Driving in Salvador is not recommended for most tourists. Few people in this city actually speak English, so unless you’re able to speak Portuguese you should be sure to drive with someone who can. The streets are extremely narrow in parts and the locals do tend to drive quite quickly, with little patience for those taking in the sights.

The best way to take in the sights of the old city center is to do so on foot. While there are upper and lower sections to see there is the Lacerada elevator and cable car that will get you where you need to go. Be cautious if you’re walking as the streets that connect these districts and the seaport area can be rife with pickpockets and beggers.

Buses can also be a tad confusing in Brazil in general, but know that air conditioned buses can cost as much as double the normal fares. Ask at your hotel about bus lines and be sure to board from the back. Major destinations, and shopping districts have their own bus stops. Service runs from around 6am until midnight and buses are generally safe during the night time hours.

For more direct transport to your destination consider a taxicab, but as mentioned the locals, including the cabbies, tend to drive rather quickly. After midnight it is also not uncommon for taxi fares to go up, and the drivers won’t always use the meter. The drivers are willing to negioate a price and typically their first rate isn’t anywhere close to the final rate.