Elevador Lacerda - 上海当代艺术博物馆(Power Station of Art)
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Elevador Lacerda

4.5
·55k reviews·, Brazil

Ride Salvador's iconic art deco elevator, connecting historic upper and lower cities with stunning bay views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Clearer views & safer feel

CrowdMedium
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Elevador Lacerda - 上海当代艺术博物馆(Power Station of Art)

Elevador Lacerda

Best Time

Daytime

Clearer views & safer feel

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride Salvador's iconic art deco elevator, connecting historic upper and lower cities with stunning bay views.

4.5
(55k reviews)

"Great views friendly staff a must to go to in Salvador"

Vertical photo
TIP

Be Aware of Surroundings

Some visitors mention feeling unsafe in the lower city area. Stay alert and keep valuables secure. :shield:

Enjoy the Quick Ride

It's a fast, functional elevator, not a long attraction. Enjoy the short, scenic trip! :rocket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Bay Views

Panoramic Bay Views

Top of the elevator

Breathtaking vistas of the Bay of All Saints and Salvador's historic skyline. A photographer's dream!

Historic Art Deco Structure

Historic Art Deco Structure

The elevator itself

Ride a piece of history! This iconic 1873 elevator is an engineering marvel and a Salvador landmark.

Connecting Upper and Lower Cities

Connecting Upper and Lower Cities

The elevator ride

Experience the practical charm of this functional elevator, a vital link between Salvador's historic districts.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Salvador's Heights

Elevador Lacerda connects Salvador's historic upper city with the bustling lower city. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in the lower areas, as some travelers report feeling unsafe. Consider visiting during daylight hours for better visibility and a more comfortable experience.

Quick & Scenic Transit

This historic elevator is a functional transport link, not just a tourist gimmick. It's a quick and efficient way to move between the two levels of Salvador, offering a unique perspective of the bay. Expect a short ride and minimal wait times, making it a convenient stop.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Clearer views & safer feel
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, quicker ride
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Histórias de turismo desagradável em Salvador. Você tem alguma?

Be Aware of Surroundings

Some visitors mention feeling unsafe in the lower city area. Stay alert and keep valuables secure. :shield:

Enjoy the Quick Ride

It's a fast, functional elevator, not a long attraction. Enjoy the short, scenic trip! :rocket:

reddit.com

Dicas de passeios

reddit.com

World's oldest public elevator: Elevador Lacerda, built 1871, still going strong. Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Souvenir Shopping Nearby

Prices for souvenirs in the upper city can be cheaper than Mercado Modelo. :moneybag:

Delicious Ice Cream Stop

Don't miss the small shop next to the elevator for delicious and affordable ice cream! :ice_cream:

Tips

from all over the internet

Be Aware of Surroundings

Some visitors mention feeling unsafe in the lower city area. Stay alert and keep valuables secure. :shield:

Enjoy the Quick Ride

It's a fast, functional elevator, not a long attraction. Enjoy the short, scenic trip! :rocket:

Souvenir Shopping Nearby

Prices for souvenirs in the upper city can be cheaper than Mercado Modelo. :moneybag:

Delicious Ice Cream Stop

Don't miss the small shop next to the elevator for delicious and affordable ice cream! :ice_cream:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(55k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Elevador Lacerda is a historic and functional landmark offering breathtaking views of Salvador's bay. Visitors appreciate its affordability, quick ride, and the convenience of connecting the upper and lower cities. Some caution is advised regarding safety in the surrounding lower city areas, but the elevator experience itself is generally positive and memorable.

"The City around the elevator is dangerous. The elevator looks good, but it's not spectacular to use."

Matheus Zimmerman

"It's a small pastry and ice cream shop situated right next to the elevator. I have to admit that the ice creams are delicious, generously served, and really cheap. You may choose to get them in a cone or a cup. The 'Pave' flavor is amazing! Pave is a Brazilian cake-like dessert."

Arkadiusz Jędrzejewski

"A tourist attraction with a lot of history.

⭐ The elevator is very fast and takes you to the upper city in a few seconds
⭐ We did not pay an entrance fee and did not have to wait in a queue
⭐ Nothing else to say or to do. Very straightforward. It is an elevator after all. But fun nonetheless!

Also, prices for souvenirs in the upper city are cheaper than at Mercado Modelo!"

