Salvador da Bahia Things to Do Tips by MikeAtSea

This is the easiest way to get from the lower town to the upper town. The Elevador Lacerda runs 24 hours, four elevators climb the 60 meters in less then a minute. Originally built in 1872 the old elevator ran on steam until its 1930 restoration. The rate to go up in the elevator is R$ 0.05 hence make sure you have coins!
Bahians joke that the elevator is the only way to "go up" in life :-)

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Directions: Opposite the Mercado Modelo

The second possibility to reach the upper town from the lower town is by funicular railway. The railway opened in 1874 and rolls 30 passenger cards between the Cidade Alta and Cidade Baixa on terrifyingly steep tracks. It also costs R$ 0.05 and operates between 7 am and 7 pm from Monday to Friday and only on Saturday morning.

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The Mercado Modelo is tourist trap and highlight at the same time. It used to the the old customs house, and after a fire it was renovated and became the handcraft market. It is enclosed with some stalls being on the outside and is open every day - Sunday afternoons some of the stalls are closed.

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It is not the cheapest place to buy handcrafts in Salvador - but you have to negotiate else you will get ripped off. Besides wood works and other handcrafts one can also by cachaca, cashew nuts, pepper, cigars, dried shrimp, leather goods and other items.
On the outside you have regional folk singers and boys practice capoeira. Taking pictures of the boys make sure you negotiate a rate first!

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Close to the Mercado Modelo one can find a huge modern sculpture which is affectionately called "bunda" or butt by the locals.

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Towards the right from the exit of the Elevador Lacerda one can see the beautiful Palacio Rio Branco. The palace had to be rebuilt in 1919 after being partially ruined in a bombing and subsequent fire. The original structure housed the offices of Tome de Souza the first governor general of Brazil.

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Praca Municipal which is officially named Praca Tome de Souza was the political seat of the colonial Brazil for more than 200 years. Now it is a place to relax or enjoy the panoramic bay view below. The main parking lot of the Upper Town can also be found here, close to the Palacio Rio Branco and the elevator exit.

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This is the 17th century city hall of Salvador with impressive arches. The city hall on occasions offers cultural exhibitions.

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Directions: Directly opposite the elevator exit

Tome de Souza was the first governor general of colonial Brazil. He was sent by the Portuguese King with the intention to centralize authority. Sousa was joined by some 1000 settlers, including officials, soldiers, exiled prisoners. With his entourage also arrived priests and prostitutes. Outside the house where he governed his statue today remembers the early Portuguese days of Brazil.

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Towards the left of the exit of the elevator one can find the monuments dedicated to the slaves that arrived in Bahia and Brazil. Thousands of Africans were brought to the new colonies from West and South West Africa to ensure that prosperity was started in Brazil. A huge statue of an African lady can be found dressed in the traditional outfit.

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