Salvador City Guide

Local dishes like Acarajé, Moqueca, and Vatapá are must-tries. International options exist mainly in upscale neighborhoods. Vegetarian and vegan choices are growing. Many eateries and street vendors are open late on weekends.

Salvador has an energetic nightlife, famous for live samba, axé, and pagode music. Pelourinho and Rio Vermelho are hotspots for bars and clubs.

Coffee culture is developing with traditional and a few specialty cafes. Third-wave shops and roasters are limited.

A 10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills; otherwise, 10% is customary. Taxi tips are optional, usually rounding up. Small tips appreciated for other services.

SIM cards are available at airport kiosks, mobile provider stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies. Main providers are Vivo, Claro, and TIM. A passport and CPF are usually needed for registration. eSIM is less common but growing.

Cleanliness varies by neighborhood. Tourist spots are cleaner than other areas. Waste pickup is regular but recycling is limited.

Some pharmacies and minimarts open 24/7 on rotation. Emergency rooms at hospitals are always open. Late-night food is available mainly in nightlife areas.

Big supermarkets like GBarbosa, Atakarejo, and Bompreço carry many products, including some international items. Fresh markets offer local produce and meat. Weekday hours run roughly 7-10 PM; Sundays often have reduced hours.

Credit and debit cards work in most restaurants, supermarkets, and big shops. Cash is still handy for street markets and public transport.

ATMs are common mostly in banks and malls, with Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, Itaú, and Caixa Econômica Federal as main providers. International withdrawal fees can be high.

There are private and some international schools like Pan American School of Bahia and Escola Americana de Salvador. Instruction is mostly in Portuguese; some international curricula are offered in English. Admission follows Brazil's school calendar, so plan ahead.

Salvador's digital nomad scene is small but growing. Meetups are mostly informal and online. Work-friendly cafes and co-working spaces exist but community hubs are limited.

Parks like Parque da Cidade and Dique do Tororó provide green, shaded spaces suitable for walking and running.

The waterfront promenade and parks are popular running spots. Daylight running is generally safe; night requires caution.

Several gym chains offer good facilities across the city.

Tennis courts are at private clubs, often requiring membership or booking. Equipment rental and coaching available.

Padel courts exist mainly in sports clubs with similar membership and booking rules as tennis.

Yoga studios offer styles like Hatha and Vinyasa with drop-in classes. English-speaking instructors are limited but present.

Salvador is the home of Capoeira with many academies. Other arts like BJJ, Muay Thai, and Boxing are also practiced. Drop-in classes are common; some instructors speak English.

No skiing options; Brazil's tropical climate means no snow.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing are offered mainly at calm bays and like Porto da Barra with rentals and guided tours.

Several surf beaches like Stella Maris and Flamengo offer warm water and waves for beginners and experienced surfers. Surf schools and rentals are available.

Dive sites include reefs and shipwrecks with diverse marine life. Equipment rental and certification courses are available.

Private hospitals like Hospital Aliança and Hospital Português have some English-speaking staff and better service. Public healthcare is free but crowded. Pharmacies are widespread and often have pharmacists available.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water instead.

Many parks and malls have playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés. Attractions like Salvador Zoo, Farol da Barra, and city beaches are good for families.

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly, especially in tourist areas with safe venues and an annual Pride parade. Legal protections exist but isolated discrimination can occur.

Pet policies vary by place. There are several vets and pet supply stores. Some parks allow pets but dedicated pet parks are few. More accommodations and restaurants are becoming pet-friendly.