Pelourinho
Pelourinho
4
About
Sometimes called the "city within a city," this old part of Salvador is worth visiting for its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, churches, restaurants, shops and nightlife.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
17,370 reviews
Excellent
7,814
Very good
6,021
Average
2,525
Poor
630
Terrible
381
Edward D.
Lucena, PB2,988 contributions
Oct 2022
Pelourinho is the old neighborhood of the city of Salvador—it's where Salvador began. Many of the buildings in this area date back to the 16th Century. Any visit to Salvador would be incomplete without a trip to Pelourinho.
This nighborhood was th seat of Imperial Portuguese powr in Brazil starting in 1549.
While at times, this neighborhood may seem a bit like Disneyland Brazil (with the many women dressed as Bahianas bugging you to take a photo with them & then trying to charge you R$20 for the pic), I still recommend you come.
There are the many churches to visit (Church of Sao Francisco, aka “the golden church” and the Cathedral of Santissimo Salvador); there is much beautiful architecture to admire; there is a wonderful hotel right in the heart of Pelourinho (Hotel Villa Bahia—I highly recommend it); you can visit the Elevador Lacerda; there are lots of souvenir shops. If you have more time and the interest, you could take a capoeira lesson. If you are short on time, you can get a guided tour in golf cart that lasts about 2 hours and costs somewhere between R$150 to R$250, depending on how much bargaining you feel like doing.
There are ice cream shops, bars and restaurants you can visit (although I think some of the best restaurants are located just outside, but not far from Pelourinho).
The reason I do not give this neighborhood 5 stars is because of the beggars and the potential risk of crime—use common sense and don’t wander into deserted side streets late at night and you will be fine.
This nighborhood was th seat of Imperial Portuguese powr in Brazil starting in 1549.
While at times, this neighborhood may seem a bit like Disneyland Brazil (with the many women dressed as Bahianas bugging you to take a photo with them & then trying to charge you R$20 for the pic), I still recommend you come.
There are the many churches to visit (Church of Sao Francisco, aka “the golden church” and the Cathedral of Santissimo Salvador); there is much beautiful architecture to admire; there is a wonderful hotel right in the heart of Pelourinho (Hotel Villa Bahia—I highly recommend it); you can visit the Elevador Lacerda; there are lots of souvenir shops. If you have more time and the interest, you could take a capoeira lesson. If you are short on time, you can get a guided tour in golf cart that lasts about 2 hours and costs somewhere between R$150 to R$250, depending on how much bargaining you feel like doing.
There are ice cream shops, bars and restaurants you can visit (although I think some of the best restaurants are located just outside, but not far from Pelourinho).
The reason I do not give this neighborhood 5 stars is because of the beggars and the potential risk of crime—use common sense and don’t wander into deserted side streets late at night and you will be fine.
Written November 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nickiBH
Hong Kong346 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Pretty, historical, UNESCO, African/Brazilian martial arts workshops, etc etc , and yet very unique, in a strange way.
We have seen all seven new wonders of the world so have been to quite a few places but this is the first neighbourhood that our boutique hotel Villa Bahia actually takes high precautions as to lock even their wooden doors in addition to the glass doors, starting at around 5pm when it gets dark!! So much to say about safety in this neighbourhood. We tried to eat our early dinner outside the hotel next to the Sao Francisco Church so we can quickly get back without an incident!
During the day it should be ok to sit in outdoor cafe, walk and shop around the square, go to the terrace, (and even the elevator), down the slope to see Michael Jackson’s MV shooting place etc. Just use your common sense as our guide keep telling us, you can use your phone but as soon as you finish, put it back somewhere so it is not easily seen and snatched! Mobile phones are the number one favorite item (even big cameras are more expensive, but difficult to snatch and re-sell, unlike a smaller mobile phone!
So in short, enjoy, with extra caution!!! (Especially if you don’t speak the language!)
We have seen all seven new wonders of the world so have been to quite a few places but this is the first neighbourhood that our boutique hotel Villa Bahia actually takes high precautions as to lock even their wooden doors in addition to the glass doors, starting at around 5pm when it gets dark!! So much to say about safety in this neighbourhood. We tried to eat our early dinner outside the hotel next to the Sao Francisco Church so we can quickly get back without an incident!
During the day it should be ok to sit in outdoor cafe, walk and shop around the square, go to the terrace, (and even the elevator), down the slope to see Michael Jackson’s MV shooting place etc. Just use your common sense as our guide keep telling us, you can use your phone but as soon as you finish, put it back somewhere so it is not easily seen and snatched! Mobile phones are the number one favorite item (even big cameras are more expensive, but difficult to snatch and re-sell, unlike a smaller mobile phone!
So in short, enjoy, with extra caution!!! (Especially if you don’t speak the language!)
