Rio Vermelho

Known for its hip, eclectic vibe, Rio Vermelho gets lively at dusk when the bars and live music spots near Largo de Santana fill up. Several unassuming but iconic food stalls sell black-eyed pea fritters, or acarajé, a local favorite. Beaches include Praia do Buracão, popular with an LGBT crowd. In the former home of writers Jorge Amado and Zélia Gattai, Casa do Rio Vermelho has exhibits on their lives and work.