
Tips for those who have few hours in Salvador and want to make the most of the city.
Young and excited to enjoy the day
If you are one of those who can not stand still and your day seems to have more hours than other mortals’ day, this itinerary is for you. Sport at Salvador seashore, kayak in Porto, lunch in one of the most traditional bars of Rio Vermelho, also a cultural stroll and a “pre-party” in a super charming bar.
9:00 am – Moving body at Barra
Barra is the right destination for revelers during carnival, but did you know that it is also an epicenter of outdoor sports?! There are people running, skateboarding, skating and in addition, it’s a great place for surfing. If you are looking for a beach inside the city, with strong waves and good water quality, more suitable for advanced surfers, Salvador has Barra Vento beach (on Barra Avenue, between the Christ and Barra Lighthouse, closer to Morro do Cristo, next to Barra Vento restaurant). A zipline has just been inaugurated there as well, close to the Christ.
10:00 am – Kayaking in Porto
Try a kayak tour at Porto da Barra. The quiet water cove is great for beginners and professionals. Another option is the Hawaiian canoes, in which it is possible to make groups and go around the seashore seeing the city from the water. On the sand, at the beach, there are about 3 or 4 companies that offer these services. Search before about safety equipment and have fun.
10:30 am – Best world’s dip in the sea
To finish the morning, surrender to Porto da Barra’s vibe. Crystal clear waters and a strip of crowded sand are the perfect places to meet friends and get to know about the good parties and events in Salvador. Be sure to take a Capelinha Peanut Popsicle, the classic of the soteropolitan classics.
12:30 pm – Lunch at Boteco do França
Located in the bohemian district of Rio Vermelho, Boteco do França is a mix of bar and restaurant. The menu has a variety of options based on Brazilian cuisine. It is brand new, has been all renovated, and now the artist Bel Borba’s beautiful mosaics take the walls of the most famous alley in the city! The tip is to order for the octopus rice. Delicious.
3:00 pm – Enjoy Mondo Ice Cream Parlor
If you haven’t drunk too much at Boteco do França, finishing with the cold beers in the house, go to Mondo Gelato Artesanal and order for a 70% Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream. As if the flavors were not surreal, there’s still a crunchy biscuit that’s delicious. They are so successful that they are sold apart. Also try Carolina that is soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside, with an ice cream of your choice. This tastes good with a coffee.
4:00 pm – Casa do Rio Vermelho
And as this young body is still full of energy, fill your mind with culture and inspiration in the house where Jorge Amado and Zélia Gattai lived: “Casa do Rio Vermelho”. The couple’s last residence is a rich memorial, in the place that in the past was a meeting point for artists, intellectuals and political activists. The environments maintain the original property characteristics and each room has projections with different subjects about the artists’ lives. There are more than 30 hours of videos and projections. There are also good surprises in the garden.
17:30 pm – Meeting with friends at the Blue Praia Bar
Let’s meet the rest of our friends! With the exuberant view of Praia do Buracão, there is the Blue Praia Bar. The atmosphere is beautiful, with its lattice gazebos, tables on the porch, lounges by the sea and Balinese beds. All very fluid and cozy, with tables for friends or for couples to enjoy a romantic atmosphere. Praia do Buracão has been gaining, every day, a super cool audience. Worth returning during the day. Blue Praia Bar has also an entrance by the beach, look how cool!
Young and ready to enjoy NIGHT
Now you just let life take you along. You are in the neighborhood that has many ways of entertainment by square meter. Skate at sunset, ride along the seafront to Rio Vermelho’s overlook, two squares with Salvador’s most famous acarajés, bars and more bars for all tastes. Let the night take you. Wherever you stop by, it’s going to be fun.
6:00 pm – End of afternoon at Rio Vermelho seafront.
Rio Vermelho’s seafront has now a democratic bicycle path, where skateboards, skates, bicycles and, of course, people and beer sellers hang out. At the end of it, towards Ondina, there is Paciência beach, another beach worth knowing (on a different day). The overlook is great, with space where people meet to chat, and where there are various sports classes and even shows.
7:00 pm – Cold beer and acarajé in Largo da Mariquita
An acarajé, please, cause everyone needs a break. At Largo da Mariquita there’s one of the most awarded acarajés of Salvador, Cira. There happen shows like Lenine’s, Larissa Luz’ and Saulo Fernandes’. There are also cultural fairs and other events. The bars are very next to each other, which ensures buzz every day of the week.
8:00 pm – Fun in Largo da Dinha
Largo de Santana, affectionately known as Largo da Dinha, is where the party never stops . From Sunday to Sunday there is something going on there. It is also there that people start the night, before choosing which way they go… and most of the time, it is where the evening ends, with clients until dawn.
9:30 pm – Don’t miss eating at La Taperia
Spanish food, in the city’s most bohemian neighborhood. Just walk through the front door and your experience of that night has begun. The smiles of those who welcome you, the warmth and the attention give the feeling of belonging to La Taperia restaurant. Another difference is that chef José Morchon walks around the room giving all the attention to the public and explaining the ingredients and curiosities about the dishes preparation. Start with octopus with potatoes and paprika, and a cava sangria to go along.
11:30 pm – Buzz at Chupito
There, next to La Taperia, Chupito bar has attracted a young audience looking for shots based on vodka, tequila and cachaça, the “chupitos”. The drinks served at the counter are great to get ready for other parties, since the “Soteropolitan night circuit” is next to it. But there are those who really like staying there. The musical programming is great, the place always receives djs that present interesting pocket shows in the best “pass the hat” way. The house is small, but believe me: you can dance a lot!!!
We’ve prepared a perfect playlist for this experience. Listen now!