Museu Eugenio Teixeira Leal, Salvador

Housed elegantly within the walls of a 19th-century building in Salvador's history-rich heart, this museum pays stylish homage to Banco Econômico, Latin America's pioneering private banking institution.

Inside, amid ornate furnishings and classic paintings, money-not surprisingly-takes center stage. Here you'll journey from the world's earliest coins and quirky currency-crafted items all the way to the slickness of today's credit cards. Interactive displays vividly demonstrate coin minting and how currency has evolved over time.

Upstairs, prepare for medal-mania: elaborate displays highlight medals celebrating historical, political, economic, and religious milestones, beautifully crafted from an array of materials-gold, silver, bronze, enamel, wood, porcelain, and even humble aluminum. With over 6,000 artifacts, this remarkable collection provides an unrivaled treasure trove chronicling Brazilian and global cultural history.

And if coins alone don't excite your cultural appetite, check out the Inocêncio Calmon Library's archival treasures, enjoy screenings at the cine-theatre, or wander through captivating art exhibits featuring works by acclaimed international artists-among them Italian creatives Giuliano Ottaviani, Antonella Scaglione, and Flora Torrisi. Regularly changing temporary exhibitions ensure there's always something new to discover, making repeat visits as rewarding as compound interest.