When people think of traveling to the beaches of Brazil, the first destinations in mind are either Rio de Janeiro or any of the best places in Northeastern Brazil. And to those travelers who are more interested in going to the beach, Salvador da Bahia can be a perfect destination. Salvador, a major city in northeastern Brazil, is a vibrant city full of history, culture, and beauty. It will give you the perfect tropical getaway even if you’re still not sure of what things to do in Salvador, Brazil.
This beautiful city works as the capital of the state of Bahia, a very diverse state since many freed people took refuge there when slavery was abolished back in the 1880s. I have heard many friends say how wonderful it was to spend even a day there and I even got to experience it for myself some time ago! And that is without even thinking about all the things to do in Salvador, Brazil.
The streets of Salvador combine everything from African culture to Brazil’s colonial history, and its stunning beautiful urban beaches. Adding it all up, these things make it a top destination in South America. From the bustling lower city, always alive with locals, to the historic charm of the upper city area, Salvador truly has something for every type of traveler. So why wait any longer to visit?
So letโs explore the best things to do in Salvador together, including must-visit historic sites, delicious local cuisine, and iconic tourist attractions. Understanding what each of them has to offer so you put together a great trip!
1. Wander Through the Pelourinho (Historic Center)
The Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Salvadorโs crown jewel. It is often number one on everyone’s list of things to do Salvador. This historic center is filled with iconic colorful colonial houses, cobblestone streets, and lively cultural performances like drum corps and capoeira. Praรงa da Sรฉ and Terreiro de Jesus are key landmarks here, showcasing the cityโs rich culture and past.
However, the Pelourinho is a big area so let me tell you about the must-see attractions! Brazil was colonized by a catholic nation so you need to check out some churches starting with the Sรฃo Francisco Church, a masterpiece of 17th-century Baroque architecture. Another mandatory stop there is Fundaรงรฃo Casa de Jorge Amado is dedicated to the life and works of one of Brazilโs most celebrated authors.
Streets in Pelourinho are very much public, you can go there anytime you want! Just always be mindful of working hours. There are many places to visit and each of them will have their own working hours. Always do a quick Google search to make sure you don’t waste a trip. And if you want to, there are a few people/companies that offer walking tours of the area for that quick understanding of where you are.
2. Ride the Lacerda Elevator
Not many of Brazil’s twenty-seven state capitals are as interesting as Salvador! This beautiful city is divided by a geological fault, that in turn made people settle into different parts as the years went by. The Lower City (Cidade Baixa) is a narrow stretch of the city at sea level, it is where you will find most beaches and seaside bars/restaurants.
Upper City (Cidade Alta) is more filled with government buildings and residential areas. The Lacerda Elevator (or Elevador Lacerda) connects the upper city (Cidade Alta) to the bustling lower city (Cidade Baixa) and offers some of the best views of the Baรญa de Todos os Santos (Bay of All Saints). It is open from 6 AM until 11 PM on weekdays, and from 7 AM to 10 PM on weekends.
You may think that this is going to be very expensive but it actually isn’t! For just a few cents, fifteen to be more precise, this ride is both practical and scenic! Those two things added up make it a great place to start your Salvador exploration.
3. Relax at Beautiful Beaches
There is no way to talk about beaches in Brazil without talking about talking about the ones in our Northeastern Region. They are amongst the best in South America so you can’t leave without visiting some of them. You will find some of South America’s best here in Salvador da Bahia! If your group includes small children or you want to swim calmly, head to Porto da Barra Beach! This one is known for its calm waters and proximity to the Barra Lighthouse (Farol da Barra) which we are going to talk about in a little bit.
For a more scenic view, Morro de Sรฃo Paulo offers a serene escape with gorgeous sand dunes and crystal-clear seas. If you don’t feel like covering much ground but still want to dip your toes in the ocean, both Amarila and Rio Vermelho Beach are great options close to the city center. Because Salvador is so close to the Equator Line, you should plan to visit in the winter months (June to August). They are cooler and less crowded, perfect for beach days. Just avoid mid to late July since that is when our national winter break happens and people tend to travel.
4. Discover Salvadorโs Afro-Brazilian Heritage
A long time ago, when slave trading was part of Brazil as a Portuguese colony, this city was where ships used to take port. Once slavery was rightfully abolished, freed Africans and Afro-Brazilians flocked here to truly begin their lives in a new world. Salvador is the beating heart of the Afro-Brazilian community, with deep ties to West Africa and the African slave descendants.
You can’t come to Salvador and not explore the Afro-Brazilian Museum and local religious practices like Candomblรฉ, which reflect the cityโs spiritual traditions. Of course, we have to treat these practices and history with the utmost respect no matter how curious we are. One of the things you absolutely have to do in Salvador, Brazil, is to see a remnant of the old days by attending a live show of capoeira, the Brazilian martial arts form that combines dance and acrobatics.
Those happen in plenty of different spots across town, so your best chance is to keep an eye out for them.
