Salvador, Brazil Gay Listings

[TotallyOz]

Here are a few places from my research. Please let me know if you have more.

Salvador

Hotels

1 Pousada Estrela do Mar | Rua Afonso Celso, 119 | 71 3022 4882 | http://www.estreladomarsalvador.com/

A small hotel with only nine rooms, they've kept a lot of the original architecture and enhanced the interior with mosaics, amazing art, comfy public areas, hammocks, and breezy, comfortable rooms. There's free wifi and they have a laundry service; note there is no parking. It's located in the middle of pretty much everything, so it's convenient.

2 Pousada da Mangueira | Ladeira da Saúde, 9 | 71 3241 4734 | http://www.pousadadamangueira.com.br/

This lemon-yellow hotel will perk you right up, and the pool area with a full bar will mellow you right out. The rooms are a bit on the small side and a little sparse, but immaculate with great bathrooms. There's free wifi, free parking, and the front desk has newspapers to peruse over a huge breakfast.

3 Vila Galé Salvador | Rua Morro do Escravo Miguel, 320 | 71 3263 8888 | http://www.vilagale.co.uk/pages/hoteis/index.php?lang=2&hotel=16

The Salvador property of the Vila Galé hotel chain has everything you have come to expect from this brand. And it's on the beach (with direct access!), so make sure to book a room with a view. Their health club has a gym, jacuzzi and sauna. Wifi is BRL 20 per 24 hours, and parking is BRL 5 per day.

4 Bahia Othon Palace | Avenida Oceânica, 2294 | 71 2103 7100 |

http://www.hoteis-othon.com.br/us/hotel/bahia-othon-palace/o_hotel.aspx

When they call it a palace, they're not kidding this massive , five-star beachfront property has a lobby you could get lost in, and the lower level pool area with more terraces than you've ever seen (although the rooftop bar is where the action is). Their rooms are beautiful, and each one has an ocean view and the view from the upper-floor dining room is amazing.

5 Mar Brasil Hotel | Rua Flamengo, 44 | 71 3285 7339 | http://www.marbrasilhotel.com.br/

Another gay-friendly, beachfront property with pools galore. The style is a bit of a throwback to Miami 1987, but who cares when you're spending all of your time gazing at hard bodies frolicking on the beachfront terraces? There's free wifi and cable Internet, and free parking. Actual massages are available by appointment.

6 Hotel Solar do Carmo | Rua Direita de Santo Antonio, 108 | 71 3323 0644 | www.solardocarmo.com.br/ (website timed out when I tried it)

This is not the finest place in Salvador, but it is housed in an 18th-century townhouse and the rooms are well-appointed and definitely serviceable, and their rooftop terrace hilariously combines a Jacuzzi and the breakfast buffet. Book a room with a sea view balcony, as they tend to be larger.

7 Bahiacafé Hotel | Praça da Se, 22 | 71 3322 1266 | http://www.bahiacafehotel.com/

The Bahiacafé Hotel could not be more cozy and adorable if it tried from its sky-blue 18th-century exterior to its polished hardwood floors to its lovely rooms, it just doesn't get any cuter than this. There's also free wifi and a delicious full breakfast included in the room price.

8 Casa do Amarelindo | Rua das Portas do Carmo, 6 | 71 3266 8550 | http://www.casadoamarelindo.com/en/artigo/index/id/100

If you're in town for Carnaval, book a street facing room at this four-star hotel to have a front-row seat to the action. (Book early; there are only 10 rooms!) And it helps that you're literally a five-minute walk from all the other action, too bars and saunas and boy toys, oh my! The rooms are impressively furnished, and the view from the rooftop terrace is to die for.

9 Pousada Papaya Verde | Rua Engenheiro Milton Oliveira, 177 | 71 3267 1008 | http://www.pousadapapayaverde.com/

This pousada has a residential feel, with a garden that can be a relief to spend time in after cruising the beaches. The rooms are Brazilian-colorful, the staff is super gay-friendly, and it's within walking distance of the gayborhood.

Bars

1 Beco dos Artistas | Av. Cerqueira Lima, 10 (Entrance on Rua Leovigildo Filgueira) | no number | no website

On Friday and Saturday nights from around 10pm, this is the the place to be to scope out the young hot talent who will be heading to the clubs in a couple hours. It can get crowded and some would call it a dive bar, but it is gay ground zero for weekend action.

2 Mocambinho Bar | Rua da Faísca, 12 | 71 3328 1430 | no website

Delicious food, cold beer, lively conversations and a bohemian vibe make Mocambinho a no-brainer hangout for the LGBT crowd. This is the place you want to try the local cachaça drink, and it's also where you want to eye the gorgeous young things hanging about.

