The objective of this article is to investigate the spatiotemporal patterns of homicides in Recife, a major touristdestination in northeastern Brazil. We begin by analysing the distribution of homicides in relation to periods toassess later how different types of urban land uses, including leisure-related facilities, affect lethal violence usingnegative binomial regression models, over the period from 2017 to 2022. The findings indicate that some leisurerelatedareas, not all, contribute to shaping the spatial distribution of homicides. Yet lethal violence in Recife’simpoverished neighbourhoods remains chronically high throughout the year. These results highlight the dualchallenge faced by the city: managing seasonal risks linked to tourism while addressing persistent structuralviolence rooted in social inequality and organised crime.