Salvador, Brazil is a magical city. The city draws memories of dancing and drinking in front of colonial buildings. Salvador has energy and personality to match Rio de Janeiro. In Walt Disney’s 1945 animated film The Three Caballeros, José Carioca, a cigar-smoking parrot, famously asks Donald Duck if he’s “ever been to Bahia.” Donald replies that he hasn’t, and proceeds to get a bashing from Jose for having not done so. You’ll deserve the same verbal abuse if you decide to leave Salvador, Bahia off your travel itinerary.
The weather is ideal and the food is excellent. Crime, however, is an issue. Stephen Storey tells us that Salvador is now much safer than some 5 years ago. Those who have been before might need to give it another try.
POPULATION: 2,700,000
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RENT AN APARTMENT IN SALVADOR
$600.00. You’ll be required to pay more money if you don’t want to be in a slum. Gated community or slum are basically your only two choices here. Try to stay in Rio Vermelho or Barra.
NIGHTLIFE IN SALVADOR
7.5/10
Barra or Rio Vermelho. Make it easy on yourself and stick to these areas. There are enough bars here and it’s pretty safe compared to the rest of the city. I’ll recommend a spot in Rio Vermelho that’ll make you happy.
I recommend: Padaria Bar. Live music, good vibe and, most importantly, not a lot of tourists.
LEARNING PORTUGUESE
If you want to make the most of your time in Brazil, you will need to speak some Spanish. Rocket Portuguese is the best resource for learning Portuguese quickly and easily.
HOW TO GET TO SALVADOR, BRAZIL
Salvador is a well-connected city by Brazilian standards. There are direct flights from Sao Paulo, and Belo Horizonte is a short flight away. Any bus trip to Salvador is going to be very long. You’re better off flying here.
IS SALVADOR SAFE?
Salvador is dangerous. Sadly, Salvador is not the safest destination for tourists like ourselves. Having light skin immediately makes you a target. During the day in touristy areas with lots of police you will be fine, but when nightfalls nowhere is safe. If you’re black and dress down, you have a lesser chance of being a victim of crime.
COST OF LIVING IN SALVADOR
FINAL THOUGHTS
Salvador, like Havana, Cuba is one of few truly magical cities. You feel something when you’re here, a sense of history, tradition and richness of culture. This is the draw of Salvador. It’s not exclusively the girls, certainly not the security and it’s not the nightlife. It’s the food, it’s the people, it’s the architecture. Salvador will speak to you on a level beyond your senses. Just be sure to watch your wallet.
OVERALL RATING: 7.75/10
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