Salvador Travel Guide: Afro-Brazilian Soul and Coastal Beauty

Salvador Brazil: A Quick Look

I don’t know about you, but for me, vacations have to balance relaxing and activities. I want it all! Beach days, radical sports, and even a little shopping.

If you are looking for a destination like that, one that’s sure to give you the best of all worlds, then follow me along in this Salvador travel guide.  You can feel relaxed in this seaside atmosphere while enjoying a historical town with old-fashioned buildings.

But while I plan to write the ultimate Salvador travel guide, I also want to help you plan a stress-free trip. We will go over everything, including where to stay, what to do, and safety tips to adopt. If you plan on traveling to other places in Brazil and need an in-depth country guide, see our complete Brazil travel guide. 

It is so easy to fall in love with Brazil when you come to one of the best cities we have. So put on your sunscreen, grab your bag, and let’s have fun together!

Salvador is gaining fresh attention thanks to Afro-Brazilian cultural tours that are redefining travel experiences in the city. These immersive walks through Pelourinho and beyond blend history, music, and identity with new, authentic narratives.

Side note: One of the main questions we get when planning a trip to our country is “When is the best time to visit Brazil”, which you can read later.

Now, onto Salvador!

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Salvador Brazil: Quick travel tips before you go

🛫 Airport: The closest airport to downtown, and the main state one, is International Salvador Airport, the code being SSA.

🤑 Currency: Like everywhere else in the country, the main currency here is the Brazilian Real, shown by the R$ symbol.

🗣️ Language: Salvador’s main language is Portuguese, but English is also spoken in some form at most hotels and tourist spots.

🕰️ Time Zone: Salvador’s timezone is in Brasília Standard Time (GMT-3). Meaning it is most often one hour ahead of EST and four hours ahead of PST.

💵 Cost: Our Salvador Travel guide talks about this more in-depth later, but rest assured, this trip is super affordable. Especially if you’re coming from a stronger currency like the US dollar, EURO, or Yen.

🛜 Internet: Because you will be in a state capital, it should be great! You are golden to access all the apps you may need.

📄 Brazil Visa: As of now, If you are traveling from the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan, then NO. This could change as of October 1, 2023. Track the status and details here. You do NOT need a visa for EU Nationals, and you may not be affected by the Oct 1, 2023 change. You can see the details here.

🔌 Power Outlets: Outlets in Brazil have two plug types, C and N. C is the one with two round pins, and N has an additional one for grounding. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need something like this universal travel adapter.

🔋 Power Grid: The power grid in Salvador is very stable. But it is important to remember Brazil mostly operates on 127/220V voltage and 60Hz. While some newer buildings have a 220V grid, don’t count on it everywhere.

📳 SIM Card: If you aren’t sure whether to get a SIM card or not, think that you will probably need to use Uber or Maps; maybe you will want to upload a picture, so definitely get one! Also, check the data package is big enough.

🚘 Car Rentals: Although renting a car and learning about new traffic rules may seem complicated, our Salvador travel guide highly recommends considering it. It is your best choice to get around.

Salvador Brazil: Safety Travel Tips (Use Common Sense)

🍏 Food safety: Most foods are safe for consumption, even in those beachside stalls. Just avoid certain kinds from street vendors.

💧Water safety: Tap water isn’t drinkable when unfiltered, but it’s good for everything else! Restaurants filter water for ice and drinks, so you’re good on that end, too. I recommend you keep a reusable bottle with you to avoid buying bottles all the time. You can also use a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle. It is refillable but filters your water so you don’t get sick in Brazil.

👷‍♀️ Daytime safety: Daytime safety is pretty basic because petty theft is your main concern, as it’d be in all major cities. Just be careful with your belongings, and don’t have them out unless it’s necessary.

🦺 Nighttime safety: At night, use your common sense. Your valuables still need to be safely put away. As for being outside, it’s never recommended if you are by yourself, so use ride-sharing apps or rent a car.

