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Capital city of Bahia, Brazil
Photo: Reginaldo G. Martins, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Salvador is the capital of the state of Bahia, Brazil. With a charming Old Town (a World Heritage Site), a vibrant musical scene and popular Carnaval celebrations, it is considered one of the birthplaces of Brazilian culture. Salvador is an enchanting city full of mysteries and charms. There are millions of tourists every year flocking to Salvador to enjoy its beaches. Parts are best explored on foot, such as dense historical areas including the Pelourinho and the Lacerda Lift, the first urban lift in the world, and the Mercado Central.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
One of the most important churches in barroco style around the world.
A museum that documents the slave trade and subsequent development of the city.
A fairly small triangular plaza, is among the oldest parts of town. You can guess from its name meaning "plaza of the pillory" what went on around there.
The city's main market located in the lower town is and a good place for crafts and other souvenirs. In the adjacent square you can often see young men performing capoeira, the famous martial arts dance which originates from the area.
A small church located in a neighborhood to the north, is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in all of Brazil. The colorful votive ribbons or fitas of Bonfim are an easily recognizable item throughout Brazil and even beyond. Children outside the church will (for a small fee) tie them around your wrist and tell you to make a wish for each one. If the ribbon wears off naturally, the wish will come true; if you cut it off before then, it won't. You can get to Bonfim city by bus in about fifteen minutes.
The best place in Salvador to watch the sunset. It is an old style house located at the Baía de Todos os Santos. Inside there is a small museum (Museu de Arte Moderna) with local art pieces. Sometimes on Saturday evening there is a jazz concert.
The Farol da Barra (Barra Lighthouse) is one of Salvador’s most famous landmarks, standing at the entrance of All Saints Bay. Built in the 17th century, it is Brazil’s oldest lighthouse and is part of the Santo Antônio da Barra Fort. Inside, the Nautical Museum of Bahia showcases maritime history and relics from shipwrecks.
Small, cozy Austrian-Hungarian restaurant run by an Austrian and his wife. Simple accommodations decorated with posters of classic Hollywood movies. Quite delicious.
One of the city's most popular pizza restaurants.
Italian restaurant with fresh pasta around R$35 for two people, appetizers around R$10, and desserts. High quality, good service and good atmosphere.
Small, with only 12 tables but the service is great. Try the shrimp.
Gourmet cuisine at moderate prices. Excellent service.
Buffet with a refined atmosphere.
Bahian food and drinks with exotic flavours at very reasonable prices. Try the Moqueca de camarao com banana. It is exquisite. Around R$30-55 for two people including drinks.
The new European owner offers Pelourinho a much needed variety of international dishes & Spanish tapas. The menu includes a great selection of vegetarian meals from around the world. You can enjoy your meal in the unique Moroccan chill out room or in their patio garden. They also offer those great juices with a touch of ginger, or maybe a caipirinha with watermelon.The quantities are very generous and the prices are fair.
F. A good place to eat well and take in a panoramic view of Salvador.
In the middle of the Pelourinho. Live bands (salsa, samba, reggae, zouk, semba) and DJs spinning African, Brazilian and world music. Tasty African dishes and drinks are also offered. African flags, maps, and artworks adorn the walls. The top floor has a projection system showing films and documentaries.
A very international bar & vegetarian restaurant.A mix of staff from all over the world bring you a cool corner bar with terrace and individual bar tables in every window, great for people watching. The bar offers the most original menu in the "Pelo", Spanish tapas, salads, sandwiches, international dishes and a vast choice of great veggie dishes from around the world. The bar has a feel of a trendy Spanish tapas bar with some of the friendliest girls serving with a smile. Try their house special Caipirinha "zumarangi" strawberry & passion fruit. The owner promises they will soon be providing a sports TV, so it could become a great spot for catching a European footie.
471, Pituba. Once the most vibrant nightclub in Salvador, Fashion Club has taken somewhat of a backseat since the opening of Lotus. Prices, however, are around half of what you would pay at Lotus.
The main gay and lesbian club in town. A variety of events attracts locals of all social classes.
Beach houses for rent, mainly on the northern seaboard of Salvador.
Nice big Sitio (Farm like) close to fab. beaches.
Run by an artist couple, Cuban writer and film director husband Alex and Brazilian painter, dancer and choreographer wife Jacqui. A few blocks from Barra beach and trendy restaurants and bars, the house is full of paintings and artistic touch and incredible hospitality. Dorm and private rooms available.
Praia de Armação.
In Pelourinho. Free internet and breakfast included.
Itapoã.
Prices from US$12 the night, breakfast included, public kitchen, bar inside the hostel.
Rua da Ordem Terceira 13, Pelourinho.
Rua da ordem terceira 23, Pelourinho, 71-32665609.(It is not affiliated with HI)
Cheap place in Villa Laura, the owner is extraordinarily friendly, high value for the low price. The owner will send you recommendations for visits and evening activities. Late night check-ins possible for a small fee.
CEP: 41640-485
The hotel faces Ondian Beach and provides guest with a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel offers a nightclub, beauty spa and other activities. Rates start at US$103 per night.
Beach houses for rent on the Bahia coast, from the Whalecoast to the Coconut coast.
Right on Salvador City Center, this accommodation has a Colonial English style.
On Praia de Ondina in São Salvador da Bahia, 20 minute away from the International Airport. Online booking.
Hotel Pousada at the Estrada do Coco close to the beaches of the Coconut Coast.
Vitória.
Praia de Ondina,
Ave Prof. Manoel Ribeiro, Jardim Armação.
The Zank Boutique Hotel has a variety of environments.
This top-range hotel is located on Pelourinho.
5-star hotel located right on the seaside, close to tourist attractions.
The Pestana Bahia Lodge is an urban resort and the first time-sharing hotel in Salvador.
Convento do Carmo is proud to be the first historical and luxury hotel of Brazil. This former and notable friary construction started in 1586 and became a hotel in the 1970s, as there were no longer enough brothers.
Villa Bahia Hotel is a luxury hotel with an African-Portuguese colonial flair. The building was totally renovated to turn into a cosy and charming hotel with a 17th - 18th century style.
The hotel provides a convention center for businesses and a floor just for ladies. A gym, game room, wet and dry sauna, spa and outdoor pool are just a few of the services provided for guests. Rates start at $210 per night for luxury rooms and $468 per night for suites.
By bus
Salvador's long-distance bus station is in the middle of the new city, 14km from downtown. Salvador is accessible via scheduled buses from all around the country and from Paraguay.
By boat
Salvador is a common stop on international cruise routes and was once visited by the Queen Elizabeth 2 during her sailing career. Note that the docks area can be dangerous.
By bus
City buses, as in other Brazilian cities, are constant and confusing.70, as of July 2018 (even for buses into the neighboring city of Lauro de Freitas).
By taxi
Salvador cab drivers must be competing with those in Rio for spots on Formula 1 racing teams. They will certainly get you where you're going quicker than the bus!
By car
Renting a basic car with air conditioning (and 100 km/day or km free) costs R$ 110-140 per day, plus fuel.
By bicycle
Cycling is not really a good option to get around in Salvador, as there aren't enough cycleways and parking for bicycles, and drivers don't have any respect for cyclists.
By metro
Salvador has a metro system consisting of two lines connecting the city center to some suburbs, the airport (Estação Aeroporto) and the long-distance bus terminal (Estação Rodoviária).
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Salvador · International · SSA
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