Home » Bahia Travel Guide » Tourist attractions and architectural heritage of Salvador (BA)

Salvador, Brazil’s first capital, is a city with a rich history, a vibrant culture and impressive architecture. Its tourist attractions and architectural heritage reflect a blend of influences — from Portuguese colonisation to Afro-Brazilian heritage — and attract visitors from all over the world.

Overview

• Salvador boasts beaches, historic sites, music, religious life, traditional cuisine, capoeira and one of the world’s biggest street carnivals.
• Icons of the city: the Lacerda Lift, the Barra Lighthouse, the Mercado Modelo, Pelourinho and the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim.
• Sunny weather and around 50 km of coastline between Cidade Alta and Cidade Baixa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Todos os Santos.

Main areas and attractions

1. Historic Centre (Upper Town)

The Historic Centre of Salvador is one of the country’s most important colonial architectural ensembles, with cobbled streets, colourful mansions and Baroque churches.

Pelourinho

• A cultural hub with churches, museums, craft shops and restaurants.
• Main squares: Largo do Pelourinho (Praça José de Alencar), Terreiro de Jesus (Praça 15 de Novembro), Largo do Carmo and Largo do Cruzeiro de São Francisco.
• Notable churches and monuments: Church of the Third Order of St Francis, Church of St Francis, Church of the Rosary of the Black People, Church of Passo, Cathedral Basilica of Salvador, Church of St Peter of the Clerics and Carmo Convent.
• Historic mansions house museums and cultural centres, such as the Jorge Amado House Foundation and the City Museum.

See Churches of Salvador, Bahia – History and Architecture

Tomé de Souza Square

• An administrative and historical landmark of the city, featuring the Tomé de Souza Palace (City Hall), Rio Branco Palace, the City Council and the Lacerda Lift.
• It offers panoramic views of Baía de Todos os Santos and serves as a key link between Cidade Alta and Cidade Baixa.

See Palaces in Salvador to visit and learn about Brazil’s history

Santo Antônio Além do Carmo

A bohemian neighbourhood about 500 metres from Pelourinho, with bars, cafés, vintage shops, grand houses and beautiful views of the bay — a great choice for affordable dining.

2. Lower Town

The Lower Town combines history, beaches and cultural attractions along the seafront and around Todos os Santos Bay.

Church of Our Lord of Bonfim

A religious and cultural symbol of Salvador, known for the ‘washing of the staircases’ festival, its colourful ribbons and the strong syncretism between faith and popular culture.

Modelo Market

A lively market selling handicrafts, souvenirs and local specialities, overlooking the bay and close to the Lacerda Elevator.

Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat Fort and Ponta de Humaitá

A well-preserved colonial fort, featuring military architecture and panoramic views, including the Humaitá Lighthouse and the church, which form part of the complex.

Museum of Sacred Art (UFBA)

Housed in the former Convent of Santa Teresa, it houses a collection of religious art and hosts musical events; it offers beautiful views of the bay from its windows.

History of the Church of Santa Teresa or the UFBA Museum of Sacred Art

São Marcelo Fort (Forte do Mar)

A circular fort on a small island in the Bay of Todos os Santos, accessible by boat, offering a historical tour and sweeping panoramic views.

Bahia Marina

A waterfront complex with bars and restaurants, ideal for watching the boats and relaxing by the bay.

Solar do Unhão / Bahia Museum of Modern Art (MAM)

An architectural complex housing the MAM, featuring exhibitions, cultural events and the MAM’s little beach — a cove with calm waters next to the Sculpture Park.

Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia / Basilica

A church with a neoclassical façade and an interior influenced by the Joanine Baroque style; the present building was erected in the 19th century and features elements brought from Portugal.

Barra Harbour and Barra Lighthouse

• Porto da Barra: a beach with calm waters and historic surroundings, very popular for swimming and watching the sunset.
• Barra Lighthouse (Fort of Santo Antônio da Barra): a historic fortification housing the Nautical Museum and offering a very photogenic panoramic viewpoint.

Rio Vermelho

A neighbourhood known for its nightlife, cuisine and traditional festivals; places such as Largo de Santana are home to a concentration of bars and nightlife.

Gamboa neighbourhood

A traditional coastal community, characterised by its fishing industry and its proximity to Solar do Unhão and Baía de Todos os Santos.

Other highlights

• Salvador has hundreds of historic churches scattered throughout the city, examples of 17th- and 18th-century religious architecture.
• Beaches: tourist guides highlight a number of beaches (lists of ‘must-see beaches’ usually mention more than 20 urban and nearby stretches of coastline).
• Museums: tourist and cultural itineraries feature dozens of museums covering religious art, Afro-Brazilian culture and contemporary art.
• Itapuã Lighthouse: a picture-postcard spot with white sands and inviting waters, in a neighbourhood with a strong cultural presence.
• Santa Maria Fort: a historic fortification on Porto da Barra Beach, which now also serves as a cultural venue.
• Family-friendly attractions: children’s libraries, the zoo and city parks are all available for leisure activities with children.

Why visit Salvador?

• A journey through history, exploring colonial towns, fortifications and museums.
• A cultural experience featuring capoeira, candomblé, percussion, dance and traditional festivals throughout the year.
• Natural beauty spots: beaches, a bay and viewpoints that are ideal for photography and leisure.
• Hospitality: known as the ‘capital of joy’, it welcomes tourists with music, cuisine and a warm welcome.

Salvador has some great tourist attractions that delight parents and children alike, such as the Monteiro Lobato Children’s Library, the Zoo and the city park.

Discover the History and Culture of Bahia through Salvador’s 39 museums

Discover Salvador’s 23 beaches — A complete guide and tips

Plan your visit

• Make sure to visit Pelourinho, the Lacerda Lift, the Mercado Modelo, the Barra Lighthouse, Porto da Barra and the Bonfim Church.
• Make sure you set aside some time to visit museums, take a boat trip to São Marcelo Fort and enjoy the nightlife in Rio Vermelho.
• Take some sun cream with you and arrive early at the busiest beaches and the little beach at the MAM.

Salvador combines history, architecture, popular culture and natural beauty — a must-visit destination in Brazil.

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