accessible city that can often be tricky to get around in. Here are all the available options you need to get from Point A to Point B, whatever that destination may be.
Taxi
These little yellow chariots are quite abundant and happen to be the most convenient and safe way to get around if you are a tourist. A 20 minutes ride in the city costs about $6 US. If you do not feel safe about getting a taxi on your own, ask your hotel or a nearby restaurant to order one for you. Taxis are required to have meters by law, so if a driver asks for a prepayment it probably means his price is inflated. Radio taxis are recommended.
Walking
Downtown can easily be explored on foot and most areas in Rio are very enjoyable if strolled through. Leisurely walks are the best way to take in the streets and people. Avoid downtown (Centro) at night and unlit streets in almost all other areas.
Bus
Rio uses a complex Brazilian bus service which links the city to hundreds of destinations throughout Brazil. Bus drivers are known to be a little crazy: running red lights and racing other buses. However, during the day they are perfectly safe: just be careful with your belongings during rush hour, for pickpockets are common. Buses should generally be avoided at night. A bus ticket costs 1.5R for a non air-conditioned bus, and 1.7R for one with air conditioning: however, which one you end up on is completely random.
Metro
For accessing the downtown areas and other sights such as Maracana, the subway may be a good option. Although small, the subway is safe and reliable. However, it does not go into Ipanema and there is only one stop at the far end of Copacabana. A one way ticket is 1.9R. The metro is closed on Sundays and holidays, and is open from 6 am to 11 pm Monday through Saturday. There are 2 lines, and though it does not serve the entire city, it is quite efficient and very clean.
Taxi
These little yellow chariots are quite abundant and happen to be the most convenient and safe way to get around if you are a tourist. A 20 minutes ride in the city costs about $6 US. If you do not feel safe about getting a taxi on your own, ask your hotel or a nearby restaurant to order one for you. Taxis are required to have meters by law, so if a driver asks for a prepayment it probably means his price is inflated. Radio taxis are recommended.
Walking
Downtown can easily be explored on foot and most areas in Rio are very enjoyable if strolled through. Leisurely walks are the best way to take in the streets and people. Avoid downtown (Centro) at night and unlit streets in almost all other areas.
Bus
Rio uses a complex Brazilian bus service which links the city to hundreds of destinations throughout Brazil. Bus drivers are known to be a little crazy: running red lights and racing other buses. However, during the day they are perfectly safe: just be careful with your belongings during rush hour, for pickpockets are common. Buses should generally be avoided at night. A bus ticket costs 1.5R for a non air-conditioned bus, and 1.7R for one with air conditioning: however, which one you end up on is completely random.
Metro
For accessing the downtown areas and other sights such as Maracana, the subway may be a good option. Although small, the subway is safe and reliable. However, it does not go into Ipanema and there is only one stop at the far end of Copacabana. A one way ticket is 1.9R. The metro is closed on Sundays and holidays, and is open from 6 am to 11 pm Monday through Saturday. There are 2 lines, and though it does not serve the entire city, it is quite efficient and very clean.
Transportation in Salvador
There are a number of transportation options available in Salvador, including taxis, buses and car rentals. The bus fares are quite affordable, although the taxi fares can be quite expensive if one is traveling a long distance. This Salvador Brazil guide provides information about local taxi services, bus information and car rental businesses.
Salvador Transportation Guide
By Air
Locates 30km from the city center, Salvador's Aeroporto Deputado Luis Eduardo do Magalhães has both domestic and international service. You can reach the city via bus or by hiring a car. It's worth seeing if there are airline specials as flying can sometimes be substantially more expensive than the bus.
By Bus
The bus is a cheap and efficient way of getting to and from the city. From Salvador, buses go all over the northeast and to Rio, São Paulo and Brasilia. They all leave from the Rodoviária (bus station) located 8km east of the city center.
By Car
Language is the biggest barrier to driving in Salvador. Although a convenient mode of travel, avoid it if you cannot speak Portuguese. In addition, the roads can be very narrow in certain parts of the town and local drivers are not very considerate towards foreigners behind the wheel.
By Foot
This is the best way to soak in the sights of Salvador. The upper and lower sections are conveniently connected by the Lacerda elevator and cable cars. Strolling through the old city centre is an immensely satisfying experience. Be wary of pickpockets and beggars who often frequent the roads which connect the district to the sea.