5. Go On a City Tour
If you have read any of my other articles on 0our blog, you already know I am the number one fan of city tours. In case you haven’t, let me tell you why they are the best even if you might think it is a waste of time or money (maybe both). As seasoned travelers, we know how confusing it is to arrive at a new place where the language sounds so foreign.
Booking a full city tour will help with feeling a little less lost, there will be someone guiding you through the city’s most iconic sights and figuring out how to get there for you. Another great advantage is that most times, these local guides will share their personal knowledge with their group, giving them valuable tips and tricks.
With proper research, you will definitely find a trustworthy provider to guide your group through the streets of Salvador. These things include a lot of walking so wear your comfiest shoes and bring some water. A pro tip is always asking for English-speaking guides, so you have an even better experience.
6. Tour the Farol da Barra
Did you know that Salvador was Brazil’s first-ever capital city? There is a lot of history dating back to the mid-sixteenth century years. One stop you can add to your itinerary of things to do in Salvador, Brazil, is the Farol da Barra. The Barra Lighthouse is one of Salvadorโs most iconic landmarks for very good reason! It was the first nautical signalization system in all three Americas.
Located less than three miles from the city center, it’s possible to visit the museum inside it to learn about Salvadorโs maritime history and climb to the top for panoramic views of the Bay of All Saints. It is open daily, from 9 AM until 6 PM. There is also a nearby beach which visitors love to hit up as well! But since this is a famous lookout point, I recommend you come closer to the time the sun sets to capture stunning photos of this historic site.
Once all of your new memories have been registered, consider wrapping up your evening at one of many nearby bars for an authentic Brazilian experience.
7. Experience Salvadorโs Carnival
Number seven on our list of things to do in Salvador, Brazil, is more of an experience. Our blog highly recommends experiencing Salvadorโs Carnival at least once in your life! In all honesty, I have it on my personal bucket list. It is often called the worldโs largest street party with good reason. Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is the most famous, but it is mostly about glitzy parades and elaborate costumes.
Carnival in Salvador is very different because it focuses on making you part of a community, with blocos (street bands/parties) and electric trios (big trucks with bands or singers atop them) filling the streets with music. It is an opportunity to experience Brazil’s most beautiful side with its people! Just remember to drink water while you are out and about because it will get hot!
In case doing Carnaval in Salvador is something you would like to do, planning in advance is going to be your best friend. Book accommodations early, and buy tickets for exclusive parties as soon as they go on sale… This event attracts tourists from all over the world, which means that everything books up and sells out incredibly fast.
This year, Carnival will be in the first week of March!
8. Explore the Sรฃo Joaquim Fair
One thing you will realize as you travel through Brazil is that we love a street fair as much as we love a street party! While Rio de Janeiro has Feira do Lavradio and Feira da Glรณria, Salvador has Feira de Sรฃo Joaquim! Come here for an authentic taste of Salvadorโs culture, But what exactly is a street fair in Brazil? It is a bustling local market where youโll find everything from fresh produce to traditional food.
This is an excellent spot to soak in the atmosphere and discover unique goods. Just like other spots in town, you can get everything from typical northeastern food to handmade souvenirs. To get there, head to the low part of Salvador, between All Saints Bay and Oscar Pontes Avenue. It is up to you to pick an entry point because the fair spans over several blocks in the area!
What I like about having this on your list of things to do in Salvador, Brazil, is that you can go there literally any time you want! Vendors operate every day, starting at 5 AM and closing at 5 PM.
9. Day Trip to Morro de Sรฃo Paulo
When it comes to creating your list of things to do in Salvador, Brazil, not all of them need to be in town. Northeastern Brazil has a lot of great places within close distance of each other. Just a short trip from Salvador, about four miles away by land, Morro de Sรฃo Paulo is a tropical paradise known for its paradise-like beaches, with almost white sand and transparent waters. A day there doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down since the area also has vibrant nightlife!
Getting there is an adventure all on its own depending on which transportation you decide to take. The most recommended ones are aquatic! There is a ferry ride and a speedboat for great scenic routes across the Bay of All Saints.
Vacation days are the time we take for relaxation so you could take that a step further in planning a detour to Morro de Sรฃo Paulo! Consider checking out the availability of day tour packages whenever your trip arrives. That way you can have someone else figure out the details while your only job is to have fun!
10. Visit Local Museums and Cultural Centers
Back when Brazil was established as a Portuguese colony, it didn’t take long for a capital city to be necessary. So it was during the mid-sixteenth century, more precisely in 1549, that Salvador da Bahia was declared Brazil’s first capital city. There is a lot of history in these almost five hundred years! You might not even be a ‘museum person’ but I swear it will be worth it.
Salvador is home to so many local museums and cultural centers that it would be possible to make a whole trip out of it, but you only need to visit a couple of them! I would begin with the Palacete das Artes, in the Graรงa neighborhood, which houses contemporary art exhibitions. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, starting at 10 AM until 8 PM. The Afro-Brazilian Museum is also a great place to visit in order to understand Brazil’s past a little better! It is open on weekdays, from 9 AM to 5 PM.
