29.01.2023.
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Salvador is a wonderful city that has the honour of being the first capital of Brazil. Bursting with vibrant shine, Salvador de Bahia will attract you to its colourful streets. With the Afro-Brazilian connection being so strong, Salvador enjoys the unique power of any Brazilian city. Â
The capital of Bahia appreciates the feeling to be a culturally rich city. It’s a place to enjoy the traditional food and music, where capoeira took its shape.
If you’re searching to discover the authentic shine of Brazilian culture, look no further than Salvador.
You’ll fall in love in Salvador realizing that’s one of the most beautiful cities in Brazil. If you have some extra time explore fabulous Brazilian beaches in Morro de Sao Paulo.
Pelourinho- the charming historical center of Salvador de Bahia
The heart of Salvador stretches on the hill above Mercado Modelo. As you follow the Castro Alves Square it’s easy to transfer into the colourful shine of Salvador by foot. You’ll get the perfect glimpse of the cultural and touristic offer of Salvador by joining a Free tour.
Pelourinho has a rich history as a Portuguese colony since 1549 and nowadays enjoys the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The word Pelourinho has been translated as pillory due to the tragic history of the African slaves. It was a place where slaves from western Africa were sold.
While it’s so common to see the popular Capoeira at the streets of Salvador, it’s a city to absorb the incredible heritage. The luxurious dresses of women give you the chance to catch the unique photos of Salvador.
The main sights in Pelourinho, Salvador
Rio Branco Palace
This palace frames the trail to Pelourinho at the several routes including the Lacerda elevator. One of the oldest palaces in Brazil, it’s an impressive example of the historical heritage. Dating in 1549, now the palace serves as a museum and several cultural institutions.
Being the seat of the Brazilian government, it holds marvelous architectural value and a fabulous view of the bay.
Palace of Arts Rodin
Hosting the historical treasure of Salvador, this Palace was once home to Commander Bernardo Martins Catharino. It’s a gorgeous place to admire the artworks of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin.
Villa Catherine (its other name) is a charming oasis of the Brazilian art since it opened its doors in 1912.
Amazing churches in Salvador de Bahia
The churches of Salvador represent the important historical heritage and the spirit of Brazil.
The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People
When you enter Largo do Pelourinho, the lovely blue church emphasizes its colurful shine. Not only because of its architectural beauty, but the Afro-Brazilian roots make it a main touristic attraction in the city.
Since 1704 Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosario dos Pretos takes the exquisite expression in the popular Rococo style. Uniting Catholicism and Candomblé it glorifies the black people and their history in Salvador. The slaves’ cemetery still takes place behind the church.
Cathedral Basilica do Salvador
Taking an imposant position at the Terreiro de Jesus square, the Cathedral took 18 years to be built starting in 1658. The golden shine of the Cathedral characterizes both its exterior and interior. The Jesuits started its construction in educational purposes, but during the Dutch period, it became a warehouse. After being burnt in 1905, it gained a final reconstruction in 1933.
Senhor do Bonfim Church
Nosso Senhor do Bonfirm Church is one of the most popular in Salvador, taking roots in the 18th century. Unitying Catholicism and Candomblé, it conveys wish ribbons as their sacred material. Many people wear them at their wrists to help in curative matters.
São Francisco Church
São Francisco Church ornates the historical center of Salvador in its golden facade. Dating in 1587 thanks to the members of the Franciscan Order the colonnization took a significant trace here. The Bahian sandstone will delight visitors with its exquisite interior. The church was destroyed by the Dutch people a century later.
Enjoy the view from the top of Lacerda lift
As the historical center of Salvador stretches on a hill, you can easily reach it with an elevator. Costing only 15 reals, it’s a fantastic place that leads you to the Mercado Modelo. The artistic style of the Lacerda elevator pulls back into 1873. From the top of the elevator you can enjoy gorgeous views to the Salvador Bay and ferry port.
Mercado Modelo
Mercado Modelo represents the entrance to the historical center of Salvador. It’s a place where you can find local souvenirs such as clothes, jewelry and artwork.
Explore the African heritage of Salvador de Bahia
The African heritage in Salvador starts with the ancient slavery and strengthens with drums on many occasions. Africans in Bahia started carnival, capoeira and samba intertwining with the drum tradition and enriching not only Brazil’s culture.
Local food and religion absorb the African influence, especially taking into consideration Candomble tradition. If you want to experience the African culture in Salvador, the best way would be to take the African Heritage Tour.
