With its jumble of colonial buildings, cobblestone lanes, and pastel-painted façades, Pelourinho (aka Pelo) is Salvador da Bahia’s oldest and most colorful neighborhood. Despite a dark past—Pelourinho was the location of Brazil’s first slave market—the historic district is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important cultural center.
The beautifully restored art deco Lacerda Elevator (Elevador Lacerda links Salvador’s Comercio and Cidade Alta neighborhoods, traveling 236 feet (72 meters in under 30 seconds. The ride has become a highlight in Salvador da Bahia, offering an easy means of transportation paired with stellar views from its apex.
In addition to showcasing the colonial baroque style, the 17th-century São Francisco Church and Convent in Salvador, Brazil, holds immense cultural significance among locals. While relatively plain on the outside, the building's spectacular interior is adorned with intricate woodwork, gilded altars, and iconic azulejo tile panels.
Salvador’s picturesque Dique do Tororo is a popular escape for locals and visitors alike. This artificial lake is surrounded by lush greenery, sculptures of orixas (African deities), and Arena Fonte Nova stadium. Open to the public 365 days a year, the Dique do Tororo is a pleasant place to take a stroll, jog, or picnic.
Perched on the stunning coast of Salvador, Forte de Santo Antonio da Barra is a historic sentinel overlooking the Atlantic. Home to the Nautical Museum of Bahia, the stories etched into the walls and cannons of this well-preserved fort make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking a picturesque setting.
Salvador’s oldest and largest market, the Mercado Modelo is housed in the reconstructed 19th-century Customs House, looking out over the harbor. Behind its lemon-yellow facade, around 200 stalls tempt shoppers with local arts, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
