Hostels in SALVADOR DE BAHIA, BRAZIL

City Salvador: Holy Savior

A city on the northeast coast of Brazil, in English it means ‘Holy Savior of All Saints’ Bay’. It is a capital of Bahia, North-eastern Brazilian state. Due to its countless outdoor parties, street carnivals, and easygoing population, it is often called Brazil’s Capital of Happiness. It is third largest city of Brazil.

History
On March 29, 1549, it was founded by a fleet of Portuguese, headed by one Tomé de Sousa. It was capital in the heyday of slave trade, and it continues to be so. It is known for its black population. The legacy of this city outshines the rest of Brazil in a lot of ways. Popular musicians like Dorival Caymmi, Gilberto Gil, and Caetano Veloso come from the city, along with the men from literature including the late Jorge Amado. Friendly people of the city form a very vibrant and exciting city.

Popular Places and Attractions
Museu Afro-Brasileiro is a museum that has documented the progress of the city, including the days of the slave trade. It is an easy resource to get information on slave trade. Praça da Sé and the Terreiro de Jesus are two large squares connected at the cathedral at the centre of Cidade Alta. Largo do Pelourinho or the ‘plaza of the pillory’, a fairly small triangular plaza, is located in the oldest parts of the city. Igreja do Nosso Senhor do Bonfim is a church, which is among the popular pilgrimage sites of the world.

Getting Around
The Elevador Lacerda can be used to go between upper and lower sections while you go around the city on foot. There are city bus at normal fares, and executive air-conditioned bus at a little higher fare. The buses are constant and confusing, and hence it’s better if one has a guide roaming around the city. Buses stop working at midnight, and then, taxis are the only option of transport and getting around. Since taxi people may overcharge, a guide is advisable.

Places for Entertainment
For crafts and souvenirs shopping, there is Mercado Modelo, where you will get stuff related to Brazilian culture. Salvador’s giant carnival is the world’s biggest carnival according to Guinness book of World Records, runs for seven days. For party people, it is the time to travel to the city. There are plenty of shopping malls, eat-outs, bars, and night-clubs for the travelers or the population interested in them. One can find them at various parts of this lively city, and at all times. Lotus is the most popular and populous night-club of Salvador, while Dolce is one of the night-clubs which is crowded, but for a bit older generation.

Accommodation
As is the trend in Brazil, there are three categories of hotels, budget hotels, mid-range, and luxury, other accommodation options include bed & breakfast, guesthouse, and youth hostels depending on traveler’s pocket.

Currency
Real is the national currency of Brazil, however even US $ will usually work. Exchange news will feed with the latest exchange rates between Real and Dollars or Pounds.

Group accommodation in Salvador | Cheap hostels & budget hotels