A coastal jewel, Salvador is the oldest city in Brazil and its first capital. The seaport is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and All Saints (Todos os Santos) Bay, one of the widest bays in the world. Fine restaurants, museums, theatres, churches, beaches and public parks are in abundance.

Today, Salvador is considered a renowned center of Afro-American culture and spirituality, and the city's Carnival is arguably now Brazil's biggest. A favorite diversion is a visit to the old city, known as "Pelourinho, the city within a city." Major museums are located there as well as shops with clothing, artwork, and jewelry.

There's also a large indoor market on the seafront featuring a wide variety of affordable merchandise.