By Bus
Buses in Salvador are an efficient and convenient way of getting around. There are a variety of buses operating between all the major destinations and all shopping centres have their own bus stop. The air-conditioned buses charge more, almost double the standard rate, but can be a relief on a hot day. The best thing would be to inquire at your Salvador pousada or Salvador hotel and get an idea of the main routes. They are safe and run from 6 in the morning until midnight. Make sure to use the door at the back to board buses.
The Rodoviária, which is adjacent to the Iguatemi shopping mall, is the main bus station in Salvador. The mall has its own stop and almost all city buses will pass this way. Remember that if a certain destination is not available at Rodoviária then the Iguatemi stop is within walking distance. Iguatemi can be found near Pituba on Salvador map. From Pituba, buses make a beach circuit to Barra and Itapua. Mini buses, which are actually large vans, carry passengers from Itapua to the Flamingo regions or Stella Mares.
The air-conditioned vans are expensive and direct buses operating between Stella Mares and Pelourinho charge three times the regular fare. The regular fare is a little more than US$ 1. Only some buses will traverse the whole extent of the map, say from Praia do Flamengo to Campo Grande. In Salvador, buses display only the final destination above the windshield while the route map is affixed near the door where passengers board.
The best way to get to Pelourinho is to first catch a bus to Campo Grande. Buses to Praça da Se, the main bus stop in Pelourinho, do not run through the night and if planning a day trip be prepared to return by 7 or 8pm. Safety can be a concern after that. If you plan to leave later, taxis will ferry you back to Salvador.
By Taxi
Taxis are a faster option but be warned because the local drivers tend to speed a lot. Taxis are painted white with red and blue stripes on the side. Number plates are red in colour. Rates can fluctuate depending on the time of day and are invariably higher after midnight. The drivers very often do not use meters and it is a good idea to haggle as the quoted rates will be much higher than the actual. Very often, finding the right taxi is important in Salvador as the driver can actually take you for a ride and legally tab you for five times the amount.
There are two types of taxis in Salvador and meters start at R$ 2.50. The Flag 1 taxis are inexpensive and should be used when there are less than 3 customers. Flag 1 taxis operate on all week days before 10 am and after 6 pm. On Saturdays they are off the road by 2 in the afternoon. Flag 2 taxis on the other hand are pricey and ply between 10 at night and 6 in the morning. Use Flag 2 taxis if there are more than 2 of you, or if you are carrying luggage, prefer air-conditioning or are travelling outside Salvador. Only Flag 2 taxis go to the airport, since it is outside Salvador. Taxis registered with unions such as Disque-taxi and Tele-taxi have telephone numbers marked on them just in case you want to lodge a complaint
Salvador Transportation Guide
By Air
Locates 30km from the city center, Salvador's Aeroporto Deputado Luis Eduardo do Magalhães has both domestic and international service. You can reach the city via bus or by hiring a car. It's worth seeing if there are airline specials as flying can sometimes be substantially more expensive than the bus.
By Bus
The bus is a cheap and efficient way of getting to and from the city. From Salvador, buses go all over the northeast and to Rio, São Paulo and Brasilia. They all leave from the Rodoviária (bus station) located 8km east of the city center.
By Car
Language is the biggest barrier to driving in Salvador. Although a convenient mode of travel, avoid it if you cannot speak Portuguese. In addition, the roads can be very narrow in certain parts of the town and local drivers are not very considerate towards foreigners behind the wheel.
By Foot
This is the best way to soak in the sights of Salvador. The upper and lower sections are conveniently connected by the Lacerda elevator and cable cars. Strolling through the old city centre is an immensely satisfying experience. Be wary of pickpockets and beggars who often frequent the roads which connect the district to the sea.
By Bus
Buses in Salvador are an efficient and convenient way of getting around. There are a variety of buses operating between all the major destinations and all shopping centres have their own bus stop. The air-conditioned buses charge more, almost double the standard rate, but can be a relief on a hot day. The best thing would be to inquire at your Salvador pousada or Salvador hotel and get an idea of the main routes. They are safe and run from 6 in the morning until midnight. Make sure to use the door at the back to board buses.
