Cidade Alta

Salvador's Cidade Alta (High City) lives up to its name, being in the elevated part of town, with - depending where you're standing - sweeping views over the bay. Many of the city's main landmarks are located here, including the famous Elevador Lacerda, the Praça Municipal, the Terreiro de Jesus and the charming colonial Pelourinho district. Nowhere else will you experience Salvador's unique vibrancy and alegria to such an inspiring degree.

The Praça Municipal was the political seat of colonial Brazil for more than 200 years. Now it's a fantastic place to have an icecream and enjoy a panoramic view of the bay. The stunning Palácio Rio Branco is here too, as well as the beautifully restored Art Deco Elevador Lacerda, four elevators that travel a set of 72m (236ft) vertical shafts in about 20 seconds, shuttling more than 50,000 passengers daily between Cidades Alta and Baixa.

Pelourinho is unmissable, a restored, Unesco-declared World Heritage site, with narrow cobblestoned streets, brightly painted buildings with music wafting from every window, and street performers everywhere. But the Pelô is not just for tourists - cultural centers and music, dance and capoeira schools pack these tall and slender 17th- and 18th century buildings. Wandering vendors, arts and crafts galleries, and a strong sense of history add to the vibe.