the Praça and the elevator
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Praça Cayru

4.6
·491k reviews·, Brazil

Iconic Salvador square connecting upper and lower cities, offering stunning bay views and a vibrant market.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for views & market exploration

CrowdMedium
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the Praça and the elevator

Praça Cayru

Best Time

Daytime

Best for views & market exploration

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Salvador square connecting upper and lower cities, offering stunning bay views and a vibrant market.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The views from Elevador Lacerda are breathtaking, and Mercado Modelo is a treasure trove of local crafts!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📱 Phone Safety is Key

Be extra cautious with your phone. Avoid displaying it openly, especially when taking photos.

🛍️ Souvenir Hunting

Mercado Modelo offers a wide array of local crafts. Haggle respectfully for the best prices.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elevador Lacerda Views

Elevador Lacerda Views

Adjacent to Praça Cayru

Panoramic views of the Bay of All Saints and the historic Lower City. A must-see Salvador vista!

Mercado Modelo Buzz

Mercado Modelo Buzz

Below Elevador Lacerda

A bustling market filled with local crafts, souvenirs, and food. Perfect for finding unique treasures.

Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Surrounding Praça Cayru

Admire the colonial-era buildings that frame this iconic Salvador square. A glimpse into the past.

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Planning Your Visit

Safety First: Keep Valuables Secure

Be mindful of your belongings, especially your phone. Many travelers advise keeping valuables out of sight and being cautious when taking photos in public areas to avoid unwanted attention. Reddit

Embrace the Local Vibe

Praça Cayru is a vibrant hub. Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, but stay aware of your surroundings. It's a great spot to experience Salvador's energy. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for views & market exploration
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

De visita

📱 Phone Safety is Key

Be extra cautious with your phone. Avoid displaying it openly, especially when taking photos. Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Hunting

Mercado Modelo offers a wide array of local crafts. Haggle respectfully for the best prices. Reddit

reddit.com

To indo pra Salvador daqui a pouco - dicas

reddit.com

Dicas de lugares pra ir e cuidados quem nunca foi em salvador

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

The best way to soak in the atmosphere is by walking around the plaza and nearby areas. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The views from Elevador Lacerda are stunning. Go during the day for clear visibility. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📱 Phone Safety is Key

Be extra cautious with your phone. Avoid displaying it openly, especially when taking photos. Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Hunting

Mercado Modelo offers a wide array of local crafts. Haggle respectfully for the best prices. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

The best way to soak in the atmosphere is by walking around the plaza and nearby areas. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The views from Elevador Lacerda are stunning. Go during the day for clear visibility. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Praça Cayru is a central Salvador landmark offering iconic views and a bustling market experience. Visitors appreciate the panoramic vistas from Elevador Lacerda and the variety of local crafts at Mercado Modelo. However, some caution is advised regarding personal safety and being aware of surroundings due to its popularity.

What People Like

Iconic city views
Vibrant market atmosphere
Historic architecture

What People Dislike

Crowded at times
Need for vigilance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Praça Cayru is easily accessible by taxi, ride-sharing services, or public buses that frequent the city center. It's a central landmark, so most drivers will know it. Reddit

While a popular tourist spot, it's advised to be vigilant. Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially when using your phone. Reddit

Depending on your starting point, you might be able to walk from nearby areas like the Pelourinho, but it's a bit of a descent. Consider the Elevador Lacerda for easy access between the upper and lower cities. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Praça Cayru itself is a public square and does not have an entrance fee. Access to the Elevador Lacerda has a small fee, and Mercado Modelo is free to enter. Reddit

As a public square, Praça Cayru is accessible at all times. However, the Mercado Modelo and Elevador Lacerda have specific operating hours, typically from morning to early evening. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Praça Cayru offers stunning views from the Elevador Lacerda, a vibrant atmosphere, and access to the bustling Mercado Modelo for shopping and local food. Reddit

The top of the Elevador Lacerda provides incredible panoramic shots of the bay. The square itself offers great architectural backdrops. Be mindful of your phone when taking pictures. Reddit

Yes, families can enjoy the views from the Elevador Lacerda and the lively atmosphere of Mercado Modelo. Keep a close eye on children due to crowds. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Mercado Modelo has several restaurants offering Bahian cuisine. You can also find eateries in the surrounding streets of the Lower City. Reddit

Mercado Modelo features a variety of local dishes, including moqueca, acarajé, and other traditional Bahian specialties. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Praça Cayru offers a good mix of sights for families. The Elevador Lacerda provides an exciting ride and stunning views that kids often enjoy. The Mercado Modelo can be a fun place to explore, with colorful crafts and the chance to try local snacks. However, it can get crowded, so keeping a close eye on children and their belongings is essential. Reddit

Consider visiting during less peak hours to avoid overwhelming crowds. The open space of the plaza allows for some freedom, but always be mindful of traffic and your surroundings. It's a great spot for a brief cultural immersion before heading to other family-friendly attractions in Salvador.

💰 Budget Travelers

Praça Cayru is an excellent destination for budget travelers. The Praça itself is free to access, and the Elevador Lacerda has a very nominal fee for a spectacular view. Browsing the Mercado Modelo is free, and while purchasing souvenirs can add up, there are many affordable options if you look carefully and haggle. Reddit

For dining, look for smaller eateries in the surrounding streets of the Lower City rather than the more tourist-oriented restaurants within Mercado Modelo for more budget-friendly meals. This area provides a rich cultural experience without a significant financial outlay.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Elevador Lacerda

The Elevador Lacerda is more than just transportation; it's an iconic Salvador landmark connecting the Upper City (Cidade Alta) to the Lower City (Cidade Baixa). For a small fee, you can ride this historic elevator and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay of All Saints and the bustling port. It's a fantastic spot for photos, especially during the day when visibility is clear. Many visitors find the ride itself to be a unique experience, offering a quick and scenic way to transition between different parts of the city. Reddit

When you ascend or descend, take a moment to appreciate the colonial architecture that surrounds Praça Cayru. The juxtaposition of the historic buildings with the vibrant activity of the square creates a compelling visual narrative of Salvador's past and present. Remember to keep your phone secure while you're capturing these moments, as advised by locals and frequent visitors. Reddit

Exploring Mercado Modelo

Located directly below the Elevador Lacerda, the Mercado Modelo is a vibrant hub for Bahian handicrafts and souvenirs. This historic building, once a customs house, is now filled with stalls selling everything from intricate wood carvings and colorful textiles to local spices and cachaça. It's the perfect place to find unique gifts and immerse yourself in local artistry. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, and don't hesitate to haggle respectfully for the best prices. Reddit

Beyond shopping, Mercado Modelo also houses several restaurants and food stalls where you can sample authentic Bahian cuisine. Try a traditional moqueca or a acarajé to get a true taste of the region. The energy of the market, combined with the opportunity to interact with local artisans, makes it a memorable experience for any visitor. Reddit

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