The Rodoviária, which is adjacent to the Iguatemi shopping mall, is the main bus station in Salvador. The mall has its own stop and almost all city buses will pass this way. Remember that if a certain destination is not available at Rodoviária then the Iguatemi stop is within walking distance. Iguatemi can be found near Pituba on Salvador map. From Pituba, buses make a beach circuit to Barra and Itapua. Mini buses, which are actually large vans, carry passengers from Itapua to the Flamingo regions or Stella Mares.
The air-conditioned vans are expensive and direct buses operating between Stella Mares and Pelourinho charge three times the regular fare. The regular fare is a little more than US$ 1. Only some buses will traverse the whole extent of the map, say from Praia do Flamengo to Campo Grande. In Salvador, buses display only the final destination above the windshield while the route map is affixed near the door where passengers board.
The best way to get to Pelourinho is to first catch a bus to Campo Grande. Buses to Praça da Se, the main bus stop in Pelourinho, do not run through the night and if planning a day trip be prepared to return by 7 or 8pm. Safety can be a concern after that. If you plan to leave later, taxis will ferry you back to Salvador.
By Taxi
Taxis are a faster option but be warned because the local drivers tend to speed a lot. Taxis are painted white with red and blue stripes on the side. Number plates are red in colour. Rates can fluctuate depending on the time of day and are invariably higher after midnight. The drivers very often do not use meters and it is a good idea to haggle as the quoted rates will be much higher than the actual. Very often, finding the right taxi is important in Salvador as the driver can actually take you for a ride and legally tab you for five times the amount.
There are two types of taxis in Salvador and meters start at R$ 2.50. The Flag 1 taxis are inexpensive and should be used when there are less than 3 customers. Flag 1 taxis operate on all week days before 10 am and after 6 pm. On Saturdays they are off the road by 2 in the afternoon. Flag 2 taxis on the other hand are pricey and ply between 10 at night and 6 in the morning. Use Flag 2 taxis if there are more than 2 of you, or if you are carrying luggage, prefer air-conditioning or are travelling outside Salvador. Only Flag 2 taxis go to the airport, since it is outside Salvador. Taxis registered with unions such as Disque-taxi and Tele-taxi have telephone numbers marked on them just in case you want to lodge a complaint
Transportation in Sao paulo
These airports receives every year around 34.5 million people and it estimates that when the Guarulhos airport is remodeling by 2011, Sao Paulo will be able to receive 45 millions passengers per year. Besides, in Sao Paulo, there are many rich people, who have their own helicopters; therefore Sao Paulo has one of the largest air traffic in the world.
Another way to arrive to Sao Paulo is by bus. The “Rodoviaria Tiete” bus station is one of the largest bus stations in the World and receives buses from 565 different localities of Brazil and South America. The long distance bus service in Brazil is the cheapest way to travel.
The bus service in the city is very popular; there are many bus lines that cross the entire city; nevertheless the traffic in Sao Paulo is absolutely chaotic (there are 5 millions cars), therefore both buses and taxis are very slow. If you take a bus in Sao Paulo, you must pay to conductor at front of the bus. Another cheaper option is buy a bus card which allows you to travel for several routes. There are buses available from 4:00 to midnight.
Most tourists in Sao Paulo prefer taxis, mainly at night. You can get a taxi almost every where. Nevertheless, you must be careful, some taxi drivers could be robbers; it is advisable take a radio taxi; they are more expensive but also more safer. Usually, you must negotiate the tariff with taxi drivers. Tariffs increase after 21:00 as well as on Sunday and Holidays. Another option is rent a car, but you should know the city.
The metro is without doubt the best form of transportation in the Downtown. The city has 61 Km of underground railway systems, 4 lines and 55 stations. Besides, “Paulista Company of Metropolitan Trains” (CPTM ) handles another 253.2 Km of urban railways. The subway of Sao Paulo is very modern, safe, efficient and clean; it is amongst the best metro services in the World. The Sao Paulo’s metro has three main lines: the North-South line (line 1, blue), East-West line (line 3, red), and the one that just travels underneath the “Paulista” avenue (line 2, green), besides the 4 new expansion lines. The metro lines 1 and 3 are available from 6:00 to midnight and the line 2 from 6:00 to 22:00. You can buy tickets in every station for around $1.
