At the end of the year, The New York Times made a list of 52 places worth to explore in 2019. Salvador, the former capital of Brazil, appears in the 14th position. “After completing a five-year historical preservation initiative to save its UNESCO designation, Salvador, with its sherbet-colored colonial facades, cobblestone streets and beaches, is gleaming. Rising along the coast of northeastern Bahia, the city’s downtown historic district thrums with vibrant Afro-Brazilian 
culture, ranging from free weekly performances by samba and drum corps to classical music and capoeira. Visitors can also find Salvador’s history exhibited in the new House of Carnival and, opening in 2020, the Museum of Music or catch a live concert at the Convention Center of Salvador, opening this year. The Fera Palace Hotel, a refurbished art deco gem, and the freshly minted Fasano Salvador, housed in a former 1930s
newspaper building, both overlook All Saints Bay. Salvador’s newly constructed metro line conveniently connects the city center and the expanding international airport, where Latam’s weekly direct flight from Miami lands” – Nora Walsh
More about Salvador
Salvador is the capital of Bahia State, a place well known for its natural beauties, for the kindness of its people and for the 
strong influence of the African culture.
The moves of capoeira – a martial art that looks like a dance – the smells and flavors of the delicacies, the religious mix and the cultural diversity are samples of the happiness of a people that knows, maybe for it is surrounded by natural beauties, the true meaning of life. The city is also the location of one of the country’s most vibrant and disputed carnival parties.
Brazil’s first capital preserves an important historical city center, listed as Unesco’s Cultural Heritage Site: the Pelourinho, which gives the visitor the opportunity to visit Brazilian Baroque Churches and century-old manors.
There are more than 300 churches in Salvador. One of them is São Francisco Church, recognized by its grandiosity. 
Another important attraction is Senhor do Bonfim Church, one of the biggest symbols of the religious mix in Bahia.
In Salvador, Catholicism lives along with the African religions, bringing together Iemanja and Our Lady of the Conception, Iansã and Saint Barbara, Our Lord of the Bonfim and Oxala. The African culture is also present in music and dance, like in capoeira.
In the culinary, African ingredients are predominant, like the dende oil, coconut milk, ginger and pepper. Acaraje, caruru and vatapa are internationally renowned typical dishes, 
which can be eaten right on the baianas’ trays.
The main soccer matches take place at Fonte Nova Arena. Firstly built in 1951, it was rebuilt in 2013, with capacity for 50 thousand people, now it hosts concerts and events.
Salvador is a great entrance for those intending to go to Costa dos Coqueiros, Costa do Dende and Chapada Diamantina. In Bahia, there are places where nature is beautifully preserved; the State also has several resorts and lodges, with a nice structure for receiving tourists.
Source: Embratur