Salvador Shopping and Districts

(Salvador, Bahia, Brazil)



A great city for some serious souvenir shopping, Salvador is filled with shops, malls and markets. The historical Pelourinho area forms the principal shopping district in Salvador and the streets here are lined with shops (lojas) selling everything from hand-painted T-shirts and lacework, to beautifully made Brazilian handicrafts, clothing, jewellery and 'cravinho cachaca' (traditional white spirit produced with sugarcane).

Alternatively, use the Elevador Lacerdo to head on down to the Mercado Modelo market on the Praca Cayrú, which dates back to 1861 and is full of genuine bargains. Those shopping at Salvador's Mercado Modelo can expect to find a selection of beachwear and colourful Brazilian beach wraps / sarongs (cangas), together with the bow-shaped musical instrument known as the 'berimbau' and innumerable carvings.


Where to Shop

Close to the Elevador Lacerdo is the Rua do Corpo Santo, which is where you will encounter a series of sports shops, selling some very inexpensive sporting strips and Brazilian football-related goodies. If you prefer modern American-style malls, then the biggest and best in Salvador include the following selection, with most opening Monday to Saturday between 09:00 and 22:00, and again on Sundays from 14:00 until 20:00.

Condominio do Shopping Center Piedade - situated on the Rua Cons Junqueira Ayres, with around 120 stores and good general facilities.

Condomonio Shopping Center Iguatemi Bahia Geral - based in Salvador city centre, on the Avenida Tancredo Neves and boasting more than 500 shops, 50 restaurants, a children's play area and a multiplex cinema.

Salvador Shopping - opened in 2007 and located on the Avenida Tancredo Neves, with more than 450 stores, eight cinema screens and plenty of eateries.

Shopping Barra - on the Avenida Centenario, next to the Rua Miguel Burnier and packed with just over 250 shops.

Shopping Center Lapa - enjoying a prime located on the Rua Portao da Piedade and opened in 1980, with roughly 190 stores, an extensive food court and a large branch of the Bompreco supermarket (supermercado).

Shopping Itaigara - dominating the Avenida Antonio Carlos Magalhaes, close to the Parque da Cidade Joventino Sil, with some 200 stores spread over three floors, and visited by around 20,000 people each day.

Shopping Paralela - standing on the northern side of Salvador, on the Avenida Luiz Viana and close to the airport and Lauro de Freitas, home to approximately 350 stores and four prominent anchor stores.