Transportation in Recife
Plane
Recife's modern Guararapes-Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC) is efficient, user-friendly and close to the city. There are direct scheduled flights to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Salvador, Fortaleza, Maceió, Natal, João Pessoa, Aracaju, Petrolina, Campina Grande, Juazeiro do Norte, as well as to Atlanta (Delta), Buenos Aires, Lisbon (TAP), Madrid, Miami, Milan, Oporto and Paris. There are also regular charter flights from other European cities, such as Helsinki and Amsterdam.
Domestic airlines operating regular scheduled flights to Recife: GOL, OCEANAIR, TAF, TAM, TRIP, VARIG and WebJet.
Car
Some distances by road: Olinda (7 Km), Cabo de Santo Agostinho (33 Km), Igarassu (39 Km), Itamaracá (49 Km), Porto de Galinhas (64 Km), Tamandaré (99 Km), Caruaru (135 Km), Garanhuns (245 Km), Triunfo (450 Km), Serrita (544 Km), Araripina (690 Km) and Petrolina (740 Km).
Three state capitals are less than four hours away: João Pessoa (120 Km), Maceió (285 Km) and Natal (297 Km). A twelve-hour drive separates Recife from either Fortaleza (800 Km due north) or Salvador (839 Km due south).
It is also possible to drive from/to other regions of Brazil, but distances are significantly longer: Belo Horizonte (2,061 Km), Belém (2,074 Km), Brasília (2,220 Km), Rio de Janeiro (2,338 Km), São Paulo (2,660 Km), Curitiba (3,078 Km) and Rio Branco (5,243 Km).
Highway BR-101, also known as the Translitoranean, connects Recife with beaches along Pernambuco's coast, other coastal cities in the Northeast (Natal, João Pessoa, Maceió, Aracaju, Salvador), as well as Vitória and Rio de Janeiro.
Highway BR-232 connects Recife with Gravatá and Caruaru.
Highway BR-408 connects Recife with Campina Grande.
Bus
Recife's long-distance bus terminal, Terminal Integrado de Passageiros (TIP), is way out in the suburbs. For information, call TIP at +55 81 3452-1999. TIP is connected to the city by MetroRec train (around 15 minutes). Bus companies have booths at the Central MetroRec station in town, so at least you do not have to trek out just to buy advance bus tickets.
Bus companies serving Recife's TIP Bus Station:
Boa Esperança, tel.: +55 81 3452-1618 (to/from Belém)
Bonfim, tel.: +55 81 3452-1155/2066 (to/from João Pessoa),
Borborema, tel.: +55 81 3452-2859 (to/from Vitória de Santo Antao),
Caruaruense, tel.: +55 81 3452-2500 (to/from Caruaru, Gravatá)
Cruzeiro, tel.: +55 81 3452-2025 (to/from Porto de Galinhas, Tamandaré)
Expreso 1002, tel.: +55 81 3452-2796 (to/from Aliança, Carpina, Limoeiro, Paudalho, Salgadinho, Surubim, Timbaúba, Taquaritinga do Norte)
Expresso Guanabara, tel.: +55 81 3452-2100 (to/from Fortaleza, Mossoró, Imperatriz, Marabá)
Gontijo, ), tel.: 0800-311-312 (to/from Belo Horizonte, Montes Claros, Sao José do Rio Preto, Uberaba, Uberlândia, Vitória da Conquista)
Itamaracá, tel.: +55 81 3542-1011 and 3424-8331 (to/from Abreu e Lima, Igarassu, Itamaracá Island, Paulista)
Itapemirim, tel.: +55 81 3452-2111 (to/from Barra do Garças, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Campos, Curitiba, Feira de Santana, Foz do Iguaçu, Goiânia, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, São Paulo, Vitória, Vitória da Conquista)
Jotude, tel.: +55 81 3452-1741 (to/from Garanhunhs, Gravatá)
Leão do Norte, tel.: +55 81 2121-9111 (to/from Arcoverde, Campina Grande, Paulo Afonso)
Penha, tel.: 0800-723-2122 (to/from Feira de Santana, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador)
Princesa do Agreste, tel.: +55 81 3452-1371 (to/from Araripina, Crato, Juazeiro do Norte, Salgueiro, Serra Talhada, Teresina)
