Salvador, Brazil Travel Guide

Discover Salvador: A vibrant blend of Afro-Brazilian culture, historic charm, stunning beaches, and mouth-watering cuisine in the heart of Bahia, Brazil.

Salvador, the vibrant capital of the Bahia state in Brazil, is a city that pulses with life and history. Known for its rich Afro-Brazilian culture, Salvador offers a unique blend of traditional and modern influences. The city's historic Pelourinho district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cobbled streets, colorful colonial buildings, and lively squares providing a picturesque setting that takes you back in time. The music, dance, and art of Salvador are deeply rooted in African traditions, making it a cultural hub like no other. Salvador is also famous for its festivals, the most renowned being the Carnival, which rivals even Rio de Janeiro's in terms of energy and participation. The city’s beaches, such as Porto da Barra and Flamengo, offer stunning coastal views and are perfect for relaxation and water sports. The local cuisine is a gastronomic delight, featuring dishes like acarajé and moqueca that are rich in flavor and history. For those interested in spirituality, Salvador’s churches, such as the São Francisco Church and Convent, showcase remarkable baroque architecture and intricate gold leaf designs. The city is also home to the Bonfim Church, a pilgrimage site known for its miraculous powers. Whether you're exploring the bustling markets, savoring local delicacies, or enjoying the vibrant nightlife, Salvador promises an unforgettable experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Salvador.

Visit during Carnival for an unforgettable experience filled with music, dance, and parades.
Explore Pelourinho on foot to fully appreciate its historic charm and vibrant street life.
Try the local street food; acarajé, a deep-fried ball of black-eyed pea dough, is a must.
Be cautious with your belongings, especially in crowded areas, to avoid petty theft.
Use sunscreen generously; Salvador's tropical climate means strong sun year-round.
Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases; it will enhance your interaction with locals.
Take a boat trip to the nearby islands for a relaxing day away from the city buzz.

Neighbourhoods in Salvador

Pelourinho

Rio Vermelho

Barra

Itapua

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Salvador

Explore Salvador: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Salvador

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Largo Terreiro de Jesus

Discover the vibrant cultural scene at Largo Terreiro de Jesus in Salvador, Bahia—where history, art, and delicious cuisine come alive.

4.5

Largo do Pelourinho

Discover the vibrant culture and history of Salvador at Largo do Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with art, music, and culinary delights.

4.7

Ilha dos Frades

Discover Ilha dos Frades: A breathtaking island paradise in Bahia with stunning beaches, rich culture, and unforgettable adventures await.

4.7

Church and Convent of San Francisco

Discover the opulent Church and Convent of San Francisco in Salvador, a dazzling display of Brazilian Baroque and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4.8

Best landmarks in Salvador

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Centro Histórico

Experience the vibrant history and culture of Centro Histórico in Salvador, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colorful streets, rich traditions, and local flavors.

4.6

Cidade da Música da Bahia

Explore Bahia's musical soul at Cidade da Música da Bahia, a vibrant museum showcasing the rhythms and heritage of Brazil's diverse music scene.

4.7

Centro Histórico de Salvador, Bahia

Discover Brazil's colonial heart in Salvador's UNESCO-listed Centro Histórico, a vibrant mix of culture, history, and stunning architecture.

4.7

Cathedral of Salvador

Discover the Catedral Basílica de Salvador, a stunning blend of architectural styles and a treasure trove of Brazilian sacred art in Pelourinho.

4.8

Best restaurants in Salvador

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Coco Bambu

Experience exquisite seafood dining at Coco Bambu in Salvador - where Brazilian flavors meet coastal charm.

4.8

Barravento Restaurant

Experience fresh seafood delights at Barravento Restaurant while enjoying stunning ocean views in Salvador's vibrant Barra neighborhood.

4.5

Restaurante Casa de Tereza

Experience the authentic flavors of Brazil at Restaurante Casa de Tereza in Salvador's lively Rio Vermelho neighborhood.

4.6

Restaurante Yemanjá

Experience exquisite seafood dining at Restaurante Yemanjá in Salvador, where Bahian flavors meet stunning ocean views for an unforgettable meal.

