At the risk of going too OT, let me qualify my divisive statement about renting a car. Yes, traffic is bad in Salvador (although ok during weekends). The city is confusing to drive around, and some areas may feel unsafe (like Cidade Baixa). Having said that, with the distances involved, you’re looking at R$80-100 cab rides to go pretty much everywhere in town, especially the more distant places like the church of Senhor do Bonfim, outer beaches of Praia do Forte, and even the unmissable restaurant Paraiso Tropical. As a comnparison, a small car costs around R$100/day from the airport, and you save the cost of the very expensive rides there and back. For short hops like the restaurants in Rio Vermelho, and even the old town (where it’s a pain to find parking), taxi is recommended.

On a separate note, if you’re there on a Saturday, don’t miss the sunset jazz gig at the nearby modern art museum (MAM). Also better getting there by taxi.
http://www.jamnomam.com.br/index.php...-mam/historico