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelbug001_11
Los Angeles, CA51 contributions
Feb 2023
A trip to Salvador wouldn't be complete without a visit to this neighborhood. Even though most of the accommodations here are older (and majority-hostels from what I could see) staying in this area was the best decision, because it made our visit to Savlador incredibly walkable and the neighborhood was so vibrant. We received a lot of warnings about the safety of our phones and purses, but while a reasonable amount of care warranted everywhere (and I understand that deep class disparity may exacerbate potential issues), we absolutely never felt unsafe, even walking around late in the evenings.
Right in our neighborhood, we picked up a walking tour, visited the very-interesting Carnival Museum, absolutely adored the Balé Folclorico, took a fantastic percussion lesson, tried all the Bahian food at an incredible buffet, and enjoyed many more restaurants and bars. We left the neighborhood a few times, but our trip really could have been complete without it. Our favorite things happened there.
Right in our neighborhood, we picked up a walking tour, visited the very-interesting Carnival Museum, absolutely adored the Balé Folclorico, took a fantastic percussion lesson, tried all the Bahian food at an incredible buffet, and enjoyed many more restaurants and bars. We left the neighborhood a few times, but our trip really could have been complete without it. Our favorite things happened there.
Written March 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juliagoolia0491
5 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
I came to Salvador not knowing what to expect. I stayed near Praça do Sé for a few nights because staying in Pelourinho was recommended to me by many Brazilians I met before coming to Bahia during my trip.
As someone who has traveled extensively as a solo female to many countries on all continents, I found this area of Salvador one of the most unsettling to be in. Aside from the constant beggars and panhandlers while you try to eat a meal at any point in the day, you are met with street hawkers who refuse to take no for an answer. I ended up with body paint I didn’t want because the man refused to accept the word no. It cost me 30 reais, which isn’t a lot, but soured the experience here.
It is disappointing the experience for many is so terrible because it really is such a beautiful place to see. The building colours and sounds and smells from restaurants could be a truly magical experience if it wasn’t for everything else.
I also was followed and would’ve mugged if I hadn’t come to an area full of people by a couple local kids who seemed to think it was fun to hang around and unease foreign passers.
Unless the city puts major effort into cleaning this place up it’ll put a damper on tourism. This is the only place in Brazil so far I’ve told myself I’ll never return to.
As someone who has traveled extensively as a solo female to many countries on all continents, I found this area of Salvador one of the most unsettling to be in. Aside from the constant beggars and panhandlers while you try to eat a meal at any point in the day, you are met with street hawkers who refuse to take no for an answer. I ended up with body paint I didn’t want because the man refused to accept the word no. It cost me 30 reais, which isn’t a lot, but soured the experience here.
It is disappointing the experience for many is so terrible because it really is such a beautiful place to see. The building colours and sounds and smells from restaurants could be a truly magical experience if it wasn’t for everything else.
I also was followed and would’ve mugged if I hadn’t come to an area full of people by a couple local kids who seemed to think it was fun to hang around and unease foreign passers.
Unless the city puts major effort into cleaning this place up it’ll put a damper on tourism. This is the only place in Brazil so far I’ve told myself I’ll never return to.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Van Wilder
Cape Town, South Africa39 contributions
Dec 2019
When I first saw Pelourinho on YouTube I knew I just had to make my way there. Apart from it being one of the most Instagrammed places in the world with its colourful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets, there's a deeper attraction when walking around these side streets and alleyways and it has to do with the rich history that's associated with Pelourinho. You feel like you've stepped back in time. One of the oldest cities in Brazil, Pelourinho is city within a city and has been named a UNESCO world cultural site. Plenty of bars and restaurants, amazing nightlife and Tuesday evenings is a must. You will find lots of activity with tourists everywhere and on the main square you will always find different schools performing capoeira, putting on a show for tourists. Just be careful of pickpockets as is normal at any popular tourist attraction worldwide. Visitors may be intimated by some of the rundown buildings and associate it with the area being unsafe but this is not true. Just don't wonder way off the beaten track where there is no people around as you could end up looking for trouble. That being said, I stayed one week in Porto da Barra and a week in Pelourinho. Where I stayed in Pelourinho (Santo Antonio) was not exactly close the main square and tourist attraction and was a mere 5/10min walk from there. At first I was intimated walking down this long street late at night to get to my place but quickly learnt that I had nothing to be concerned about as it was perfectly safe. Explore the area, don't be confined to just the main square and surrounding alleyways...there are plenty of gems in the form of restaurants, bars, clubs 10/15min away from the main square. Check out a boca Espaço cultural situated in Santo Antonio. Tip: depending on your length of stay, I would recommend doing what I did and stay in both the historic town of Pelourinho and in Porta da Barra. If you don't have time to do so and only had to chose one, I would chose Porta de Barra along the beach. You can easily Uber back and forth to Pelourinho. I also recommend you do a day tour to Pelourinho as well exploring the same place at night to get a feel of the nightlife festivities in that area. (but remember, during the day is equally as cool so experiencing both is a must). Another recommended tour is a boat tour that takes you to Ilha dos Frades and Illha de Itaparica. Another really cool tour is going to Praia do Forte and Paraia de Guarajuba (very cool). Last but not least a city tour is also recommended as you'll stop over the famous church with all the colourful ribbons Igreja Do Senhor Do Bomfin Da Bahia
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cintian c
1 contribution
Nov 2022 • Couples
Hi, I was at the Pelourinho with my boyfriend in November. A lot of people offering services as a guide and make us feel very vulnerable. Everyone charge a lot for everything thing. Was $20 reais to take a picture with the Baiana is not a lot for us, but for the Brazilians is a lot, so not consideration for the local tourism. We don't felt save. Everywhere including the buildings, streets and restaurants was dirty and everything needs a renovation.
