Mercado Modelo

Eerie to think that back in the day the underground part of this market was used to keep slaves to be sold off to whoever was the highest bidder.

The indoor market above ground seems innocuous enough, you would never know what used to go on below this market. The market isn't half bad, though I have to admit I wasn't interested in much being sold, after hearing about the underground history. A local ended up giving us a tour.

This market has a long and checkered past indeed.

I've been to Mercado Model so many times over the years I've visited Salvador. I always end up buying something, even though I try to resist! On this particular visit, I was looking for a friend I recently met that owned a stall upstairs. So, I purchased gifts from her. I also purchased place mats for the dining room table and a small tote bag from another stall. Not too much damage!!

This is the place to come for souvenirs, gifts, and general shopping. You have to have time!!! Like at least a hour or more. You can spend an afternoon here. They sell everything that is unique to the vibrant, Afro-Brazilian culture in Salvador - Bahia. They also have snack stands and full restaurants for dining upstairs.

Market: Fairly meh. You won't find anything particularly intriguing or gift-worthy here, and nothing that's anymore specialty than what's offered in the Pelourinho shops. In fact, I think the Pelourinho shops had better trinkets on display than at the market.

Restaurants: There are two on the second floor of the Mercado. I tried the one on the right (sorry, can't remember the name). Food was decent, and the live music was very pleasant, but I was bewildered by how many things the waitstaff told me were unavailable, especially at 1 p.m. on a Friday afternoon. How does an oceanside restaurant not have fish for grilling??