👺 Avoiding scams: Scamming happens mostly during sales transactions, so prefer to buy tickets online from reputable websites. And in cabs, always make sure the meter is up and running.

Salvador Brazil Travel Tips: A Locals Perspective

⚠️ Stay Smart, Stay Safe: We talk about it a few times in this Salvador travel guide, but always use your common sense in big cities. My biggest tip as a solo traveler is to have your plans secure, including being back at the hotel early to ensure your safety. In new places, I am Cinderella: back home before midnight.

🏨 Best neighborhoods for tourists: Your main options are Historical Downtown (best central location), Red River District (best for nightlife), Santo Antônio Além do Carmo (best for groups and solo travelers), Ondina (best for couples), and Itapuã (best for families).

🎄Top Brazilian holidays and traditions: Brazil’s major celebrations all have their space in Salvadors. This means you can celebrate Carnaval in February, Easter in March, Festa Junina in June/July, and the Holiday season in December.

🍜 Local food to try: Acarajé, Abará, Vatapá, Mugunzá, Cocada, Moqueca and Seafood.

🍹 Local drinks to try (alcoholic): Salvador has a number of unique cocktails to try in the bars, and since most of them are Cachaça based, you should try as many as possible.

🧉 Local drinks to try (non-alcoholic): Here, it’s all about the fruit juices! Other than that, there are Guaraná Axé, Açaí smoothies, and many more to try!

🚶‍♂️Walkability: Salvador’s terrain isn’t as smooth as other northeastern cities. However, you can still walk to the place without care since it’s smoother around most popular tourist areas.

🎉 Nightlife: You’ve come to the right place! Salvador has a lot of options spread throughout the town and even neighborhoods where it’s all about the nightlife.

😀 Friendly to Foreigners: Salvador is used to receiving foreign tourists, so you are safe! Locals love to chat and share their culture with everyone.

🏥 Hospitals: Public health, especially in cases of emergency, is generally pretty great! Since it is better to be safe than sorry, also get good travel insurance.

🇺🇸 English speaking: Fluency is most commonly found in hospitality businesses, but you can find translations even in restaurant menus, too!

Salvador TRAVEL GUIDE

Where is Salvador Brazil Located?

Salvador Map 

Salvador, known to Brazilians as the ‘Capital of Cheer’ because of all the events and parties that happen in town, is a northeastern capital. Its unique location gives you fun all around the clock.

What State is Salvador In? 

Salvador is nestled in Bahia’s coastal area, also serving as the state capital. Not only can you enjoy beautiful sand strips, but you’re also close to a number of amazing places if you decide to take a quick detour.

What’s the Closest Airport to Salvador Brazil?

Salvador International Airport (SSA) is the one closest to downtown, approximately 13 miles (22 kilometers) from it. So, it should be easy to cover the ground in a few different ways.

What is the Best Way to Get to Your Salvador Hotel?

Once your flight has landed at Salvador International Airport (SSA), there are four main ways to reach wherever you’re staying.

As your Salvador travel guide writer, the top recommendation is booking a private shuttle for a stress-free ride to the hotel. It drops you off at the door without the stress of figuring it out when you land. 

💡 Pro Tip:

Pro Tip: If you plan to take an Uber, ensure you have a Brazil SIM card so your phone operates appropriately. You never want to depend on free public WIFI for using your ride-share apps. 

Way number three to leave the area is to get a taxi since there are always available vehicles, but they can be more expensive than ride-share apps. If you do get one, make sure the meter’s on.

But our Salvador travel guide’s second top recommendation is to rent a car. You will be glad to have your way to get around, and it’ll give you the ability to go even further.

Plus, if your trip includes the whole family, it’ll be better to rent a car than to split into different Ubers every time you have to go out.

Salvador TRAVEL GUIDE

How to Get Around Salvador?

Ride Sharing (top choice): Because this is a state capital and major city, there are enough drivers working with ride-share services. It is a cheap and convenient way to move; just have your mobile network functioning properly to avoid relying on public wifi.

