What to Wear in Salvador

Salvador is hot, humid and casual. Shorts, light dresses, T-shirts and sandals are fine almost everywhere. What you do need to think about is your feet, because the old town's streets are steep and uneven.

For the old town

Pelourinho's cobbles are large, uneven and slippery after rain, and the walking route through the old town is mostly on them. Wear sandals with a strap and a good sole, or light trainers. Flip-flops and heels are a bad idea. Bring a hat, as there's little shade in the squares.

For churches

No strict dress code applies for visitors, but covering your shoulders and avoiding beachwear is respectful, especially during services at Bonfim.

For festivals and Candomblé

White is the colour of Oxalá, and on Fridays, at the Lavagem do Bonfim and at New Year, many people wear white. Join in if you like. If you're invited to a Candomblé ceremony, wear light-coloured, modest clothes, avoid black and red, and ask before taking photos, which are often not allowed. For Carnival, wear light clothes you don't mind ruining, and comfortable shoes you can dance in for hours.

For the beach and rain

Swimwear, a sarong and sunscreen, with a shirt to cover up when you leave the sand. In the rainy months from April to July, add a light rain jacket or umbrella.

Packing list

• Light cotton or linen clothes
• Sandals with a strap, or light trainers
• Swimwear and a sarong
• A hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
• Something white for festivals
• A light rain jacket from April to July
• Insect repellent
• A Brazilian plug adapter