Acarajé is a deep-fried black-eyed pea fritter filled with vatapá, shrimp and spicy sauce, sold by Baianas at street stalls across the city. Largo de Santana is one of the most well-regarded spots to try it.
Discover Authentic Salvador: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
Discover Local is how Mercure shares what its own teams know about the cities they work in — no stock photography, no generic top-tens. Recommended by the team at Mercure Salvador Rio Vermelho. Their Salvador picks are below, alongside an interactive map and the questions we hear most from guests. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as the Museu Afro-Brasileiro, Mercado Modelo and Casa do Rio Vermelho, alongside our Mercure hotels.
Top 5 Things to Do in Salvador
Acarajé at Largo de Santana
Bahia's signature street food: black-eyed pea fritters deep-fried in dendê (palm oil) and split open for vatapá, dried shrimp and hot pepper sauce. The stalls around Largo de Santana, run by Baianas in traditional white dress, are some of the most respected in the city.
Pelourinho
Salvador's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site of steep cobbled streets and pastel-coloured colonial buildings. Live drumming often spills out of doorways in the late afternoon — follow the sound.
Elevador Lacerda
An Art Deco public elevator connecting Salvador's upper and lower city, in operation in some form since the 1870s. The ride itself takes seconds, but the view over Baía de Todos os Santos at the top is the real reason to go.
Mercado Modelo
A 19th-century market building turned crafts market, selling everything from lace to Bahian percussion instruments. It sits right at the base of the Elevador Lacerda, making the two easy to pair.
Rio Vermelho nightlife
One of Salvador's most bohemian neighbourhoods, full of bars, live samba and forró spilling onto the street after dark. It's known as one of the best places in the city to feel the local nightlife rather than a tourist version of it.
Explore Salvador's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Salvador
We've mapped local spots in Salvador, from Afro-Brazilian heritage to Bahian cooking.
Museums & culture
Museu Afro-Brasileiro
In the heart of the old town at Terreiro de Jesus, carvings, sculptures and artefacts reveal the deep links between African and Brazilian culture in Bahia. It's five minutes' walk from Praça da Sé.
Pelourinho, Terreiro de Jesus · Museum · Perfect for culture
Casa do Rio Vermelho
Writers Jorge Amado and Zélia Gattai lived here. Their furniture, art and books are still in place, with a lush garden and interactive displays – look for Amado's typewriter.
Rio Vermelho · House museum · Made for literature lovers
Museu de Arte da Bahia (MAB)
Thought to be the state's oldest art museum, set in a former palace: Bahian art from the colonial and imperial eras, ceramics and contemporary shows. General entry is free.
Salvador · Art museum, free entry · Great for art lovers
Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia
Bahia's modern and contemporary art museum, in the Solar do Unhão right on the bay. Stay for the light on the water.
Solar do Unhão · Art museum · Ideal for an afternoon
Forte São Diogo
A 17th-century fort above All Saints Bay, now home to a digital museum devoted to the artist Carybé – and a bistro with a view.
Barra · Fort and museum · Perfect for views
Casa de Tereza
A restaurant that celebrates Bahian culture on the plate and on the walls, with works by local artists such as Bel Borba.
Rio Vermelho · Restaurant · Great for food and art
Markets, food & sport
Mercado Modelo
By the water in the old harbour, around 250 vendors sell bags, beachwear, handmade jewellery and Bahian souvenirs. Bargaining is expected, and there's casual food on both floors.
Old harbour · Market · Perfect for souvenirs
Dona Mariquita
Behind a blue façade, under a thatched ceiling: acarajé, moqueca and bobó de camarão, done right. No reservations, so arrive early.
Salvador · Restaurant · Made for Bahian cuisine
Arena Fonte Nova
Rebuilt in 2013, home of EC Bahia and a venue for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. Guided tours take you into the locker rooms and stands.
City centre · Stadium tours · Ideal for sports fans
Restaurante Yemanjá
A well-known seafood address for Bahian classics such as moqueca and bobó de camarão.
Seafront · Restaurant · Perfect for moqueca
Acarajé da Regina
A Rio Vermelho stand serving acarajé – Bahian black-eyed pea fritters – and abará. Grab one and eat it on the spot.
Rio Vermelho · Street food · Great for a quick bite
Ki-Mukeka Armação
A decades-old seafood restaurant facing Armação beach, serving moqueca, bobó de camarão and acarajé.
Armação · Restaurant · Made for seafood lovers
Sorriso da Dadá
Regional soul food with Afro-Brazilian roots, a short walk from the historic Pelourinho.
Pelourinho · Restaurant · Perfect for Bahian cooking
Largo de Santana
A bohemian square in oceanfront Rio Vermelho, lined with colourful buildings, bars and places to eat. Evenings come alive here.
Rio Vermelho · Square · Ideal for an evening out
Nature
Parque das Dunas
One of Brazil's largest urban parks, a conservation area of white sand dunes on the Atlantic coast. Explore it with a guide.
Atlantic coast · Nature park · Great for nature
Parque São Bartolomeu
Trails through Atlantic forest to waterfalls, in a park sacred to the Candomblé religion. Go with a guide to understand what you're seeing.
Subúrbio · Nature park · Perfect for hiking
FAQ
Yes — it's Salvador's UNESCO-listed historic centre, known for colourful colonial architecture, live music spilling from doorways and its central role in Afro-Brazilian culture.
The Elevador Lacerda, a public Art Deco elevator that has linked the two levels of the city since the 1870s, with Mercado Modelo sitting right at its base.
Mercado Modelo in the old harbour has around 250 stalls selling Bahian crafts, jewellery and beachwear. Bargaining is expected.
The Museu Afro-Brasileiro at Terreiro de Jesus in the old town shows how African and Brazilian cultures are linked in Bahia.
Dona Mariquita serves Bahian classics such as moqueca, bobó de camarão and acarajé. Arrive early, as it doesn't take reservations.
Where to Sleep in Salvador
These Mercure hotels appear on our map:
- Mercure Salvador Boulevard
- Mercure Salvador Pituba
- Mercure Salvador Rio Vermelho