Salvador is the capital of Bahia and one of Brazil’s most vibrant destinations: a mix of history, music, religion and beaches that attract tourists from all over the world.
In this category, you will find tour guides, itineraries for historic neighbourhoods such as Pelourinho and Santo Antônio Além do Carmo, tips on Bahian cuisine, popular festivals and practical information to enjoy the city in comfort and safety.
Our content brings together tried and tested itineraries, suggestions for authentic restaurants, information on tickets and timetables, as well as local tips to help you plan your trip.
We regularly update with events and practical changes (transport, construction and timetables).
Explore the articles below to put together your ideal itinerary.
Bahia Maritime Museum: what you need to know before visiting Housed within the iconic Barra Lighthouse, the Bahia Maritime Museum is one of Salvador’s most traditional tourist attractions. As well as preserving centuries of maritime history, the site offers one of the most beautiful views of Baía de Todos-os-Santos and […]
A quick cultural guide to Salvador’s most popular museums, with practical tips on how to make the most of each visit. Salvador is a cultural hub where art, history and music come together. If you’re looking for a cultural itinerary in the city, be sure to visit the four most […]
Following the expulsion of the Jesuits, the church of the former College of the Society of Jesus became the Cathedral Basilica of Salvador, replacing the old cathedral that was at risk of collapse. (1) The Jesuits were expelled by the Royal Charter of 28 August 1759. On 26 October 1765, […]
The Cathedral Basilica of Salvador is located in the heart of Pelourinho and is one of the most important sacred buildings in colonial Brazil. As well as bearing witness to the country’s history and Catholicism, the temple houses 17^(th)-century paintings, rosewood furniture and sacred gold and silver objects. history and […]
Accommodation options in Salvador, Bahia When planning your stay in Salvador, choosing the right neighbourhood makes all the difference in getting the most out of the city. In this quick guide, you will discover which neighbourhoods are best suited to those seeking beaches, cultural immersion or nightlife — and you […]
Summary of the History of the Church and Convent of Nossa Senhora da Palma Origins and foundation: construction began in the 17th century; there is controversy regarding dates and founders (1630, 1670 or 1693). Accounts, especially those of Friar Agostinho de Santa Maria, link the devotion to the Cruz Arrais […]
Updated guide featuring visitor tips, addresses, suggested images and FAQs. Ideal for religious and cultural tourism in Salvador (BA). The 5 most visited churches in Salvador Basilica and Sanctuary of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Sanctuary of Santa Dulce dos Pobres (Sister Dulce) Church and Convent of São Francisco Primatial Cathedral […]
Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where history, Afro-Brazilian culture, music and beaches come together – perfect for a 7-day city and coast itinerary in Salvador and its surroundings. With its colourful historic centre, Pelourinho, baroque churches, lively markets and vibrant waterfront, the city offers unique urban […]
The Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat Fort, located in the city of Salvador, Bahia, is one of the most iconic and well-preserved examples of colonial military architecture in Brazil. Considered an important tourist spot, the fort offers a combination of historical and cultural value and panoramic views that attract local […]
History of Solar do Unhão, Salvador The history and architecture of Solar do Unhão date back to the 18th century and are located on the shores of Todos os Santos Bay in Salvador, Bahia. The architectural complex consists of the main house, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, a […]
Gamboa neighbourhood: one of the best walks in Salvador The Gamboa neighbourhood of Salvador is a seaside community, inhabited for centuries by fishermen, located at the southwestern entrance of Todos os Santos Bay, close to the historic centre of the city. Gamboa – home to the parishes of Solar do […]
History of Avenida Contorno in Salvador BA Avenida Contorno in Salvador was inaugurated in 1962, designed by the architect Diógenes Rebouças, and connected Campo Grande with Cidade Baixa. Gamboa de Baixo can be considered one of the most privileged locations in Salvador. Surrounded by a private beach and with a […]
The palaces of Salvador de Bahia have hosted royalty, have a great history and today fulfil different functions. Some are used for weddings, others have become beautiful museums and some await an uncertain future. Discover the architecture and history of Salvador’s palaces 1. Palácio da Acclamação Considered one of the […]
Basilica of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia: A Historical and Architectural Heritage Site in Salvador The Basilica of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia of the Beach or Church o of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia is located in the Lower City of Salvador, Bahia, the Church of Our Lady […]
