Travel Salvador da Bahia, Brazil

Salvador da Bahia is the greatest Afro-Brazilian city, where the music never stops. Called Bahia by locals, Salvador is the architectural center of the 17th- and 18th- centuries. It is also the pinnacle of the art movement in Brazil.

Festivals break out frequently, with powerful drum beats flowing through the streets. At night when the day cools down capoeria circles form in plazas and on local beaches.

While here be sure to visit Cidade Alta, a Unesco World Heritage site, and Igreja e Convento Sao Francisco, one of Brazil’s most magnificent churches.

Hanging out on the beaches of Salvador is another great way to pass the time. Praia Porto da Barra is popular and as such, is filed to the brim with locals and tourists, as well as vendors selling everything imaginable. Praia do Farol da Barra has a popular beach break that draws surfers in.

A 40-minute bus ride will get you out of the city and take you to beautiful beaches with less people. Piata and Itapu have calm waters and are good for swimming. If you go about 5km further the beaches of Stella Maris and Flamengo the waves get stronger but the crowds really begin to thin out.

Slavador is notorious for theft and pick pocketing. As usual, dress down and be smart. Don’t carry a bag, because in the mind of a thief a bag equals more money. Also, only carry a copy of your passport rather than you actual passport itself. At the beach, keep your eyes on your belongings, and beware of the quick kids, they will grab your things before you know it.

Where to Stay:

Salvador da Bahia Bus Routes: