The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Salvador

Things to know before you go to Salvador

Is Salvador safe for tourists

Like any big city, there are safer and more dangerous areas, but the majority of tourists who stay in the tourist areas and take some simple precautions will not have problems. Sticking to well-known areas, planning your movements in advance, and being aware of your surroundings will go a long way in avoiding trouble.

In Salvador, areas like Barra and Rio Vermelho are considered safer and are popular among tourists and expats for their beaches, restaurants, and lively nightlife. On the other hand, there are also areas of Salvador that despite being popular popular with tourists, require extra caution, especially at night. These include Pelourinho, Santo Antônio Além do Carmo, and the Cidade Baixa (the lower part of the city at the bottom of the elevator, including around the Mercado Modelo).

These are my personal recommendations for ways you can stay safe in Salvador:

• Book accommodation in the recommended areas for visitors, such as Barra and Rio Vermelho

• Do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach

• Use Uber or other reputable rideshare services with a credit card linked to your account, as it avoids handling cash and provides a digital record of your trip

• Avoid walking at night, particularly in quieter neighbourhoods or streets with little lighting

• Keep your phone, jewellery, and other valuables out of sight when in public or travelling on public transport

• Be cautious when withdrawing cash, choose ATMs located inside banks or shopping centres

• If in doubt, ask your hotel or host for up-to-date local advice on places to avoid

Travel insurance for Salvador

Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have, it is an important safety-net that can prevent a stressful incident from turning into an expensive disaster. The reality is that unexpected events can happen on any trip. Even something as simple as missing a connecting flight can lead to unexpected accommodation and transport costs. If you become unwell, medical bills in another country can quickly become expensive. Without insurance, you have to handle all of this on your own in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in a language you do not speak.

I have personally relied on travel insurance multiple times, including when I had belongings stolen in Europe, fell sick while travelling in Asia, and had flights cancelled. In each case, the support I received meant I could focus on solving the problem instead of worrying about costs.

For a small daily cost, you can be covered for a wide range of scenarios, from theft to delayed flights and medical emergencies. Having one phone number to call and a company that deals with the problem for you is worth far more than the price of the policy. I personally use Safety Wing, and I recommend them to friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. You can get a quote here.

More things to know before you go to Salvador

• Tourist Police: If you find yourself in need of assistance, Salvador has a tourist police station called Delegacia de Proteção ao Turista (DELTUR), open 24 hours a day, where English-speaking officers are available to help tourists.

• Museums are free on Wednesdays: For those who love history and culture, Salvador’s museums are a must-see, and even better, they are free on Wednesdays. Salvador has a wide range of museums to explore, including the Afro-Brazilian Museum, the Museum of Sacred Art, MAM Museu de Arte Moderna, Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado, and many more.

• Capoeira: Salvador is the birthplace of capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art that blends dance, music, and acrobatics. As you explore the city, especially in Pelourinho, you’ll often see groups practicing capoeira in the streets to the rhythm of live music. Watching or joining a "roda de capoeira" (capoeira circle) is one of the most authentic cultural experiences you can have in Salvador. You can participate in capoeira classes if you're interested in learning this martial art.

• Local cuisine: Bahian cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and African roots, making it a highlight of any trip to Salvador. Be sure to try local specialties like "acarajé" (a deep-fried pea ball filled with shrimp), "moqueca" (a coconut & seafood stew), and "vatapá" (a creamy, spicy paste made from shrimp, and coconut milk). Want to learn to cook Bahian food? Sign up here for a local cooking class.