Salvador stands out for its prominent Afro-Brazilian culture, making it a unique destination within the country. With a higher percentage of Black Brazilians compared to other regions, Salvador embraces its African roots and traditions.

Barra Neighborhood It's also one of the best choices for new-ish visitors to Salvador. The beaches are fantastic, it's well-patrolled by police, has plentiful restaurants, pharmacies, and grocery stores, is very tourist friendly, and is a short taxi or bus ride to the Pelourinho.

As the first capital of Brazil, from 1549 to 1763, Salvador de Bahia witnessed the blending of European, African and Amerindian cultures. It was also, from 1558, the first slave market in the New World, with slaves arriving to work on the sugar plantations.

Bahia's capital is the city of Salvador (formerly known as "Cidade do São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos", literally "City of the Saint Savior of the Bay of All the Saints"), on a spit of land separating the Bay of All Saints from the Atlantic.