This is the guide to tourism in Salvador, in Bahia: history, the Historic Centre, churches, museums, forts, beaches, neighbourhoods, carnival and tips for planning your trip. All the articles provide everything you need to choose what to visit and how to organise your time in the city.
Salvador was founded in 1549 by Tomé de Sousa and served as the seat of the royal administration of Brazil until 1763, when power was transferred to Rio de Janeiro.
This history can be found in the streets of the Historic Centre, in the Baroque churches, in the forts and in the museums, and is interwoven with Afro-Brazilian culture, which is evident in the music, the festivals and neighbourhood life.
If this is your first visit, start with the guide reasons to holiday in Salvador, the interesting places in Salvador and the 7-day itinerary for Salvador and the surrounding area. To decide where to stay, see where to stay in Salvador.
For an overview of the state, see also the tourist attractions in Bahia.
The most popular attractions are Pelourinho and the Historic Centre, the Lacerda Lift, the churches, the museums, the forts and the Barra Lighthouse, as well as the city’s beaches. The guides in this category provide details on each of them.
It depends on what you want to see. For the Historic Centre and the main attractions, even a short stay is enough for a good itinerary. If you’re thinking of including beaches, neighbourhoods and islands, the 7-day itinerary on the website offers a comprehensive suggestion.
Salvador was founded in 1549 by Tomé de Sousa and served as the seat of the royal administration until 1763, when the capital was moved to Rio de Janeiro. That is why the city has so many colonial monuments.
It is the best-known part of Salvador’s Historic Centre, with its colourful mansions, Baroque churches and museums. The Historic Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city has dozens of beaches, each with its own character, ranging from urban to more peaceful. The guide to Salvador’s 23 beaches compares the options, and there is a separate article on beaches near the city.
The best area depends on your itinerary: near the Historic Centre, along the waterfront or in livelier neighbourhoods. The website’s accommodation guide provides essential tips.
Carnival is one of the city’s best-known festivals, featuring street parades and floats with live music. The website’s guide explains how to celebrate and what to expect.
Yes, the bay has several islands, each with their own beaches, history and culture. The guide to the main islands sets out the options and how to visit them. Check timetables and ferry crossings before you go.
The Rio Vermelho neighbourhood is Salvador’s main hub for bohemian life and dining, bringing together bars, restaurants, acarajé stalls, small stretches of beach and a vibrant cultural scene by the sea. Ideal for those looking for good food, live music and a memorable sunset. Why visit Rio Vermelho combines tradition […]
Ponta de Humaitá is one of the most charming spots in Salvador, situated near Monte Serrat Fort on the Itapagipe peninsula. With a stunning view of Todos os Santos Bay, the spot is particularly renowned for its unforgettable sunsets. In the courtyard that juts out over the sea, there is […]
A practical guide to things to do in Pelourinho: Baroque churches, museums, squares, a suggested itinerary and tips for making the most of Salvador’s Historic Centre. Why visit — Pelourinho: what to do Looking for “Things to do in Pelourinho”? The neighbourhood is home to colourful streets, Baroque churches, themed […]
The beaches of Salvador, Bahia, offer 50 km of coastline with something for everyone: beaches with calm waters perfect for families, reefs that form natural pools, and stretches with waves ideal for surfing. As well as swimming, the coastline combines history, culture and cuisine — from lighthouses and forts to kiosks […]
Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where history, Afro-Brazilian culture, music and beaches come together — the perfect setting for a 7-day itinerary in Salvador and the surrounding area that combines the historic centre, the city’s waterfront, the islands and the northern coast. With its colourful historic […]
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 […]
The Fort of Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat, located in the city of Salvador, Bahia, is one of the most iconic and best-preserved examples of colonial military architecture in Brazil. Regarded as a major tourist attraction, the fort offers a combination of historical and cultural significance and panoramic views that […]
The history and architecture of Solar do Unhão Solar do Unhão is a historic architectural complex situated on the shores of Todos os Santos Bay in Salvador (BA). Dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, the complex comprises the main manor house, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, a […]
The Gamboa neighbourhood: one of the best places to visit in Salvador The Gamboa neighbourhood in Salvador is characterised by being a coastal community, which has been inhabited by fishermen for centuries, situated at the south-western entrance to the Bay of Todos os Santos, close to the historic city centre. […]
Avenida Contorno in Salvador (also known as Avenida Lafayette Coutinho) is one of the most iconic stretches of the city’s waterfront, linking Cidade Alta to Cidade Baixa and running alongside the Bay of Todos-os-Santos.In this guide, you’ll find a historical overview and the main tourist attractions along the avenue. A […]
The palaces of Salvador bear witness to centuries of history, boast imposing architecture and today house museums, events and serve new purposes. The palaces of Salvador have hosted royalty, hold great stories within them and today fulfil various functions: museums, event venues and properties with an uncertain future. Discover the […]
Address: Rua da Conceição da Praia, s/n — Comércio, Salvador, BA (near the Lacerda Lift and the Mercado Modelo) The Basílica Santuário Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia is a religious and architectural landmark in the historic centre of Salvador. Situated next to Todos os Santos Bay and just a […]
The Church and Convent of Santa Clara do Desterro was founded in 1677, when four sisters of the Order of the Poor Clares from Évora, Portugal, came to Brazil to establish religious education. Next to the Tororó Dike, formerly known as the Desterro Dike, there was an adobe chapel dedicated […]
Convent and Church of Santa Teresa: a heritage site and Museum of Sacred Art in Salvador (BA) Address: Rua do Sodré, No. 25 – Pelourinho, Salvador, Bahia The UFBa Museum of Sacred Art is housed within the complex of the Convent and Church of Santa Teresa, occupying part of the […]
The Rio Vermelho neighbourhood is Salvador’s main hub for bohemian life and dining, bringing together bars, restaurants, acarajé stalls, small
The history of Lençóis, in Bahia, begins with diamond mining. The origins of the town are linked to the discoveries made in 1844 in Mucugê and
Ponta de Humaitá is one of the most charming spots in Salvador, situated near Monte Serrat Fort on the Itapagipe peninsula. With a stunning view of
A practical guide to things to do in Pelourinho: Baroque churches, museums, squares, a suggested itinerary and tips for making the most of
The beaches of Salvador, Bahia, offer 50 km of coastline with something for everyone: beaches with calm waters perfect for families, reefs that form
Arembepe is a charming village on the north coast of Bahia, around 42 km from Salvador. Known for its historic Hippie Village, the Tamar Project site
Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where history, Afro-Brazilian culture, music and beaches come together — the perfect setting for
Bahia Maritime Museum: what you need to know before visiting Housed within the iconic Barra Lighthouse, the Bahia Maritime Museum is one of
