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TRAVEL IN BRAZIL - SALVADOR
Salvador of the Baía de Todos os Santos, as it was formally called by the Portuguese, is the old colonial capital of Brazil. Built on the peninsula that separates the bahia (bay) from the Atlantic Ocean, its colonial legacy and strong African influences give the city a distinct atmosphere.
Salvador is divided into an upper and lower section (cidade alta and cidade baixa). The enormous Lacerda elevator goes from one level to the other and gives you great views over the city. Pelourinho, the old colonial part of the city, is part of the cidade alta. It is also the tourist epicenter of Salvador, and for good reason: most of the neighborhood is a pedestrian district, with cobblestone streets, many churches, and brightly-painted buildings.
Take your time walking around to discover the shops, restaurants, bars, and other attractions. But note:although Pelourinho is very well guarded by police night and day, you should take care in some of the neighbouring areas after dark (especially the area to the right of Praça da Sé as one enters the praça, and to right of Terreiro de Jesus as one enters from Praça da Sé). And when going out at night, it’s always a good idea not to wear or carry valuables, just the money you need, one credit card if you must, and a photocopy of your passport.
There are also a clutch of clubs and pousadas (bed & breakfasts) here that make it a lively place to stay and party.
But there’s more to Salvador than the Pelô. A few other neighborhoods that are worth the visit:
Carmo: Just up the road from Pelô, Carmo is a much quieter residential neighborhood lined with colorful colonial houses.
Rio Vermelho: Far from the tourist hubbub, this neighborhood vibrates with purely Salvadoran energy. A number of the city’s best local restaurants and clubs are located here, including Casa de Mae – literally “mom’s house” in Portuguese – a FANTASTIC little place serving up Brazilian food and hot music.
Barra: If you crave some beach time but can’t get out of the city, Barra is a fine choice for splashing and sunning. This is very definitely an urban beach scene, the sand crowded with preening beauties, rough-housing teenagers, and families. The south end of the beach has a clutch of barracas (seaside huts) serving food and drink, just next to the lighthouse that marks the southernmost tip of the Salvadoran peninsula. Stand in front of it, and you will get a practically 360-degree view of the water – the bay on one side, the ocean on the other.
Lastly, one can’t talk about Salvador without mentioning Carnaval: in Salvador, a festival to behold. Being the music centre of Brazil, the Salvador Carnaval is said to be even better than Rio's famous Carnaval. Watch out for your money and posessions if you join the throng, though!
Origin: Salvador Travel Guide
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