Convent and Church of Santa Teresa: A Cultural Heritage Site in Salvador, Bahia The Convent and Church of Santa Teresa in Salvador, Bahia, has been declared a Cultural Heritage Site. In 1665, a convent of Discalced Carmelites was founded in Bahia, the work being carried out by Brother José do […]
Bahia Art Museum: Salvador’s Oldest Museum The Bahia Art Museum (MAB) is the oldest art museum in the State of Bahia, located in Salvador, in the Vitória district, at Avenida Sete de Setembro, 2340, in the Corredor da Vitória. Founded in 1918, the museum is housed in the historic building […]
Learn about the historical and architectural significance of the Lacerda Elevator, which connects the lower and upper parts of Salvador. The Lacerda Elevator is one of the most iconic landmarks in Salvador, Bahia and Brazil. In addition to its importance as an essential means of transport between Salvador’s lower and […]
The Fort of Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat, originally called the Castle of São Felipe, is considered an extremely important example of our early fortified architecture, as it is the most archaic model of local defence that has survived without major alterations. In this respect, it is perhaps the oldest […]
The Fort of Santo Antônio da Barra is one of the most important historical landmarks in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, and is also known as the home of the Barra Lighthouse. This fort has a rich history linked to the defence of the city, the colonial period and navigation. Summary of […]
São Marcelo Fort, also known as “Forte do Mar”, is one of the most iconic historic buildings in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Its strategic location on a small island in Todos os Santos Bay, close to Salvador’s port, makes it one of the city’s most recognisable tourist attractions. A brief history […]
Nossa Senhora dos Mares Church: A neo-Gothic heritage site in Salvador The Nossa Senhora dos Mares Church, located in Salvador, Bahia, is an important religious and cultural monument of the city. Also known as the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Mares and São Pedro Nolasco, it is located in the […]
History and Architecture of the Church of the Third Order of St Francis An outstanding example of Baroque architecture in Brazil, the Church of the Third Order of Saint Francis, located in Largo do Pelourinho, in Salvador, Bahia, had its foundation stone laid on 1 January 1702. Video – History […]
The Rio Vermelho neighbourhood is widely regarded as Salvador’s trendiest and most bohemian neighbourhood. It is a place that pulsates with life, offering a variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. It is also famous for being the best place in the city to try acarajés, a typical delicacy of Bahian cuisine. […]
Ponta de Humaitá is one of the most charming spots in Salvador, located next to Monte Serrat Fort on the Itapagipe Peninsula. With a privileged view over the Bay of All Saints, the place is especially known for its unforgettable sunsets. A church, a convent and a lighthouse are set […]
Tourism in Salvador: A unique experience A visit to Salvador, the capital of Bahia, offers a unique experience that combines history, culture, nature and a rich Afro-Brazilian heritage. A living museum Salvador is a true living museum, reflecting Brazil’s rich history and cultural diversity. A symbol of the mixing of […]
Churches of Salvador, Bahia: Architectural and Historical Treasures The churches of Salvador, Bahia, are architectural and historical treasures that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the city, which was the first capital of Brazil and an important centre of Catholicism during the colonial period. With styles ranging from Baroque to […]
Salvador’s museums offer a rich variety of cultural and educational experiences, reflecting the diversity and history of Bahia. Main Highlights of Salvador’s Museums Historical Collections: Exhibitions detailing the history of the city, from colonial times to the present day, including artefacts, documents and historical objects. Art and Culture: Collections of […]
Enjoy Salvador’s parks and squares. Discover the rich variety of green spaces and enjoy moments of leisure, culture and relaxation. Green areas and open spaces are a good alternative to exploring the city’s parks to enjoy the surroundings and make the most of your leisure time, as well as enjoying […]
The construction of forts and lighthouses in Salvador The construction of fortresses and lighthouses was motivated by the need to protect the city of Salvador and ensure the sovereignty of the Portuguese over the discovered territory. Religious aspects in the choice of location Religious aspects were also taken into account […]
Discover interesting places in Salvador: A complete guide to the capital of Bahia History and culture Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a city rich in history, culture and natural beauty, making it a tourist destination full of interesting places to visit. Stunning beaches Beautiful beaches? Of course Salvador has […]
