Salvador, Brazil: A complete travel guide with the top things to do

Everything you need to know to plan your trip to Salvador, Bahia: How to get there, things to do, tourist attractions and even how to be a sustainable traveler in the city.

Did you know that besides being Bahia’s capital, Salvador was the first Brazilian capital? In this complete travel guide, you will find even more curiosities, tips about what to do in Salvador, information about tourist attractions, museums and churches in the city.  

Traveling to Salvador is an opportunity to learn about the history of Brazil. Understand the strength of the soteropolitanos (people born in Salvador) by getting to know more about their religion, gastronomy, and musical resistance brought by the African people who were enslaved. You can also learn about the story of Sister Dulce (Irmã Dulce), a saint who never gave up on the poor and sick, even in the most challenging moments.

I never thought that I’d love that city so much. I was there for about a month and it was not enough to experience everything. That’s why I recommend staying there for at least a week, so you can get to know this charming and welcoming place well.

To some people, a trip to Salvador is an opportunity to have some fun in Carnaval or take a colorful photo in Largo do Pelourinho. I invite you to turn this into a transformative and educational journey.

Where is Salvador

Salvador is a Brazilian city in the northeast of the country, in Bahia state. This coastal city is just over 400 miles from Porto Seguro and almost 1,300 miles from São Paulo and more than 990 miles from Rio de Janeiro. 

See where Salvador is on the map:

When to go to Salvador, Bahia

You can visit Salvador any time of the year, considering that the average temperature in the city varies between 75ºF and 80°F (or 24°C and 27°C as Celcius is the unit of temperature we use in Brazil) and water is always warm. But, if you want to escape from the rainy season it’s better to avoid traveling between April and July.

We were in Salvador between October and November 2021, it was the low season and it was perfect. At this time of the year and in the summer, it’s common for it to rain a little, and then, just a few minutes later, the sky clears up as if not a single drop had fallen.

If you travel between December and March, be aware that you’ll find high season prices. Would you like to see and enjoy Carnaval in Salvador? Don’t forget to book your lodging in advance, once knowing this is the busiest season.

Weather in Salvador

This pic shows how is the weather in Salvador during the year:

How to get to Salvador and explore the city

You can arrive in Salvador by plane, bus or car. If you are arriving from other cities in Bahia, even from other states like Sergipe or Alagoas, you can get the last two options. Otherwise, the best option is to take a flight to the Salvador Bahia Airport – Dep. Luís Eduardo Magalhães. 

The Salvador bus terminal is located on Antônio Carlos Magalhães Avenue, number 4,362 in the Pituba neighborhood, and it has a nearby subway station, called “Rodoviária”.

The subway works very well, but unfortunately, it doesn’t pass through the main tourist attractions. Even so, it is a good alternative for those who are staying in a central region or for those who want to save money by taking the subway from the airport or bus station to the station closest to their accommodation and then a city bus or Uber.

Salvador also has local buses. On this site, you can put your origin and destination and identify which line you should take and the bus schedule. The line that should help you the most is the one that goes from the airport to Praça da Sé. If you are looking for a more comfortable way to get around the city, you can choose to take a taxi or Uber. On my trip, the best transportation was Uber because of the cost-benefit ratio.

LMTM tip: Will you take Uber or taxi via the app? Like anyplace else, don’t forget to check the vehicle, the license plate, and the driver’s name before entering.

For those who love physical activity, the waterfront has several Itaú bicycle rental/return points.

General information

Frequently asked questions about Salvador:

What to do in Salvador

There is more to do in Salvador than you might imagine! With this guide, you can find the best attractions and experiences that the city can offer. Check it out!

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1) Get to know Salvador’s main tourist attractions

Mercado Modelo

The Mercado Modelo is in the lower part of the city and it is one of the entrances to the Historic Center. It is great for those who want to buy handicrafts and also taste delicious typical Bahian cuisine at its restaurants.

LMTM tip: We tried a vegetarian moqueca in the restaurant Camafeu de Oxóssi and it was divine!

Ticket: Free of charge

Hours: from Monday to Saturday – from 9am to 6pm / Sunday – from 9am to 2pm

Address: 250, Praça Visconde de Cayru – Comércio

Contact: +55 (71) 3242-5860 / +55 (71) 3242-5860

Site: https://www.mercadomodelosalvador.com/

Elevador Lacerda

The Elevador Lacerda is the first urban elevator in the world, connecting the lower and upper cities. It’s located in Baía de Todos os Santos and offers a beautiful view, perfect for taking photos.

