Discover the Must-See Places in Salvador: A Complete Guide to the Capital of Bahia

History and culture

Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is rich in history, culture and natural beauty, making it a destination brimming with interesting places to visit.

Stunning beaches

Salvador boasts stunning beaches, such as Praia do Porto da Barra and Itapuã. Although other cities also have beautiful beaches, the combination of urban atmosphere, history and culture makes Salvador’s beaches special.

Colonial architectural complex

The Pelourinho is notable for its colonial architecture and historical significance — it was the seat of the colonial government and forms part of the historic centre of Salvador, which is internationally recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Unique local culture

Salvador is defined by its Afro-Brazilian culture, which is evident in its music, cuisine, religion and arts. The city is the birthplace of cultural expressions such as samba-reggae, capoeira and candomblé. Major cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro also have a vibrant cultural scene, but with different characteristics.

The perfect fusion

What sets Salvador apart is the fusion of natural landscapes, historical heritage, authentic cuisine and a vibrant cultural life — a combination that is hard to find in one place.

A varied itinerary

An itinerary in Salvador might include: a morning on the beach, a stroll through the Historic Centre, sampling traditional dishes such as acarajé and moqueca, and an evening at parties or rehearsals for Carnival blocos such as Olodum and Ilê Aiyê. These are just a few of the places you simply mustn’t miss.

Places of interest in Salvador

• Bahia Marina: situated in the Bay of Todos os Santos, it is an elegant spot for a stroll, with restaurants, bars and views of the sunset; it also hosts cultural events and water sports.
• Lacerda Lift: a landmark linking the Upper City to the Lower City; as well as making it easier to get around, it is a tourist attraction that carries thousands of people every day.
• Jorge Amado House Foundation: located in Pelourinho, it preserves the writer’s legacy and works through exhibitions and cultural programmes.
• Mercado Modelo: a major centre for crafts and cuisine, with shops and restaurants overlooking the bay.
• Morro do Cristo: a spot in Barra offering views of the Bay of Todos os Santos and the Barra Lighthouse; it is notable for its statue of Christ.
• Solar do Unhão: a colonial complex on the shores of the bay, home to the Bahia Museum of Modern Art (MAM); a great spot for watching the sunset and enjoying cultural events.
• Castro Alves Theatre: the city’s main performance venue, hosting music, dance and theatre.
• Pelourinho: a historic quarter with cobbled streets, churches and colourful mansions; a hub for cultural activities and an internationally recognised heritage site.
• Church of São Francisco: known for its Baroque interior and gilded woodcarvings.
• Barra Lighthouse: a picture-postcard spot situated at the Fort of Santo Antônio da Barra, featuring a museum and stunning views.
• Tororó Dam: a leisure area featuring statues of orixás set on islands in the lake, gardens and space for outdoor activities.

Salvador offers a wide range of cultural and natural attractions — many of which are free — that guarantee memorable experiences for all kinds of visitors.

“Smile, you’re in Bahia!”

Ponta do Humaitá is one of the city’s most beautiful spots.

View the map of Salvador

Videos – Places of Interest in Salvador, Bahia

See also Tourist Attractions in Salvador and Palaces in Salvador to visit and appreciate their history

Details of tourist attractions in Salvador

1. Bahia Marina
2. Lacerda Lift
3. Jorge Amado House Foundation
4. Modelo Market
5. Christ’s Hill
6. Solar do Unhão
7. Castro Alves Theatre
8. Pelourinho
9. Church of St Francis
10. Barra Lighthouse
11. Tororó Dam

1. Bahia Marina

Bahia Marina is a marina and tourist complex that welcomes both domestic and international vessels. Situated in a prime location, it offers views of the Bay of Todos os Santos and features restaurants and water sports, making it a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.

2. Lacerda Lift

Opened on 8 December 1873, the Lacerda Elevator connects the Upper City to the Lower City. It is a form of public transport and a city landmark, carrying thousands of people every day.

History

The lift was built to bridge the significant difference in height between the upper and lower parts of the city. Construction began in October 1869. Initially known as the Conceição da Praia Hydraulic Lift (popularly known as the ‘Parafuso’), it came to be known as the Lacerda Lift in honour of its designer.

Architecture

The construction involved tunnels and complex structures; major refurbishments in the 1930s added a second tower, new cabins and Art Deco features.

See the before and after

3. Jorge Amado House Foundation

The Casa de Jorge Amado Foundation is housed in a large mansion in Largo do Pelourinho and preserves collections, documents and artefacts relating to the writer. It organises a programme of cultural events, including courses, workshops, seminars, talks and exhibitions.

Address: Largo do Pelourinho
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10.00–18.00 (subject to local changes).

4. Mercado Modelo

The Mercado Modelo is housed in the former customs building and is home to craft shops, restaurants and bars overlooking the bay. The current building has housed the market since 1971 and is a listed building by IPHAN.

Opening hours: usually Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 7 pm; Sunday, 9 am to 2 pm (subject to local confirmation).

5. Morro do Cristo

Located in Barra, the Morro do Cristo offers views of the Bay of Todos os Santos and the Barra Lighthouse. The statue of Christ is a popular spot for contemplation and a local landmark.

6. Solar do Unhão

The Solar do Unhão, which dates back to the 17th century, is home to the Museum of Modern Art of Bahia (MAM-BA) and frequently hosts cultural events and exhibitions.

Location: Avenida do Contorno, no number, Graça.

7. Castro Alves Theatre

Built from the late 1950s onwards, the Teatro Castro Alves was reopened on 4 March 1967 and is one of the state’s leading theatres.

Location: Ladeira da Fonte, no number, Campo Grande.

8. Pelourinho

The Pelourinho is an architectural and urban complex that is representative of Portuguese overseas urban planning, featuring buildings dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries and a vibrant cultural scene.

9. Church of St Francis

Location: Largo de São Francisco, Pelourinho.

The Church of São Francisco is a landmark of Brazilian Baroque, with an interior richly decorated with gilded woodcarvings, Portuguese tiles and a collection of religious art.

10. Barra Lighthouse

Praça do Farol da Barra, Salvador, BA.

The Barra Lighthouse (Fort of Santo Antônio da Barra) is one of the city’s landmarks; the fort houses the Nautical Museum and offers panoramic views of the Bay of Todos os Santos.

11. Tororó Dam

Av. Magalhães Lima, Salvador, BA.

The Tororó Embankment is an urban leisure area featuring green spaces, cycle paths and kiosks. Of particular note are the sculptures of the orixás installed on islands in the lake, paying homage to Afro-Brazilian traditions.

See Tourist Attractions in Pelourinho

Bahia.ws is a travel guide dedicated to Bahia and Salvador.

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