4.4

Best bars in Salvador

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Bar Ulisses

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Salvador at Bar Ulisses, where delectable food meets refreshing drinks in an inviting atmosphere.

4.5

Blue Beach Bar

Discover the vibrant Blue Beach Bar in Salvador, where exquisite gastronomy meets stunning ocean views in a lively atmosphere.

4.4

O cravinho

Experience the vibrant cocktail culture of Salvador at O Cravinho, where expertly crafted drinks meet the lively spirit of Pelourinho.

4.7

Bar Velho Espanha

Discover the vibrant spirit of Salvador at Bar Velho Espanha, where authentic Brazilian culture meets delicious cuisine and lively entertainment.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Salvador

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Amsterdam Pop Club

Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Salvador at Amsterdam Pop Club, where unforgettable dance parties and diverse musical experiences await every weekend.

4.1

Bar Sol Brilhante (Bar das Putas)

Discover Bar Sol Brilhante, a lively bar in Salvador offering an authentic Brazilian nightlife experience with affordable drinks and a vibrant atmosphere.

4.3

SAN

Discover the heart of Salvador's nightlife at SAN, a top bar and disco club in the lively Rio Vermelho neighborhood, perfect for unforgettable nights out.

4.1

Casa de Show Lugar Comum

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Salvador at Casa de Show Lugar Comum, where live music and dancing create unforgettable memories.

4.4

Best shops in Salvador

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Salvador Shopping

Discover the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and culture at Salvador Shopping Mall, a premier destination in the heart of Salvador, Bahia.

4.7

Shopping da Bahia

Discover the vibrant Shopping da Bahia in Salvador, your ultimate destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Brazil.

4.5

Mercado Modelo

Discover the heart of Salvador at Mercado Modelo, a vibrant market filled with crafts, cuisine, and cultural treasures from Bahia.

4.3

Salvador Norte Shopping

Discover the ultimate shopping experience at Salvador Norte Shopping, featuring diverse stores, dining, and entertainment options in Salvador, Brazil.

4.5

Explore Salvador on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Salvador, mapped for you.

Salvador Essentials

Salvador is served by Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (SSA), located approximately 28 kilometers from the city center. Direct flights are available from major cities in Brazil and international destinations. Upon arrival, you can reach the city center by taxi, ride-sharing services, or airport shuttle buses. Alternatively, long-distance buses connect Salvador with other major cities in Brazil.
Salvador has a variety of transportation options, including buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber. The city also has a metro system, which is limited but useful for reaching certain key areas. For exploring the historic Pelourinho district, walking is the best option due to narrow streets and pedestrian-only zones. Car rentals are available but navigating traffic and finding parking can be challenging.
The official currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, but it is advisable to withdraw cash during the daytime and in secure locations. Smaller businesses and local markets may prefer cash payments, so it is wise to carry some local currency.
While Salvador is a vibrant and cultural city, it is essential to be cautious. Avoid high-crime areas such as the outskirts of the city and certain neighborhoods like Nordeste de Amaralina, Calabar, and some parts of Fazenda Coutos. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night. Keep valuables out of sight and be cautious when using ATMs. Always use registered taxis or ride-sharing services.
In case of emergency, dial 190 for police assistance, 192 for medical emergencies, and 193 for fire services. Major hospitals like Hospital Geral do Estado and Hospital Português provide emergency medical services. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do be aware of your belongings and avoid displaying valuables. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a cheek kiss, which is common in Brazil. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like acarajé and moqueca. Don't refuse an offer of food or drink from locals, as it can be considered impolite.
To experience Salvador like a local, visit the Feira de São Joaquim, a bustling market where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Attend a capoeira performance, a traditional Afro-Brazilian martial art. Don't miss the sunset at Farol da Barra. For an authentic culinary experience, try dining at traditional Bahian restaurants and enjoy a meal of acarajé from street vendors.