Rent a Car (top choice): I just said it in our Salvador travel guide, but let me repeat it: rent a car! Sure, it’s a little more expensive, but it pays off by giving you the most freedom. With it, you can follow your own pace. Be sure you have all the necessary documents, and off you go!

Take a Taxi: Most Salvador travel guide writers forget to talk about taxis. They can be lifesavers in a pinch; I always take one if I get into town late at night. Check you are getting into a registered vehicle and that the meter is on before driving off.

Get on a Bike: Although this isn’t a great way to get around, our Salvador travel guide highly recommends taking a bike for a spin when in town. You can rent and even pay for lessons through scenic routes along the coast.

Public transportation: I wouldn’t say this should be your last resort, but it should be used carefully. Since you’re a tourist, peak times (early morning and late afternoon) are a no-no. If you plan on taking Uber, it might be smart to blend it with the subway system to make your budget stretch a little.

Salvador TRAVEL GUIDE

When to Go to Salvador?

Scheduling your trip is the moment that makes it real. It is about more than a vacation from work; it’s about us understanding when the place is at its best. So, for you to understand more about Brazilian seasons, keeping in mind they’re opposite from the northern hemisphere, here’s a little about each:

Salvador Brazil Summer (December to March): Seasons here don’t vary a lot in temperature and weather, but Summer is, without question, the time to be here! You will get festivals, parties, and amazing memories from your time here under the sun.

Summer Carnival: Carnival deserves a special topic because it is a category by itself. This nationwide party has something special in northeastern states, so if you want to enjoy it properly, start planning now.

Salvador Brazil Fall (April and May): Fall in Salvador doesn’t differ so much from other seasons except for the fact it rains a little more. Temperatures barely drop, so you still get great weather.

Salvador Brazil Winter (June to August): 

Winter is the end of the wet season, so you may have to deal with rain more often. It still gets hot enough for beach days, so there’s nothing to fear.

Salvador Brazil Spring (September to November): Spring dries up the weather, and it’s considered a prime time to be here, according to Salvador travel guides. It is the moment for those who want a summer experience without the summer prices or crowds.

Of course, the final choice is up to you, but there is no going wrong with Salvador.

Salvador TRAVEL GUIDE

Where to Stay in Salvador Brazil? (By Neighborhood)

When you began reading our Salvador travel guide, you were probably waiting for the section talking about where to stay. Salvador has a few different areas for you to stay, depending on what’s your goal for the trip. 

Your main options are Historical Downtown (best central location), Red River District (best for nightlife), Santo Antônio Além do Carmo (best for groups and solo travelers), Ondina (best for couples), and Itapuã (best for families).

As we just saw, your first step needs to be figuring out the goal for this trip. Do you want to dance the night away? Or are you hoping to sunbathe for hours? Once you have figured out what you want to do, think about who’s coming along since that can be a deciding factor, too. 

Let’s check out each of them a little from up close.

Historical Downtown (Best Central Location) 

As is the case with other major cities with a historical background, Salvador has a defined downtown area. It is a little more expensive to stay here, but in my opinion, it’s worth it. You will constantly be where the action happens and within reach of the other parts of town. The downtown area also has plenty happening depending on when in the year you decide to come.

A lot of Salvador travel guides recommend, and we agree, that to stay here is to set up your trip to be a successful one.

Red River District (Best for Nightlife) 

Get ready for a wild ride in the Red River District!

Although Salvador has nightlife options throughout the city, everyone agrees that the Red River District (Bairro do Rio Vermelho) is best for those who truly want to enjoy it. Here, you will find the best bars, the most exciting nightclubs, and the coolest people. 

The nights always end with a story to tell and something exciting to look forward to!

Santo Antônio Além do Carmo (Best for Groups and Solo Travelers) 

This is not EXACTLY  a neighborhood, but it is a significant part of the downtown area right next to the Pelourinho, one of your must-see spots. In recent years, Salvador travel guides have begun to recommend Santo Antônio Além do Carmo for groups and solo travelers who want to have a unique stay. 

