Things To Do
in Salvador
Salvador, Bahia sits on a peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is famed for its Afro-Brazilian culture and historic architecture. The UNESCO-listed Pelourinho district features colorful colonial buildings, churches, and lively squares. The city blends music, dance, and street food with long beaches and a vibrant waterfront.
Bahian cuisine—rich with seafood, palm oil, and spices—defines the local dining scene.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Pelourinho, the heart of Salvador's historic center, where colorful colonial buildings line the cobblestone streets. Visit the stunning Catedral Basílica and take in the intricate baroque architecture. Don't forget to try a local breakfast treat, such as Acarajé, from one of the street vendors.
Continue to explore the rich history of the area by visiting the Museu de Arte da Bahia, showcasing local art and culture. Take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets, stopping at artisan shops for unique souvenirs. Enjoy a lunch of Moqueca, a traditional Bahian fish stew, at a nearby restaurant.
As the sun begins to set, head to the Elevador Lacerda for breathtaking views of the harbor. Experience the lively atmosphere of the Pelourinho with its street performers and live music. End your evening with a delicious dinner at a rooftop restaurant, savoring Bahian flavors while enjoying the vibrant nightlife.
Start your day with a refreshing swim at Porto da Barra Beach, known for its calm waters and stunning views. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a beachside café, sampling fresh tropical fruits and local pastries. Take some time to soak up the sun on the sandy beach, watching the locals engage in beach games.
After a relaxing morning, grab a light lunch at one of the beach kiosks offering seafood and local specialties. Spend your afternoon lounging on the beach or engaging in water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking. If you're feeling adventurous, consider taking a boat trip to the nearby islands for more secluded beaches.
As evening approaches, enjoy a picturesque sunset over the ocean, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Head to a nearby restaurant for dinner, where you can sample grilled fish and other Bahian delights. After dinner, consider a stroll along the promenade, enjoying the gentle sea breeze and vibrant atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-5 |
| 🛍️Groceries (weekly) | $25-60 |
| 🚕Taxi start (within city) | $1.5-2.5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich culture and music scene
- World-class beaches and seafood
- Historic architecture and UNESCO-listed Pelourinho
- Warm, welcoming people
- Hot and humid climate can be exhausting
- Traffic and crowded tourist hotspots in peak season
- Some areas require caution at night
- Public transport can be limited outside the historic center
- "Oi" - Hi
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Eu não entendo" - I don't understand
Places to Visit in Salvador
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful, centuries-old buildings, cobblestone lanes, and dramatic church facades create vivid portrait and street photography opportunities.
Iconic elevator linking the upper and lower cities with sweeping bay views, especially at golden hour.
Historic lighthouse with Atlantic views and dramatic sunsets over the sea.
Calm, clear waters and a scenic beachfront perfect for sunset shots and reflections.
Waterfront park with large Orixá statues and a photogenic mix of sculpture, water, and palm trees.
Colorful market setting with vibrant textiles, crafts, and busy street life as a backdrop.
Food in Salvador
Salvador Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fried black-eyed pea fritters often served with vatapá and caruru; widely found at street stalls in Pelourinho and along the waterfront.
Must-Try!
Seafood stew cooked with dendê oil and coconut milk; best enjoyed at Bahian seafood restaurants in Barra or Rio Vermelho.
Creamy paste of bread, coconut milk, peanuts, and dendê; typically served with acarajé or as a main dish.
Shrimp in a cassava puree with coconut milk and dendê; pairs well with white rice.
Okra-based dish with dried shrimp, onions, and palm oil; commonly enjoyed with rice or farinha.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant waterfront market offering crafts, textiles, and Bahian snacks; great place to try street bites and pick up gifts.
Large local market near the historic center selling produce, spices, and inexpensive meals; perfect for authentic finds.
Iconic Bahian street food popular in Pelourinho and along the Dique do Tororó; look for stalls with a steady, well-reviewed line.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly greeting (Olá/Bom dia) is appreciated; in social settings, hugs or cheek kisses among friends are common—gauge from the other person. Dress modestly when visiting churches and sacred sites.
Show appreciation for Afro-Brazilian traditions and music; ask before recording performances or street musicians.
Safety
Tipping in Salvador
Ensure a smooth experience
In many restaurants a service charge of around 10% is included; if not, a 5–10% tip is customary for good service.
Cash and major credit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and apps (like Pix) are common in shops and some restaurants; carry some cash for smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December to February is hot and humid with frequent sun and occasional tropical showers; peak humidity and lively beaches, plus Carnival-time crowds in certain years.
March to May brings warm days with brief rain showers; pleasant for sightseeing, still very vibrant with cultural events.
June to August cools slightly but remains warm by many standards; less rain and comfortable daytime temperatures, though evenings can be breezy near the coast.
September to November warms up again; shoulder-season benefits include fewer crowds while beaches stay inviting.
Salvador at Night
Hiking in Salvador
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A world-renowned hiking region about 5–6 hours by road from Salvador, featuring waterfalls, caves, and long trails.
Airports
How to reach Salvador by plane.
The main gateway to Salvador with domestic and limited international flights; taxi or rideshare to the old city.
A larger airport in the southern Bahia region; about a 2–3 hour drive to Salvador, useful for fly-to routes.
Another regional airport about 4–5 hours by road from Salvador; used for access to the southern coastline.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Strong Afro-Brazilian cultural influence is visible in music, religion, cuisine, and festivals.
A mix of domestic and international travelers attracted to beaches, culture, and nightlife.
Universities and neighborhoods with a young, vibrant urban culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Bahia, with local matches and informal games on beaches.
A historic Afro-Brazilian art form performed in plazas and cultural centers.
Coastal areas like Ribeira and Itapuã offer beginner to intermediate waves.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Salvador.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Bahian cuisine often uses palm oil and seafood; look for vegetarian moqueca, vatapá without shrimp, or dishes centered on vegetables and beans. Ask for no fish or shrimp and request dendê oil to be reduced if desired.