If you want a good time in Brazil a recommend the south if the country
If you want a good time in Brazil a recommend the south if the country
Written November 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
charles s
Atlanta, GA86 contributions
Feb 2023
You can't go to Salvador without visiting Pelourinho, the historic heart of the city.
When we were there, lots of squares, churches and store fronts had put up plywood walls to protect again Carnaval revelry.
That said, the area is lovely, filled with lovely old buildings, restaurants with music, juice bar/coffee shops, stores selling artesania.
Do you need to go on a tour? Nah. Just take an Uber and Googe maps and you'll be fine. Check out in advance what you want to see.
When we were there, lots of squares, churches and store fronts had put up plywood walls to protect again Carnaval revelry.
That said, the area is lovely, filled with lovely old buildings, restaurants with music, juice bar/coffee shops, stores selling artesania.
Do you need to go on a tour? Nah. Just take an Uber and Googe maps and you'll be fine. Check out in advance what you want to see.
Written February 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RandyRoss
Ridgetown, Canada11,719 contributions
Feb 2020
Our cruise arrived in Salvador on Feb. 26th and almost everything was closed as people recovered from celebrating Carnaval. There were a few tourist booths, selling food, drink and souvenirs but all churches, museums, etc, were closed.
I was by myself but felt very safe and did enjoy seeing the outside of all the beautiful buildings. Things could be in a bit better repair but one can certainly see the past glory of Salvador in this square.
I was by myself but felt very safe and did enjoy seeing the outside of all the beautiful buildings. Things could be in a bit better repair but one can certainly see the past glory of Salvador in this square.
Written May 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
braulio_oliveira99
Porto, Portugal15 contributions
Aug 2022
Great place to see historical monuments in Salvador. Don't go for unknown streets and alternative paths. Visit Praça da Sé, for an example and places with more policial securitiy, avoiding empty small streets.
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chelsealynne
Pensacola, FL935 contributions
Jan 2021 • Friends
The city is painted beautifully. The old churches and cobblestones create a wonderful place to go for a stroll. Seeing the place at night was terrifying though. I recommend visiting the area during the day and staying in barra at night.
Written January 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Érica Dayana
2 contributions
De segunda a sexta é seguro conhecer o pelourinho? Qual o melhor horário? Como fazem aquelas pinturas nós visitantes?
Dri Sites
Salvador, BA12 contributions
Sim é seguro visitar o Pelourinho qualquer dia e horário, os cuidados que deve tomar são; evitar ruas e becos que dão em lugar nenhum bastando para isso seguir o fluxo de pessoas nas ruas principais. Quanto aquelas pinturas, recomendo evitar pois não da para saber que tipo de tinta utilizam e porquê só falam o valor depois que começam a pintar e te forçam a pagar o valor que querem. As fotos com as baianas da mesma forma, evite, tire foto apenas com as baianas que trabalham nas lojas, as da rua não. No mais é tudo lindo, lindos casarões, lindas igrejas e ótimos restaurantes. Dá para visitar o Mercado Modelo, Elevador Lacerda e Pelourinho a pé, pois ficam na mesma região. Indico também contratar um monitor de turismo, o que mais gosto é o Magno, um senhorzinho simpático que te leva a todos os lugares com segurança e te conta tudo sobre a história de cada lugar. o telefone dele é 71985078870. Tem também o Vovô guia, 71991390010 e o Iran 71988438308
¿Cuál es la mejor zona para alojarse en Salvador en cuanto a la seguridad?
RauloDib
4 contributions
Hola la zona de barra. Estuvimos ahí, súper seguro. Somos matrimonio con dos niños pequeños. Saludos
CLARISSA RUBIM
26 contributions
Vou passar só uma manhã em Salvador. A partir de que Horário me recomendam para fazer o passeio pelo Pelourinho? Vi que o mercado modelo só abre 9h da manhã.
