market · Salvador, BA
Mercado Modelo
Founded in 1912, the market has been housed since 1971 in the former Customs House, a neoclassical building listed by Iphan in 1966. It gathers stalls of crafts and typical Bahian products at Praça Cairu, in the Cidade Baixa.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Mercado Modelo
The Mercado Modelo is the most popular place in Salvador to buy crafts and souvenirs from Bahia. It is at Praça Cairu, in the Cidade Baixa, right across from the lower entrance of the Elevador Lacerda, with Baía de Todos os Santos behind it.
The market was founded in 1912 as a supply center for the Cidade Baixa. After a major fire in 1969 destroyed the original building, it moved in 1971 to the former Customs House, a 19th-century neoclassical building listed by Iphan.
It has two floors full of stalls. You will find traditional musical instruments, hammocks, lace, wood carvings, ceramics, leather goods, basketry, baiana dolls and Senhor do Bonfim ribbons. There are also regional products, such as cachaça (sugarcane spirit) and dendê (palm) oil, plus bars and restaurants serving Bahian food.
Entry and browsing are free. The visit is flat and easy, good if you want to see Bahian crafts up close even without buying anything. There is also a spot with a view of the bay.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
An hour is enough to browse both floors at a relaxed pace, look at the crafts and take a peek at the bay view.
Best time
On a weekday morning, when it is less crowded and the heat is still mild; on Sundays the market closes earlier, so check the hours on the official website or with the tourism office before you go.
How to get there
It is at Praça Visconde de Cairu, in the Comércio district, in the Cidade Baixa, in Salvador's Historic Center. From the Pelourinho, ride down the Elevador Lacerda and you come out practically at the door. Several bus lines run through Comércio, and the ferry terminal is next door.
Tip
Shop around and compare before you buy: many stalls sell similar items, and bargaining is common.
A look at the place
Mercado Modelo in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mercado Modelo
Is there an entrance fee at the Mercado Modelo?
No, entry is free. You only pay for what you buy.
What to buy at the Mercado Modelo?
Bahian crafts: musical instruments, hammocks, lace, wood carvings, ceramics, leather goods, baiana dolls, Senhor do Bonfim ribbons, cachaça and dendê oil.
How long does the visit take?
About an hour to see both floors at a relaxed pace.
Is it open on Sundays?
Yes, but with reduced hours. Check the hours before you go.
Can I walk there from the Pelourinho?
Yes. From the Pelourinho, walk to Praça Tomé de Sousa and ride down the Elevador Lacerda; the market is across from the exit.