No matter where you go, you will always have unique experiences! Many museums offer exhibition rooms with interactive displays showcasing Salvadorโs African culture and colonial past. Never forget to check for working hours and if it’s possible to get tickets beforehand!
11. Taste Salvadorโs Unique Cuisine
If you think that food in Brazil is the same everywhere, you are in for the surprise of a lifetime. From Rio Vermelho to 17th-century buildings in the city center, there are plenty of foods for everyone to enjoy. Food lovers will simply adore Salvadorโs local cuisine! It is a fusion of African, indigenous, and Portuguese flavors leftover from when Salvador was Brazil’s capital during colonial times.
As far as local dishes go, I recommend you try their hearty fish-based stews like the famous moqueca or tapiocas, a cassava-based dish. When it comes to sweet treats, you have to eat some cocada, a sort of fudge based on condensed milk and shaved coconut, and my personal favorite: bolo de rolo! It is a very thin sponge rolled up with guava paste. Salvador is a haven for foodies no matter what they prefer!
You can think of where to eat based on where you are staying at. Salvador has some fine dining options but it is the restaurants along Antรดnio Carlos Magalhรฃes Avenue or the Cidade Alta that will give you it all. They are perfect for a mix of casual and upscale dining! Some of them get busy so try to make a reservation whenever it is possible.
12. Have Fun at Dique de Tororรณ
Dique de Tororรณ or Dique do Tororรณ or just Dique, is the only natural spring in Salvador de Bahia. It is such an important place that it was declared a national heritage site. The spring itself turns into an enormous lake. Even though I consider the Dique to be a must in your itinerary, it isn’t the kind of thing that will take up much of your time!
As you have learned in this article, Salvador is a place with tons of Black Heritage right down to the religions of African origin. At Dique do Tororรณ, there is a beautiful homage to the Orixรกs! They are sort of spiritual guides and you can see all eight of them during the day or evening! You can go on a scenic walk around the perimeter of the lake, sip some draft beer at the bars, or get into pedal boats to glide over the water.
Since this is a public park, there aren’t entrance fees, plus you can walk around the lake whenever you want. You only need to be mindful of which activities you’d like to do there since stuff like paddle boats might have specific working hours.
13. Enjoy the Model Market
One of the best things to do in Salvador, Brazil, is the same as everywhere else: browse a local market! Almost every major city will have what we call a ‘municipal market’ in the Latin part of the western hemisphere. In Salvador, the Model Market occupies a building from colonial times and is a must-see! About eighty percent of all the tourists who come into town end up visiting it.
This huge market was inaugurated in 1912 and still operates in the very same building from over a hundred years ago. There are two floors for you to explore, with more than two hundred and fifty stalls to look at. Places like these are great for ticking off some traditional foods or souvenir shopping from your itinerary. There is a subway station (Campo da Pรณlvora) twenty minutes away on foot, so you could easily get a cheap Uber ride or drive there with your rental.
Don’t forget about the operating hours when planning your visit! The Model Market is open from Monday to Saturday, starting at 9 AM and closing at 6 PM. There is a different schedule on Sundays, it opens at 9 AM and closes at 2 PM.
Bonus: Some Practical Travel Tips
- When to Visit: One thing you will notice about northeastern Brazil is that temperatures will hardly vary throughout the year, it is too close to the equatorial line for that. It does get pretty rainy sometimes, so you should avoid the rainy season (from April through May) for a better chance at only sunshine-filled days. I was last there in late October and it was perfect weather!
- Transportation: I always recommend using a local guide or a free walking tour to navigate the thick of the city and uncover hidden gems you might not find otherwise. As for getting around on your own, it is a similar case to Rio de Janeiro. This means that you need to combine the subway system with ride-share apps to optimize your time in town.
- Safety: This is something you don’t need to worry too much about since Salvador is pretty safe for tourists! I just recommend sticking to busy areas like Praรงa Visconde de Cayru if you are not feeling confident in getting around on your own. All you have to do is be as careful as you would normally be in a new town and avoid deserted streets at night.
I hope that this article has helped you understand that Salvador is a unique place in Brazil where our colonial history, diverse culture, and natural beauty converge. Starting at the Lacerda Elevator and Pelourinho and going all the way to the serene beaches of Porto da Barra, this northeastern coastal city offers countless unique experiences. And although we have listed some great things to do in Salvador, Brazil, the final say is up to you!
Thinking about who you are traveling with might help you figure things out when it comes to your itinerary since different kinds of people will want to do different things. You can also plan the order of stuff going by the distance from where you are staying. And if you have a little extra time, consider visiting some of the nearby iconic beaches and cities, who knows when you will be able to come back?
Whether youโre marveling at 17th-century architecture or enjoying fresh seafood by the Bay of All Saints, Salvador promises memories to last a lifetime. Plus, if you need that little extra help with planning your trip beyond its itinerary, head over to our blog! I have written a very complete Salvador City Guide to help out with everything, down to packing your bags!