3 Âncora do Marujo | Rua Senador Costa Pinto, 808 | 71 3242 2680 | https://www.facebook.com/ancoramarujo

This bar specilizes in drag shows that are a hoot - it can get loud and raucus when the ladies take the stage. It's also a popular bear spot, so come here to get your woof on. A fun place to bring your date!

4 Bar Ray | Rua Carlos Gomes, 1001 | 71 3329 7157 | no website

This is easily the most famous gay bar in Salvador, and it's right on the main drag in the gayborhood. Locals pronounce it "Bar High," and some might call it Bar Champagne. But it's a true gay scene that brings out hot young things to dance to the live music all night long.

5 Sankofa Brasil | Ladeira de São Miguel, 7 | 71 3321 7236 | http://www.sankofabrasil.com

Sankofa is one and the same with Panela Restaurante, except this is its bar, and is considered a separaet business. Here you can find a gay-friendly crowd jamming to everything from samba to reggae, and munching on yummy African treats.

6 Cabaret 54 | Rua Carlos Gomes, 860 | 71 3018-7821 | https://www.facebook.com/bar54UrsosBearsGaysEAmigos

This heaving bear bar is the place to be if you like 'em big and hairy. It's a smallish place, but the rooftop lounge is a life saver. Nightly drag shows are a huge draw, the staff is friendly and fun, and the DJs definitely know their audience.

7 Bar da Ponta | Av do Contorno Cidade Baixa | 071 3326 2211 | no website

Locals know there is only one spot from which to watch th sun set over the sea, and that is Bar da Ponta. While not a gay bar, it's fabulous enough that it just should be. Hobnob with the elite, nurse your expensive cocktail, and watch the sun set from your perch on a pier out in the water.

8 Alphorria | Rua Direita de Santo Antônio, 97 | 071 3242 0053 | no website

While not in the normal sections of town you're used to haunting (and hunting), if you want to "get away" this bar has a diverse group of pretty things that flock here to listen to all manner of live music, which switches from night to night but never fails to entertain.

9 Bahia Cafe | Mirante dos Aflitos | 071 3329 0944 | http://www.bahiacafe.com.br/bahia_cafe.asp

If you are craving a grown-up place in which to enjoy the view and have a proper cocktail that doesn't come in a plastic cup, then this is it. You'll come away relaxed, refreshed and ready to join the fray at your favorite sauna or club!

Clubs/Discos

1 Off Club | Rua Dias Dávila, 33 | 71 3267 6215 | http://boiteoffclub.com.br/

Hipsters might say this club has lost its luster, but it's still the gay go-to spot for club fun. Don't bother going until after 1am; if in doubt, follow the crowd heading off from Beco dos Artistas bar. You'll see a fairly mixed crowd, but have no doubt it's a gay world, and they're just living in it.

2 Queens Clube | Rua Teodoro Sampio, 160 | 71 3328 6220 | no website

The only club in Salvador with a darkroom, making this a cruiser's heaven. There are also go-go boys, strippers, and even an on-site sex shop (open in the afternoon and early evening if you're feeling cheeky. Come ready for action. Only opened on Fridays and Saturdays.

3 San Sebastian Salvador | Rua da Paciência, 88 | 71 3012 5013 | http://www.sansebastiansalvador.com.br/

This club is right on the beach, so you can roll on out in the morning and right into the sea for a refreshing swim. The Blessed and Liberty parties are arguably the most popular, with DJs spinning mostly electronica in the large, futuristically lit space.

4 Boite Caverna | Rua Carlos Gomes, 616 | 71 3358 2410 | no website

Smack on the main drag in the center of town, the Boate Caverna features go-go boys, stripper shows, DJs, and more hot bodies than you can shake your stick at. Laser lights provide most of the lighting for the crowd, giving the drag queens a chance to shine.

5 Boate Tropical | Rua Gamboa de Cima, 24 | 71 3267 0847 | http://www.boatetropical.com.br/

A fun, weekend dance party club with insane drag shows and strippers galore. How they put on such spectacular shows is anyone's guess think Priscilla Queen of the Desert set in a basement. The low ceilings and disco balls will remind you of underground clubs back in the day in the best possible way.

Sauna/Massage

1 Thermas Olympus | Rua Tuiuti, 183 | 71 329 0060

Olympus is small, quiet, basic, and has astonishingly beautiful boys who give great massages (and other delights). It isn't packed, though, so you can basically have your choice and even negotiate the rate.

