Mercado Modelo
A historic market with 250+ shops offering Bahian arts, crafts, and souvenirs, plus restaurants with stunning bay views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for views
Mercado Modelo
Best Time
Golden hour for views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic market with 250+ shops offering Bahian arts, crafts, and souvenirs, plus restaurants with stunning bay views.
"Beautiful view of the port and sunset from the second floor restaurant/bar - makes it worth the trip."
🎯 Haggle Politely
Vendors can be pushy, but a polite negotiation can sometimes yield a better price. :moneybag:
🌅 Sunset Dining
Head to the second-floor restaurants for incredible sunset views over the bay. :camerawithflash:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 63,047 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bay Views from the Upper Floor
Second-floor restaurants/bars
Savor delicious food and drinks with a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay and sunset.
Souvenir Shopping Galore
Over 250 shops
Browse through a massive selection of gifts and souvenirs from Bahia, from trinkets to larger items.

Historic Building Architecture
Exterior and interior
Admire the beautiful architecture of this historic port building, a landmark in Salvador.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Mercado Modelo
Best Views and Bites
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dicas de passeios
Terei agora em maio dois dias em Salvador e gostaria de dicas de passeios para quem nunca esteve na cidade. Vou estar sozinha, sem carro. Alguma dica do que é imperdível, seguro e que vale a pena?
🎯 Haggle Politely
Vendors can be pushy, but a polite negotiation can sometimes yield a better price. :moneybag:
🌅 Sunset Dining
Head to the second-floor restaurants for incredible sunset views over the bay. :camerawithflash:
Histórias de turismo desagradável em Salvador. Você tem alguma?
Tenho familiares em Juazeiro. A Bahia acaba se tornando um lugar fácil de ir, pra mim. Pretendo em algum momento esticar pra conhecer outras cidades e quem sabe chegar até Salvador. Mas sei da atmosfera pesadona de lá e das inúmeras histórias de violência, assédio turístico,…
To indo pra Salvador daqui a pouco - dicas
Logo to ai. Primeira vez. Quero saber o que fazer e o que nao fazer. Vou ficar na Barra e quero muito uns rolês histórico-cultural. E ai? Quais as dicas para nao ser um turista cabaço? Ah. H39 e vou com minha namorada.
🚶♀️ Stay Aware
While generally safe, be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas. 🛡️
🛍️ Authentic Finds
For unique artisanal crafts, explore beyond the main market stalls. :shopping_bags:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Haggle Politely
Vendors can be pushy, but a polite negotiation can sometimes yield a better price. :moneybag:
🌅 Sunset Dining
Head to the second-floor restaurants for incredible sunset views over the bay. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Stay Aware
While generally safe, be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas. 🛡️
🛍️ Authentic Finds
For unique artisanal crafts, explore beyond the main market stalls. :shopping_bags:
⬆️ Elevator Access
The large elevator nearby offers convenient access to the Lower City. 🛗
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mercado Modelo is a popular spot for souvenir shopping and enjoying bay views, with a wide variety of goods available. While some find the vendors overly pushy, many appreciate the lively atmosphere, the historical building, and the stunning sunset vistas from the second-floor restaurants. Security is noted as being present, contributing to a generally safe feeling for visitors.
"Great tourist spot. Lots of little shops for souvenirs and food. There is a bigger restaurant overlooking the ocean. In the area are a few museums to visit. The large elevator is steps away. We came back here several times because there are so many things to do. We felt safe and they kept the area clean."
Roy Mosure
"Traditional port in Salvador. Lots of little shops to buy useless memorabilia for your house, family and friends.
Beautiful view of the port and sunset from the second floor restaurant/bar - makes it worth the trip."
Henry Graham
"Beautiful building and market by the marina. It’s worth a visit to browse through some souvenirs, however, little to no local and artisanal handicrafts. Also the vendors are quite pushy which ruined the shopping experience a little. In my opinion, there are other local vendors and artisanal shops around the city that offer better and unique handicrafts."
Randall Rodricks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mercado Modelo is located in the Lower City of Salvador, near the port. You can easily reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. Many visitors also utilize the large elevator nearby, which connects the Upper and Lower Cities, making access convenient.
Parking can be challenging in this busy area. It's often recommended to use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles.
Depending on your starting point in the Lower City, it might be walkable. If you are in the Upper City, the elevator is a popular and efficient way to descend.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Mercado Modelo itself is generally free. You only pay for the items you purchase inside the shops or for food and drinks at the restaurants.
The market typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. It's advisable to check the most current hours before your visit, as they can vary.
Mercado Modelo can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and on weekends. Visiting on weekday mornings can offer a more relaxed experience.
There are no specific entrance fees for the restaurants, but you will need to purchase food or drinks to dine there. The views from these restaurants are a significant draw.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a vast array of souvenirs, including handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, local art, and items related to Bahian culture.
Yes, prices for many items are negotiable. Vendors are often open to bargaining, so don't hesitate to politely offer a lower price.
While there are many souvenir shops, some visitors suggest that truly authentic and unique artisanal handicrafts might be found in smaller, independent shops elsewhere in the city.
Most vendors accept cash, and many also accept credit or debit cards. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The market offers a variety of dining options, from casual canteens and cafeterias to restaurants serving traditional Bahian cuisine.
Absolutely! The second-floor restaurants are renowned for their beautiful views of the Bay of All Saints, especially during sunset.
Look for dishes like Moqueca (fish stew), Acarajé (black-eyed pea fritters), and Vatapá (creamy shrimp and bread dish).
Prices can vary. Casual eateries might be more affordable, while restaurants with prime bay views might be on the higher end.
📸 📸 Photography
The second-floor restaurants offer stunning panoramic views of the bay and the city skyline, perfect for sunset shots. The building's architecture itself is also very photogenic.
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask the vendor before taking extensive photos of their merchandise.
There are usually no major restrictions on photography for personal use, but professional shoots might require permission.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit