Purpose To review the currently available literature reporting the patterns of recurrence and their predictive factors after open radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer. Methods A review of the literature was performed using the MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Sciences databases from January 1997 to May 2017. The PRISMA guidelines were followed for the conduct of the study. Results Local recurrence rate ranges between 30 and 54%. Distant recurrence is not often standardized and is reported in up to 50% of cases. The overall 5-year recurrence-free survival rates from 58 to 81%. The mean follow-up of studies included in the analysis ranged from 18 to 350 months. Details on the most important demographic and epidemiological, clinical, histologic and pathologic predictors of recurrence after radical cystectomy are provided through an evidence-based approach. The impact of the extension of lymph node dissection on recurrence after RC is investigated. Conclusions A correct prognostic assessment is essential for patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, thereby potentially improving their oncologic outcomes.