Salvador

Salvador, the capital of Brazil's Bahia state, is a city where Afro-Brazilian culture, colonial architecture, and beach life converge. This coastal city in northeastern Brazil is home to the UNESCO-listed Pelourinho district, hosts one of the country's largest Carnival celebrations, and sits along the scenic Bay of All Saints. In Salvador, you can watch capoeira performances in historic squares, taste traditional Bahian dishes like acarajé and moqueca, and explore miles of Atlantic coastline.

Exploring Pelourinho

Salvador's historic center, Pelourinho, consists of winding cobblestone streets surrounded by colorful 17th and 18th-century buildings. This UNESCO World Heritage site contains over 800 restored structures. You'll find the São Francisco Church here, known for its intricate gold-leaf interior. In Largo do Pelourinho, the main square, you can often see capoeira demonstrations and listen to Bahian drum circles. The area is filled with art galleries, handicraft shops, and outdoor cafes where you can take a break and watch the world go by.

Afro-Brazilian Culture

With over 80% of its population being Afro-Brazilian, Salvador is a major center for African-derived traditions in the Americas. You can learn about this cultural influence at the Afro-Brazilian Museum, which displays exhibits on religion, art, and daily life. To understand Candomblé, a religion that combines African beliefs with Catholicism, you can visit temples (terreiros) such as Ilê Axé Opô Afonjá. The Pierre Verger Foundation houses an extensive collection of photographs documenting Afro-Brazilian culture, taken by the French ethnographer Pierre Verger.

Beaches and Coastal Areas

Salvador's 50 km coastline offers a range of beach experiences. At Porto da Barra Beach, located at the entrance to All Saints Bay, you can swim and observe local life. The calm waters here differ from the surf beaches along the Atlantic coast, such as Itapuã and Stella Maris. For a quieter day out, take a boat to Frades Island or Itaparica Island in the bay. These islands have clean beaches and small fishing villages where you can eat freshly caught seafood.

Carnival and Festivals

Salvador's Carnival is one of the largest in Brazil, with millions of people participating in street parties for a week. Unlike Rio's seated parade, Salvador's Carnival allows anyone to join in. Large trucks called trio elétricos, equipped with sound systems and stages, lead the crowds through the streets, with local bands performing on top. Throughout the year, Salvador also hosts many other festivals celebrating its music, food, and religious traditions.

Culinary Delights

Bahian cuisine is an essential part of visiting Salvador. You can buy acarajé, deep-fried black-eyed pea fritters filled with shrimp and spices, from vendors known as Baianas on street corners. Many local restaurants serve moqueca, a flavorful seafood stew cooked in coconut milk and palm oil. For something sweet, try cocada, a coconut treat. The Mercado Modelo, located in a restored customs building, is a good place to sample various local foods and buy spices to take home.

Music and Arts Scene

Salvador has produced many famous musicians, including Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso. You can hear live music most nights in the bars of Rio Vermelho neighborhood or attend a performance at the Teatro Castro Alves. In Pelourinho, you'll often hear the rhythms of Afro-Brazilian percussion groups like Olodum. For a cultural show combining traditional dance, capoeira, and music, you can watch a performance by the Balé Folclórico da Bahia.

Getting Around and Safety

Salvador's hilly landscape can make walking difficult, but the city has a reliable bus system and metro. The Lacerda Elevator connects the upper and lower parts of the city and provides views of the bay. While popular tourist areas in Salvador are generally safe during the day, it's important to be cautious, especially at night. It's advisable to stay on well-lit, busy streets and use official taxis or ride-hailing apps for transportation after dark.