Ticket: R$0,15*

Hours: Everyday – from 6 am to 10 pm

Address: Praça Cairu in the lower city, and Praça Tomé de Sousa in the upper city

Site: http://mobilidade.salvador.ba.gov.br/

Praça da Sé

This is a square that has generated controversy during its history. It used to house the old temple of the Sé Primacial of Brazil, built in 1553 and demolished in 1933 to make room for cable cars.

Today, it is a large sidewalk that houses other historical monuments such as the Memorial to the Baianas do Acarajé and the Zumbi dos Palmares.

Largo do Pelourinho

The word pelourinho means pillory that refers to a large stone where slaves were punished. Today, the plaza and the neighborhood represent the history of the black struggle, which beautifully takes over the streets and buildings, bringing strong colors, flavors, music, and religious manifestations to the place. 

Farol da Barra

Imagine a place that lived all Salvador history: this is Farol da Barra.

This tourist spot in Salvador deserves a mandatory stop. Either to visit the Nautical Museum inside the building or to enjoy the landscape during the sunset.

Miguel Santana’s Theater and Balé Folclórico

This theater is the home of Balé (Ballet) Folclórico da Bahia since 2014. In addition to daily shows, the group develops social projects like Balé Junior, a ballet for children. It is an amazing opportunity to learn about Brazilian folkloric dance with African roots.

Tickets & Hours: available on the website below

Address: 49, Gregório de Matos street – Pelourinho

Contact: +55 (71) 3322-1962

Site: https://www.balefolcloricodabahia.com.br/

Casa do Olodum

If you are Brazilian it is hard to think about Salvador and not remember about Olodum! The group that participated in clips of famous singers like Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, and Jimmy Cliff, goes beyond the role of a band, disseminating education and culture. Take advantage of your visit to Pelourinho to visit Casa do Olodum, where you will find instruments and souvenirs of the band for sale.

Tickets: Free

Hours: from Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm / Sunday 10am to 5pm

Address: 22, Maciel de Baixo street – Pelourinho

Contact: +55 (71) 99241-4086

Site: https://olodum.com.br/

Farol de Itapuã

Brazil’s most popular lighthouse is also a tourist attraction in Salvador. The 21-meter tower is named for its location on Praia de Itapuã.

Important! The inner area of the Farol de Itapuã is not open to visitors.

LMTM tip: This isn’t the most beautiful beach in Salvador (in my opinion), so my advice is for you to consider only a quick visit here.

Address: Farol de Itapuã street – Itapuã

Ponta do Humaitá

On this charming spot you can find an architectural conglomeration, including the Church and Monastery of Monte Serrat and the Farol of Monte Serrat. Here one can enjoy a beautiful sunset and try the Bahian cuisine.

Address: 56, Boa Viagem street – Monte Serrat

2) Relax on the edge of Salvador Beaches

If you are in doubt about what to do in Salvador on a sunny day, don’t worry. The beaches in the Bahian capital provide a variety of activities.

Go diving or stand-up paddling at Porto da Barra beach, learn how to surf at Praia do Flamengo, relax and have a good drink at the Blue Praia Bar at Buracão beach, eat a “coalho” cheese with molasses at Praia da Barra or ride a bike along the shore.

Check our article about the best beaches in Salvador, Brazil!

LMTM tip: Before getting into the water, check the water quality. You can confirm this information on INEMA website or through an updated Google search.

3) Strengthen your faith

It can be in some of the 372 catholic churches or in some terreiro, a space dedicated to the candomblé’s orixás, the faith is part of the Bahian culture. See where you can strengthen your faith in Salvador:

Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim

Maybe you already know the ribbon of Bonfim, it is an icon in the Bahian city, but do you know where they come from? Know the Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim. You can visit the basilica, the local museum or hang your prayer ribbons on the external bars of the place.

Tickets: Free

Hours: from Monday to Wednesday and Saturday – 6:30 am to 6 pm / Friday and Sunday – 5:30 am to 6 pm.

Address: Praça Sr. do Bonfim – Bonfim

Contact: +55 (71) 3316-2196

More information: Facebook of Basílica Santuário do Senhor do Bonfim

Be moved in Memorial Irmã Dulce

A nun from Bahia canonized by the Vatican, Irmã Dulce had a huge impact in the community through your charity work. In the Memorial Irmã Dulce you can learn about her story, see her bedroom that is still intact,  as well as other items that have marked her history.

