I was born and raised in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, but now live in Europe. I feel like Brazil is getting a lot of international attention but it seems Rio is getting most of it with tourists even increasing real estate prices.

I think Salvador and its surrounding beaches also deserve the hype Brazil is getting!

Last December when I was there, I took pictures of some places in and around the city which I believe are worth a visit. Hope you all like them.

I went to **Pelourinho**, which is for me, the best neighborhood to explore in the city, it's the old town. After, you can walk to **Santo Antônio Além do Carmo** which is also a historic district, but more artistic and hippie-ish. It's got lots of cool restaurants, cafes and art shops. Pelourinho is already popular among foreign tourists, but it seems Santo Antônio has more locals. Both are very close to each other. **Elevador Lacerda** is also in that area and is worth a visit, the view is of the bay is amazing. You also can't miss **São Francisco Church** with its interior covered with gold.  
  
I also went to **Itaparica Island** and stayed on **Peach Beach**, a place I used to go since I was a child. It has crystal clear waters and nice houses and flats to rent. You could also go to Itaparica City Center and check its charming historic town, the beaches around are great too.

I also reccomend you to go to **MAM Museum** (whose photo is not included here) to watch the sunset and visit **Gamboa de Baixo community.** It's a ''favela'' that's become a touristic attraction. It has nice restaurants and bars and charming alleys. I felt very safe there. 

Finally, I also visited **Porto da Barra Beach**, one of the best beaches in town.  


Many people always ask about safety: I felt safe all throught out those places and there was police all around. I did watch my belongings but as a Brazilian, I always do everywhere I go in the world.



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Other beach places around Salvador I'd suggest you to go but I didn't this time are: **Boipeba, Moreré, Morro de São Paulo, Guarajuba and Praia do Forte.**

Other places in Bahia I'd also reccomend are: **Chapada Diamantina (**stunning national park in Brazil, famous for its massive flat-topped mountains, deep canyons, and breathtaking waterfalls), **Itacaré** (incredible beaches) and **Trancoso** (seaside town with upscale bohemian vibe)





Last summer in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil