1. Overview
Explore Salvador, a major Brazilian city on Bahia’s coast celebrated for its rich colonial history and vibrant culture. The old city, Pelourinho, is a must-visit destination packed with colorful architecture, lively music, and delicious cuisine.
2. Getting to Salvador
3. When to Go
4. Practical Tips
5. Things to See and Do
You can’t visit Salvador without spending time in the old city, known for its colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and a vibrant sense of history clustered around the Largo do Pelourinho, also known as Praça José de Alencar. This part of Salvador is called Pelourinho, effectively a city within a city.
Nicknamed Pelo by the locals, this area is situated in the older part of the upper city, or Cidade Alta, of Salvador. It encompasses several blocks around the triangular Largo and serves as a central hub for music, dining, and nightlife.
The name Pelourinho translates to ‘whipping post’ in Portuguese, referencing its historical significance as the site of slave auctions during the days of slavery, which was abolished in 1835. Over time, this area fell into disrepair despite its rich heritage, but a major restoration effort in the 1990s transformed it into a highly desirable tourist attraction. Today, Pelourinho is recognized on the national historic register and designated as a world cultural site by UNESCO.
Easily walkable, Pelo offers sights on every street, featuring churches, cafes, restaurants, shops, and pastel-hued buildings. Safety is ensured, as police regularly patrol the area.
Getting to Salvador
- Air: International and domestic flights connect to Salvador’s airport located approximately 30 km from the city center. Check flights from your area.
- Land: Buses operate daily to and from various Brazilian cities, including Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Recife, Fortaleza, Belem, and Porto Seguro.
When to Go
Salvador is an all-weather city. The winter months from June to August can bring heavy rains, and some days may be cool enough to require a jacket. Otherwise, the climate is generally warm, with ocean and bay breezes providing some relief. Do not forget your sunscreen. The famous Carnaval in Salvador is a highlight event, and advanced planning is recommended to experience it fully.
Practical Tips
- Stay in accommodations throughout Salvador and utilize taxis or buses for transportation. The Lacerda Elevator provides access between the upper and lower city, making it convenient to explore.
- Local cuisine reflects a fusion of Brazilian and African flavors, featuring prominent ingredients like coconut, ginger, hot peppers, shrimp, spices, and dendê oil, derived from palm trees. Take care to acclimatize your stomach to dendê oil.
- While Pelo has numerous dining options, you may find better value by exploring other areas of the city. Try the comida-a-quilo restaurants where you serve yourself and pay by weight.
- Pelourinho boasts diverse nightlife, with vibrant bars and restaurants, and nightly practice sessions for Blocos in preparation for Carnaval.
- Shop for unique handicrafts in Mercado Modelo, Praça da Sé, Terreiro de Jesus, and various shops within Pelourinho, but be cautious of inflated prices. For better deals, visit Mercado São Joaquim.
Things to See and Do
- To appreciate Salvador’s historical architecture, embark on a walking tour of the Pelourinho district.
- Visit the Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado, which houses the Jorge Amado Museum featuring his papers and screenings of films inspired by his works.
- Museu da Cidade showcases costumes from Candomblé and personal effects of Castro Alves, a noted Romantic poet and advocate against slavery.
- Venturing beyond Pelo, numerous churches and points of interest await exploration.
- Attend a Candomblé ceremony for a unique cultural experience; please note that photography and videography are prohibited during the events. Confirm schedules with Bahiatursa.
- Experience Capoeira, a blend of martial arts and dance, regularly taught and performed—schedules can be obtained from Bahiatursa or attend performances at Balé Folclórico da Bahia.
- For music and dancing:
- Olodum performs Sunday nights in Largo do Pelourinho, attracting enthusiastic crowds.
- Filhos de Gandhi rehearses on Tuesday and Sunday nights.
- Other music venues include Coração do Mangue and Bar do Reggae, often featuring lively street dancing. Gueto is a prime spot for dance music.
- Tuesday nights in Pelourinho are particularly vibrant, with traditional religious services at Igreja São Francisco evolving into a mini-festival. Olodum performs at Teatro Miguel Santana, and various bands play at Terreiro de Jesus and other key locations, leading to an all-night celebration.