2 Sauna Fox | Rua das Rosas, 682 | 71 3354-0047 | http://www.saunafox.com.br/

While many of the saunas rely heavily on interactions between guests and the boys on staff, Fox is known for guests canoodling among each other so, basically, everyone is free game here. Make sure to get there early and secure a private room on the weekends, when the parties and shows bring in what seems like half of Salvador.

3 Sauna Casarão 25 | Rua Dom Marcos Teixeira, 25 | 71 3264-1050 | http://www.casarao25.com.br/

Casarão 25 has private cabins, a dark room, a video room, two bar and lounge areas, and lo and behold! - a sauna. The interior could use a facelift, but it's clean and the staff is courteous. And, of course, the boys are fucking gorgeous.

4 Sauna Persona | Rua Junqueira Aires , 230 | 71 329-1273 | no website

Persona is quiet during the week, but weekends can get quite busy, even though it's a little ways out of town. Best to take a taxi there and back. They have dark rooms and glory holes, and a very discreet entrance (ring at the gate to be let in).

5 Sauna Rio's | Almeida Sande, 8 | 71 328-3275 | http://www.saunarios.com.br/index2.htm (doesn't work)

While it's not a good idea for a gringo to be seen around here at night, during the day there is plenty of fun to be had, mostly with other guests. However, there are some lovely working boys as well. The best place to chat up a local is in the video room.

6 Sauna Paradiso | Rua Leoni Ramos, 59 | (71) 3237-7332 | no website

While the working boys tend to treat Sauna Paradiso like their own private clubhouse, your fellow guests are quite flirtatious! There's also a dark room, a video room, private rooms, and a full bar. You'll want to look for the number of the address, as there is no signage outside.

7 Planetario 11 | Rua José Duarte, 11 | 71 3321 4511 | http://www.planetario11.com.br/

This club, known to locals as simply P11, looks unassuming from the outside but inside is a huge sauna packed with working boys they say if you can't get laid here, you can't get laid anywhere. Stick around for the shows and other entertainment, ranging from drag to strippers to DJs.

8 Termas Omni | Rua Augusto França , 22 | 71 321-9044 | no website

Omni is another of the quieter saunas in Salvador, with laid back boys and a cozy vibe. You'll know the working boys by their black swim trunks. It's also spotlessly clean, which is always a good sign.

Restaurants

1 Touche Bar Café e Creperia | Rua Belo Horizonte | 71 9121-9084 | no website

Touché does in fact serve crepes but it's not a French-themed place. For example, Wednesday night is Mexican night! And even throughout the week, they serve probably the best margaritas in Salvador to wash it all down. It's perfect for a quick meal and some people watching, as it's primarily an outdoor cafe.

2 Barbacoa Restaurante | Av Tancredo Neves, 909 | 71 3342 4666 | http://www.barbacoa.com.br/home.php

Part of a chain of restaurants located throughout both Brazil and Japan, Barbacoa is a classic steak house where you can most definitely get your meat on. They also ahve an impressive wine list if you're sick of sugary cocktails and beer out of plastic cups.

3 Al Carmo | Rua do Carmo, 66 | 71 3242 0283 | http://www.alcarmo.com.br/

A true Italian restaurant that's a cut above the casual fare you find in Salvador. Try the carbonara, and make sure to ask for a rooftop table the view is delightful. Also, save room for the homemade desserts.

4 Maria Mata Moura | Rua da Ordem Terceira, 8 | 71 3321 3929 | http://www.mariamatamouro.com.br/Default.aspx

This restaurant serves Brazilian dishes with some Mediterranean twists thrown in for good measure, and some fully Italian recipes like porcini mushroom risotto and penne with pesto. The enclosed garden provides a civilized setting for a quiet meal.

5 Cantina da Lua | Largo Terreiro de Jesus, 2 | 71 3241 7383 | http://www.cantinadalua.com.br/cantina/

This restaurant has an actual bar meaning, you can have a quiet drink before sitting down to eat and hearty Brazilian dishes that will fill you up for whatever adventures the night may bring. Grab a seat on the outdoor terrace to get a preview of coming attractions, so to speak and to get away from the sometimes-loud live music that comes on a bit later.

6 Trapiche Adelaide | Av. Contorno, 2 | 71 3241-4761 | no website

This is your Salvador splurge. Set upon pilings in the sea, this seafood-heavy, French/Italian fusion menu in inventive, expensive, and worth every penny. People watching mostly consists of seeing foodies swoon, but it's still worth it.