Things to do in Salvador for children and teenagers Salvador, with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant urban life, offers a wide range of tourist attractions for children and teenagers. A playground for young explorers From spaces dedicated to reading and science to parks and interactive museums, the city is […]
The beaches of Salvador are much more than coconut trees, shade and warm water. The coast of Salvador offers a wealth of history, fun and leisure. In Salvador, dozens of churches, forts, museums, lighthouses and shipwrecks are among the many attractions that hark back to the early years of Terra […]
Salvador Carnival: Brazil’s largest popular festival Celebrating Carnival in Salvador is a unique experience. The Salvador Carnival is one of the biggest popular festivals in Brazil, very well organised and attracting more than 2.5 million revellers to the streets of Salvador. The joy of Bahia “Ah! Imagine, what a crazy […]
Salvador, one of Brazil’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities, offers a wide range of experiences and practices related to prostitution, sex, massage parlours, bars and nightclubs. This landscape is shaped by the city’s diversity and the interaction between its different urban, cultural and social environments. General context Prostitution in […]
The church and convent of São Francisco, built in the 18th century, is one of the richest in Brazil and the most lavish in Salvador. It is considered by some to be the finest example of Portuguese Baroque in the world. Its origins date back to 1686, following a design […]
Pelourinho: A Historical Heritage in Bahia Pelourinho is the name of a neighbourhood in the historic centre of the capital of the Brazilian state of Bahia. This neighbourhood has a well-preserved Portuguese Baroque colonial architectural complex, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Architectural Complex The architectural, landscape […]
The history of the founding of Salvador, Bahia, began as a fortified city, or at least that was the intention of King João III of Portugal. As the capital or “head” of Brazil, its defence was a constant concern. The prominence of the fortifications in the landscape of the city […]
Historic Centre of Salvador The city of Salvador was founded in 1549 by Tomé de Souza. Most of the large buildings began to be built in 1624, after the wars against the Dutch. Historical importance The historic centre of Salvador is extremely rich in historic monuments dating from the 17th […]
Diogo Álvares Correia, better known as Caramuru, is a central figure in the secret history of Salvador, Bahia. There are hidden historical fragments in the heart of the city. They are hidden stories that sleep before our eyes, on street corners, in streets, in squares and in urban monuments. The […]
The Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos, located in the historic centre of Salvador, is a masterpiece of Brazilian Colonial Baroque architecture, built between 1709 and 1733. Built by the Brotherhood of São Pedro dos Clérigos, made up of members of the secular clergy, the church was designed to meet […]
Salvador, Brazil’s first capital, is a city marked by its rich history, vibrant culture and impressive architecture. Salvador’s tourist attractions and architectural heritage reflect the diversity of influences that have shaped the city over the centuries, from Portuguese colonisation to its Afro-Brazilian heritage. Salvador has countless tourist attractions, architectural heritage, […]
Lord of Bonfim ribbons: History and Meaning The ribbons of Senhor do Bonfim are amulets of faith and tradition that have a long and rich history, especially associated with the city of Salvador, in Bahia, and the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim. Video about the history of Senhor do […]
Introduction The Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim isn’t the prettiest, but it is certainly the most famous in Salvador due to the traditional “Lavagem do Bonfim”, a celebration marked by Baianas throwing water on the steps of the church during a festival that lasts all day, enlivened by afoxé […]
Bahia Maritime Museum: what you need to know before visiting Housed within the iconic Barra Lighthouse, the Bahia Maritime Museum is one of
A quick cultural guide to Salvador’s most popular museums, with practical tips on how to make the most of each visit. Salvador is a cultural hub
Paranaguá Palace — Ilhéus (Bahia) Paranaguá Palace, listed by the Bahia Institute of Artistic and Cultural Heritage (IPAC), is one of the
São Jorge Parish Church in Ilhéus (BA): a heritage site of historical, Jesuit and religious art significance The Parish Church of São Jorge is one
The Convent and Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade: a neo-Gothic heritage site and religious symbol of Ilhéus (BA) The Church of Nossa Senhora da
History of the Cathedral of São Sebastião in Ilhéus — architecture, chronology and significance The design of the Cathedral of São Sebastião
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Following the expulsion of the Jesuits, the church of the former College of the Society of Jesus became the Cathedral Basilica of Salvador, replacing
The Cathedral Basilica of Salvador is located in the heart of Pelourinho and is one of the most important sacred buildings in colonial Brazil. As
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