The Cultural Afro-Brazilian Museum
The Cultural Afro-Brazilian Museum (MAFRO) deepens the relations of Africa with the Brazilian culture. Existing from the 1980s MAFRO will attract you with the incredible Salvador roots and its impressive facade. Amazing wood carvings and musical instruments take an extraordinary place inside.
Explore the beaches and the lighthouse of Barra
The coziest beach area to enjoy your stay in Salvador stretches in the lovely neighbourhood of Barra. The picturesque lighthouse (Farol da Barra) is a vibrant spot to enjoy the beach, sunset and some street music.
Inside the lighthouse, you can visit the Nautical Museum and marvel the views from above.
Trying some local delicacies at the beach caffeteria and stands around will give you the taste of tropics. To treat yourself well, try the best vegan burgers in the B-Vegan Barra or Brazilian food even in the vegan version in Restaurante Kitanda.
Barra offers a fantastic promenade that will enlighten your seaside dreams.
Itapuã Beach (with another lighthouse) and Ondinha Beach are the marvelous choices if you want to discover other beaches in Salvador.
About capoeira of Salvador de Bahia
As capoeira originated in Salvador, you can easily see it in city squares, parks and beaches. An ancient African heritage of capoeira took a new shape in Brazil. Capoeira developed to invite liberty by the slaves that worked in the sugarcane fields. After the abolition of slavery, capoeira continued to be a secret art.
Bahia is a cradle of the modern capoeira that got its professional outlook by Mestre Pastinha and Mestre Bimba. Even today capoeira is a way to confront fears and develop confidence.
You too can learn capoeira at Associação de Capoeira Mestre Bimba in its original style.
If you don’t experience capoeira at the streets of Salvador, visit Forte do Santo Antonio Alem do Carmo. Having free capoeira in the afternoon hours from Wednesday to Sunday, don’t miss this fantastic opportunity.
Rio Vermelho- the bohemian neighbourhood in Salvador de Bahia
Rio Vermelho unites the bohemian shine and urban style at the shores of the beach. It’s a fun place to experience the nightlife and cultural treasure.
This district was home to some prominent Brazilian writers such as Jorge Amado and Zélia Gatai. Learn about their heritage in Rio Vermelho House.
How to arrive in Salvador de Bahia
Arriving with the Nomad Cruise, it was easiest to take an Uber to Barra neighbourhood.
If you coming from the Airport, Uber is also an option. Very affordable transfer is to take this minivan/bus which will take you directly to your hotel.
Metro counts as a pretty cheap way to reach the city, though not close to the center or most of the hotels.
How to move around Salvador de Bahia
Getting around Salvador is easy with Uber and a group of people. Barra neighbourhood is the common choice of travellers and it takes about 15 minutes with Uber.
Alternatively, you can take a bus close to Mercado Modelo, either 321, 1340 or 1633.
Where to stay in Salvador de Bahia
Deciding to stay at the safest area of Salvador will lead you to the Barra neighbourhood, close to the lovely beaches. Full of hotels, hostels and restaurants you’ll enjoy the privilege of a tranquil promenade- more or less.
Hostels in Barra
Porto das Palmeiras– though the stuff speaks only Portuguese, I felt very welcomed. The hostel is clean and cozy, but wifi is not so good on the third floor. It’s close to the beach, pretty affordable and having breakfast.
Nomads Hostel– though there’s no breakfast, it’s a pleasant hostel with great beds. The special bonus goes to the co-working room.
Hostels in Pelourinho
Hostel Galeria 13– lovely hostel with a pool and breakfast included;
Mid-range hotels in Barra
Hotel Pousada Papaya Verde– comfy rooms with nice gardens, AC, breakfast and terrace;
Mid-range hotels in Pelourinho
Pousada Solar dos Romanos– lovely rooms, great breakfast and sea view and the stuff speaks English;
Bahiacaffe Hotel– charming hotel in the colonnial building, close to the Elevator Lacerda. Includes breakfast.
Luxury hotels in Pelourinho
Fera Palace Hotel– elegant hotel with a lovely terrace, pool and view;
Final thoughts
Salvador is a complete surprise, a city with incredible history. You need more than 3 days to discover its heritage, even in the historical center of Pelourinho.
Its prettiness unveils the cheerful vibes and rhythms of Africa and capoeira.
Salvador is a city that leaves you to come for more and asks to enjoy its charming beaches.
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Such a beautiful and lovely place, I will love to visit one day
This is great, never been to this city before but looks pretty. Love your informative post and will keep this in mind.
It seems like there is a lot of history to learn about and learn from when visiting Salvador de Bahia; it seems like you could spend many days there and still find more to uncover. Amazing!