How to go to the Historic Center from certain tourist spots
Getting to the Historic Center is very easy and there are several ways to get around, whether by car, subway, bus or on foot. The Lacerda Elevator is the link between the Lower City and the most well-known Upper City, being an excellent starting point for many tours. It is right in front of Mercado Modelo, perfect for shopping before or after visiting Pelourinho and all the culture of the Historic Center of Salvador.
You can also use the Inclined Planes and enjoy the climb to appreciate the All Saints Bay. The Gonçalves’ Inclined Plane connects Pelourinho to Comércio, leaving you at the door of Casa do Carnaval, near the Cathedral Basilica of Salvador and Largo do Terreiro de Jesus. The Pilar’s Inclined Plane connects Comércio (at Trapiche Barnabé) to Carmo, leaving you close to the Cruz do Pascoal Bar, known for its cold beer and stunning view of All Saints Bay.
If you prefer to go by car, choose to stop in the vicinity of Avenida Chile, or in Baixa dos Sapateiros or in Santo Antônio Além do Carmo Square. From these points, it’s better to do everything by walking. In addition to being much more pleasant and having lots of cool things on the way, there are many streets where access is restricted to cars: be careful not to be fined.
Going by bus, if you prefer to arrive by the sides of Pelourinho, you can stop at Avenida Sete, the final point of Praça da Sé, Baixa dos Sapateiros and Barris. Whoever wants to arrive by Santo Antônio, can also stop by Barbalho, Nazaré and Saúde.
For those taking the subway, the two closest stops are Lapinha station and Campo da Pólvora station. Lapinha is close to Avenida Sete de Setembro and next to the Royal Portuguese Reading Office and the Geographical and Historical Institute of Bahia (IGHB), two almost secret places that keep an important part of the city’s history. Campo da Pólvora station will leave you halfway to several interesting points such as Convento do Desterro, where the nuns’ liquor is made, Fonte Nova, Dique do Tororó and Pelourinho itself.