Pelourinho
Salvador, Brazil
The historic Old Town, its colourful colonial architecture forming the heart of Salvador's UNESCO-listed heritage.
Places in Pelourinho
- Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos A mass held to the sound of atabaques drums, bringing Afro-Brazilian culture to the centre of Pelourinho.
Practical notes for Salvador
- Best time to visit
- December to March brings warm, dry weather ideal for the beaches at Porto da Barra, though this coincides with Brazil's peak holiday season and higher prices.
- Getting around
- The Elevador Lacerda connects the Upper City (Pelourinho) to the Lower City; taxis and ride-hailing cover the wider city between Barra, Rio Vermelho, and Ondina.
- Currency
- Brazilian Real (BRL)
- Language
- Portuguese. English is limited outside tourist areas.
- Timezone
- BRT (UTC-3)
- Current trends
- Rio Vermelho continues to solidify its reputation as Salvador's most vibrant dining neighbourhood, its streets lined with both traditional Bahian restaurants and contemporary eateries.
Other neighborhoods in Salvador
- Rio Vermelho — A canvas of cultural richness and bohemian allure, famous for its annual Iemanjá Festival and the city's best acarajé and moqueca.
- Barra — Known for beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Read the full Salvador guide