Tickets: Free (Schedule is necessary)

Address: 161, Dendezeiros do Bonfim Avenue – Bonfim

Contact: +55 (71) 3310-1923 

Site: https://www.irmadulce.org.br

Igreja e Convento de São Francisco

Tickets: R$ 5,00*

Hours: Monday, Thursday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday – 9 am to 5:30 pm  

Address: Largo do Cruzeiro de São Francisco – Pelourinho

Contact: +55 (71) 3322-6430

Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos

The Irmandade Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos is an important confraternity created by blacks to ensure their religiosity. The church in Salvador was founded in 1685 and built in 1704.

On Tuesdays at 5 pm you can check out during a mass an unmissable union between Catholicism and Candomblé.

Ticket: R$ 5,00*

Hours: Visit – from Monday to Friday – 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm / Saturday – 8 am to 7 pm 

Address: Largo do Pelourinho, s/n – Pelourinho

Contact:  +55 (71) 3421-5781

Casa de Yemanjá

Iemanjá is an really important Orixá patroness of fishermen, worshiped especially in Salvador. On February 2nd, Rio Vermelho beach receives devotees from all over Brazil to throw offerings to the sea.

But you don’t have to wait until this day to know this little and powerful house, it is open the whole year with offerings and prayers in Rio Vermelho neighborhood. 

LMTM tip: Do you wanna know why February 2nd is considered the day of Iemanjá? Watch our stories about Salvador.

Address: 143, Guedes Cabral street – Rio Vermelho

4) Go for the Bahian cuisine

Leave your diet aside and enjoy the delights of Bahia. In moderation, of course. 😅.

Traditional food

Bahian food is delicious and unique. Taste acarajé, abará, moqueca, cocada, bolinho de estudante, pão delícia, caruru, mugunzá, and some others Bahia’s traditional food.

Ice Cream

It is really common to find Sorveteria da Ribeira in ‘what to do tips’ in Salvador. We were in four ice cream shops in the city, see our ranking:

1. Crema – located in Largo de Santana, Rio Vermelho. Taste the flavors “Amarena” and “Ferrero Rocher”.
2. Le Glacier La Porte – Largo do Cruzeiro de São Francisco
3. Sorveteria da Ribeira – it’s only worth in the Ribeira’s location. In the other ones the quality isn’t that great. Try the flavor “Delícia de Abacaxi”.
4. A Cubana – Multiple locations all over Salvador.

5) Enjoy the sunset

There are several beautiful places to appreciate the sunset in Salvador.

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Some suggestions are: From Elevador Lacerda, on the beach or at Farol da Barra, on the balcony of one of the bars of Santo Antônio Além do Carmo, listening to good jazz (Saturdays) or practicing a yoga class for free (Sundays) in the back of MAM (Modern Art Museum), or perhaps in lesser-known places like Mirante Wildberger or Larri Bistrô in the Aliança Francesa at Corredor da Vitória.

6) Visit museums in Salvador

Jorge Amado, one of the most renowed Brazilian writers, was born in the South of Bahia and finished his studies in Salvador. His regionalist works have been portrayed on television and cinema.”

“Inaugurated on March 7, 1987, the Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado, was idealized and instituted with the objective of preserving and studying the bibliographical and artistic collections of the writer Jorge Amado, as well as encouraging studies and research above all literature made in Bahia.” – Fundação Casa do Jorge Amado. (free translation)

Tickets: Free

Hour: from Monday to Friday – 10am to 6pm / Saturday – 10am to 4pm

Address: 49/51, Portas do Carmo street – Largo do Pelourinho

Contact: +55 (71) 4103-0081

Site: https://www.jorgeamado.org.br/

Museu Afro-Brasileiro (MAFRO)

The museum is impressive because of the beauty of its facade. It is an important collection about African and Afro-Brazilian history. You can check the current expositions on the website below.

Tickets: R$10*. Details are available at the site below.

Hours: from Monday to Friday – 9am to 5pm

Address: Largo do Terreiro de Jesus, Bahia Medical School building – Historic Center of Salvador

Contact: +55 (71) 3283-5540

Site: http://www.mafro.ceao.ufba.br

Cidade da Música da Bahia

Between Mercado Modelo and Elevador Lacerda, Cidade da Música da Bahia is a museum that features the rich history of Bahian music. The entire exhibition is audiovisual, showcasing the city’s musical context and styles, with interactive rooms featuring karaoke, rap and trap battles, and other attractions.

