Pelourinho and Santo Antônio

Constantly abuzz, the Pelourinho is where all the action is. As a consequence, it’s always humming (or drumming) with activity and rather noisy. In terms of location, however, it’s ideal—with lots of transportation options to the Cidade Baixa [1], Barra [2], and the other beaches.

Off the beaten path—and only reachable by taxi or on foot (factor in a steep climb up the Ladeira do Carmo)—are the many pousadas in Santo Antônio, a much more tranquil, residential neighborhood where many foreigners have purchased and stylishly converted 17th- and 18th-century mansions into intimate lodgings.