- Salvador was the first capital of Brazil, serving in this capacity from 1549 until 1763.
- The city is the largest center of Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion, which deeply influences local gastronomy, music, and social festivals.
- Salvador hosts one of the world's largest street parties, an annual Carnival that draws millions of participants into the city streets.
- The city features an extensive network of 'ladeiras' (steep slopes) that historically connected the upper administrative city to the lower commercial port area.
- Salvador is home to the largest concentration of people of African descent outside of Africa.
About Salvador, Bahia
Salvador serves as the primary center of Afro-Brazilian culture, defined by its unique fusion of Portuguese colonial architecture and deeply rooted West African heritage. The city is split into Upper and Lower sections, historically linked by the iconic Elevador Lacerda to facilitate trade between the port and administrative centers. Visitors can experience this complex history through the opulent gold-leaf interior of the Church and Convent of San Francisco or by visiting the House and Chapel of the Former Quinta do Unhão. The city's coastline features significant landmarks like the Farol da Barra at the Museu Náutico da Bahia, marking the entrance to the All Saints Bay.
Highlights of Salvador, Bahia
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Explore the maritime history of Bahia inside the fortifications of this historic lighthouse.
Places of interest
Browse this former customs house for local Bahian handicrafts, souvenirs, and regional spices.
Places of interest
Ride this art deco lift for a quick and scenic transit between the historic Upper Town and the Lower Port area.
Temples
Visit this site to witness the unique syncretic rituals where Catholic faith meets Candomblé traditions.
Temples
Marvel at the intricate Baroque-style interior adorned with a massive amount of gold leaf.
Beaches and ponds
Swim in the calm, protected waters of this popular city beach known for its sunset views.
Places of interest
Tour the former residence of renowned writer Jorge Amado to learn about the literary history of the region.
Museums
Visit the Museum of Modern Art located within this historic sugar mill complex for coastal views and contemporary exhibits.
Top things to do in Salvador, Bahia
The 879 highest-rated places in Salvador, Bahia, ranked by travellers.
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Places of interest
The Museu Náutico da Bahia is located within the 17th-century Santo Antônio da Barra fort, the oldest military fortifica...
2
Places of interest
Mercado Modelo is a historic marketplace situated in the lower city of Salvador, Bahia, housed within a 19th-century neo...
3
Places of interest
Elevador Lacerda is the world's first urban public elevator, connecting the lower city (Comércio) to the historic upper...
4
Temples
The Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim is an 18th-century Catholic church in Salvador, Bahia, renowned for its central role in...
5
Venues
Arena Fonte Nova, officially Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova, is a multi-purpose stadium in Salvador, Bahia, built on the site...
6
Beaches and ponds
Porto da Barra Beach is the only beach in Salvador that faces the sunset due to its western orientation on the All Saint...
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Historical places
Morro do Cristo is a coastal promontory in the Barra district of Salvador featuring a prominent statue of Christ the Red...
8
Venues
Teatro Castro Alves (TCA) is the most significant performing arts complex in Salvador, Bahia, serving as the official ho...
9
Temples
The Church and Convent of San Francisco is renowned for its interior, which is covered in approximately 400 kilograms of...
10
Venues
Estádio Manoel Barradas, commonly known as Barradão, is the home stadium of Esporte Clube Vitória located in the Canabra...
11
Museums
The House and Chapel of the Former Quinta do Unhão houses the Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia (MAM-BA). The site is a 16t...
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Places of interest
Casa do Rio Vermelho is the former residence of iconic Brazilian writers Jorge Amado and Zélia Gattai, now functioning a...
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Places of interest
Praia das Neves is a secluded beach located on the northern tip of Ilha de Maré within the Baía de Todos-os-Santos in Sa...
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Zoos
The Salvador Zoo and Botanical Park, officially known as the Parque Zoobotânico Getúlio Vargas, serves as a center for w...
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Places of interest
The Monumento as Meninas do Brasil, commonly known as As Gordinhas de Ondina, consists of three bronze sculptures create...
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Beaches and ponds
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Beaches and ponds
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Places of interest
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Museums
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Temples
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Beaches and ponds
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Parks
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Venues
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Museums
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Museums
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Temples
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Salvador, Bahia on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Salvador, Bahia
September to March, when the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for coastal activities and outdoor cultural events.
4-5 days, which provides sufficient time to explore the historic Pelourinho district, the beaches, and the religious sites on the outskirts.
The city is served by a metro line connecting the bus station to the north, while buses and ride-sharing services are the primary ways to navigate between the dispersed neighborhoods.
Stay in Barra for proximity to beaches and the lighthouse, or in Santo Antônio Além do Carmo for a quieter, historic atmosphere within walking distance of the main cultural sites.
Mid-range; while luxury accommodation exists, the abundance of local markets and street food makes the city accessible for various budgets.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 879 curated attractions in and around Salvador, Bahia, ranked by traveller ratings.
Museu Náutico da Bahia - Farol da Barra is the highest-rated place to visit in Salvador, Bahia right now.
The largest category is temples, with 801 places to explore.
Travellers also explore São Paulo, Brasília, Fortaleza.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