When is the best time to visit Salvador?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Salvador

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Salvador. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
- GoodbyeTchau
  [chow]
- YesSim
  [seem]
- NoNão
  [now]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/dee nah-dah]
- Thank youObrigado/Obrigada
  [oh-bree-gah-doo/oh-bree-gah-dah]
- Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kom lee-sen-sah/dee-skool-peh]
- How are you?Como vai?
  [koh-moh vah-ee]
- Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [beng/eh voh-seh]
- Do you speak English?Você fala inglês?
  [voh-seh fah-lah een-gleh-s]
- I don't understandEu não entendo
  [eh-oo now en-ten-doo]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEu gostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah jee ver ooh kahr-dah-pee-oh/por fah-vohr]
- I don't eat meatEu não como carne
  [eh-oo now koh-moh kahr-nee]
- Cheers!Saúde!
  [sah-oo-dee]
- I would like to pay, pleaseEu gostaria de pagar, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah jee pah-gahr/por fah-vohr]
- Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-zhoo-dah]
- Go away!Vá embora!
  [vah ehm-boh-rah]
- Call the Police!Chame a polícia!
  [shah-meh ah poh-lee-see-ah]
- Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-meh oom meh-dee-koh]
- I'm lostEstou perdido
  [eh-stoh pehr-dee-doo]
- I'm illEstou doente
  [eh-stoh doo-en-teh]
- I'd like to buy...Eu gostaria de comprar...
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah jee kohm-prahr]
- I'm just lookingEstou só olhando
  [eh-stoh soh oh-lahn-doo]
- How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwahn-toh koos-tah]
- That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh mwee-toh kah-roh]
- Can you lower the price?Você pode baixar o preço?
  [voh-seh poh-dee bah-ee-shahr ooh preh-soh]
- What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahs sah-oo]
- It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
- Half past (10)Dez e meia
  [deh-ees ee may-ah]
- MorningManhã
  [mahn-yah]
- AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
- EveningNoite
  [noy-chee]
- YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehm]
- TodayHoje
  [oh-zhee]
- TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mahn-yah]
- 1Um
  [oom]
- 2Dois
  [doh-ees]
- 3Três
  [trehs]
- 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
- 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
- 6Seis
  [say-ees]
- 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
- 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
- 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
- 10Dez
  [deh-ees]
- Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [ohn-jee fee-kah ooh/ah]
- What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh ooh ehn-deh-reh-soh]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Você pode me mostrar (no mapa)?
  [voh-seh poh-dee meh moh-strahr/naw mah-pah]
- When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?
  [kwahn-doo eh ooh proh-ksee-moh/ohn-ee-boos]
- A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ...)
  [oom bee-lyet/par-rah]

History of Salvador

Founded by the Portuguese in 1549, Salvador was established as the first capital of Brazil, serving as a strategic port and administrative center. The city was named São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos, reflecting its location by the Bay of All Saints.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Salvador thrived as a hub for the sugar industry. The fertile lands around the Recôncavo Baiano provided ideal conditions for sugarcane cultivation, making Salvador a crucial part of the transatlantic slave trade, which provided labor for the plantations.
Salvador is renowned for its Afro-Brazilian culture, a result of the large population of African slaves brought to work in the sugar plantations. This heritage is evident in the city's music, dance, religion, cuisine, and festivals, including the famous Carnival and the practice of Candomblé.
In 1624, Salvador was invaded by the Dutch West India Company. The occupation lasted for a year before Portuguese forces recaptured the city in 1625. This period of conflict left a lasting impact on the city's fortifications and architecture.
Salvador played a pivotal role in Brazil’s independence from Portugal. In 1823, the city witnessed significant battles between Brazilian forces and Portuguese troops, culminating in the Siege of Salvador. This struggle ultimately contributed to the proclamation of Brazilian independence.
Pelourinho, the historic center of Salvador, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene. It was once the commercial and social hub of the city, and today it stands as a living museum of Salvador's rich history.
In the late 20th century, Salvador underwent a cultural renaissance, embracing its diverse heritage. The city became a focal point for Brazilian arts, music, and literature, contributing to its reputation as Brazil's cultural capital. Initiatives to preserve and celebrate Afro-Brazilian traditions have also gained momentum.