South America
Brazil
State of Bahia (BA)
Salvador
Things to Do in Salvador
Pelourinho
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Pelourinho

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See all things to do
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.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,252 within 3 miles
Cuco Bistro
1,889
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Brazilian • Seafood • Contemporary
Pelo Bistro
314
300 ft$$ - $$$ • French • Brazilian • Contemporary
Pysco Restaurante-Bar
868
513 ft$$ - $$$ • Brazilian • Mediterranean • Vegetarian Friendly
Restaurante do SENAC
1,481
151 ft$$ - $$$ • Brazilian • Seafood
O Coliseu
541
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Brazilian • Seafood
Restaurante Odoyá
954
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Brazilian • Seafood • International
Cafelier
720
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Contemporary • Vegetarian Friendly
A Cubana Sorvetes - Desde 1930.
272
0.1 mi$ • Dessert
Maria Mata Mouro
733
0.2 mi$$$$ • Contemporary • Vegetarian Friendly
Bar Zulu
298
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
221 within 6 miles
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People
1,225
37 ftArchitectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado
1,681
54 ftSpeciality Museums
Arena SESC - Pelourinho Theater
29
75 ftTheaters
Museu da Gastronomia Baiana
79
75 ftSpeciality Museums
Cidade museum
25
100 ftSpeciality Museums
Nigeria House
11
111 ftSpeciality Museums
Bolso do Pelourinho Theater
4
151 ftTheaters
Cathedral Basilica of Salvador
572
0.1 miChurches & Cathedrals
Museu Eugênio Teixeira Leal / Memorial do Banco Econômico
20
462 ftHistoric Sites • Educational sites
Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco
365
0.2 miChurches & Cathedrals
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions
4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles17,466 reviews
Excellent
7,869
Very good
6,043
Average
2,532
Poor
635
Terrible
387
RandyRoss
Ridgetown, Canada11,776 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great Place but Better if Open
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.
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.
Juliagoolia0491
5 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Beautiful history to see. Terrible in every other aspect.
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.
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.
travelbug001_11
Los Angeles, CA53 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Best neighborhood to visit and stay
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.
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.
cintian c
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Go to south
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
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.
Texas_artB
Houston, TX151 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Pelourinho is the Heart, Soul and Rhythm of Brazil
Aug 2023 • Solo
Pelourinho means quite literally “wooden pilar” and here is where slaves from Africa were brought in chains to be whipped in the public square. From such an awful beginning in 1500 arose what Anthony Bourdain called, “the heart, soul and rhythm” of Brazil. This Colonial City is well preserved. As you walk within the walls and buildings of Pelourinho on the cobbled stone roads you will hear spontaneous performances of the Drum Troupes called Olodum. The traditional drum corp of Carnaval. Come and see what inspired Michael Jackson and Paul Simon to film videos here. Enjoy Acarajé and Coconut Milk. Drink a Caipirinha in one of many bars in the neighborhood or have a cup of the brilliant Brazilian coffee at one of many cafe’s in the quarter. Pelourinho is alive and well!
Written August 22, 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.
hbhakh
Roanoke, VA2,318 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nice place to walk
Feb 2024 • Couples
We walked through Pelourinho while visiting on a cruise ship. It's an interesting area with quite a few shops and restaurants......and a few nice views. There was some street music, which may have been related to Carnaval. We felt relatively safe in the area.
Written February 19, 2024
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.
Narda C
Ilha do Mel, PR1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Salvador is disappointing
Sep 2023 • Family
Salvador was only a BIG disappointment. Homeless people asking you for money everywhere, it feels extremely unsafe, and very dirty. Honestly, it sucks, you can’t really enjoy anything because it feels like you will get robbed at any minute
Written September 3, 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.
charles s
Atlanta, GA87 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
The heart of Salvador
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.
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.
travelbug
Pensacola, FL969 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Lively and colorful streets
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.
braulio_oliveira99
Porto, Portugal15 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Stay on the center
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.
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Pelourinho - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Pelourinho
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