40 Best Places to Visit in Salvador: Complete Travel Guide

Salvador de Bahia, Brazil’s first capital, is a vibrant cultural treasure where African, Portuguese, and indigenous influences blend to create a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world. With its UNESCO-listed historic center, stunning beaches, and pulsating music scene, Salvador offers travelers an unforgettable experience rich in history, spirituality, and natural beauty.

Before diving into our list of the 40 best places to visit in Salvador, let’s cover two essentials for any traveler. First, staying connected is crucial for navigating this dynamic city. Get an eSIM to stay connected in Salvador – this will ensure you have reliable internet access for maps, translations, and sharing your experiences. Second, finding the right accommodations can make or break your trip, so check out these best deals for flights, resorts, and hotels to make your Salvador adventure both memorable and affordable.

Historical Sites: Best Places to Visit in Salvador’s Rich Past

1. Pelourinho (Historic Center)

Salvador’s crown jewel and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Pelourinho is the historic heart of the city. This well-preserved colonial neighborhood features colorful buildings, baroque churches, and cobblestone streets. The area comes alive with music and dance performances, especially in the evenings. Don’t miss Michael Jackson’s filming location for “They Don’t Care About Us” with local percussion group Olodum.

2. São Francisco Church and Convent

Perhaps the most impressive of Salvador’s many churches, São Francisco will leave you breathless with its ornate gold-covered wood carvings. Built between 1708 and 1750, the interior features an astonishing 800kg of gold leaf decorations. The adjacent cloister with its Portuguese azulejo tiles tells biblical stories through beautiful blue and white imagery.

3. Elevador Lacerda

This iconic Art Deco elevator connects Salvador’s Upper and Lower towns, offering spectacular views of the Bay of All Saints. Built in 1873 and renovated in 1930, it transports about 28,000 people daily across the 72-meter height difference. The elevator has become one of Salvador’s most recognizable landmarks and provides a practical way to navigate the city’s dramatic topography.

4. Salvador Cathedral

Located on Terreiro de Jesus, the cathedral was originally part of the Jesuit College and was built between 1604 and 1656. Its façade features stone brought from Portugal, while the interior showcases impressive Baroque decorations from the 18th century. The sacristy is particularly noteworthy for its rich furnishings and azulejo tiles.

5. Mercado Modelo

Housed in the former customs building from 1861, this market is a treasure trove of local crafts, souvenirs, and Bahian cuisine. With over 250 shops spread across two floors, it’s the perfect place to find authentic mementos of your trip. The market has survived five fires throughout its history, with the most recent renovation completed in 1984.

Religious and Cultural Landmarks

6. Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim

Salvador’s most beloved church is famous for its colorful wish ribbons (fitas) that visitors tie around their wrists or the church gates. Built between 1745 and 1754, the church houses thousands of ex-votos (offerings of thanks for miracles). The Festa do Bonfim celebration in January is one of the city’s most important religious events, featuring the ritual washing of the church steps.

7. Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos

This beautiful sky-blue church has a moving history. Construction began in 1704 when the Brotherhood of Black Men received land from the Portuguese king. Built largely by slaves who could only work at night after their regular duties, it took nearly a century to complete. The church features 18th-century statues of black saints and has a slave cemetery behind it.

8. Dique do Tororó

This artificial lake surrounded by lush greenery features impressive statues of Orixás (deities from the Candomblé religion) floating on the water. The area offers walking paths, sports facilities, and is perfect for a peaceful stroll away from the city bustle. It’s a beautiful representation of Salvador’s Afro-Brazilian spiritual heritage.

9. Solar do Unhão

This 17th-century colonial complex now houses the Museum of Modern Art of Bahia. Originally built by plantation lord Pedro de Unhão Castelo Branco, the property has served various functions throughout history, including as a snuff factory. The complex features stone masonry, brick arcades, and a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Conception.

10. Terreiros de Candomblé

Salvador is the heart of Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion that blends African beliefs with Catholic elements. Visiting a terreiro (temple) offers insight into this spiritual tradition. Casa Branca do Engenho Velho (also known as Terreiro do Gantois) is considered one of the oldest and most significant terreiros in Brazil.

Beaches and Natural Attractions

11. Porto da Barra Beach

Often compared to Rio’s Copacabana, this small urban beach offers calm, crystal-clear waters and spectacular sunsets. Located at the entrance of the Bay of All Saints, it was the site of Brazil’s first European settlement. Popular with locals and tourists alike, the beach has excellent infrastructure with restaurants, bars, and rental services.

12. Farol da Barra (Barra Lighthouse)

Built in 1698, this is one of Brazil’s oldest lighthouses and offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline. The fort that houses the lighthouse contains the Nautical Museum of Bahia, displaying maritime artifacts, antique maps, and shipwreck salvage. It’s particularly magical at sunset when locals gather to watch the sun sink into the Atlantic.