You will feel alive in these cobblestone streets that end right in All Saints Bay! 

Ondina (Best for Couples) 

Ondina is a neighborhood often looked for during Carnaval due to the Dodô Circuit. But most often, couples come here for a getaway from more chaotic areas. This neighborhood is close enough to downtown while boasting a little privacy. 

You can enjoy beautiful beaches, go to restaurants and many tourist spots. Booking your stay here is to have a perfect balance of everything.

Itapuã (Best for Families) 

If you want to be close to the beach without having to deal with all the chaos that comes with a more central area, then this Salvador travel guide recommends Itapuã. You can enjoy famous beaches within close distance of the airport and a number of amenities.

Itapuã was home to famous poets, and booking your stay here will help you understand just why it’s easy to fall in love with it.

Salvador TRAVEL GUIDE

Best Things to Do in Salvador Brazil

• Go to as Many Beaches as Possible: ​​”Pelourinho” needs to be number one on your checklist. It is where historical beauty meets the energy of modern Salvador to create a beautiful atmosphere! Recognized by UNESCO as a humanitarian patrimony, this open-air culture center is just waiting for you!
• Adventure Through Sandstrips: The Salvador beaches are arguably the biggest attraction in town! If you have time to go, our Salvador travel guide recommends Flamengo Beach in the high part of town and Frades Island in the lower. 
• Climb to the Top of Lacerda Elevator: Another iconic spot in Salvador is the Lacerda Elevator! Built-in the nineteenth century, this was the first urban elevator built to take people from the low part of town to the high part of town a lot faster than other methods. For a short price, you can climb to the top and take in a breathtaking view.
• Be In Awe of Historical Churches: Even if you aren’t a religious person, going into these magnificent churches is an awe-inspiring experience. Most of them were built at the peak of the Baroque art period, so the details are incredible. Should you be short on time, try to hit up the Cathedral Basilica of Salvador or the Sait Francisco Church and Convent. 
• Have Fun at Dique de Tororó: Salvador’s only natural spring is a gorgeous leisure area for locals and visitors alike. There, you can take a paddle boat into the water, go for a walk through nature, or enjoy food at amazing restaurants. The biggest attraction is the 12 sculptures of orishas rising from the water.
• Escape the Heat at the Palace of Arts: Heat can become too much sometimes, and if you want to escape it for free, then head to the Palace of Arts. There, you will be able to appreciate sculptures made by Rodin, along with other expositions. And when walking gets tiring, take a break at a cute café in the property!
• Enjoy the Model Market: Every city has its own version of a public market, and in Salvador, it is called ‘Model Market.’ It is a huge place with more than 200 stalls with a variety of handmade items, art pieces, and event restaurants offering traditional culinary.

Best Salvador Tours

When you are coming to a city as big as Salvador, with so many attractions, tourist spots, and activities, it can get confusing to plan an itinerary. A way to get around that is to book a tour, known as ‘excursões’ in Portuguese. 

This part of our Salvador travel guide is focused on some way to tour this beautiful city, along with the surrounding areas. You are sure to have the time of your life!

A great way to begin your trip is to take a complete city tour to get a quick feel of everything. It is what I do in every city I visit if there’s time! After all, it is super sad to find a place you love right before you’ve got to leave.

💡Pro Tip: Booking tours should be done carefully. You should opt for trusted websites like Trip Advisor or get them through your hotel’s concierge. Street vendors and even some random stores should be avoided.

