Large flea market in city center. Has many levels, locals as while as tourists mix and mingle. Great place to get your shop on. July 2009
Large flea market in city center. Has many levels, locals as while as tourists mix and mingle. Great place to get your shop on. July 2009
Historical building and an important piece of tourist attractions of Salvador. Beautiful articrafts, local artesans and food can be purchased here.
Skip all the tourist shops in the city ---and head for the Mercado Modelo near the end of the day (so you don't have to carry purchases with you all day.) Anything you find at any small shops, you will find at the Mercado Modelo ---and probably for less. I suggest walking around (don't forget to check out the outdoor booths and the second story) to look at everything, noting the things you might like to buy and comparing prices. Then go back for your purchases. You can bargain a bit ---or point out that someone else is offering the same item for less. I'm not very good at bargaining, but often if I just say that something is expensive ("e´caro") the vendor will offer a lower price. Or if I want to buy more than one item, I say I will give $XX for everything ---always offer lower than you think they will accept because they will counter offer higher. You will find tons of T-shirts, bags, hats, clothing, jewelry, packaged food (such as cashew nuts) ---and just about any other touristy item you can think of. You can get there by bus or take the public elevator from the upper city wish will deposit you almost right in front of the market place. Make sure to go out the other end to view the bay, too.
Upstairs has a restaurant. Staff so nice and restaurant expensive. The toilet smelt like stale urine and dirty. I wouldnt go back again..........................................................................
There is a great selection of all kinds of souvenirs. like drums, masks, gemstone jewelry, interesting paintings, carvings, handbags, clothing and more. Leave yourself plenty of time to wander through the shops and to get the best price be prepared to haggle and comparison shop. We spent a delightful few hours.
Highly recommend a day or two visit minimum. Such and interesting colonial part of Salvador. Experienced some fantastic nightlife (a Samba dancer on stage was the highlight of the evening), interesting people watching etc
Was offered drugs and frequently harassed by prostitutes and even had somebody brazenly try to walk off with my backpack. Travel in groups and be wary at night.