Salvador

Travel Guide
Salvador featuring an administrative buidling, a square or plaza and a sunset
This energetic coastal city has a grandiose old town, superb art museums, pristine beaches and glitzy festivals, which celebrate its Afro-Brazilian roots.

Spread over cliffs on Brazil’s central-eastern coastline, Salvador (officially Salvador de Bahía) is a city with a magnificent setting combined with an exciting, energetic atmosphere. Explore a picture-perfect historic center, visit eclectic art galleries, relax at beach suburbs and be part of flamboyant festivals. Founded by the Portuguese in 1549, Salvador was Brazil’s capital for over 200 years. Today, it’s the spiritual home of the country’s Afro-Brazilian culture.

Start your visit in the UNESCO-protected Historic Center, which is laden with colorful colonial mansions and African and Amerindian-influenced architecture. At its heart is Pelourinho, a district dominated by 17th- and 18th-century churches. Among these are Our Lady of the Rosary of Black People and São Francisco Church and Convent of Salvador.

Admire the Cathedral of Salvador, browse artisan stalls and watch capoeira performers at the architecturally impressive Terreiro de Jesus square. Find over 200 handicraft shops and sample typical Bahía cuisine, such as acarajé (spiced beans deep fried in palm oil), at Mercado Modelo.

Art lovers are spoiled for choice at Salvador’s galleries and museums. Make time for the Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Sacred Art and Museum of Street Art of Salvador. Learn about Brazil’s close ties with African traditions at the Afro-Brazilian Museum.

Miles of beautiful beaches run around the coastline. Much of this is connected by a waterfront promenade. Popular spots include Farol da Barra Beach and Porto da Barra Beach in the neighborhood of Barra, where you’ll find a busy nightlife scene. Catch a boat to the tropical islands of Ilha de Itaparica and Ilha dos Frades.

Be sure to spend some time in the city’s parks. Parque Costa Azul and Parque Metropolitano de Pituaçu are just a 30-minute drive from the city center. Attend a soccer match or concert at Fonte Nova Stadium.

Reach Salvador by flying to Salvador-Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport. Get around Salvador’s Historic Center on foot and use the metro and public buses to access areas outside of here. Consistently mild temperatures make Salvador a year-round destination. Come in early December for the National Samba Day and stay until February or March for the extravagant Salvador Carnival.

Where to stay in Salvador

Farol da Barra Beach which includes a sunset, general coastal views and a coastal town

Barra

Barra is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Barra Shopping Mall or Farol da Barra Beach.

Barra
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Guarajuba

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Guarajuba. You might want to make time for a stop at Guarajuba Beach or Genipabu Beach.

Guarajuba
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Rio Vermelho

Unique features of Rio Vermelho include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Paciencia Beach or Rio Vermelho Beach while you're exploring the area.

Rio Vermelho
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Ondina

Ondina is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Ondina Beach and Salvador Zoo.

Ondina
A man fishing in Itapuã,

#waterlust.

Itapuã

Unique features of Itapuã include the beaches and gardens. Make a stop by Itapuã Beach or Stella Maris Beach while you're exploring the area.

Itapuã
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Stella Maris

Beaches and restaurants are notable features of Stella Maris. You might consider a stop by Stella Maris Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Stella Maris
Rede Andrade Riviera Premium
Rede Andrade Riviera Premium
3 out of 5
Av. Amaralina, 885, Amaralina, Salvador, BA
The price is P1,580 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
P1,580
P1,659 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 19 - Nov 20
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Salvador. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value ...
6.6/10 (1,020 reviews)
"broken AC and dirty place"

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2024

Rede Andrade Riviera Premium
Rede Andrade Express
Rede Andrade Express
3.5 out of 5
Rua Conde da Castanheira, 269, Amaralina, Salvador, BA
The price is P1,544 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
P1,544
P1,621 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 19 - Nov 20
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Salvador. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the overall value in our reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,019 reviews)
"Ok"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2024

Rede Andrade Express
Rede Andrade Plaza Salvador
Rede Andrade Plaza Salvador
3 out of 5
Av. Otávio Mangabeira, 4581, Jardim Armação, Salvador, BA
The price is P1,072 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
P1,072
P1,126 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 19 - Nov 20
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Salvador. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Salvador Shopping Mall and Shopping ...
6.4/10 (803 reviews)
"There were cockroaches in the bathroom! Many of them. The linens towels and the furniture must have been replaced and renovated decades ago."

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2024

Rede Andrade Plaza Salvador
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Iguatemi Business & Flat by Avectur
Iguatemi Business & Flat by Avectur
3.5 out of 5
Rua da Alfazema, 761, Caminho das Árvores, Salvador, BA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Salvador. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Shopping da Bahia ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (355 reviews)
"great location"

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2023

Iguatemi Business & Flat by Avectur
Salvador Business & Flat by Avectur
Salvador Business & Flat by Avectur
3.5 out of 5
Rua Alceu Amoroso Lima 440, Caminho das Árvores, Salvador, BA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Salvador. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Salvador Shopping Mall ...
7.8/10 Good! (322 reviews)
Boa opção
"Sou da cidade. Meu ap estava em obras e fiquei dois dias no hotel. Gostei. Quarto espaçoso, limpo, andar alto, muito silencioso, hotel bem localizado. Recomendaria apenas a troca dos colchões pois já estão afundados. Senti dor nas costas. Virei ao contrário e amenizou, mas já está na hora de ..."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2024

Salvador Business & Flat by Avectur
Villagem de Praia Pé Na Areia
Villagem de Praia Pé Na Areia
3.5 out of 5
Alameda Mar Del Plata, Salvador, BA
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Salvador. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room massages. Popular attractions Flamengo Beach and Itapuã Beach are ...
Villagem de Praia Pé Na Areia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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