Progresso, (to/from Aracaju, Araripina, Arcoverde, Campina Grande, Garanhuns, João Pessoa, Juazeiro, Monteiro, Natal, Paulo Afonso, Pesqueira, São Luís, Serra Talhada, Teresina, Triunfo). Tickets can be bought in Boa Viagem, tel.: +55 81 3465-4640; Boa Vista, +55 81 3231-1860; MetroRec Central Station, +55 81 3424-5648
Real Alagoas, tel.: +55 81 3452-1511 (to/from Aracaju, Ipojuca, Maceió, Maragogi, Sao José da Coroa Grande, Sirinhaém)
São Domingos, tel.: +55 81 3452-2462
São Geraldo, tel.: +55 81 3452-2733 (to/from Caruaru, Curitiba, Foz do Iguaçu, Garanhuns, Palmas, Petrolina, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo)
Transacreana, tel.: +55 11 6698-7399 and +55 61 8402-8418 (to/from Cacoal, Cuiabá, Feira de Santana, Ji-Paraná, Porto Velho, Rio Branco, Rondonópolis, Vitória da Conquista)
By sea
You can arrive in cruise ships at the Port of Recife.
Cruises may come from other Brazilian states, from other countries in South America and the Caribbean, or from Europe. Transatlantic cruise liners include Holland America Line ms Rotterdam, Holland America Line ms Prisendam, Oceania Cruises Insignia, SeaDream Yacht Club, Royal Caribbean International Splendour of the Sea, P&O Cruises Artemis, Cunard Line Queen Elizabeth II, among others.
Cruises from Recife to the Fernando de Noronha archipelago are also available.
Taxi
Taxi is the best bet. Look for registered taxi companies which charge standard rates. Ask for a car with air conditioning (especially in the summer).
TeleTáxi
Tel: +55 81 2121-4242
Ligue Táxi
Tel: +55 81 3228-6830
Coopetáxi
Tel: +55 81 3224-8441
Disk Táxi
Tel: +55 81 3224-5410
RádioTáxi Recife
Tel: +55 81 3222-6580
Recife Táxi
Tel: +55 81 3424-3020
Rent a car:
Avis
Tel: +55 81 3341-2542
Clean Car
Tel: +55 81 3326-4236
Fleet Car
Tel: +55 81 3465-4777
Hertz
Tel: +55 81 3461-1222
Interlocadora
Tel: +55 81 3341-5364
Localiza
Tel: +55 81 3341-2082
Locarauto
Tel: +55 81 3341-6544
Nobre
Tel: +55 81 3326-5673
Rede Brasil
Tel: +55 81 3341-5549
Unidas
Tel: +55 81 3325-5949
Buses are the best form of public transportation. They are all over the city.
MetroRec, Recife's subway system. Although it is the third largest in Brazil, it only covers limited areas of the city. It provides a useful link between the city center and the TIP Bus Station in the outskirts. Otherwise, the metro does not serve any major tourist areas. The Southern Line, which is under construction, will provide direct access to the airport and Shopping Center Recife.
Recife Highlights are based on work by Wikitravel users and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.
Recife's modern Guararapes-Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC) is efficient, user-friendly and close to the city. There are direct scheduled flights to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Salvador, Fortaleza, Maceió, Natal, João Pessoa, Aracaju, Petrolina, Campina Grande, Juazeiro do Norte, as well as to Atlanta (Delta), Buenos Aires, Lisbon (TAP), Madrid, Miami, Milan, Oporto and Paris. There are also regular charter flights from other European cities, such as Helsinki and Amsterdam.
Domestic airlines operating regular scheduled flights to Recife: GOL, OCEANAIR, TAF, TAM, TRIP, VARIG and WebJet.
Car
Some distances by road: Olinda (7 Km), Cabo de Santo Agostinho (33 Km), Igarassu (39 Km), Itamaracá (49 Km), Porto de Galinhas (64 Km), Tamandaré (99 Km), Caruaru (135 Km), Garanhuns (245 Km), Triunfo (450 Km), Serrita (544 Km), Araripina (690 Km) and Petrolina (740 Km).
