Salvador is a vibrant city steeped in African heritage. Like the city of Ouro Preto in Brazil, Salvador boasts of churches with UNESCO World Heritage designation. Here are eight amazing things you must do on your trip to Salvador!
Stroll Around Pelourinho
Popularly known as Pêlo, Pelourinho is the historical center of Salvador. Decorated with colonial architecture, cobble streets and ornate churches, the city attracts locals and tourists from all over the world. The center’s name is linked to a grieving past – a whipping post in the main plaza used to punish slaves that broke the law and challenged colonial rule. Today, pelourinho stands to tell the many stories of slaves who built the city and its dazzling churches. The city is the epicenter for music, culture and fine cuisine!
Visit Beautiful Churches
Visiting beautiful churches is a must as you stroll through Pelourinho. These churches are full of local artwork, impressive artifacts and glorious paintings, and collections. The church of Sao Francisco sits in the heart of Pelourinho. Deemed one of the most spectacular churches in the world, the interior is adorned with gold, silver, and precious stones.
Feast on Traditional Food
Salvor is full of exceptional cuisine that has deep African roots. As you stroll through the streets, you will come across locals selling Acarajé. Mixed with ground shrimp, onion salt and peppers, Acarajé is a dish made of soaked beans. The beans are then deep fried with the common oil in the region: dendê oil (palm oil). Another common dish in the region is a Moceca. Although the stew is mostly shrimp based, the dish can also contain other types of fish from the region. Steeped in garlic, parsley and other spices, this food selection will have you coming back for more!
Get Hair Braids
Once you have had your share of good food, head down the streets of Salvador for hair braids! Local hair-braiders are staggered throughout the streets offering all types of hair-braiding designs. For just under 30 reais, you will leave with your hair stylishly adorned.
Shop Local Products
One of my favorite things to do while traveling through Salvador is to shop for local products. From leather shoes to printed bags and colorful paintings, Salvador offers tourists a wide array of local products. You quickly notice these products have colors and aesthetics that speak to Salvador’s African roots. While you shop, remember to negotiate for a good price and most importantly, get to know the local sellers!
Climb Elevador Lacerda
As you wind down a day full of many strolls, feasting on amazing food and visiting beautiful churches, head to the Elevador Lacerda (Lacerda elevator)! The Lacerda Elevator is a public urban elevator and a landmark in the city of Salvador. The 72 metres elevator, inaugurated in 1873, was the first elevator in the world used as a public transport! Connecting the lower city to the upper city, the elevator offers tourists the opportunity to witness the city’s incredible views and contemplate the beauty of Salvador. The elevator costs .15 cents one way so make sure to carry exact coins with you for this tourist activity.
Stroll Around Mercado Municipal
At the base of the Elevador Lacerda, you will find Mercado Modela, a busy marketplace that has maintained it’s original neoclassical architecture from the time of its construction in 1861. Part of the marketplace use to serve as an auctioning site for African slaves sold throughout Brazil. While this remains part of the market’s grave history, it now houses over 200 small stores selling handcrafted products, souvenirs and a variety of typical fruits from the region.
Enjoy Bahia’s Beaches
Some of Bahia’s stunning beaches are located not too far from the city of Salvador. About 20 minutes away from Pelourinho is the Porto da Barra Beach. Located in Barra neighborhood, Porto da Barra was the site of Bahia’s first European settlement and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike to catch the sunset. Another beach destination, Morro de Sao Paulo, sits just two hours away by ferry from Salvador. Covered in dense Atlantic Forest, its white sands, crystalline waters and vast coconut groves are a must visit for the beach-lover.
Where to Stay in Salvador
- Old Town Salvador – Situated less than 15 minutes walk from the historical center, this budget friendly hotel combines both incredible distance and comfortable stay. The property features a jacuzzi in the main floor with an amazing view of the city. Although breakfast is not provided, the hotel gives a 20 reais voucher to eat a hearty breakfast at a nearby cafe.
- Aram Yami Hotel – A hotel boutique with only 6 exclusive suits, Aram Yami features a Baroque-style building located less than 15 minutes away from Pelohorinho. The property features individually decorated rooms, two pools and antique furniture.
- Grande Hotel da Barra– If you want to stay closer to the beach area in Barra Funda, Grande Hotel da barra is a wonderful choice. The hotel offers spacious rooms including a pool, fitness center and colorful shops and sunsets in the lively neighborhood.
Leave a Reply