The Rio Vermelho neighbourhood is home to the best of Salvador’s hustle and bustle. The neighbourhood is home to many bars, restaurants and nightclubs. It’s the best place to try the city’s acarajés.
In Largo de Santana, Dinha, Regina and Cyra demarcated their territories, bringing together tourists, bohemians and artists.
As well as tasting the delicacy based on refried beans, vatapá and dried shrimp, you can enjoy the neighbourhood that has become Salvador’s nightlife hotspot, with lively bars and trendy restaurants.
The programme can start at dusk, to enjoy the twilight, and end at dawn, as there are so many options in the neighbourhood.
The inspiration for Jorge Amado’s novels, Rio Vermelho is one of Salvador’s trendiest neighbourhoods and offers visitors unmissable attractions.
With a rich cultural scene and beautiful landscapes, Salvador is a city for everyone.
In every corner of the capital of Salvador, you can experience a bit of Brazilian history in a colourful mix of music, history, typical cuisine and a lot of joy!
Make the most of your trip to Salvador and explore one of the hottest neighbourhoods in the Bahian capital, Rio Vermelho.
Bairro do Rio Vermelho em Salvador10:26
Praia do Buracão em Salvador
Bairro Rio Vermelho em Salvador04:55
Tourist attractions in the Rio Vermelho neighbourhood
- Buracão Beach
- Ceasinha – Mercado do Rio Vermelho
- Vila Caramuru (Old Fish Market)
- Alto do Saldanha and Mirante do Rio Vermelho
- Santana Church
- House of Iemanjá
- Red House Museum – Jorge Amado House Foundation
- An offering to the Queen of the Seas
1. Buracão Beach
Praia do Buracão is a real treasure hidden among the buildings and houses of the Rio Vermelho neighbourhood and is a great choice for those who prefer a more secluded option.
When the tide is low, numerous natural pools form, perfect for a refreshing dip. Spread out a canga on the sand and enjoy a relaxing day in the sun.
At lunchtime, take the opportunity to visit the Blue Praia Bar, a restaurant that combines Bahian flavours with the beauty of Praia do Buracão, with a breathtaking view!
2. Ceasinha – Rio Vermelho Market
With its own vocation for popular commerce, the Rio Vermelho Market – affectionately known as Ceasinha – offers a variety of products and services, from fresh fish and flowers to beautiful handicrafts.
Prices there are much better than those found in other tourist spots in Salvador.
Depending on the day, there are also exhibitions and fun activities taking place in the common areas of the market, entertaining adults and children alike.
Another highlight of Ceasinha is the Gourmet Plaza, with independent access and different opening hours.
There visitors can enjoy a gastronomy that visits regional and international flavours, full of bars and restaurants that bring families and friends together at happy hour.
If you like live music, don’t miss out on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays, when the traditional Seresta do Edinho sets the mood!
3. Vila Caramuru (Old Fish Market)
This revitalised gastronomic and cultural complex is located on the seafront and offers a variety of restaurants serving Bahian and international cuisine.
Vila Caramuru is a great place to enjoy a meal overlooking the sea and enjoy cultural events and live music.
4. Alto do Saldanha and Mirante do Rio Vermelho
For breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and the neighbourhood, a visit to Alto do Saldanha or Mirante do Rio Vermelho is a must.
These points offer an excellent opportunity for photographs and to enjoy the sunset over the Atlantic.
5. Santana Church
Located next to Largo de Santana, this 18th century church is an important historical and religious landmark in the neighbourhood. The Church of Santana is a beautiful example of Bahian colonial architecture and continues to be an active place of worship, as well as being a significant part of the neighbourhood’s religious celebrations.
6. Casa de Iemanjá
Located on the edge of Rio Vermelho beach, the Casa de Iemanjá is a small temple dedicated to Iemanjá, the Queen of the Sea, one of the most revered deities in Candomblé and Afro-Brazilian religions.
It is a place of devotion, where devotees leave offerings and make prayers.
The Iemanjá festival, celebrated on 2 February, is one of the most important events in Salvador, attracting thousands of people to pay homage to the orisha.
7. A dive into the history of Jorge Amado
‘If you’re peaceful, you can come in”: this is how visitors are welcomed at the Museum of the Red House.
The former residence of the Bahian writer Jorge Amado and his wife Zélia Gatai, the place is a historic retreat that unveils the history and culture of the Bahian people in a joyful and poetic atmosphere. Wander around the museum’s gardens and feel like you’re the protagonist of a Jorge Amado novel.
Admission is free on Wednesdays. As the street is narrow and parking on site is a bit difficult, take the opportunity to stay at the Mercure Salvador Rio Vermelho and walk to the museum, it’s just a 15-minute walk.
A true refuge in Salvador, the Casa Vermelha Museum is a cultural walk not to be missed!
8. An offering to the Queen of the Seas
On the edge of Rio Vermelho Beach, the Casa de Iemanjá is a place that oozes energy and offers a marvellous view of Salvador’s sea.
In a small, simple space, the house houses various images and offerings left for the orisha. It’s a place to give thanks, make requests and learn a little about the history of Bahian culture.
If you’re in town in February, on the 2nd the Iemanjá Festival takes place: a ritual in which fishermen take the gifts left in the house out to sea, asking for plenty of fish and a calm sea.
After the festival, a traditional feijoada is served in the region’s bars and concert halls.
Tourist Guide to Salvador de Bahia
