Learn Portuguese: What to do in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

A friend asked me about Salvador, Bahia (Brazil, Northeast). Here are some suggestions:

1. Be sure to visit the Mercado Modelo and the Elevador Lacerda. Lacerda is a big outdoor elevator that takes you from the Cidade Alta (“tall city”) to Cidade Baixa (“short city”). Everything in Salvador is either in the cidade alta or the cidade baixa. Mercado Modelo is a big mob-scene, full of vendors hawking touristy wares and tourists purchasing. Don’t be frightened off by pushy vendors, they’re harmless. Consider buying the lace, tablecloths, aprons, dolls. There are also all kinds of afro-brazilian souvenirs.
   

   Elevador Lacerda in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

2. Go to Pelourinho to see the old historic neighborhood. Wander the cobblestoned streets and find the home of the Afro-Brazilian Cultural Center Olodum. If you can catch an Olodum drumming performance, do it! You won’t regret it.
3. Visit a few lighthouses and beaches. Some of my favorites were Farol da Barra (right in Salvador) and the praia de Itapuã (or “Itapoan”). Take a bus or catch a cab to Itapuã–you won’t regret it!
4. Go to the Igreja Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (church). It is beautiful both outside and inside, and houses a curious room called Sala dos Milagres (Room of Miracles) where people leave votive offerings in thanks for cures, the votives forming a rather bizarre collection of hanging plastic replicas of problematic body parts (arms, legs, etc.). Let the “bahaiana” ladies tie a “fita do bonfim” to your wrist. You are supposed to leave it on until it falls off, for good luck.
5. 

   Votos (offerings) at the Igreja Nosso Senhor do Bonfim in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

   There are several nice museums in Salvador, including the Casa Jorge Amado in Pelourinho and the Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM) museum of modern art, but of course it’s best to spend your sunny days outside soaking up the Afro-Brazilian culture in Salvador. The music, capoeira, and the beautiful beaches can’t be beat!

6. If you have enough time to get on the water, consider a trip to the island of Itaparica on the Baia de Todos os Santos (“All Saints’ Bay”).ENJOY Salvador and its lovely and friendly residents, the bahianos.

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