13. Praia do Farol de Itapuã

Made famous by Vinicius de Moraes’s song “Tarde em Itapuã,” this beach features huge white sand dunes and coconut palms. Located near the beautiful Abaté Lagoon, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the city beaches. The area has strong ties to Bahian culture and literature.

14. Praia do Rio Vermelho

This beach neighborhood is known for its bohemian atmosphere, excellent restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. It’s home to the Festa de Yemanjá celebration every February 2nd, when thousands gather to offer gifts to the goddess of the sea. The area features a sacred altar to Yemanjá that local fishermen revere.

15. Ilha de Tinharé

A short boat ride from Salvador, this island paradise offers pristine beaches protected from Atlantic surf by natural coral reefs. The main village of Morro de São Paulo has no cars, only sandy paths connecting different beaches. Each numbered beach has its own character, from the busy Beach 1 to the tranquil Beach 4.

Museums and Cultural Centers

16. Afro-Brazilian Museum

Located in the Federal University of Bahia, this museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts related to African influence in Brazil. Highlights include ritual objects, musical instruments, and the stunning wooden panels of Orixás carved by artist Carybé. The museum provides valuable context for understanding Salvador’s unique cultural identity.

17. Casa do Carnaval da Bahia

Dedicated to Salvador’s legendary carnival, this museum showcases the evolution of the celebration through costumes, instruments, and multimedia displays. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to experience the rhythms and energy of Bahian carnival, which differs significantly from Rio’s more famous version with its emphasis on African-influenced music and street parties.

18. Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado

Housed in a beautiful Baroque mansion facing Pelourinho Square, this cultural center preserves the legacy of Jorge Amado, one of Brazil’s most celebrated writers. The foundation maintains a collection documenting Amado’s literary career and hosts regular cultural events, workshops, and exhibitions promoting Bahian literature.

19. Museum of Modern Art (MAM)

Housed in the Solar do Unhão complex, this museum features contemporary Brazilian art in a stunning setting overlooking the bay. The museum hosts regular exhibitions, film screenings, and the popular Saturday jazz series. The contrast between the colonial architecture and modern art creates a uniquely Salvadoran cultural experience.

20. Carlos Costa Pinto Museum

This museum displays the private collection of Carlos Costa Pinto, featuring 17th to 19th-century furnishings, jewelry, and decorative arts from Bahia’s sugar plantation era. The collection provides insight into the lifestyle of the region’s elite during the colonial period and includes rare pieces of Brazilian silver and gold work.

Squares and Urban Landmarks

21. Praça da Sé

This lively square in the historic center features the Fallen Cross Monument (Cruz Caida) by sculptor Mário Cravo, erected in 1999 where the old Salvador Cathedral once stood. The square is surrounded by colonial buildings and is home to the Baiana de Acaraje Memorial, dedicated to the women who embody Salvador’s Afro-Brazilian identity.

22. Terreiro de Jesus

A large square surrounded by magnificent Baroque churches and colonial townhouses, Terreiro de Jesus buzzes with activity. Street performers, especially capoeira groups, regularly demonstrate this Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. The square is perfect for people-watching while enjoying a cold drink.

23. Largo do Pelourinho

The infamous whipping post that gave the district its name once stood in this triangular square. Today, it’s a vibrant public space surrounded by colorful colonial buildings. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos (Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Blacks) stands at one end, its sky-blue façade a testament to the enslaved Africans who built it over nearly a century.

24. Praça Municipal

One of Salvador’s oldest areas, this square was where Tomé de Souza, the first Portuguese governor, established the earliest centers of governance in the 16th century. The elegant Palácio Rio Branco, formerly the governor’s residence, now serves as a cultural center. The square offers excellent views of the Bay of All Saints.

25. Morro do Cristo

Home to a smaller version of Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue, this hill in the Barra neighborhood offers spectacular views of the Bay of All Saints and Farol da Barra. The marble statue was sculpted by Italian Pasquale de Chirico and brought to Brazil in 1920. It’s a popular spot for sunset photography.

Entertainment and Nightlife

26. Olodum Performances

This world-famous Afro-Brazilian cultural group performs regularly in Pelourinho. Their distinctive samba-reggae rhythm became internationally known through Paul Simon’s “The Obvious Child” and Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us.” Catching a street performance or rehearsal offers an authentic taste of Salvador’s musical heritage.

27. Teatro Castro Alves

Salvador’s premier performing arts venue hosts a diverse program of music, dance, and theater. Built in 1958, the theater has a dramatic history—it burned down the day before its inauguration and remained closed for nine years. It was the site of Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil’s farewell concert before their exile during Brazil’s military dictatorship.

