Things To Do
in Salvador
Salvador, Brazil, is a vibrant city known for its rich Afro-Brazilian culture, historical heritage, and stunning coastal location. Its colonial architecture, particularly the Pelourinho district, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing colorful buildings and cobbled streets that narrate the city's past.
Salvador is also famous for its lively Carnival, one of the world's biggest street parties, thriving music scene, and delicious Bahian cuisine, blending African, Indigenous, and Portuguese influences.
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Obrigado" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Desculpe" - Sorry
- "Tudo bem?" - Are you okay?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.75 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Porto da Barra Beach, known for its clear waters and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a refreshing swim and grab a coconut water from local vendors.
Visit the historic Pelourinho district, where you can admire colonial architecture and local art. Stop for lunch at a traditional Bahian restaurant to taste the famous acarajé.
As the sun sets, head to the Elevador Lacerda for stunning views of the city. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the bay.
Begin your day at the Museu de Arte da Bahia, exploring its incredible collection of Brazilian art. Take your time to appreciate the cultural history of Salvador.
Catch an afternoon show at the Teatro Castro Alves, where you can experience local theater or dance. Visit the Mercado Modelo for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Salvador with live music at a local bar. Try the local drink, caipirinha, while enjoying the rhythms of samba.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with a blend of African, Portuguese, and Indigenous influences.
- Vibrant festivals and events, including the famous Carnival.
- Beautiful beaches and warm weather year-round.
- Delicious cuisine, featuring dishes like acarajé and moqueca.
- Historic architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Pelourinho neighborhood.
- High crime rates in certain areas, necessitating caution and awareness.
- Poverty and economic disparities can be evident in some neighborhoods.
- Infrastructure issues, including public transport challenges.
- Healthcare services can be inconsistent in quality.
- During peak tourist seasons, popular spots can become overcrowded.
Best Activities in Salvador
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful beaches of Salvador, such as Porto da Barra, Farol da Barra, and Flamengo Beach.
Take a walking tour in the Pelourinho historic district to admire the colorful colonial architecture and immerse in the local culture.
Participate in a capoeira class or watch a live performance to learn about this traditional Brazilian martial art and dance form.
Explore the Mercado Modelo for shopping, local crafts, and to experience the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling marketplace.
Tours
Uncover the best of Salvador with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Salvador
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic neighborhood known for its colorful colonial buildings and lively atmosphere.
Offers stunning views of the ocean and the city skyline.
A bustling market with picturesque views of the harbor and historic architecture.
Iconic elevator that provides panoramic views of the city and the Bay of All Saints.
Food in Salvador
Salvador Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Brazilian fish stew cooked with onions, tomatoes, coriander, and palm oil. Best savored at Casa de Tereza.
Must-Try!
Deep-fried black-eyed pea fritters filled with shrimp, vatapá, and caruru served by Bahian women in white traditional attire at the Acarajé da Cira street stall in Rio Vermelho.
A creamy shrimp and cassava stew flavored with coconut milk and dendê oil. A must-try at Dona Mariquita's.
A flavorful stew made from okra, onion, shrimp, and toasted nuts. Explore the best flavor at Restaurant Paraíso Tropical.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Salvador better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market where you can taste Bahian street food like acarajé, abará, and cocada while enjoying panoramic views of the Bay of All Saints.
A bustling market offering a wide array of Bahian ingredients and street food such as bolinho de estudante (student's dumpling) and tapioca pancakes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Salvador, Brazil, it is common to greet people with a hug or a kiss, even if they are meeting for the first time. This physical contact is a sign of warmth and friendliness.
While physical contact is common, it is also important to respect personal space. Pay attention to the other person's body language and cues to ensure that you are not invading their space.
Demonstrating genuine interest in Salvador's rich cultural heritage, including music, dance, and cuisine, is seen as a respectful behavior. Engage in conversations about these topics to show your appreciation.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Salvador with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Salvador
Ensure a smooth experience
In Salvador, Brazil, tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated. A service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but it's common to leave an additional 5-10% for good service. Tipping hotel staff, tour guides, and taxi drivers is also customary.
Cash is widely used in Salvador, Brazil, especially for small transactions and in local markets. However, credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments, especially in more touristy areas. It's advisable to carry some cash for places that may not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Salvador.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Salvador, with warm temperatures and lively Carnival celebrations taking place in February.
Enjoy mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a great time for exploring the city and its attractions.
Expect cool weather and a quieter atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a more relaxed experience.
Experience pleasant weather and the start of cultural events and festivals, offering a vibrant atmosphere.
Salvador at Night
Hiking in Salvador
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large park offering various trails surrounded by lush vegetation, ideal for hiking and nature walks.
A scenic trail providing breathtaking views of Salvador and the coastline, suitable for moderate hikers.
Though a bit farther from Salvador, this national park features stunning hikes through unique rock formations and waterfalls.
Has coastal trails with beautiful beach views and nature sightings, perfect for a day of hiking and exploration.
Offers various trails and paths for hiking while experiencing the island's natural beauty and wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Salvador through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Salvador by plane.
The main international airport serving Salvador, located approximately 28 kilometers from the city center.
Another facility that handles both domestic and international flights, located near the main airport in Salvador.
Located in Fortaleza, approximately 900 kilometers from Salvador, this airport offers international connections.
The primary airport serving Recife, approximately 800 kilometers from Salvador, providing various international flights.
Located in Maceió, about 540 kilometers from Salvador, offers a range of international flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
This group constitutes a significant majority of Salvador's population, reflecting the city's historical African heritage.
Whites are a prominent demographic in Salvador, though they make up a smaller percentage compared to Black and mixed-race individuals.
This group is smaller in number compared to others, but it represents the original inhabitants of the region.
The Asian population, including Japanese and Lebanese communities, is relatively small in Salvador.
This category includes individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds not specifically categorized above.
The Soul of Salvador
Discover the essence of Salvador through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Salvador, with a passionate fan base and several local clubs, including Esporte Clube Bahia and Sport Club Vitória.
A traditional Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music, capoeira has deep roots in Salvador's culture and is practiced widely.
Basketball has been gaining popularity in Salvador, with local clubs and a growing number of enthusiasts and players.
With beautiful beaches in Salvador, beach volleyball is a popular recreational sport, enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
Handball is also a widely played sport in Salvador, with various clubs and school teams participating in local competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Salvador.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer delicious vegetarian and vegan versions of traditional dishes such as moqueca and bobó de camarão. Visit Casa de Tereza for an exceptional vegetarian moqueca experience.
While gluten-free awareness is not as prevalent, some restaurants like Amado and Paraíso Tropical are accommodating and can offer gluten-free versions of certain dishes upon request.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Salvador with these cultural adventures.
