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Salvador is my favorite city in Brazil. I was lucky enough to spend two weeks there while participating in a Portuguese language exchange program. While I initially was looking for a program in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, I chose Salvador because the program there was much less expensive. This turned out to be a blessing because I ended up having a great time there! Before traveling there, however, I didn’t know much about Salvador. Here is what you should know about Salvador and why you should visit!
Table of Contents
What is Salvador Brazil Famous For?
Salvador is the capital city of Bahia, a state in northeastern Brazil. It was also the first capital of Brazil, from 1549 to 1763! Today, it is famous for its architecture, Afro-Brazilian culture, and cuisine.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Salvador is home to some of Brazil’s most iconic buildings, which have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These iconic buildings are located in the historic center, also known as Pelourinho.
Afro-Brazilian Culture and Influence
Salvador stands out for its prominent Afro-Brazilian culture, making it a unique destination within the country. With a higher percentage of Black Brazilians compared to other regions, Salvador embraces its African roots and traditions. The city’s strong West African influence, particularly from the Yoruba ethnic group, is evident in various aspects of Salvadorian culture.
Yoruba Influence and Language
The Yoruba ethnic group, originating from present-day Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, played a significant role in Salvador’s history. Descendants of Yoruba slaves have preserved their cultural heritage, including the use of Yoruba words in daily life. Words like axé, describing one’s energy, and acarajé, a famous local food, demonstrate the lasting Yoruba influence on Salvadorian language and cuisine.
Acarajé: A Culinary Staple
One of the most famous Afro-Brazilian foods in Salvador is acarajé. This delectable street food consists of deep-fried beans and shrimp stuffed into deep-fried dough balls. Interestingly, this is the first place I have seen the shrimp’s shell eaten and not peeled off. The name acarajé is derived from the Yoruba word àkàrà, which showcases the cultural fusion found in Salvador’s cuisine.
Upper City (Cidade Alta)
Salvador’s unique topography has led to the division of the city into an upper area known as the Upper City or Cidade Alta. This section offers a safe and enchanting experience for tourists, with its colonial architecture, colorful buildings, and vibrant atmosphere.
Pelourinho
At the heart of the Upper City lies the Pelourinho neighborhood, a famous historical and cultural hub. This unique historical neighborhood has cobblestone streets lined with colonial buildings. Pelourinho is home to numerous bars, restaurants, and hotels, offering visitors a taste of Salvador’s famous nightlife.
Staying Safe in the Upper City
During the day, the Upper City is generally safe for exploration. However, it’s important to take some safety precautions. I recommend traveling in a group. Additionally, it’s helpful to have basic Portuguese language skills to facilitate communication with locals. If you want to visit Pelourinho at night, go in a group and take taxis to any bars or clubs you may want to go to. Don’t walk around at night.
Lower City (Cidade Baixa)
The Lower City, or Cidade Baixa, in Salvador offers a contrasting experience to the Upper City. Here’s what you need to know about this bustling area, along with some essential safety tips:
Elevador Lacerda
The Elevador Lacerda, a 236-foot elevator open to the public, serves as a connecting link between the Upper and Lower Cities. For a minimal fee of 0.15 Reais (about $0.03 USD), you can easily cross between the two areas using this iconic elevator, providing convenient access for exploration.
Street Stalls
The Lower City is a great spot to eat at inexpensive street stalls. Here, you can indulge in local delights such as acarajé, refreshing coconuts, and a variety of fruit juices. It’s an excellent opportunity to sample the flavors of Salvador’s street food scene and experience the authentic culinary culture.
Staying Safe in the Lower City
While you could probably see a beautiful sunset over the water from the Lower City, this is NOT the place you would want to be when it gets dark. In fact, besides walking around the front of the Elevador Lacerda, I wouldn’t recommend visiting the Lower City at all unless there is something specific that you want to see. The Lower City has a beautiful church and a large market, but is not the type of place you should wander around. If you are feeling adventurous and want to visit, be sure to stay alert and use common sense.
Beaches in Salvador
There are more than 50 beaches in the city of Salvador. Not all beaches are created equal. Some are rocky and are better for relaxing on the sand, while others are well-suited for swimming. One of the biggest concerns that I had was petty theft. I didn’t want to leave anything on the shore while I was in the water, so I ended up looking for remote areas where I wouldn’t have to keep such a close eye on my belongings. I recommend going to the beach with a friend, so there will always be someone watching over your belongings.
Porto da Barra Beach
The most beautiful beach I saw in Salvador was Porto da Barra Beach. This beach had white sand, clear water, and amazing views. It was also very popular and constantly had a crowd. Everywhere I went, there were parties on the beach, vendors selling food and alcoholic drinks, and even fishermen selling what they’ve caught.
Best Time to Visit Salvador
The best time to visit Salvador is during the dry season from November to March. During this time, the weather will be mostly clear and temperatures will be at their hottest. However, many tourists visit from December to January, so it will be more crowded during this time. If you want slightly cooler weather, try visiting from June to August.
Where to Stay in Salvador
If you go to Salvador, I highly recommend you stay in Barra. This neighborhood is at the southern end of the peninsula and surrounded by beaches. There are excellent restaurants offering both local and foreign food, lighted piers and police presence for walking near the beaches at night. There are also plenty of bars and places to hang out.
Low Budget
If you are on a budget, I recommend staying at the Salvador Surf Hostel. This hostel is located in Barra, just a few minutes walk from some of the best beaches. The hostel has a social atmosphere and is great for meeting other people. You can stay in a dorm for less than $10 USD/night! You can check current prices here.
Medium Budget
If you want a little more luxury, check out Grande Hotel da Barra. This hotel is located right on the Porto da Barra Beach seafront, and is conveniently located near Pelourinho. This hotel provides large rooms and much-needed A/C for visitors. You can check out current prices here.
High Budget
For a truly luxurious experience, I recommend staying at the Monte Pascoal Praia Hotel. This hotel is located on the Farol da Barra Beach, and just a few blocks from the Barra Lighthouse and Barra Shopping Mall. After a long day of exploring Salvador, you can relax on your balcony or in the hotel pool. You can check out current prices here.
Brazil's Unique Sunset
Brazil has over 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles) of coastline, with almost all of its coast facing east, north, or south. Salvador has some of the country’s only west-facing shoreline, where you can witness beautiful sunsets! Hundreds of people gather by the Barra Lighthouse each evening to watch the sun set over the water. When you visit Salvador, this is an experience that you can’t miss!
