Source: Fotos GOVBA
Salvador, a city in Bahia state of Brazil, is well know for the Afro-Brazilian culture. The beautiful mixture of both cultures can be seen from every aspect of the city – the cuisine, the language, the building, the religion, and of course, the music & dances. Yes, the city comes alive with its beautiful music and dances. And better yet, it doesn’t really sleep at night. Enjoying the local music and the nightlife is one of the best ways to end the day at the city. Here’s some insight for you to enjoy the nightlife of Salvador at its best.
1. Watch the Bale Folclorico Show
Source: Turismo Bahia
Being the center of African culture in Brazil, a trip to Salvador won’t be complete without emerging yourself into the Afro-Brazilian culture. One of our absolute favorite way to do it is by watching the Bale Folclorico, a traditional dance which portrays the historical journey of Afro-Brazilian culture, starting from how the first African arrived in Brazil as a slave. There are several drummers and singers on stage which make the show more alive.
Information
- Name: Bale Folclorico da Bahia
- Address: Teatro Miguel Santana, Rua Gregório de Matos, 49 – Pelourinho Salvador – Bahia – Brazil
- Price: $R50 per person, children under 7 y.o is free of charged
- Opening hour: Show starts at 8pm everyday
- Website: www.balefolcloricodabahia.com.br/eng/index.html
2. Explore Pelourinho District
Pelourinho is a famous historical district in Salvador. Many adore it for its pastel-colored buildings, the beautiful churches, the interesting stores, and its famous narrow cobblestone streets. It also happens to be a popular spot at night as bars and restaurants begin to open to bring live music and performance for you to enjoy. Walk through the narrow streets, pick one of the bars and enjoy what it offers. It’s one of a great way to end the day in Salvador. Here are some bars & restaurants you might want to check out
Information
- Name: Bar Zulu
- Address: Rua das Laranjeiras, 16, Salvador, State of Bahia 40026-230, Brazil
- Opening hour: 12 pm – 1 am
Information
- Name: O Cravinho
- Address: Largo Terreiro de Jesus, 3 – Pelourinho, Salvador – BA, 40026-010, Brazil
- Opening hour: 11 am – 11.30 pm
3. Terça da Benção (Blessed Tuesday)
Tuesday in Salvador is known as the Blessed Tuesday. It started long ago when people give out bread and donation for charity every Tuesday. Now, it has evolved into something cultural, more like a nightlife performance with the drums of Oludum and also singers. Every Tuesday just after 6pm Mass, people gather on the street at Ladeiro do Carmo to join the crowd.
Information
- Name: Terça da Benção (Blessed Tuesday)
- Address: Ladeiro do Carmo
- Opening hour: every Tuesday, starting from 7 pm until drop
4. Catch Sunset at Farol da Barra Beach
Source: Clarissa Pacheco
If you’re not really into party or bars, head to Farol da Barra to catch the sunset. Because nightlife doesn’t necessarily need to be spent at the bars, right? Farol da Barra beach offers a spectacular view of the golden sunset while overlooking the Barra Light House. If you happen to be here on New Year’s Eve and Day, you’ll be surrounded by various interesting shows and concerts, and even fireworks!
Information
- Name: Farol da Barra Beach
- Address: Avenida Oceania | Barra, Salvador, State of Bahia, Brazil
- Price: Free
- Opening hour: Go here before 5 pm to catch the golden sunset
5. Watch Candomblé
Source: Zak Moreira
Candomblé is a common religious spiritual ceremonies here, taking place at some part of the city. Man and women participated in the ritual will all dressed in white. Most places will let you join the ceremonies, but you must dress properly. Remember, it’s a religious ceremony, not a party. One of the oldest house of Candomblé in Salvador is in Ilê Axé Yá Nassô or as people call it Casa Branca (White House).
Information
- Name: Casa Branca (White House), or Ilê Axé Yá Nassô
- Address: Av. Vasco da Gama, 463 – Vasco da Gama
- Opening hour: Ceremony starts at 8 pm on Sunday night
6. Nightlife at Rio Vermelho
If the night is still young, head to Rio Vermelho. It’s one of the busiest parts of the city during the night, with bars and restaurants lining up around the bohemian beach styled neighbourhood. Most bars and restaurants here offer you outdoor seatings so you can find yourself enjoying the night breeze here. Don’t forget to try the local dishes called acarajés at Largo de Santana, there are a few vendors selling the best acarajés there. Here are some of the best spot to enjoy the night at Rio Vermelho.
Information
- Name: San Sebastian
- Address: R. da Paciência, 277, Salvador.
- Price : R$35 for admission fee
- Opening hour: 12 pm – 5 am, Friday – Sunday
Information
- Name: Largo de Santana
- Address: Lg. Santana, Salvador, BA
Information
- Name: Commons Studio Bar
- Address: Rua Doutor Odilon Santos, 224, Rio Vermelho, Salvador, BA
- Opening hour: 10 pm – 5 am, Thursday – Saturday.
7. Romantic Dinner at Restaurante Amado
If you’re traveling with someone special, why not spend a night at Restaurante Amado and enjoy the romantic dinner? This restaurant is pretty famous with its shrimp and octopus dishes that no one has ever complain about. Ask for a table overlooking the sea for an unforgettable night.
Information
- Name: Restaurante Amado
- Address: Av. Lafayete Coutinho 660, Comercio, Salvador, State of Bahia 40015-160, Brazil
- Opening hour: 12 pm – 12 am Monday – Saturday, 12 pm – 5 am on Sunday
- Website: http://www.amadobahia.com.br
Salvador might be a laid back city to explore during day time, but at night, it becomes so alive with the traditional music and dances that the locals preserve. There is beauty in every aspect of the city. Come and feel it yourself!
Have a good trip and travel!
