Salvador, Brazil: travel guide
Afro-Brazilian culture, baroque churches and drumming in Pelourinho
Cradle of Afro-Brazilian culture. The Pelourinho UNESCO district bursts with baroque churches and capoeira circles; candomblé rhythms fill the air; warm Atlantic beaches stretch south of the city.
About Salvador
Salvador was Brazil's first colonial capital, and it remains the country's centre of Afro-Brazilian culture. The old quarter of Pelourinho is full of pastel colonial buildings and baroque churches, with drumming, capoeira and street food filling its cobbled streets.
The Elevador Lacerda links the upper and lower city and offers views over the Bay of All Saints, while the Igreja do Bonfim is a pilgrimage church known for its colourful ribbons. Beaches such as Porto da Barra give a place to cool off, and Bahian cooking, with its dendê oil and coconut, is a reason to visit in itself.
Salvador suits culture lovers and food fans. The warm climate makes it a year-round stop, with music especially strong around Carnival.
- Country
- Brazil
- Currency
- BRL
- Time zone
- America/Bahia
- Nearest airport
- SSA
Last updated
Top places to visit in Salvador
Pelourinho
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
UNESCO World Heritage colonial centre — colourful 17th-century Portuguese baroque buildings, Olodum drum performances and Afro-Brazilian culture. The historic soul of Salvador.
Praia Porto da Barra
Beach · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Salvador's most popular urban beach, with calm, crystal-clear waters inside the bay. Ideal for swimming, especially at sunset.
Elevador Lacerda
Heritage · 4.4 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Art Deco public elevator (1873) connecting the Upper and Lower cities, rising 72 metres. Salvador's most recognised landmark and a daily commuter lifeline.
Igreja do Bonfim
church · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Salvador's most beloved church and centre of Candomblé syncretism. The colourful ribbons (fitas) tied to the railing outside are iconic Brazilian souvenirs.
Things to do
- Capoeira Class in Pelourinho Cultural · 1.5 h · from 60 per person
- Candomblé Ceremony Cultural Visit Cultural · 2 h · from 90 per person
Where to stay in Salvador
- Pelourinho / Centro Histórico about BRL 250 per night
Stay in the historic heart — UNESCO cobblestone streets, live music and Afro-Brazilian culture at your door. Safe during the day; tour at night with a guide.
- Barra / Ondina about BRL 380 per night
Beachfront neighbourhood between the historic centre and the upscale south zone — good seafood, calm beach (Porto da Barra) and a wide range of accommodation.
Hotels
- Fera Palace Hotel Salvador 5-star · BRL 650 to BRL 1,800 per night
- Pousada das Flores 3-star · BRL 280 to BRL 480 per night
Where to eat
- Amado bahian, contemporary, seafood · about BRL 120 per person
- Maria Mata Mouro bahian, regional · about BRL 80 per person
- Maré by Márcia Barroso bahian, seafood · about BRL 70 per person
Getting to Salvador
Airport: Salvador (Dep. Luís Eduardo Magalhães) (SSA)
Getting around
- Bus
- Metro
- Ride Hail
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Bag Snatching in Pelourinho at Night
Pelourinho historic centre after 10pm
Solo tourists walking the steep cobblestone streets after dark become targets for phone and bag snatching by motorbike or on foot.
How to avoid it: Visit Pelourinho as part of a group or with a guide at night. Keep phones in pockets. Use official guided walking tours after dark. The streets are safe during the day and early evening.
Acarajé Bait-and-Switch
Pelourinho market stalls
Vendors agree a price, then claim you agreed to a "special" more expensive version after you have already eaten. Pressure tactics used to extract payment.
How to avoid it: Agree the price clearly before ordering and confirm it is for the standard acarajé. Have small bills ready. Walk away from anyone who becomes aggressive.
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Frequently asked questions about Salvador
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Salvador?
- The highest-rated places in our Salvador guide are Pelourinho, Igreja do Bonfim, Praia Porto da Barra, Elevador Lacerda.
- Where should I stay in Salvador?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Salvador: Pelourinho / Centro Histórico, Barra / Ondina.
- How do I get around Salvador?
- Ways to get around Salvador covered in our guide: City bus, Metro, Ride-hailing app, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Salvador?
- Scams reported to us for Salvador include Bag Snatching in Pelourinho at Night; Acarajé Bait-and-Switch. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Salvador?
- The nearest airport to Salvador has the code SSA.