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Bahia is one of Brazil’s main sources of gems, with amethysts, aquamarines, emeralds, and tourmalines being the most abundant. Prices for these stones are usually cheaper here than elsewhere in Brazil, but you should have an idea of what stones are worth before you enter a shop.
Bahia's answer to Dalí, Bel Borba is one of the region's most famous living artists. He picked up a bit of international prestige as well, due to his 2012 installations in New York City and a documentary about his work released the same year. A visit to his little atelier, where you can also pick up a piece of his work, is a must.
The city's most famous jeweler, Bahia Preciosa allows you to peer through a window into the room where goldsmiths work.
The well-known, reputable H.Stern has several branches in Salvador, most of them in malls and major hotels.
To pick up contemporary local art, art naïf, and gemstones, visit the many galleries in the Cidade Alta and around the Largo do Pelourinho: Rua do Carmo and Direito do Santo Antonio have some particularly good options.
The local branch of a major Brazilian chain, Livraria Siciliano has lots of foreign-language books and international magazines.
One of the best shopping malls in Salvador, Shopping Barra isn't far from the historic center and has cinemas, restaurants, and local boutiques, as well as branches of the major Rio, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais retailers. Many hotels provide transportation to the mall, but you can also take the Rodoviária bus line.
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