Three state capitals are less than four hours away: João Pessoa (120 Km), Maceió (285 Km) and Natal (297 Km). A twelve-hour drive separates Recife from either Fortaleza (800 Km due north) or Salvador (839 Km due south).
It is also possible to drive from/to other regions of Brazil, but distances are significantly longer: Belo Horizonte (2,061 Km), Belém (2,074 Km), Brasília (2,220 Km), Rio de Janeiro (2,338 Km), São Paulo (2,660 Km), Curitiba (3,078 Km) and Rio Branco (5,243 Km).
Highway BR-101, also known as the Translitoranean, connects Recife with beaches along Pernambuco's coast, other coastal cities in the Northeast (Natal, João Pessoa, Maceió, Aracaju, Salvador), as well as Vitória and Rio de Janeiro.
Highway BR-232 connects Recife with Gravatá and Caruaru.
Highway BR-408 connects Recife with Campina Grande.
Bus
Recife's long-distance bus terminal, Terminal Integrado de Passageiros (TIP), is way out in the suburbs. For information, call TIP at +55 81 3452-1999. TIP is connected to the city by MetroRec train (around 15 minutes). Bus companies have booths at the Central MetroRec station in town, so at least you do not have to trek out just to buy advance bus tickets.
Bus companies serving Recife's TIP Bus Station:
Boa Esperança, tel.: +55 81 3452-1618 (to/from Belém)
Bonfim, tel.: +55 81 3452-1155/2066 (to/from João Pessoa),
Borborema, tel.: +55 81 3452-2859 (to/from Vitória de Santo Antao),
Caruaruense, tel.: +55 81 3452-2500 (to/from Caruaru, Gravatá)
Cruzeiro, tel.: +55 81 3452-2025 (to/from Porto de Galinhas, Tamandaré)
Expreso 1002, tel.: +55 81 3452-2796 (to/from Aliança, Carpina, Limoeiro, Paudalho, Salgadinho, Surubim, Timbaúba, Taquaritinga do Norte)
Expresso Guanabara, tel.: +55 81 3452-2100 (to/from Fortaleza, Mossoró, Imperatriz, Marabá)
Gontijo, ), tel.: 0800-311-312 (to/from Belo Horizonte, Montes Claros, Sao José do Rio Preto, Uberaba, Uberlândia, Vitória da Conquista)
Itamaracá, tel.: +55 81 3542-1011 and 3424-8331 (to/from Abreu e Lima, Igarassu, Itamaracá Island, Paulista)
Itapemirim, tel.: +55 81 3452-2111 (to/from Barra do Garças, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Campos, Curitiba, Feira de Santana, Foz do Iguaçu, Goiânia, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, São Paulo, Vitória, Vitória da Conquista)
Jotude, tel.: +55 81 3452-1741 (to/from Garanhunhs, Gravatá)
Leão do Norte, tel.: +55 81 2121-9111 (to/from Arcoverde, Campina Grande, Paulo Afonso)
Penha, tel.: 0800-723-2122 (to/from Feira de Santana, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador)
Princesa do Agreste, tel.: +55 81 3452-1371 (to/from Araripina, Crato, Juazeiro do Norte, Salgueiro, Serra Talhada, Teresina)
Progresso, (to/from Aracaju, Araripina, Arcoverde, Campina Grande, Garanhuns, João Pessoa, Juazeiro, Monteiro, Natal, Paulo Afonso, Pesqueira, São Luís, Serra Talhada, Teresina, Triunfo). Tickets can be bought in Boa Viagem, tel.: +55 81 3465-4640; Boa Vista, +55 81 3231-1860; MetroRec Central Station, +55 81 3424-5648
Real Alagoas, tel.: +55 81 3452-1511 (to/from Aracaju, Ipojuca, Maceió, Maragogi, Sao José da Coroa Grande, Sirinhaém)
São Domingos, tel.: +55 81 3452-2462
São Geraldo, tel.: +55 81 3452-2733 (to/from Caruaru, Curitiba, Foz do Iguaçu, Garanhuns, Palmas, Petrolina, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo)
Transacreana, tel.: +55 11 6698-7399 and +55 61 8402-8418 (to/from Cacoal, Cuiabá, Feira de Santana, Ji-Paraná, Porto Velho, Rio Branco, Rondonópolis, Vitória da Conquista)
By sea
You can arrive in cruise ships at the Port of Recife.
