Barra

Barra has the best safety and infrastructure in Salvador - beaches, consistent police patrols, and tourist services. It costs more than local neighborhoods, but if you're new to Brazil or want to minimize risk, this is where to stay.

Barra is the beach neighborhood with the black-and-white striped lighthouse where the Atlantic meets the Bay of All Saints. It's the safest area in Salvador - you can walk around at night on the lit-up oceanfront promenade (Avenida Oceânica), and police patrol regularly. The main beaches are Porto da Barra and Praia do Farol da Barra, which get busy with locals and tourists through the evening. Drum circles and capoeira performances happen on the beach, and vendors sell acarajé. You'll see plenty of people eating alone at the beachfront places - it's not unusual here. Staff speak more English than other parts of Salvador since this is where tourists and wealthier Brazilians hang out. You pay more for everything in Barra than you would in local neighborhoods. The area gets extra security during Carnival and keeps a higher police presence year-round.