Salvador da Bahia Boutique Hotels and Afro-Brazilian Artisans: Pelourinho and Santo Antônio

Photo: Matti Blume / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0); destination context image.

Jet Set LatAM · Designer Stays

Salvador da Bahia is where Brazil began and where its Afro-Brazilian soul is loudest. The UNESCO-listed Pelourinho is a hillside of pastel colonial façades, Baroque churches lined in gold and drums echoing through cobbled squares, and next door, quieter Santo Antônio Além do Carmo looks out over the Bay of All Saints. Both are now home to boutique hotels in restored mansions and former convents. Here is where to stay — and what to bring home.

The Pelourinho: grand hotels and colonial jewels

Hotel Fasano Salvador brings the São Paulo group’s polished luxury to the historic center, with a pool, spa, restaurant and bar in a landmark building. Villa Bahia, in the heart of the Pelourinho, combines design inspired by Salvador’s history with a well-regarded restaurant. Hotel Casa do Amarelindo (Rua das Portas do Carmo 6) is a beautifully restored small hotel with bay views and a rooftop bar and small pool — a rarity in the Pelourinho and one of the city’s best sunset spots.

Santo Antônio Além do Carmo: quieter and romantic

Just beyond the Pelourinho, Pestana Convento do Carmo occupies a former convent at Rua do Carmo 1, with 67 rooms around cloisters. Aram Yamí (Rua Direita de Santo Antônio 132) is an intimate boutique with a pool and harbor views, a favorite with couples. Casa Petúnia and Pousada des Arts add smaller, characterful options on the same street.

Afro-Brazilian art, music and crafts

Salvador is the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture: capoeira, the drumming of Olodum, Candomblé traditions and Bahian cuisine like acarajé and moqueca. For crafts, browse the Mercado Modelo by the Lacerda Elevator for lace, berimbaus, wood carvings and colorful fitas do Bonfim ribbons, and the small galleries and studios of the Pelourinho for contemporary Bahian art. Buy directly from makers where you can.

Practical tips

• Day vs. night. The Pelourinho is lively by day and on Tuesday nights; take app taxis after dark.
• Beaches. Barra and Rio Vermelho are the beach and nightlife neighborhoods, 15–20 minutes away.
• Carnaval. Salvador’s street Carnival is one of Brazil’s biggest; book hotels months ahead.

What to pack

• Cashmere travel wrap — for cool evenings and long dinners
• Leather loafers — polished and cobblestone-proof
• Packing cubes — room for what you bring home
• Our full ShopMy travel collection ↗

Where to stay

The Pelourinho and Santo Antônio put you among the churches, galleries and sunset terraces; Barra and Rio Vermelho are better for beaches. The flight search and live accommodation map below help you plan the rest of the trip.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best boutique hotel in Salvador da Bahia?

Fasano Salvador for full-service luxury; Villa Bahia, Casa do Amarelindo and Aram Yamí for intimate boutique stays.

Is it better to stay in the Pelourinho or Barra?

The Pelourinho and Santo Antônio for history and culture; Barra and Rio Vermelho for beaches and nightlife.

What should I buy in Salvador?

Lace, wood carvings, berimbaus, fitas do Bonfim ribbons and contemporary Bahian art.

When is Carnival in Salvador?

In February or March, depending on the year.

Keep reading

• Shop the Edit: Rio
• Rio de Janeiro Boutique Shopping
• Trancoso Shopping Guide
• Boutique Hotels hub

Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy or book through them, Jet Set LatAM may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This is a researched editorial guide; details and prices change, so confirm directly before you go.