Ticket: R$ 20* – SCHEDULING REQUIRED

Hours: from Tuesday to Sunday – 10am to 6pm, with entrance until 5pm. 

Address: 19, Praça Visconde de Cayru – Comércio

Contact: +55 (71) 3106-4659

Site: https://cidadedamusicadabahia.com.br/

LMTM tip: Visit the museum first and then the Casa do Carnaval; it will make more sense.

Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia – MAM

Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia (MAM) is a spectacle inside and out. Located in Solar do Unhão, it has a wonderful view, a sunset worthy of an art piece, in addition to its external sculptures, five internal exhibitions and a cinema.

Ticket: Free

Hours: from Monday to Friday – 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm

Address: Lafayete Coutinho Avenue – Comércio

Contact: +55 (71) 3117-6132 

Site: http://www.mam.ba.gov.br/

Casa do Carnaval da Bahia

One of the most traditional street Carnaval parties in Brazil, Salvador usually brings to its streets people from all over the world who follow the blocos de axé – a group of people that follow the band through the street. The Bahian Carnaval is unique and that is why there is a museum just to talk about this festivity. Learn the history and enjoy Carnaval artifacts at Casa do Carnaval da Bahia.

Ticket: R$ 20* / On Wednesday is free with scheduling

Hours: from Tuesday to Sunday – 10 am to 6 pm

Address: Praça Ramos de Queirós – Pelourinho

Contact: +55 (71) 3324-6360

Site: Instagram

Memorial das Baianas do Acarajé

During your trip, you will encounter the traditional Baianas do Acarajé. These women and their acarajé—a type of stuffed fritter—embody a history of symbolism and resistance, reflected in their attire and the flavors they offer.

Get to know this memorial made especially to tell the history and honor Baianas do Acarajé.

Hours: from Monday to Saturday – 10 am to 4 pm

Address: Cruz Caída, Praça da Sé – Pelourinho

Contact: +55 (71) 3322-9674

Site: https://museudasbaianasdeacaraje.com.br/

LMTM tip: Would you like to know why women from Bahia dress like that? Check out our stories in Salvador.

Museu Geológico

If you set aside a day to walk around the Corredor da Vitória, take time to visit the Museu Geológico. It is a perfect tour for those who want to learn about the history of Earth marked on its stones, with a special touch of being focused on the Bahian region.

Tickets: Free

Hours: from Tuesday to Friday – 1 pm to 6 pm / Saturday and Sunday – 1 pm to 5 pm (In case you want a guided visit, scheduling is necessary, send an email to [email protected])

Address: 2195, Sete de Setembro Avenue – Corredor da Vitória

Contact: +55 (71) 3336-3498

Site: http://www.mgb.ba.gov.br/

Ps: I’ve heard that inside of the museum has a delicious coffee. ☕

Memorial e Fundação Pierre Verger

Pierre Verger was a French photographer and anthropologist who was extremely important for studying and recording Afro-Brazilian culture, especially the religious aspects of candomblé. Want to know more about his work? You can visit the Pierre Verger Memorial or the Galeria do Pelourinho free of charge.

LMTM tip: I recommend the book Orixás by Pierre Verger.

Memorial Pierre Verger: The house that Verger lived in.

Hours: from 8 am to 12 pm (Scheduling is necessary)

Address: 6, 2ª Travessa da Ladeira da Vila América – Engenho Velho de Brotas

Contact: +55 (71) 3203 8400

Site: https://www.pierreverger.org

Fundação Pierre Verger Galeria

Hours: from Monday to Saturday: 9am to 7pm

Address: 9 – store 1 – Portal da Misericórdia (Near by Pelourinho)

Contact: +55 (71) 3321 2341

Site: https://www.pierreverger.org

Espaço Carybé de Artes 

Despite being from Argentina and having traveled extensively before arriving in Salvador, Carybé won the heart of the Bahian city. His art is vibrant and heavily influenced by candomblé. In this space, you can see a virtual collection.

Note: Every day from 6:15 pm until 7 pm his works are exhibited on the building’s facade.