B. Jisoon n

What People Like

Stunning bay views
Historic art deco charm
Affordable and quick ride

What People Dislike

Safety concerns in lower city

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Elevador Lacerda is centrally located in Salvador, connecting the Cidade Alta (Upper City) and Cidade Baixa (Lower City). You can reach the upper station via public transport or taxi/ride-sharing services. From the lower station, you'll be near the Mercado Modelo and the waterfront. Reddit

Yes, Elevador Lacerda is a prominent landmark and easily visible from many parts of the city. Its distinctive art deco towers make it hard to miss. Reddit

If you are in the historic Pelourinho area, you can walk to the upper station of Elevador Lacerda. Be prepared for some uphill walking in the historic center. Reddit

Elevador Lacerda is the most direct and iconic way to travel between the upper and lower cities. It's a quick ride that offers great views. Reddit

Parking can be challenging in the historic center. It's often recommended to use ride-sharing services or public transport to reach the vicinity of Elevador Lacerda. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Riding Elevador Lacerda is very affordable. The current fee is a nominal amount, often less than a dollar, making it a budget-friendly experience. Reddit

No, tickets are typically purchased on-site at the elevator stations. There's usually no need to book in advance, and queues are generally short. Reddit

Elevador Lacerda generally operates daily from early morning until late evening. It's advisable to check the most current operating hours before your visit, as they can sometimes vary. Reddit

The ride on Elevador Lacerda itself is what you pay for. There isn't a separate entrance fee for the observation areas at the top, which offer fantastic views. Reddit

Information on tourist passes can vary. However, given the low cost of the elevator ride, it's usually more economical to pay the small fare directly. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

The top of Elevador Lacerda offers stunning panoramic views of the Bay of All Saints, the historic city, and the port. The ride itself also provides unique photographic opportunities. Reddit

Yes, sunset from Elevador Lacerda can be spectacular, with the sky casting beautiful colors over the bay and city. Be mindful of crowds during peak sunset times. Reddit

Absolutely! The windows offer great views during the short ascent or descent. Just be quick and mindful of other passengers. Reddit

From the lower city, you get a great perspective looking up at the imposing art deco structure of Elevador Lacerda, with the bay in the background. Reddit

Generally, casual photography is allowed. Professional photography or drone usage might require special permits, but for personal snaps, you should be fine. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several options. A popular spot right next to the elevator offers delicious and affordable ice cream. You'll also find restaurants and snack bars in the upper city and near the Mercado Modelo in the lower city. Reddit

You can find a variety of local snacks, including the famous 'Pave' flavor ice cream, as well as more substantial meals in the surrounding areas. Seafood is also a popular choice in Salvador. Reddit

Many visitors rave about the ice cream shop next to the elevator, praising its delicious flavors, generous portions, and cheap prices. The 'Pave' flavor is a standout. Reddit

Yes, the ice cream shop is very budget-friendly. You can also find more local eateries and street food vendors in the lower city area that offer affordable options. Reddit

Some restaurants in the upper city offer views of the bay, though they might be pricier. For a quick, affordable treat with a view, the ice cream shop is a great choice. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Elevador Lacerda offers a fun and quick experience for families. The short ride up and down is exciting for children, and the panoramic views from the top provide a great 'wow' factor. It's a practical way to move between different parts of the city without a lot of walking, which can be a relief with little ones. TikTok

Don't miss the ice cream shop located right next to the elevator – it's a hit with kids (and adults!) for its delicious flavors and generous portions at a good price. While the surrounding areas in the lower city might require extra vigilance, the elevator itself and the upper city are generally safe and engaging for families during the day. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Elevador Lacerda is incredibly budget-friendly. The fare for the ride is very low, making it one of the most affordable ways to experience a historic landmark and enjoy stunning views in Salvador. Reddit

Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding areas. The ice cream shop nearby offers a cheap and tasty treat. While the Mercado Modelo in the lower city is known for souvenirs, remember that prices can be higher; exploring other local markets or shops in the upper city might yield better deals. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Elevador Lacerda

Opened on December 8, 1873, Elevador Lacerda was the first urban elevator in the world. It was a groundbreaking piece of engineering for its time, designed to facilitate transportation between Salvador's historic upper city and the bustling port area in the lower city. Standing at 63 meters tall, it quickly became an iconic symbol of Salvador and a vital piece of its infrastructure. The elevator has undergone renovations over the years, but its historic art deco facade remains a striking feature. Reddit

Its construction was crucial for the city's development, connecting commercial and residential areas more efficiently. The elevator's presence significantly impacted the daily lives of Salvador's residents and the flow of commerce. Today, it continues to serve its original purpose while also being a major tourist attraction, offering a tangible link to Salvador's rich past. Reddit

Experiencing the Views and Surroundings

The primary draw for many visitors, besides the historical significance, is the spectacular panoramic view from the top of Elevador Lacerda. You get an unobstructed vista of the Bay of All Saints, the city's historic skyline, and the busy port below. It's a prime spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light paints the scene in warm hues. Reddit

Upon exiting the elevator in the upper city, you're in the heart of Salvador's historic center, close to other attractions like the Pelourinho. In the lower city, you'll find yourself near the Mercado Modelo, a popular market for souvenirs and local crafts. While the elevator ride is quick, the surrounding areas offer plenty to explore. However, it's important to be mindful of your surroundings, as some travelers have reported feeling uneasy in the lower city areas, particularly after dark. Reddit