Afro Brazilian soul, colonial colors and drumming streets
Salvador is the capital of Bahia and the heart of Afro Brazilian culture. Its hilltop Pelourinho district is packed with baroque churches and pastel houses, and drums fill the streets. Beaches, capoeira and spicy food complete the picture.
Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.
Pelourinho is the colonial upper town of Salvador, a UNESCO site of pastel facades, steep cobbled lanes and baroque churches. Once the center of colonial wealth built on enslaved labor, it is now the heart of Afro Brazilian music and culture.
Free.
The Church and Convent of Sao Francisco is one of Brazil's most lavish baroque interiors, with walls and ceilings covered in carved gilded wood. Its cloister is lined with Portuguese blue and white tile panels.
Entry fee.
The Lacerda Elevator is an Art Deco lift tower that has linked the upper and lower city since the 19th century. The top platform looks over the Bay of All Saints.
Free for residents and tourists in 2026; open daily from about 7 am to 9:30 pm.
The Mercado Modelo is a large craft market in the former customs house by the port. Stalls sell lace, carvings, instruments and capoeira gear.
Free.
Farol da Barra is a lighthouse inside the Santo Antonio fort at the entrance to the bay. Locals gather on the rocks and lawn to watch the sun set over the water.
Includes fort and Nautical Museum admission; exterior grounds are free.
The Senhor do Bonfim Church is Salvador's most beloved pilgrimage church, on a hill in the lower city. Its railings are covered in colorful ribbons tied by worshippers making wishes.
Free.
Rio Vermelho is a seaside neighborhood known for its bars, live music and food stalls. It is the center of the February festival for Iemanja, goddess of the sea.
Free.
The Afro Brazilian Museum is in the old medical school on Terreiro de Jesus and shows art and religious objects tied to African heritage in Bahia. Its carved wooden panels of the orixas by Carybe are a highlight.
Low fee.
Porto da Barra is a small city beach with calm water inside the bay. It is popular with locals for swimming and sunset.
Free.
Morro de Sao Paulo is a car free island village south of Salvador, with beaches and a relaxed vibe. It is reached by catamaran or a combination of ferry and road.
One-way catamaran ferry ticket; island environmental tax applies.
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Add Bonfim, Rio Vermelho and Morro de Sao Paulo.
A beach village with sea turtle project.
50 mi · Car about 1.5 hours
A colonial town.
68 mi · Bus about 2.5 hours
Car-free beach village that works better as an overnight than a rushed day.
43 mi · Ferry then boat from Salvador, about 2 to 3 hours each way
Relaxed beach where a river meets the sea.
43 mi · Bus or car, about 1h15 each way
Large island across All Saints' Bay featuring quiet fishing villages, historical forts, and mangrove channels.
9 mi · Public passenger ferry from Terminal São Joaquim in about 45 minutes.
Best: September to March. Drier and sunny; Carnival in February or March.
Daily high and average, by month
Typical inches per month
No season note for this month.
Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.
February 4 to 10, 2027, with pre carnival from January 29
Huge street parties with trio eletricos.
February 2
Offerings to the sea goddess in Rio Vermelho.
January (a Thursday in mid January; check the year's date)
The washing of the church steps.
June 23 to 24
Bonfires, forró music and corn-based sweets across Bahia.
July 2
A big parade celebrating the 1823 independence victory.
February or March (six days before Ash Wednesday)
The world's largest street party, where millions follow massive mobile sound trucks (trios elétricos) along coastal circuits.
The US State Department rates Brazil at Level 2 (increased caution) for crime; in Salvador robbery and pickpocketing are common; stay in busy areas at night.
Pelourinho is walkable but hilly; distances to beaches are long.
A metro and buses exist; the Lacerda Elevator links the lower and upper city.
Sources disagree on: scores.
The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.
Best for: history lovers
Colonial heart.
Best for: first-timers, beach lovers
Beaches and the lighthouse.
Best for: nightlife, foodies
Bars and acaraje stands.
Best for: couples
Quiet boutique stays.
Best for: families, longer stays
Modern seafront hotels and calmer streets, but further from the old town.
Best for: luxury travelers, quiet stays
Prestigious tree-lined residential corridor home to museums, luxury high-rises, and views over the bay.
| Main airport | Salvador Bahia Airport (SSA), 17 mi from the center |
| To the center | Taxi or ride app takes 30 to 60 minutes; the metro also reaches the airport. |
| Around town | Walk Pelourinho by day and use ride apps between districts. |
| Ride apps | Uber, 99 |
Fried bean fritter filled with shrimp.
Seafood stew with coconut and dende.
Coconut sweet.
Creamy paste of bread, shrimp and coconut milk.
Shrimp in a thick cassava cream.
| Plugs | Type N, 127 V or 220 V depending on city |
| Tap water | Use bottled water |
| Tipping | A 10 percent service charge is usually added to restaurant bills; extra tipping is not expected. |
| Payments | Cards and Pix are everywhere; carry little cash. |
| Etiquette | Bahians are warm and relaxed; greet with a smile and a handshake, or a kiss on the cheek among friends. Respect Candomble rituals, and ask before photographing people in religious dress. |
Founded by the Portuguese in 1549, Salvador was Brazil's first capital until 1763. It was a major port of the Atlantic slave trade, and African culture shaped its religion, food and music. The historic center was listed by UNESCO in 1985. Its Carnival is one of the biggest in Brazil.
Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.