When I saw a picture of Salvador on Internet, I decided this had to be my first destination.
Known to be the Afro-descendent capital of the Americas, Salvador is also the capital of Brazil’s northern Bahia state. The historical sites, the music, the architecture, the beaches, the cultural diversity and the renowned hospitality of Baianos… I cannot wait to see all of it. 😀
It was the first time I read so much about one destination (I did not want to miss anything). Here what I have discovered about Salvador and what I am expecting to do around.
1. Stroll Through Pelourinho – historic downtown
Named World Heritage site by UNESCO, Pelourinho is full of people, colors and shops. Walk on the famous Rua Chile to the Municipal Square and Rio Branco Palace to really experience the area.
2. Hit the Beach
Some nice beaches you can’t miss are: Imbassaí beach; Praia da Barra; Praia do Rio Vermelho; Tinharé; Boipeda; Praia do Farol de Itapõa.
3. Dance Samba
Brazilian samba was born in Bahia and if you want to learn how to dance, Salvador is the best place for it. Visit St. George Pub in the Rio Vermelho to fully enjoy yourself listening Brazilian songs.
4. Take the Elevator
Salvador is divided into upper town and lower town. The traditional way of exploring the two levels is to take the Lacerda Elevator. It is super cheap the ride are it allows you to see the city from two different perspectives.
5. Shop at Mercado Modelo
Imagine a noisy place full of people, tiny shops and old ladies trying their best to attract customers. That’s Mercado Modelo. It is such an experience down there.
6. Hit an Afro-Brazilian Bar
Sankofa Café and Bar on St. Michael Hill Road have become really known and everyone who is going to fly experience the Bahia vibe has to stop by these places.
7. Sample Baiana Food
Aconchego Zuzu restaurant specializes in rich traditional dishes of Bahia otherwise, you can always taste the delicious snacks and sweets that ladies sell on the street.
8. Check Out Brazil’s Harlem
Brazil’s version of New York’s Harlem, Liberdade, is one of the largest black-majority neighborhoods in Latin America
9. Retreat for a Day
For a break from Salvador’s bustling cultural life, visit Chapada Diamantina, an oasis in the nearby mountains with rock formations everywhere and the mystical atmosphere.
10. Get to visit every church in the city
In the Terreiro de Jesus, adjoining Praça da Sé: the cathedral. Originally the church of the former Jesuit College. There are also the São Pedro dos Clérigos church (1709) and São Domingos de Gusmão (1731), a Dominican church.
Another very known church in Bahia is the Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim, built 1745-54. It’s also the scene of a colorful festival. Festa do Bonfim is celebrated with typical local food and drink, samba de roda dances, and performances of capoeira, a uniquely Brazilian martial art that combines acrobatics and dance.
Let’s see if I am able to discover all these places and even more 😀 Stay around to know everything about this region.
Beijinho,
Daniela