Ticket: R$ 20* – Wednesday for free

Hours: Wednesday to Monday – 11 am to 7 pm

Address: Forte de São Diogo – Porto da Barra

Contact: [email protected]

Site: https://www.instagram.com/espacocarybe/

Memorial Casa Di Vina

Don’t know what to do in Itapuã beach in Salvador? Visit the memorial of Vinicius de Moraes, located in the house where he lived with the Bahian actress Gessy Gesse at the beginning of the ’70s.

The memorial can be accessed through the Casa Di Vina Restaurant. It contains a collection full of photos and objects of the poet and his wife, besides the paintings that tell stories and curiosities of the period in which they lived there.

Ticket: Free

Hours: from Monday to Sunday – 12pm to 10pm 

Address: 44, Flamengo street – Farol de Itapuã

Contact: +55 (71) 3285-7339 / WhatsApp: +55 (71) 99711-3374

Site: https://www.casadivinabahia.com.br/

Casa do Rio Vermelho

The house where Jorge Amado and Zélia Gattai lived was transformed into a museum with an amazing collection and videos full of stories. This is where their ashes were interred according to their wishes.

Ticket: R$20*

Hours: from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Entrance until 5 pm

Address: 33, Alagoinhas street – Rio Vermelho

Contact: +55 (71) 3104-4659

Site: http://casadoriovermelho.com.br/

Museu Náutico da Bahia

If you love traveling, you can’t miss the Museu Náutico da Bahia. The museum presents part of Brazil’s history by displaying pieces of ships and crew members’ utensils that were submerged for about 300 years.

Ticket: R$ 15 

Hours: from Monday to Sunday – 9 am to 6 pm

Adress: Largo do Farol da Barra, s/n – Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra – Barra

Contact: +55 (71) 98890-0964

Site: https://www.museunauticodabahia.org.br/

7) Enjoy the benefits of Salvador’s best neighborhoods

Santo Antônio Além do Carmo

Next to the Centro Histórico (Historic Center), Santo Antônio Além do Carmo is a charming neighborhood. There you will find a lot of beautiful baroque old buildings. 

There you can walk until Largo do Carmo – where you have a view of Baía de Todos os Santos -, visit churches and enjoy the bars and local business.

This is my favorite neighborhood to have a beer in the late afternoon while watching the sunset from the balcony of one of the bars in the area, like Bar Cruz do Paschoal, Poró Restaurante & Bar, Raiz Restaurante, and others.

Pelourinho

The neighborhood goes from Largo do Pelourinho until Terreiro de Jesus.

Rio Vermelho

8) Volunteer in Salvador – Brazil

The best way to deeply understand a destination is to experience the daily life of the locals. The Worldpackers volunteer work exchange makes this possible.

Here’s how Worldpackers works!

You can apply for various types of volunteer work in Salvador, such as working in a hostel in Praia da Barra or even participating in an environmental volunteer project in the region.

We participated in an agroforestry experience in a neighboring municipality, check out our experience:

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9) Immerse yourself in Salvador’s culture

Afroturism

Going to Salvador is an excellent opportunity to learn about afro-Brazilian culture. If you want to explore Afro-Brazilian culture, several tours are organized by Guia Negro with this focus.

We participated in the Caminhada Salvador Negra. If there is a mandatory tour in Salvador that everyone should do, I would say that this is the one.

Ticket: Starting at R$ 50 per person*. Details are available at the site below.

Contact: +55 (11) 99279-4902 (WhatsApp)

Site: https://guianegro.com.br/

Visit a terreiro de candomblé

Religious syncretism is more present in our culture than most of us can imagine. Sayuri, the guide, can take you to a candomblé (Afro-Brazilian religion) temple and answer your questions.

Contact: +55 (71) 99113-8033 (WhatsApp)

Site: Instagram

Capoeira Class

This practice, which was once forbidden in Brazil, is now a national symbol. How about burning some calories with the sound of the berimbau while connecting to Afro-Brazilian ancestry?

We took the class with Mestre Bamba at the Associação de Capoeira Mestre Bimba.

Ticket: R$ 50*

Address: Rua das Laranjeiras, n° 01, Pelourinho. 1° Andar

Contact: +55 (71) 3322-0639 (WhatsApp)

Site: https://www.capoeiramestrebimba.com.br/

Percussion Class

The atabaque and berimbau are very present in the rodas de samba and rodas de capoeira (roda is a practice where people stay in circle playing and dancing) in the Recôncavo Bahiano. How about learning how to play some rhythms on these instruments?

We did our class in the Associação de Capoeira Mestre Bimba, with Pezão.

