Things To Do
in São Miguel

São Miguel is a vibrant neighborhood in Salvador, Bahia, known for its warm hospitality and Afro-Brazilian cultural influences. It blends residential charm with colorful street life, markets, and easy access to waterways along the Atlantic coast. Visitors can expect a lively mix of traditional music, delicious Bahian cuisine, and opportunities to explore historic streets.

While compact and walkable, its hills and coastal lanes invite curious explorers to linger and discover hidden gems.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in São Miguel
morning
:

Arrive at Ponta Delgada Airport and transfer to your accommodation. Take some time to settle in and freshen up before exploring the local area. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café that offers traditional Azorean pastries.

afternoon
:

Stroll along the charming waterfront and visit the iconic Portas da Cidade, a set of beautiful city gates. Explore the historic streets of Ponta Delgada, with stops at local shops and handicraft stores. Enjoy lunch at a seafood restaurant, tasting the catch of the day.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant featuring Azorean cuisine, savoring dishes like cozido das furnas. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the vibrant city squares filled with lively cafes and shops. Relax at your hotel, preparing for a week of adventure ahead.

day 2
Explore Sete Cidades
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Sete Cidades, one of the island's most beautiful locations. Hike around the twin lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul, enjoying stunning panoramic views. Take numerous photographs as you navigate through scenic trails that connect the two lakes.

afternoon
:

Visit the viewpoint at Vista do Rei for breathtaking vistas of the volcanic caldera and its emerald waters. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of the lakes, surrounded by the lush greenery. Explore the quaint village of Sete Cidades, and learn about its history at the small local museum.

evening
:

Head back to Ponta Delgada and indulge in dinner at a restaurant known for its local dishes and wines. Experience the local nightlife, perhaps visiting a bar featuring live music. Wind down your evening enjoying the island’s starry sky, a result of minimal light pollution.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🥤Coffee or soft drink$1-3
🍝Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$25-40
🏨One-night hotel in mid-range$60-120
🚕Taxi starting fare$2-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich Afro-Brazilian culture and music scene
  • Delicious Bahian cuisine with seafood and dendê oil
  • Close-to-city beaches and scenic waterfronts
  • Can be crowded and humid, especially in peak season
  • Some areas have limited English and tourist infrastructure
  • "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?
  • "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
  • "Aceita cartão de crédito?" - Do you accept credit cards?
  • "Eu não fumo" - I don't smoke

Places to Visit in São Miguel

Visit one of these nice places.

Elevador Lacerda

Colonial-era elevator with panoramic views over the Baía de Todos os Santos and the old city.

Pelourinho colorful facades

Bright colonial houses and cobblestone streets ideal for daytime photography and sunset shots.

Porto da Barra Beach

Urban beach with a lighthouse and gentle waves, perfect for sunset and people-watching photography.

Dique do Tororó

Lakeside area featuring sculpted Orixá figures and reflective water surfaces for dramatic photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in São Miguel

Bahian cuisine celebrates seafood, coconut milk, dendê (palm oil), and a lively spice profile. Expect bold flavors, generous portions, and a mix of street snacks and refined coastal dishes.

São Miguel Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Acarajé

A deep-fried ball of black-eyed peas filled with vatapá and caruru; widely found at street stalls and specialty shops.

Must-Try!

Moqueca Baiana

A fragrant fish stew made with coconut milk and dendê oil, typically served with rice and farofa.

Vatapá

A creamy paste of bread, coconut milk, peanut, and dendê, often enjoyed with acarajé or as a side.

Bobó de Camarão

Shrimp cooked in a creamy cassava and coconut milk sauce, usually with rice.

Caruru

Okra-based stew with shrimp and palm oil, a staple at Bahian tables and celebrations.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Modelo

Historic market near the port offering crafts, spices, and bite-sized Bahian snacks; great for a quick tasting and gift shopping.

Mercado de São Joaquim

Large traditional market where you can sample fresh produce, dried fruits, and street foods, plus local ingredients for home cooking.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region has a tropical climate with high year-round temperatures and humidity. Rainy periods are common in certain months, especially in the wet season, so plan accordingly and stay hydrated.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with 'Bom dia' / 'Boa tarde' and offer a handshake or kiss on the cheek in social settings, depending on familiarity.

Respect and formality

Use polite forms ('você', 'senhor', 'senhora') with elders and in service interactions; avoid raised voices in public.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travel smart: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, use reputable taxis or ride-hailing, stay in well-lit areas at night, and be aware of neighborhoods that are less tourist-oriented after dark.

Tipping in São Miguel

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always required; if service is not included, 5–10% is common in restaurants.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas; carry some cash for markets and smaller shops; ATMs are common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with frequent tropical showers in the afternoon; plan early-morning activities and beach days.

Autumn

Pleasant warmth with decreasing rainfall; ideal for outdoor walking, markets, and street photography.

Winter

Milder daytime temperatures with cooler evenings; still humid, so dress in light layers and bring a light jacket for evenings.

Spring

Warm days with intermittent rain; great for coastal hikes and city strolls.

Nightlife Guide

São Miguel at Night

Salvador’s nightlife is lively and diverse, concentrated in Rio Vermelho and the historic center. Expect casual bars with live music, samba-reggae, and forró, plus beachfront spots that stay open late into the night.

Hiking in São Miguel

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal trails between Barra and Itapuã

Short, scenic hikes with coastal views and opportunities to photograph sea cliffs and sunsets.

Chapada Diamantina (day trip or overnight)

World-renowned hiking region with caves, waterfalls, and dramatic landscapes; often reached by longer road trips from Salvador.

Airports

How to reach São Miguel by plane.

Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (SSA)

Serves Salvador and the metro area; typically 20–40 km from central Salvador depending on route.

Getting Around

Walkability

São Miguel and central Salvador offer walkable streets with many sights within easy reach, though the area includes hills and uneven surfaces in places.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Predominantly Afro-Brazilian communities with a mix of other cultural groups.

Tourists

Domestic and international visitors exploring Salvador’s coast, music, and cuisine.

Expats

Some expatriates living in Salvador for work or study, contributing to a small international scene.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer (Futebol)

The most popular sport in Brazil and widely played in local communities.

Beach volleyball

Common on coastal beaches and beach clubs.

Capoeira

Traditional Brazilian martial art and cultural performance often seen around cultural centers.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be heavy during rush hours; use ride-hailing or established transit routes. Heavy rain can cause localized flooding in some streets.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting São Miguel.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Bahian cuisine centers on seafood and meat, but vegetarian options include moqueca de palmito, bean stews, roasted cassava, and fresh fruit. When dining out, ask for 'sem carne' or 'sem peixe' and look for vegetarian dishes or customizable plates.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Salvador includes public SUS facilities and private hospitals; for complex cases, use private clinics or hospital networks and ensure travel insurance coverage.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide