Salvador, Brazil’s first capital (1549-1763), is the country’s Afro-Brazilian cultural heart. The Pelourinho UNESCO district, capoeira circles, Candomble ceremonies and kilometres of Atlantic beaches make it unlike anywhere else in Brazil. Here are the top things to do in Salvador with practical details.
Best Things to Do in Salvador
Pelourinho Historic Centre
Salvador’s UNESCO-listed colonial centre is a hillside grid of pastel-coloured 17th-18th century buildings, baroque churches and cobblestone squares. The name “Pelourinho” means pillory, after the whipping post where enslaved Africans were punished in the colonial square now called Largo do Pelourinho. Today the area holds museums, capoeira schools, restaurants serving Bahian cuisine and weekly evening drumming processions (Terca da Bencao on Tuesdays from 18:00). Key sites: Igreja de Sao Francisco (church with a gold-leaf interior using an estimated 800kg of gold, entry 5 BRL), the Elevador Lacerda connecting the upper and lower cities (0.15 BRL, open 07:00-23:00), and the Mercado Modelo craft market at the lower city base (250 stalls, open Monday-Saturday 09:00-19:00, Sunday 09:00-14:00). Allow a full day. The area is safe during daylight but avoid side streets after dark. Reach by taxi from any beach hotel (30-50 BRL). Access the Pelourinho neighborhood guide for more details.
Elevador Lacerda and Cidade Baixa
Salvador’s most famous landmark, the 72-metre Art Deco elevator connecting the Upper City (Cidade Alta, the Pelourinho) to the Lower City (Cidade Baixa, the port and commerce district) since 1873. The 30-second ride costs 0.15 BRL. From the top, the viewing platform gives panoramic views over the Bay of All Saints. At the bottom, the Mercado Modelo sells Bahian crafts, lace, musical instruments and acaraje (black-eyed pea fritters) from Baianas in traditional white dresses. The lower city is edgier; stick to the Mercado Modelo and avoid wandering east toward the port warehouses.
Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim
Salvador’s most sacred church, a 1754 Rococo building on the Itapagipe Peninsula 6km north of the centre, famous for its fusion of Catholic and Candomble traditions. The Sala dos Milagres (Room of Miracles) is filled with wax body parts and photos left by worshippers seeking or giving thanks for healing. Outside, Baianas sell fitas do Bonfim (coloured wish ribbons) for 2 BRL; tie one around your wrist with three knots, making a wish with each knot. Entry is free. Open daily 06:30-17:30. The Festa do Bonfim in January is Salvador’s largest religious festival. Reach by bus from the centre (line 1619, 40 minutes) or taxi (40 BRL).
Porto da Barra Beach
Salvador’s most central and accessible beach, a small bay at the entrance to the Barra neighbourhood with calm, clear water protected by a natural reef. The small beach fills up by 10:00 on weekends; arrive by 08:00 for a spot. Sun lounger and umbrella rental costs 20-30 BRL per day. Vendors sell cold coconut water (8 BRL) and queijo coalho (grilled cheese on a stick, 10 BRL). The sunset here is one of Brazil’s best, with the sun dropping directly into the Bay of All Saints. The adjacent Forte de Santo Antonio da Barra (1698) houses the Nautical Museum (10 BRL) and the Farol da Barra lighthouse. Reach by bus from the centre (any “Barra” line, 20 minutes). The best months for beach weather are August through March.
Capoeira Performances and Schools
Capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art combining dance, acrobatics and music, was born in Salvador among enslaved Africans. The Associacao de Capoeira Mestre Bimba (Rua das Laranjeiras 1, Pelourinho) runs hour-long demonstrations Tuesday-Friday at 19:00 (30 BRL). The Forte da Capoeira on Largo do Santo Antonio (Pelourinho) has a small museum (free) and hosts roda (capoeira circles) on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. For an authentic street roda, the Terreiro de Jesus square in Pelourinho has informal weekend afternoon sessions where practitioners gather. These are free to watch but a 10-20 BRL contribution is appreciated.
Rio Vermelho Neighborhood and Acaraje
The bohemian seaside neighbourhood east of Barra, famous for its acaraje stalls and nightlife. Acaraje da Cira on Largo de Santana is Salvador’s most famous acaraje stand (open Tuesday-Saturday 16:00-23:00, 15-25 BRL for a plate of acaraje, vatapa, caruru and camarao seco). The Largo de Santana square fills with locals eating, drinking beer and listening to live samba and MPB on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights from 20:00. Rio Vermelho’s small beach (Praia do Buracao) is popular with locals but has stronger waves than Porto da Barra. Reach by bus or taxi from Barra (10 minutes, 15 BRL).
Praia do Flamengo and Stella Maris
If you want a proper beach day away from the city, the northern suburbs of Flamengo and Stella Maris offer 8km of Atlantic-facing sand with fewer crowds, beach barracas (shacks) serving grilled fish and cold beer, and natural pools formed by reefs at low tide. Located 25km north of the centre. Access by bus (line 1011 from the centre, 60 minutes) or taxi (80-100 BRL). The waves are stronger and water cooler than Porto da Barra due to open-ocean exposure. Stella Maris has the better infrastructure with beach clubs charging 30-50 BRL for a lounger and umbrella. Visit on weekdays for near-empty beaches.