Ticket: R$ 45*

Address: 01, Rua das Laranjeiras street – 1st Floor – Pelourinho

Contact: +55 71 3322-0639 (WhatsApp)

Site: https://www.capoeiramestrebimba.com.br/

See a capoeira presentation

Finding a capoeira presentation isn’t that hard in Salvador. But, if you want to add this experience to your route, you can plan to go to Forte do Santo Antônio Além do Carmo, where they have a project called Capoeira no Forte, which aims to promote Bahian culture and art.

Ticket: Free

Hours: from Wednesday to Sunday – 4 pm to 6:30 pm

Address: Largo de Santo Antônio Além do Carmo – Santo Antônio

10) Get to know the region’s markets

Besides Mercado Modelo, Salvador has other markets that offer an explosion of flavors and various craftsmanship options:

Mercado Rio Vermelho

Recommended for those who are staying in the Rio Vermelho neighborhood. The prices are not very competitive, and I didn’t find anything particularly special.

Hours: from Monday to Saturday – from 7am to 7pm / Sunday – from 7am to 2pm

Address: 1624, Juracy Magalhães Júnior Avenue – Rio Vermelho

Contact: +55 (71) 3018-5733

Site: http://www.mercadodoriovermelho.com.br/

Feira de São Joaquim

This is the cheapest market in Salvador. If you want to buy cooking ingredients, Candomblé items, or clothes, this is the ideal place.

We received a very good tip from a follower, a tour that involves visiting the fair & a traditional cooking class. If I had known before, I would have taken the tour.

As a content creator, I’d love to photograph and film more here, but unfortunately, I haven’t felt safe. I’ve heard some rumors that it is common that thieves take the cellphones from the hands of tourists and escape in the little halls of the fair. A crucial tip: stay on the main streets of the market.

Hours: from Monday to Saturday – 5am to 6pm / Monday – 5am to 2pm

Address: Engenheiro Oscar Pontes street – Água de Meninos

11) Observe the artistic works of Salvador

Dique do Tororó

Close to the Fonte Nova Arena is Dique do Tororó, a dam that was built in the 17th century and served as protection against invasions. As Salvador grew, it was gradually filled in and today it has a lake with 110,000 cubic meters of water. The highlight here is the sculptures of 12 orixás created by artist Tatti Moreno.

Note: I have heard that this region is dangerous, so be careful with your belongings.

Address: 212, Vasco da Gama Avenue – Engenho Velho de Brotas

As Meninas do Brasil

These three sculptures represent the races that make up the Brazilian people: Black, White, and Indigenous. Created by the Bahian artist Eliana Kertéz, “As Meninas do Brasil” are also known as “As Gordinhas da Ondina”, the neighborhood where they are located.

 Address: 19, Adhemar de Barros Avenue – Ondina

Morro do Cristo

The area to the left of Barra Beach features a marble statue of Jesus Christ. Take a rest on the lawns and enjoy the bars around Morro do Cristo with a stunning view of the Barra Lighthouse and the seashore.

Address: Oceânica Avenue – Barra

Zumbi dos Palmares

Jorge Amado and Zélia Gattai

Also made by artist Tatti Moreno, the sculpture features Jorge Amado, Zélia Gattai, and the life-size dog Fadul in Largo de Santana, in front of the Santana Church.

Endereço: Largo de Santana – Rio Vermelho

12) Experience Salvador Carnaval

Ah, Salvador Carnaval! I only got a taste of it by following Novos Baianos in a pre-Carnaval event in 2023. It was fun, but I’m sure I would have enjoyed it more about 15 years ago, when I didn’t mind being in a huge crowd. 😂 For now, it remains my and your wish to one day be able to join a camarote (VIP area). By the way, who would you most like to see perform? My favorites are Olodum, Saulo Fernandes, Bell Marques, and Novos Baianos.

What to do at night in Salvador

Are you unsure about what to do in Salvador at night? There are plenty of options!

• La Taperia
• Hype Bar
• Dendê Salvador
• Biergarten
• Vila Jardim dos Namorados
• EcoSquare
• Rooftop 180 Graus
• Largo de Santana
• Largo da Mariquita

What to do in Salvador in the rain

Take the opportunity to visit Salvador’s diverse museums, meet friends in the bars of Santo Antônio Além do Carmo, visit the main churches in the region, and enjoy the best of Bahia’s gastronomy.

