Located on Brazil’s famed Golden Coast, Recife draws sun worshipping beachgoers and shopaholics in search of a less crowded experience than Rio. As a testament to its dedication to commercial pursuits, it welcomed the first “mega-mall” in the region (Shopping Center Recife) just three decades ago – but stores and retailers are not all it has to offer. With a number impressive cathedrals and respected galleries, it is a cultural hub for the northern part of the country. And, as with many of the popular cities, there are plenty of attractive beaches to spend your day on, with Boa Viagem and Brasilia Teimosa being enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.