Open House Barra

Top choice in Salvador


This fantastically colorful and homey place is run by professional artists with deep connections to the local music, dance and film community. Musicians and capoeira demonstrations periodically take place at the hostel, especially during Carnaval, when the guesthouse offers one of Salvador's most memorable party experiences. Special packages and classes, including Portuguese language, can be booked through the hostel.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Salvador attractions

1. Forte São Diogo

0.27 MILES

It's worth the uphill hike to this 17th-century fort: from here, the views of the bay are fantastic.

2. Forte Santa Maria

0.35 MILES

A 17th-century stone fortification that's administered by the Navy.

3. Museu Náutico da Bahia

0.5 MILES

This excellent nautical museum in Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra contains relics and displays from the days of Portuguese seafaring, plus exhibits on the…

4. Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra

0.5 MILES

Built in 1698, Bahia’s oldest fort is more commonly called the Farol da Barra for the lighthouse (South America’s oldest) within its walls. In addition to…

5. Museu Carlos Costa Pinto

0.63 MILES

This lovely two-story mansion houses some of Salvador’s finest decorative art, from the collection of the patrician couple Carlos de Aguiar Costa Pinto…

6. Museu de Arte da Bahia

0.77 MILES

Museu de Arte da Bahia showcases works from Bahian artists, with paintings by José Teófilo de Jesus (1758–1817) and drawings by Argentine artist Carybé…

7. Museu de Arte Moderna

1.6 MILES

Museu de Arte Moderna has a changing display of avant-garde exhibits (and erratic opening times). The hillside sculpture garden is a pleasant place to…

8. Solar do Unhão

1.6 MILES

This well-preserved, 18th-century complex served as a transfer point for sugar shipments: legend says it's haunted by the ghosts of murdered slaves. Today…