South America · Brazil
Salvador Travel Guide
Salvador is the soul of Brazil — Afro-Brazilian culture, capoeira in the streets, colonial architecture, and the most vibrant Carnival in the world. The Pelourinho historic centre is a UNESCO site of colour and music.
How Do You Get to Pelourinho?
Take the Lacerda Elevator from the lower city (near the port) up to Pelourinho. Free. 30 seconds. The entire historic centre is walkable.
What Can You See?
Pelourinho — UNESCO historic centre. Pastel-coloured colonial buildings, the golden Church of Sao Francisco, and live music.
Church of Sao Francisco — One of the most ornate churches in the Americas. Covered in gold leaf.
Lacerda Elevator — The iconic Art Deco elevator connecting the two levels of the city.
Capoeira — Watch or join a capoeira roda (circle). This Afro-Brazilian martial art/dance was born here.
Where Should You Eat?
Acaraje: Black-eyed pea fritters stuffed with vatapa (shrimp paste) and caruru (okra). Salvador's iconic street food.
Moqueca baiana: Fish or shrimp stew in coconut milk and palm oil (dende). Rich, spicy, and extraordinary.
Cocada: Coconut candy in various flavours. Buy from street vendors.
Worth Exploring Independently?
Pelourinho is reachable by elevator and walkable. Stay in the tourist area for safety. The food and music are best discovered independently.
Useful Local Phrases
E ai?
What's up? (Bahian greeting)
(eh AH-ee)
Obrigado/a
Thank you (m/f)
(oh-bree-GAH-doo / dah)
Massa!
Cool! (Bahian slang)
(MAH-sah)
Local Tips
- •The Lacerda Elevator connects the lower and upper cities in 30 seconds. Free and iconic.
- •Pelourinho (Pelo) is the historic centre. Colourful buildings, churches, live music in the squares.
- •Bahian food is the most distinctive in Brazil — African, Portuguese, and indigenous influences with coconut milk, palm oil, and chilli.
- •Salvador has safety concerns. Stay in the Pelourinho tourist area during the day.