What part of Salvador is safer? Pelourinho or Barra?

Question

I'm trying to book a hostel in Salvador and I'm wondering what area is safest

Answer 1

We were just in Salvador a month ago.  we stood in Barra.  It was pretty cool.  There was resturants within walking distance.  There were days we came home late, and we didn't have any problems.

Answer 2

I have lived in both neighborhoods and have found them to be about the same as far as safety is concerned.

At night on the beaches or around the fort in Barra is a little dicey.

There is a very defined no-go area in Pelourinho also. As you are standing in front looking at the Igreja Sao Francisco do not take a right down that street because it quickly degenerates into a crack area.

Also when in Praça da Se do not go more than one block inland from there.

This can be seen here on this map with the points of interest marked:

http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=-12973650&x=...

Pelourinho has a busy night life and has many police patroling the area. And all of the beggars there are harmless.

If staying in Pelourinho:

http://www.amesonpousada.com/

or in Barra:

http://www.barraguesthouse.com/

Tell them gringojack sent you.

Answer 3

Barra is generally more safe but even there you have to be careful.. I have had trouble more than once in that area, and I don't go to Bahía that often

The good thing about Pelourinho is the vibrancy of the bairro.. although it does have the reputation to be more sketchy

If i can recommend a hostel, there is one called ''Âmbar'' and its quite close to the Farol da Barra, a tourist site.

the site: http://www.ambarpousada.com.br

they speak English and French there, and very helpful with tips about how best to enjoy Salvador

Answer 4

Barra, don't mistake! Pelourinho is good to visit only.