<p>Anyone been? We’re going for 12 days in June to see some World Cup games. Would love sightseeing and restaurant suggestions - and any other travel tips you’d care to share.</p>
<p>For sightseeing, check out the Cidade Alta/Cidade Baixa and ride on the Elevador Lacerda. Make sure you go to Mercado Modelo (it’s in the Cidade Baixa). Also visit the Modern Art Museum (MAM - Museum de Arte Moderna) and watch a sunset there if you have the chance – it’s the most beautiful you’ll ever see in your life. Definitely check out the Praia da Barra beach (but not on weekends, super crowded), and the Praia do Buracão in Rio Vermelho. Barra is the most tourist-y neighborhood, and Rio Vermelho is the best for nightlife for all ages – fun clubs, bars, pubs, and restaurants all around.
In terms of restaurants – the best one in town is Soho at the Bahia Marina, it’s gorgeous, on the sea, glass floors (you can see the entire ocean), and the best sushi ever. It’s on the pricier side, though. Not too bad if you’re thinking in dollars, though (should be around $50 per person). On the cheaper side but just as delicious is Sushi Deli, in the Fonte do Boi street in Rio Vermelho. The best churrascaria in town is Boi Preto (don’t let people fool you into going to Fogo de Chão – it’s a chain restaurant, so less quality meat and less authentic). Ask your hotel where is the best bar for feijoada close by, it’s the best dish. let me know if you have any other questions!</p>
<p>Thanks so much for this. Can you tell me if there are any specialty hand made crafts in Salvador, and where to find them? I’m not interested in “shopping,” except for local crafts. We’re staying in Barra, so we’ll be in the more touristy area. I appreciate the restaurant advice. If you can think of any in Barra that are good (we can ask at the hotel,) I’d love to know. </p>
<p>Don’t forget to make copies of passports, credit cards, etc. Email the docs. to yourself and family at home. Do not use outdoor ATM’s there has been an increase in robberies. The State Dept. advises use of indoor ATM’s. There is a rash of chain and pocketbook snatching by youths on bicycles. There have also been mass robberies on the beaches by groups. Use extra caution and you should have a wonderful time.</p>
<p>Thanks ECmo2. We’re going to be cautious, but not insane about things. I won’t even have a purse…thank goodness for zippered pockets!</p>
<p>Have fun!!</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Make sure to eat the street food! Acarajé (sold by Baianas, basically a black eyed pea cake fried in dende oil and filled with a dried shrimp stew and salad), empadinhas (little savory pies), tapioca (kind of a pancake with fillings of your choosing), pao de queijo (cheese bread), brigadeiro (chocolate balls), coxinhas (fried and filled with chicken and catupiry cheese), and aipim/mandioca frita (fried yucca sticks, you’ll never want french fries again).</p>
<p>Also make sure to have moqueca - fish stew made with dende oil.</p>
<p>I would steer clear of the fried cheese on the beach, however</p>
<p>Oh and one more thing: Brazilian pizza is weirdly delicious, especially tuna pizza</p>