Forte São Marcelo

If you walk to the back of the Mercado Modelo [1], you’ll find yourself in front of the Terminal Marítimo. This is where you can catch boats for the Ilha de Itaparica [2] as well as the recently renovated Forte São Marcelo (tel. 71/3321-5286, 9 a.m.–6 a.m. Tues.–Sun., R$10), a circular 17th-century pseudo-medieval fort guarding the entrance to the Bay of All Saints [3].

For R$10, you get whisked across the water to the fort where you can wander amidst digitally simulated galleons and cannons, view exhibits, or simply take advantage of the privileged surroundings in the company of a (somewhat pricy) cocktail.

Since January 2007, the fort is home to Buccaneros (tel. 71/9617-6933, Tues.–Sun., R$25–45), a nautically themed restaurant boasting contemporary dishes for lunch and dinner.