Ivan C
52 contributions
Visando otimizar teu tempo, sugiro que vá cedo - 7h30 - ao Elevador Lacerda & Pelourinho, que é a principal atracão da região; reserve pelo menos 2 horas. Na descida, passe no Mercado Modelo.
Rafaela
Tijucas, SC52 contributions
Onde almoçar no Pelourinho? Gostaria de um restaurante onde servisse comida típica e não tivesse o assédio de pedintes.
rosezecarlos
Sao Paulo, SP55 contributions
Sem divida alguma, o melhor lugar é no SESC-SENAC, porque além de ser ótimo é também escola. Tem uma variedade de pratos típicos de babar!!!!!
Ana Lívia Oliveira
Caceres, MT
Qual o melhor horário para fazer um tour pelo Pelourinho e as redondezas ?
rosezecarlos
Sao Paulo, SP55 contributions
O dia todo é perfeito,as coisas começam a acontecer após as 10:00, e, vai até "ALTAS HORAS", kkkkkkk
ARI R
Montevideo, Uruguay468 contributions
Voy en febrero y me alojaré a una cuadra de la plaza de Sé, alguien que me diga como está el tema de seguridad?He leído tantas cosas (buenas y malas) que ya no sé que pensar
Arnoldolubinski
Buenos Aires, Argentina143 contributions
En Pelouriño, hay solo arrebatos, como en cualquier ciudad turistica. No hay que parar, cuando te ofrecen cintitas u otros souvenirs. Durante el dia , hay policia visible. Son peligrosas las zonas que rodean el casco historico, sobre todo de noche, pero no tienen ningun atractivo turistico.
Graciela B
San Isidro, Argentina831 contributions
Buen día!!! Quisiera saber si existen estacionamientos cerca del Pelourinho, por favor. Leí de uno complicado en una calle empedrara, con mucha pendiente... hay otros?
Muchas gracias!!!!
Tourist43785609072
1 contribution
No hay estacionamientos visibles.
La recomendación es tomarse un taxi y recorrerlo caminando.
Toda el área, tanto en barrio alto, elevador La Cerda y barrio bajo están muy cerca
Larissa R
2 contributions
Olá! Gente, queria muito ir conhecer Salvador mas é o UNICO local que eu leio sobre ser perigoso... não como uma cidade grande... mas no sentido de vc ser cobrado indevidamente, tenho medo e não sei como agir quando pessoas chegam até mim oferecendo coisas. Reservei hotel mas estou pensando em cancelar. Parece que só vou me estressar ou ficar insegura até pra bater uma foto. Será?
David Brandão Perrone
Santos, SP359 contributions
Se for conhecer o centro histórico vá com um guia. O local é bonito, tem muita história realmente, mas é insuportável a quantidade de gente querendo te forçar a doar dinheiro. Fora os furtos..
Hola. La semana proxima estaré viajando a Salvador con mi familia. Quisiera saber si el costo del tour histórico ya incluye las entradas a los lugares a visitar. Agradeceré la respuesta.
Liliana
San Juan, Argentina73 contributions
Hola nosotros realizamos dos tours
1- Panorámico
2- Histórico
En ambos las entradas estaban incluidas, no recuerdo la agencia por que tenia un stand en hotel que nos alojamos (Bahia Othon Palace).
Un consejo si compras a una agencia que tenga todo incluido, suerte.
Pelourinho (Salvador) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Pelourinho
- We recommend booking Pelourinho tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 53 Pelourinho tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Pelourinho:
- Private City Tour in Salvador (From $76.93)
- Full-Day Historic Private City Tour of Salvador with Lunch (From $157.15)
- Discovery of Salvador de Bahia - Full Day (From $121.42)
- Salvador Upper City tour - discover the World Heritage Site of Salvador. (From $52.00)
- Historical Salvador City Tour (From $31.76)
- Hotels near Pelourinho:
- (0.01 mi) Hostel Pousada Pais Tropical
- (0.01 mi) Solar do Pelo
- (0.02 mi) Meson Pousada
- (0.02 mi) Hostel Atelie Laroye
- (0.02 mi) Hostel Ateliê Laroyê
- Restaurants near Pelourinho:
- (0.02 mi) Cafe Bar
- (0.03 mi) Donna Pimenta
- (0.03 mi) Restaurante do SENAC
- (0.06 mi) Pelo Bistro
- (0.10 mi) Pysco Restaurante-Bar
- Attractions near Pelourinho:
- (0.01 mi) Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People
- (0.01 mi) Bar Cruz do Pascual
- (0.01 mi) Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado
- (0.01 mi) Museu da Gastronomia Baiana
- (0.01 mi) Arena SESC - Pelourinho Theater
Pelourinho Information
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