Guided tours do a lot more than streamline your itinerary; they give you peace of mind to live in the moment while a professional guides you through the best places. Your only concern is to get your things to enjoy a perfect day, so 

Here Are My Favorite Ways to Tour Salvador:

• Complete Salvador City Tour: It is always nice to start with a complete city tour before focusing on smaller areas. This tour can take up a whole day, so plan your trip to have enough time to do it. You also have the option to do it on foot, which offers a whole other level of immersion, so definitely give it a try!
• Boat Tour to Frades Island: We briefly mentioned this island before in our Salvador travel guide, but let me tell you a little more about Frades Island. This place has the bluest water with a secluded feeling, and it’s only accessible on high tide days, so it feels even more special. You get on the boat in Salvador and spend a whole day doing your best to enjoy this special place.
• Culinary Traditions Tour: Bahia is a state known for its cuisine. Full of different flavors, always colorful and interesting, it definitely is something to explore. Joining a culinary tour is a wonderful way to try every traditional dish available while listening to bits of our history.
• Experience the Rural Flavors of Cachoeira’s Countryside: This tour is more on the educational side of things, but it’s still a lot of fun! Leaving Salvador, you can spend a whole day enjoying the countryside and trying different foods. Brazilian farm food is something you don’t want to miss.
• Private Custom Tours: Of course, the best way to do a tour is to do it your own way! If your budget can take it, book a private tour of Salvador. You can make it as long as you want to, give it a special focus, or just trust your guide; anyway, you will be sure to have a great time.

Salvador TRAVEL GUIDE

Is Salvador Safe for Tourists?

A Salvador travel guide wouldn’t be complete without a section dedicated to talking about safety. This city was Brazil’s first capital, and although it is safe, you still need to take some precautions.

Our main concern in any tourist area all around the world is petty theft. Pickpocketers look for unsuspecting tourists to rob their wallets or phones, usually in heavy traffic areas, so they go unnoticed. Since it’s something that could happen anywhere, here are

💡Pro Safety Tips (For Any City You Travel To):

• When you go out, make sure whatever you’re taking is secure. Your most important items need to be safely tucked away in a fanny pack under your clothing. Things like cards, IDs, and even cell phones can be there!
  Other not-so-important things can be in your bag or pockets since they’ll be easier to replace if they get lost.
• During busy times at tourist spots, be careful with sudden chaos because it can be a distraction for a wave of pickpocketing.
• Even if it seems calm, don’t take your valuables out if it’s not necessary. It puts you at risk!
• This one is mostly for major cities; check with your hotel’s front desk if there are any areas in town you should avoid currently and where not to go after it gets dark.
• Flashy items, designer logos, and such shouldn’t leave your hotel room. They make you a target for petty criminals.

Whenever you go to a new place, apply your usual safety measures because it’s better to be safe than sorry. No matter if it’s another Brazilian city, a country in Europe, or in your own state, being careful pays off!

Keep your wits in place and be smart; it will make a world of difference. If you try to make smart decisions, your trip will be amazing!

What is the Best Travel Insurance for Brazil?

Well, tap water is a huge NO in all of Brazil.

Tap water isn’t drinkable anywhere in our country. It is safe to use externally, but don’t drink it under any circumstances!

You will be able to safely brush your teeth and do your hygiene, but no Salvador travel guide will tell you it’s okay to chug it. You’d do best by buying bottled water when needed or carrying a refillable one to take advantage of filters.

Most establishments that deal with food have a filter to make ice and drinks, so you can ask for some ‘água da casa.’ If it’s not available, then just buy a bottle.

Also, another topic every Salvador travel guide touches on is how hot it can get here ALL YEAR LONG. So stay properly hydrated when you’re outside; otherwise, you can get sick and ruin your entire trip.

So Your Steps to Stay Safe With the Water Are:

1. If you are in an Airbnb, boil water in case there isn’t a filter. The filter is usually attached to the kitchen sink faucet.
2. At hotels, buy bottled water in the absence of filters. This can get expensive quickly, so look for grocery stores nearby to buy it cheaper.
3. Bring along or buy a reusable water bottle to refill, and because refilling is generally free, you don’t have to worry about something as simple as buying drinking water while in Salvador, Brazil. Something like the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle works well.

Let’s explore what each of them brings to the table: 

✅ World Nomads: Best for comprehensive coverage, flexibility, AND adventure sports. Covers trip cancellation, emergency medical costs, and emergency medical transportation and protects your travel gear. 