28. Rio Vermelho Nightlife

This bohemian neighborhood comes alive after dark with bars, live music venues, and restaurants. The area around Rua da Paciência and Largo de Santana offers everything from traditional Bahian music to contemporary sounds. Don’t miss trying acarajé from one of the famous baianas who set up their stalls in the evening.

29. Capoeira Performances

This Afro-Brazilian martial art combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. Regular performances take place in Pelourinho’s squares, particularly Terreiro de Jesus. For a deeper understanding, visit Forte da Capoeira, where you can learn about the art’s history and even take introductory classes.

30. Carnival Experience

If you can’t visit during the actual Carnival (February/March), you can still experience its energy year-round. Many of the major blocos (carnival groups) like Olodum and Ilê Aiyê hold weekly rehearsals that are open to the public. The Casa do Carnaval museum also offers an immersive introduction to this spectacular celebration.

Culinary Experiences

31. Acarajé da Dinha

Located in Rio Vermelho, this is one of Salvador’s most famous spots to try acarajé—deep-fried black-eyed pea fritters filled with vatapá (shrimp paste), caruru (okra stew), and hot sauce. Dinha has been serving her renowned acarajé for decades, and the lines of locals waiting to order testify to its quality.

32. Mercado de São Joaquim

Salvador’s largest market offers an authentic glimpse into local food culture. Stalls overflow with tropical fruits, spices, medicinal herbs, and ingredients for Candomblé rituals. The market is less touristy than Mercado Modelo and provides a more genuine experience of everyday Bahian life.

33. Restaurante Dona Suzana

Located by the sea in the Comercio district, this restaurant serves some of the best moqueca (seafood stew with coconut milk and palm oil) in Salvador. The seafood is fresh, the seasoning perfect, and the views of the bay spectacular. It’s a favorite with locals seeking authentic Bahian cuisine.

34. Sorveteria da Ribeira

Founded in 1931, this ice cream parlor is an institution in Salvador. It offers unique tropical flavors like cupuaçu, graviola, umbu, and tapioca. The shop maintains traditional production methods, creating dense, creamy ice cream that’s perfect for Salvador’s tropical climate.

35. Casa de Santo

For an immersive culinary experience, this restaurant in Rio Vermelho serves traditional Bahian dishes with a focus on those connected to Candomblé rituals. The menu includes caruru, vatapá, and efó (spinach stew), all prepared according to traditional methods that honor their African origins.

Day Trips from Salvador

36. Ilha de Boipeba

This island paradise is accessible by boat from Salvador and offers some of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches. With no cars allowed, the island maintains a peaceful atmosphere. Highlights include Moreré Beach with its natural pools and the charming main village with its simple pousadas and seafood restaurants.

37. Praia do Forte

About 80km north of Salvador, this beach town combines natural beauty with ecological attractions. Visit the TAMAR Project, which protects sea turtles, or explore the ruins of Garcia D’Ávila Castle, one of the oldest structures in Brazil. The beach itself features natural pools formed by coral reefs at low tide.

38. Cachoeira

This historic town in the Recôncavo region is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and strong Afro-Brazilian traditions. Visit during the Festa da Boa Morte (Festival of Good Death) in August to witness one of Brazil’s most important Afro-Catholic celebrations, organized by a sisterhood of descendants of enslaved women.

39. Morro de São Paulo

The main village on Tinharé Island offers a car-free paradise with numbered beaches, each with its own character. Accessible by boat or catamaran from Salvador, it’s popular for its clear waters, beach bars, and relaxed atmosphere. Stay overnight to experience the magical sunset and lively evening scene.

40. Quilombo Communities

Several quilombos (communities founded by escaped enslaved people) near Salvador offer cultural tours. Visit places like Quilombo do Dandá to learn about traditional practices such as manioc flour production, palm oil extraction, and religious traditions that have been preserved for generations.

Practical Information for Visiting Salvador

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Salvador Experience

Salvador de Bahia offers an intoxicating blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights that will captivate any traveler. From the colonial splendor of Pelourinho to the rhythmic beats of Olodum, from the spiritual depth of Candomblé to the sun-drenched beaches of Barra and Itapuã, this city provides experiences that engage all the senses.

To truly enjoy all that Salvador has to offer, proper preparation is key. Ensure you have reliable connectivity throughout your journey with an eSIM specifically for Brazil – this will help you navigate the city, translate Portuguese, and share your unforgettable moments instantly. And don’t forget to secure the best possible accommodations through these exclusive deals on flights, hotels, and resorts to make your Salvador adventure both comfortable and affordable.

Whether you’re drawn by the beat of the drums, the flavors of Bahian cuisine, the rich historical tapestry, or simply the warm smiles of the Bahian people, Salvador will leave an indelible mark on your heart. As locals say, “Sorria, você está na Bahia!” (Smile, you’re in Bahia!)