What are the best things to do in Salvador?
Top picks in Salvador include Pelourinho historic centre UNESCO, Elevador Lacerda, São Francisco Church and Convent, Mercado Modelo. See the full list and itinerary on this Salvador travel guide.
_2.jpg?width=1920)
🇧🇷 Brazil travel guide
South America · South America
Salvador Travel Guide
Things to do in Salvador — Explore Salvador
Photo: Fotos Gov/Ba · CC BY 2.0
Why visit Salvador
thumb|300px|Pelourinho, Salvador's historical city center It is the biggest city in the Northeast region, and was the first capital of Brazil. A 100-m cliff runs along the entire bayshore, dividing the city into Cidade Alta, up on the cliff, and the Cidade Baixa down by the bay. The former features Pelourinho, the old city center that packs historical sites, colonial architecture, museums, restaurants, bars, hostels, artisanal shops, and music/dance/capoeira academies into a convenient, albeit tourist-swarmed, set… (Source: Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.)
Salvador is a stop in Brazil, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Pelourinho historic centre UNESCO, Elevador Lacerda, São Francisco Church and Convent instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 45–120 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal
Weather
From highland cool to tropical warmth
Experiences
Things to do in Salvador
1
Pelourinho historic centre UNESCO
2
Elevador Lacerda
3
São Francisco Church and Convent
4
Mercado Modelo
5
Barra Lighthouse (Farol da Barra)
6
Itaparica Island day trip
7
Bonfim Church
8
Dique do Tororó
Budget travel
Free things to do in Salvador
São Francisco Church and Convent
Bonfim Church
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Salvador itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Pelourinho historic centre UNESCO
- Visit Elevador Lacerda
- Visit São Francisco Church and Convent
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Mercado Modelo
- Visit Barra Lighthouse (Farol da Barra)
- Visit Itaparica Island day trip
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Bonfim Church
- Visit Dique do Tororó
Budget
Salvador trip cost
Budget
USD 20–40
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 45–120
per person / day
Luxury
USD 140–230+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Salvador, Brazil. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Salvador
Estimated total (USD)
$2,110
≈ $1,055 per person · $301 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $85/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Salvador mid-range ground costs (budget 20–40 · mid 45–120 · luxury 140–230+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Bistrô PortoSol
Small, cozy Austrian-Hungarian restaurant run by an Austrian and his wife. Simple accommodations decorated with posters of classic Hollywood
Companhia da Pizza
One of the city's most popular pizza restaurants.
La Figa
Italian restaurant with fresh pasta around R$35 for two people, appetizers around R$10, and desserts. High quality, good service and good at
Maria Mata Mouro
Small, with only 12 tables but the service is great. Try the shrimp.
Meridiano
Gourmet cuisine at moderate prices. Excellent service.
São Salvador
Buffet with a refined atmosphere.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Ibis Salvador Rio Vermelho
Hotel Ondimar
Bahia Beach house Rentals
Beach houses for rent, mainly on the northern seaboard of Salvador.
Pousada Rancho Fundo
Nice big Sitio (Farm like) close to fab. beaches.
Albergue da Lucia
Nightlife
- Casarão do Lord
- Bar Zulu
- Fashion Club
- Off Clube
In pictures
Salvador gallery
Photos: Fotos Gov/Ba, Portal de Dados Abertos do Tribunal Superior Eleitoral do Brasil (TSE), Arismarsantos, Georges Biard, Alex@Eddi (Diskussion), CyArk — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Salvador travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Salvador?
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal.
How many days do I need in Salvador?
Plan at least 3 days in Salvador for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Salvador?
Popular stays in Salvador include Ibis Salvador Rio Vermelho, Hotel Ondimar, Bahia Beach house Rentals. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Salvador cost?
On the ground in Salvador (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 20–40 per person per day, mid-range about 45–120, and luxury about 140–230+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Salvador, Brazil. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
.jpg?width=1920)
