A Bohemian Guide To Rio Vermelho Salvador

Salvador is a hub of activity and well known for having outrageously exciting parties, particularly during Carnaval. But don’t overlook Salvador’s favorite bohemian neighborhood of Rio Vermelho. It’s the perfect place to spend a day seeing another side of the city. Here are our top spots to check out in this trendy neighborhood.

1. Morning

Market

Dive right into the boho vibe by heading to LáLá, a cultural multi-space that is part market, art gallery and music venue. The space is well known as a hub for art and cultural within Salvador, and here you can discover some of the city’s local and regional artists. Also check out their goods for sale, from natural and vegan soaps and beauty products to artisan crafts. Consider checking back in later in the evening to catch a show.
LáLá, Rua da Paciência, 329, Rio Vermelho, Salvador

LáLá / © Blog do Rio Vermelho

2. Afternoon

Head down to the shore to check out Largo de Santana, where some of the best acarajé in all of Bahia can be found. Acarajé is a staple of the cuisine in Bahia and is a relatively simple dish. It’s a mix of black eyed peas, shrimp, onion, salt and pepper all mixed together, then fried in palm oil. Largo de Santana has some of the most famous acarajé around, so be sure to get your fill here, and don’t forget the ice cold beer to accompany this treat. If acarajé doesn’t sound appetizing, then try another local food option like tapioca, which comes in sweet and savory versions. For a heavier meal, check out the seafood stew moqueca, which is another well known dish of Bahia.
Largo de Santana, Rio Vermelho, Salvador

Largo de Santana / © Rita Barreto

Evening

Enjoy a pre-dinner toast at Blue Praia Bar, where caipirinhas with fresh fruit or a simple chilled coconut water awaits. This beach front bar is perfect for relaxing and taking in the view, before a night of partying. After drinks, it’s off to dinner. Dining options abound in Rio Vermelho, but for some true Bahia food, head to Dona Mariquita, located down a small street not far from Larqo Marquita. The cozy, charming place has a wide selection of food and is well known for its seafood plates.
Blue Praia Bar, R. Barro Vermelho, 310 – Rio Vermelho, Salvador
Dona Mariquita, R. do Meio, 178 – Rio Vermelho, Salvador

3. Night

Bar

Rio Vermelho has a ton of nightlife options, from dance clubs to English-style pubs. One of the area’s top clubs, San Sebastian, has a host of music genres to enjoy including electronica, samba, axé, electropop, funk and Brazilian popular music. With one of the best quality sound systems around and three floors of gorgeous architecture, there’s no reason not to check out San Sebastian while in Salvador. If you’re looking for something a little more down to earth, it doesn’t get much better than Borracharia, which is a tire shop during the day and a pulsing club at night! This simple, even rustic space, isn’t made for comfort, but the exotic appeal of partying here at night has brought Borracharia a great following. Check it out on Friday nights to experience the party in full swing, and enjoy various music styles from blues and funk to reggae and samba rock.
San Sebastian, R. da Paciência, 88 – Rio Vermelho, Salvador
Borracharia, Rua Conselheiro Pedro Luiz, 101 A, Rio Vermelho, Salvador

Borracharia Bar / © Marcelo Bogobil

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.