SALVADOR DA BAHIA

Salvador da Bahia is the capital of the Brazilian state Bahia. It was the first capital of Brazil in 1549, and today it has a popular of nearly 3 million people.

The best way to orient yourself in Salvador is to divide the town into four parts: beaches, suburbs, upper city, and lower city. Downtown Salvador encompasses both the upper and lower cities, which are connected by the Elevator Lacerda.

In the upper city, you’ll find the Old Town, which is called Pelourinho. Pelourinho is flushed with colonial architecture and charming streets. Key sites to consider seeing include Catedral Basilica de Salvador, the Church of Sao Francisco, the Afro Brazilian Museum, and Terreiro de Jesus, a wide plaza where you can often spot locals practicing capoeira, In the lower city, don’t miss a visit to Mercado Modelo, which is one of the largest handicraft centers in Latin America.

For a day at the beach, head south. Barra Beach is 5mi/8km south from the cruise port. It’s known for its calm waters and beautiful sunsets. Nearby is the Farol da Barra Fort and Lighthouse, the oldest military building in Brazil. Inside is the Nautical Museum of Bahia, which has a fascinating collection of underwater archaeological finds.

Visiting during Carnival? Messaged the team at Docked Discoveries for travel tips on how to best see the celebrations!