7 Yemanjá | Av. Otávio Mangabeira, 4655 | 71 3461-9010 | http://www.restauranteyemanja.com.br/

An absolutely stunning beachfront restaurant serving absolutely delicious seafood. And yet the portions are huge, the prices are lower than you'd expect from such a setting, and the service is consistently friendly and helpful.

8 Pelo Bistro | Rua das Portas do Carmo, 06 | 71 3266 8550 | no website

This restaurant, located inside the Hotel Casa do Amarelindo, serves from breakfast through late night, and has excellent Brazilian cuisine. It's not the cheapest place you'll ever eat, but the quality of the food as well as the friendly service make up for the extra pennies you're spending.

9 Cocoon Restaurante | Rua Haeckel Jose de Almeida, 348 | 071 3368 8101 | no website

Another fantastic Italian restaurant in Salvador who knew? Book a table outside, and make sure to order the pasta with whatever seafood t hey have fresh that day. The ambience is laid back, and they have live music on some nights.

10 Panela da Bahia | Ladeira de São Miguel, 7 | 71 3321 7236 | no website

With about 80 percent of Brazilian in Bahia being of African descent, it's no surprise to find African-influenced cuisine at every turn. But few do it better than Panela de Bahia, which incorporates African tastes into Brazilian dishes and is that a hint of Jamaican spices in there too? Definitely try the Moqueca, the traditional seafood stew.

Businesses/Organizations

1 Grupo Gay da Bahia GGB | Rua Frei Vicente, 24 | 71 3322-2552 | http://www.ggb.org.br/

This is an LGBT organization based in Salvador - and the first in Brazil. Their website is only in Portuguese, but is easily translatable with an online tool. On it they list the LGBT events in the city, from lectures to parades, and important people of the moment.

2 The Hell & Heaven is a dance party that happens over a three-day weekend in November but if you can't make it then, don't fret, because there are "warm-up" parties throughout the year leading up to the big event that are staged all over the world, from Miami to Sao Paolo. http://www.hhsauipe.com/

3 Ritual Sex Shop | R. Ceará, 815 | 71 240-1073 | http://www.rituall.com.br/

This shop has everything from cock rings to lubes to novelty aprons, as well as an extensive collection of vibrating, rotating, and multi-colored dildos. Note that this is a shop for both sexes and all seual persuasions.

4 Cine Astor | Rua da Ajuda 5 | 71 3322 7228 | no website

This has porn for both men and women, but don't be under any illusion this is as much of a gay cruising spot as anything else. Note that it's only open in the afternoons (1pm-7pm), so it can be the perfect place to get in out of the hot sun and beach scene.

5 Cine Tupy | Avenida José Joaquim Seabra 357 | 71 3242 4179 | no website

Another mixed-porn cinema that is also a popular gay cruising joint, although less crowded than Astor, so there's a better chance for privacy. It's also open only in the afternoons, from 1pm to 7pm.

[ihpguy]

Maria Mata Moura has a very nice ambiance in the Pellourinho, nice place to go after the Planetario, but I think a bit expensive for the amount of food served. But then after Sampa, anything would seem like a bargain. Especially in Salvador, with moquecas, vatapa and acaraje, good eating can be found for very reasonable prices, just need to look.

[sftraveler]

I stayed at the Vila Gale once and, while it was OK, it's not really on a beach. It's on the rocks--the sand is very narrow and at at all inviting. It's also quite a ways from anything else. IMHO the best hotel is the Convento do Carmo. Just to the west of the Pelourinho it's in a 18th century monastery. It's also quite expensive but I will definitely stay there if I go to Salvador again. I went to one sauna; sorry I no longer remember which one and both boys I went with lied about what they were willing to do. When I got back to Rio, the boys said all Bahianos were "espertinho" which means tricky and deceptive.

[ihpguy]

Normal word would be malandro or malandragem SLY

[ihpguy]

Of course having a Carioca sauna boy calling a Bahiano sauna boy espertinho or malandro is the pot definitely calling the kettle black!

[TotallyOz]

ihpguy, I wish I had some time to do some of the things you suggested up north. What I did discover is that I can't wait to get back up here and spent 10 days in Fortaleza and maybe the same in Salvador. A few days was just nuts and I should have planned a bit differently on this trip.

SFTraveler, welcome to the site. I know you have been a member since the beginning but I am happy you are here to give us your input and vast knowledge of the world. I hope you continue to post more.

For all others, please add your tidbits of information here about Salvador. It will help others in planning their trip.