Cruises may come from other Brazilian states, from other countries in South America and the Caribbean, or from Europe. Transatlantic cruise liners include Holland America Line ms Rotterdam, Holland America Line ms Prisendam, Oceania Cruises Insignia, SeaDream Yacht Club, Royal Caribbean International Splendour of the Sea, P&O Cruises Artemis, Cunard Line Queen Elizabeth II, among others.
Cruises from Recife to the Fernando de Noronha archipelago are also available.
Taxi
Taxi is the best bet. Look for registered taxi companies which charge standard rates. Ask for a car with air conditioning (especially in the summer).
TeleTáxi
Tel: +55 81 2121-4242
Ligue Táxi
Tel: +55 81 3228-6830
Coopetáxi
Tel: +55 81 3224-8441
Disk Táxi
Tel: +55 81 3224-5410
RádioTáxi Recife
Tel: +55 81 3222-6580
Recife Táxi
Tel: +55 81 3424-3020
Rent a car:
Avis
Tel: +55 81 3341-2542
Clean Car
Tel: +55 81 3326-4236
Fleet Car
Tel: +55 81 3465-4777
Hertz
Tel: +55 81 3461-1222
Interlocadora
Tel: +55 81 3341-5364
Localiza
Tel: +55 81 3341-2082
Locarauto
Tel: +55 81 3341-6544
Nobre
Tel: +55 81 3326-5673
Rede Brasil
Tel: +55 81 3341-5549
Unidas
Tel: +55 81 3325-5949
Buses are the best form of public transportation. They are all over the city.
MetroRec, Recife's subway system. Although it is the third largest in Brazil, it only covers limited areas of the city. It provides a useful link between the city center and the TIP Bus Station in the outskirts. Otherwise, the metro does not serve any major tourist areas. The Southern Line, which is under construction, will provide direct access to the airport and Shopping Center Recife.
Recife Highlights are based on work by Wikitravel users and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.
Transportation in Natal
Renting a car in Natal
car rentals can be cheap in Natal; - the biggest advantage in renting a car is the possibility to go wherever and whenever you go. Driving within Natal is easy, once you get used to the main thorougfares. Several beaches near Natal (Pirangi, Redinha, Pipa) are under 50 km away, and a car makes it much easier to visit these places.
Reasons to NOT rent a car:
- the technology of Brazilian cars is way behind American and European ones
- Check out how many tours are included in your package; some packages are so comprehensive that there is little time left to even drive a car. - Some beaches are best visited by tours (for example: the dunes of Jenipabu can only be visited by buggies driven by authorized drivers; the Parrachos of Maracajau are best visited by contracting an all-inclusive tour), and these usually include transportation, which makes useless to have a rented car. - However easy the traffic in Natal is, it takes a while to get used to it. - Even though parking isn't a problem in most of Natal, the Ponta Negra strip is an exception; very often you won't find a place to park, and will have to leave the car somewhere up the hill.
BUSES
Of course, buses are the cheapest way go move aroung Natal; tickets vary from around US$ 0.40 (most of lines) to US$ 0.80 (the line going from Natal to the airport). It's possible to get passes or magnetic cards to pay before hand, but usually it's easiest to pay to the conductor.
Buses are not comfortable at all; take a look at what buses look like. There are big buses, micro buses and vans, all driving along the same streets, all charging the same prices.
All the main touristic spots within Natal are well served by buses. You may expect to travel standing up on the big buses (not so with micros and vans), but very rarely will they be so overcrowded that you have physical contact with other people (in other Brazilian cities, a bus during peak hours reminds much a sardines tin). Tipical waiting time is 15 min during the peak hours, and up to one hour. The drivers are supposed to follow a time schedule, but the time table is not released to the public (unless you ask) and changes often, meaning: don't count on any bus showing up on time.
Some bus routes of interest:
#66: from Ponta Negra, along all av. Eng. Roberto Freire, inside the campus of the University, beside Machadao, to the bus terminal and back.
#40: from the bus terminal, along the main avenues towards Praia do Meio and back.
