Salvador, the Jewel of Bahia is a cultural melting-pot!
Salvador is an incredibly unique place to behold – ancient architecture and thriving Afro-Brazilian culture reflects the history of this city as a former Portuguese colonial stronghold. Delightfully colourful and vibrant, history & heritage oozes out from the old cobblestoned streets and open squares of the UNESCO recognised Pelourinho district and makes it the perfect open-air museum for enjoying a fantastic free walking tour of Salvador, as recommended by Freetour.com
As impressive as the architecture, which dates back to the 17th & 18th centuries and includes baroque churches like São Francisco, is Salvador’s celebration of local culture and arts – capoeira circles and drum collectives are common place and serve to enhance the already naturally upbeat energy and rhythm of the city. And as well as all of this, Salvador boasts awesome coastal scenery and tropical beaches to enjoy too and, of course, culinary delights inspired by European, Afro-Brazilian, & Amerindian heritage.
Salvador’s part in hosting the FIFA 2014 World Cup has undoubtedly seen an improvement in tourist infrastructure and visitor numbers since, which is a good thing in many ways, but it’s also important to be able to get a sense of the authentic local life and culture of Salvador, so we thoroughly recommend joining a local guide for a free tour to visit some of the bohemian districts of the city, such as the Dois de Julho neighborhood for example.
