Pelourinho old town, capoeira and Bahian cuisine
Salvador
Salvador · Afro-Brazilian soul and colonial color
Brazil’s first capital is the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture, its hilltop Pelourinho district a riot of pastel colonial facades and baroque churches. Drum circles, capoeira and spicy Bahian cooking fill the streets with rhythm.
Top sightsSights
Pelourinho
A UNESCO old town of cobbles and colored houses.
Elevador Lacerda
An art-deco elevator linking upper and lower town.
Igreja de Sao Francisco
A church dripping with gilded baroque carving.
Farol da Barra
A lighthouse and beach at the bay’s mouth.
Mercado Modelo
A craft market of Bahian handicrafts.
What to eatFood
Acaraje
Black-eyed-pea fritters stuffed with shrimp and vatapa.
Moqueca
A seafood stew with coconut milk and palm oil.
Cocada
A sweet coconut candy sold on the street.
Good to know
- Explore Pelourinho by day and with awareness at night.
- Tuesday nights bring live music to the old town.
- Try acaraje from a traditional Baiana street vendor.
Getting there
Salvador Airport (SSA) connects to the historic center by bus and taxi in about 40 minutes.
Next city
Foz do Iguaçu