✅ SafetyWing: This is for general travelers, frequent travelers,  and long-term digital nomads in Brazil. Provides lots of flexibility as far as start date, coverage extension, and automatic renewals. It also has limited home-country coverage. 

✅ Travel Insurance Master: Brazil travel insurance search tool, this is for people who really want to compare policies. 

Salvador TRAVEL GUIDE

Salvador Travel: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drink the water in Salvador Brazil?

If you are asking about tap water, then it’s a NO!

You can’t drink tap water anywhere in the country. It is treated well enough for external use, but don’t drink it!

This means you can safely brush your teeth and do your personal hygiene, but no Salvador travel guide will tell you to go ahead and chug it. It’s best to buy bottled water or keep a reusable one for refilling.

But most restaurants have filters for making ice and drinks, so you can ask for some ‘água da casa.’ If they don’t have it available, then just buy bottled water.

Also, another thing every Salvador travel guide talks about is how hot it gets here ALL THE TIME. So make sure to be hydrated when you’re outside; otherwise, you may get sick and ruin your whole trip.

So Your Steps to Stay Safe With the Water Are:

1. If you stay in an Airbnb, boil the water in case there isn’t a filter. It’s usually attached to the kitchen sink faucet.
2. At a hotel, buy bottled water in the absence of filters, but this can get expensive quickly.
3. Bring over or buy a reusable water bottle to refill, and refilling is generally free, so you don’t have to worry about something as simple as buying drinking water while in Salvador, Brazil.

What’s the Salvador Weather Like?

Salvador’s weather is pretty similar to the rest of northeastern beach towns, but it is not so close to the Equator line, which gives it a small advantage when it comes to temperatures. 

Average temperatures also don’t vary so much from summer to winter. Summer months (December through February) average between 31⁰C and 24⁰C (87⁰F to 75⁰F), while winter (June through September) sees a slight decrease, averaging between 28⁰C and 21⁰C (82⁰F and 69⁰F).

Now, the weather here is a little funny because we don’t have a defined wet season. It rains regularly throughout the year. I only recommend you avoid the months between April and June if you can; it gets very humid, and that can be unpleasant.

Is Salvador Expensive?

Well, if you are coming to Salvador from a place like the US or European countries or any other place that has a favorable exchange rate, it won’t be expensive at all. If you plan it properly, your basic expenses can be a lot lower than they’d be in your home country.

It will be a lot easier to enjoy your trip when you don’t have to worry so much about how much you’re spending. But if you want to enjoy the finer things and places, the costs easily compare to what you’re used to.

Brazil is so different; you will easily find great restaurants for a better price, affordable handcrafted items, and nice places to visit without spending a lot.

We will go over the peak and slow seasons a little further down our Salvador travel guide, but remember: everything is a lot more expensive in peak months. So, in order to stretch your budget even further, plan to come in other moments.

Is Salvador Worth Visiting?

I am biased, but definitely yes! 

Northeastern Brazil is a land that always has a new thing to show, full of our country’s rich history and cuisine. It is a hundred percent worth it to get on a plane if only to see the beautiful ocean as you land. And if you truly want to experience Brazilian culture, come celebrate Carnaval with us!

You should give Salvador some consideration in case you want to visit some of the best beaches in Brazil! And if there’s a car readily available, then the state is yours for the taking.

And let’s not even talk about northeastern food because that takes me a whole day.

How Many Days Do I Need in Salvador Brazil?

Because Salvador is a capital city and used to be so for the whole country, there is a lot to do. There are activities for every kind of visitor, and everyone will have fun. 

If you are coming in peak season and still want to enjoy everything calmly. Perhaps have time for a guided tour, relax on a beach before going to some tourist spots and such, then you should plan to spend seven whole days in town.

Say you want to check out only the main spots, and you’re not really interested in going on a boat tour or anything of the sort, then four whole days should be enough.

As the person writing an ultimate Salvador travel guide, I urge you to add a couple of days to however many you’re already thinking about. It is a holiday, and you still need time to relax.