TAXIS
There are plenty of taxis in Natal. Taxis are white cars and have a red plate. Fares are the same, regardless of how new and comfortable the car is.
Fares are regulated by the government. As of today, normal prices are: US$ 2 to start metering, US$ 1 per km and US$ 5 per waiting hour. The only exception to these prices are the so called 'special' taxis at the airport; read the tips in the arriving in Natal section.
From 10pm to 6am at weekdays, and all hours at weekends (and, depending on a decree by the mayor, all times during the month of December), there is a 20% increase in the above prices; this is indicated by a number 2 showing in the fare meter. The majored fares only apply during those specified times; beware of taxi drivers who 'forget' to set the meter correctly.
There are several tele-taxis companies in Natal; the fare meter starts to run only after you get on the car. Unless you speak Portuguese, language will likely be a problem if you call the companies; probably the reception of your hotel will be willing to help you.
Tip: some taxi drivers are knowledgeable and reliable; if you come across one of them, or if someone can refer one to you, you may consider getting his mobile phone number and call him when needed or even hire him by the day.
car rentals can be cheap in Natal; - the biggest advantage in renting a car is the possibility to go wherever and whenever you go. Driving within Natal is easy, once you get used to the main thorougfares. Several beaches near Natal (Pirangi, Redinha, Pipa) are under 50 km away, and a car makes it much easier to visit these places.
Reasons to NOT rent a car:
- the technology of Brazilian cars is way behind American and European ones
- Check out how many tours are included in your package; some packages are so comprehensive that there is little time left to even drive a car. - Some beaches are best visited by tours (for example: the dunes of Jenipabu can only be visited by buggies driven by authorized drivers; the Parrachos of Maracajau are best visited by contracting an all-inclusive tour), and these usually include transportation, which makes useless to have a rented car. - However easy the traffic in Natal is, it takes a while to get used to it. - Even though parking isn't a problem in most of Natal, the Ponta Negra strip is an exception; very often you won't find a place to park, and will have to leave the car somewhere up the hill.
BUSES
Of course, buses are the cheapest way go move aroung Natal; tickets vary from around US$ 0.40 (most of lines) to US$ 0.80 (the line going from Natal to the airport). It's possible to get passes or magnetic cards to pay before hand, but usually it's easiest to pay to the conductor.
Buses are not comfortable at all; take a look at what buses look like. There are big buses, micro buses and vans, all driving along the same streets, all charging the same prices.
All the main touristic spots within Natal are well served by buses. You may expect to travel standing up on the big buses (not so with micros and vans), but very rarely will they be so overcrowded that you have physical contact with other people (in other Brazilian cities, a bus during peak hours reminds much a sardines tin). Tipical waiting time is 15 min during the peak hours, and up to one hour. The drivers are supposed to follow a time schedule, but the time table is not released to the public (unless you ask) and changes often, meaning: don't count on any bus showing up on time.
Some bus routes of interest:
#66: from Ponta Negra, along all av. Eng. Roberto Freire, inside the campus of the University, beside Machadao, to the bus terminal and back.
#40: from the bus terminal, along the main avenues towards Praia do Meio and back.
TAXIS
There are plenty of taxis in Natal. Taxis are white cars and have a red plate. Fares are the same, regardless of how new and comfortable the car is.
Fares are regulated by the government. As of today, normal prices are: US$ 2 to start metering, US$ 1 per km and US$ 5 per waiting hour. The only exception to these prices are the so called 'special' taxis at the airport; read the tips in the arriving in Natal section.
From 10pm to 6am at weekdays, and all hours at weekends (and, depending on a decree by the mayor, all times during the month of December), there is a 20% increase in the above prices; this is indicated by a number 2 showing in the fare meter. The majored fares only apply during those specified times; beware of taxi drivers who 'forget' to set the meter correctly.
There are several tele-taxis companies in Natal; the fare meter starts to run only after you get on the car. Unless you speak Portuguese, language will likely be a problem if you call the companies; probably the reception of your hotel will be willing to help you.
Tip: some taxi drivers are knowledgeable and reliable; if you come across one of them, or if someone can refer one to you, you may consider getting his mobile phone number and call him when needed or even hire him by the day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)