What to do near Salvador

Check out some other destinations in Bahia along with their approximate distances from Salvador:

• Ilha de Itaparica (13km)
• Ilha dos Frades (26km)
• Ilha de Maré (38km)
• Ilha Bom Jesus dos Passos (63km)
• Morro do São Paulo (63km)
• Boipeba (86km)
• Lauro de Freitas (30km)
• Guarajuba (70km)
• Itacimirim (78km)
• Praia do Forte (83km)
• Imbassaí (90km)

What NOT to do in Salvador

I decided to boldly share some things that I thought weren’t worth doing in Salvador, based on negative feedback from people I met:

• Lagoa do Abaeté: Although it seems to be very beautiful, at least three locals advised against going there, especially alone, because it has been neglected by the city and is considered dangerous.
• Shopping Salvador: Avoid arriving or leaving the mall during rush hour, as it is centrally located and traffic is heavy between 6 and 7:30 pm.
• Praia de Itapuã: I noticed a lot of trash on this beach, and several locals warned me about the lack of security, which made me feel apprehensive during my stay. Several locals also told me about the lack of security there, which made me apprehensive while I was staying there. If you want to visit it, set aside two to three hours to see the Itapuã Lighthouse and visit Vinícius’ House.

Curiosities

1. From 1549 to 1763, Salvador was the capital of Brazil
2. 80% of the population of Salvador is black
3. The first name of Salvador was ‘São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos’
4. Salvador has appeared in several international video clips, such as: Michael Jackson – They don’t care about us, Paul McCartney – Back In Brazil, Paul Simon – Obvious Child

Extra tips

Here are some extra tips for you to make the most of your trip to Salvador. Check them out:

Learn about the destination

Learn about some events and characters from Salvador that were important for the city’s history, such as: Neguinho do Samba, Irmã Dulce, Luís Gama, Dorival Caymmi, Mãe Menininha do Gantois, Mestre Bimba, Batatinha, Carlinhos Brown.

We also recommend that you watch these documentaries:

• Axé – Canto do Povo de Um Lugar
• Irmã Dulce

Respect, always!

Many Bahian women, capoeiristas, and musicians make their living from donations and sales of handicrafts and services to tourists. Some start the approach by offering a photo, bracelet, or even a painting of Timbalada as a gift, but in the end, they will ask for a financial contribution.

If you’re not interested, thank them at the start of the conversation and politely decline. Otherwise, a R$5 tip is an acceptable amount to admire a song or take a picture. To make things easier, have small change ready before going to Pelourinho or the Igreja do Bonfim.

Also, xenophobic jokes are not welcome! Not here, not anywhere else!

Be a responsible tourist

We always provide tips to help you minimize your environmental impact at the destinations you visit, and this Salvador guide is no exception. See how you can be a more sustainable tourist in Salvador:

• Save water: During the summer, water shortages are common in the city, so use it sparingly!
• Reduce your waste while traveling: Whether you’re at the hotel, on the beach, or visiting the main tourist attractions in Salvador.
• Always have with you a glass, straw, cutlery, and a reusable bag.
• When ordering, inform the attendant if you don’t need a straw, spoon, etc., as they may include them by default.
• Are you ordering ice cream? What about the ice cream cone?
• Ensure your lodging offers recycling. If not, find a So+Ma drop-off point to dispose of your waste properly.

What to bring to Salvador

• Light clothing and if possible, sun protection
• Comfortable sneakers for walking among the sights of Salvador
• Flip-flops
• Natural sunblock
• Cap or Hat
• Sun Glasses
• Fanny Pack (it is the most practical and safe item for walking in big cities)
• Kit with reusable utensils (cutlery, glass, straw, bag)

Forget jeans, and remember that a sweater is only needed on the flight or if your roommate turns down the air conditioning.

Now that you know what to do in Salvador by day, by night, and even when it rains, as well as the main tourist attractions, museums, and churches, tell us… What will be the first thing you want to do when you arrive in Salvador?

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* The costs mentioned are from November/2021 and are subject to change.

Note: This article was sponsored by Worldpackers.

Also read:

• The best beaches in Salvador and surroundings
• Porto Seguro, Brazil: Your travel guide to the historic and paradisiacal destination in South Bahia
• Caraíva, Brazil: 17 things to do, where to stay, places to eat, and much more
• Trancoso, Brazil: Find out what this magic district in Bahia has to offer!