The historic Pelourinho district of the upper town of Salvador is a UNESCO World Heritage site that I have always wanted to visit. Afro-Brazilian culture, Portuguese-influenced colorful architecture, local Bahian cuisine, spiritualism, nightlife, music, and a tropical coastline influenced me to plan a visit during my last Brazilian trip. This third-largest city in Brazil and the world’s largest black population outside Africa should also be under your radar.
Plan Your Trip
How To Get Around
UBER: Available 24/7 and very reliable. I used it without any issue and the cost is pretty reasonable. Free wi-fi available most public places including airport and restaurants so did not have any issue scheduling pickup.
Taxi: It is safe and reliable and no reason to be skeptical. Available everywhere in the city.
Where To Stay
Centro Historico (Historical Center) is one of the great areas to stay in Salvador, located in the middle of all the town’s action. In addition, you can check out Acai Hostel, an all-time favorite among backpackers. We stayed at Fera Palace Hotel next to The Elevador Lacerda in Historic Center. If you like to be in the beach areas, you can stay in popular places like Barra, Rio Vermelho, or Ondina. I saw many hostels, hotels, and guest houses (pousadas) available for a reasonable price.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: From December to March is a favorite time to visit Salvador. You will find the crowded beaches and pricey events. Temperatures rarely fall below 80ºF (26ºC) or rise beyond 95ºF (34ºC).
Winter: Between June to August, can be very wet, but some days temperature may drop a few degrees cool enough for a light jacket. Regardless during the day, it is always hot, but the ocean breeze may bring you some comfort and from my practical experience showers rarely lasted enough to spoil my travel.
Most Popular: Between January to February, when there are full of activities like Carnaval, Reveillon week, and Semana Santa event. During this period, hotels are pricey, and the city is crowded, including the beaches.
How to Get There
By Air: Salvador International Airport (SSA) is only 25 km from the Historic Center of Salvador. There are International and domestic flights to and from Salvador airport. I took a direct flight from Sao Paulo and, on my return, took a non-stop flight to Rio de Janeiro. Check flights from your area.
Here are the 10 Reasons to visit Salvador
1. Stroll Through The Historical Pelourinho
A trip to Salvador, Brazil, won’t be complete without paying a visit to the Pelourinho, also known as the city within a city. In Portuguese, Pelourinho means whipping post; in the old days, this was where all the slave action took place. The colorful historic neighborhood located within the Upper City, filled with colonial architecture, beautiful churches, and cobble-stoned narrow streets, will blow your mind away. Pelourinho became well known when Michael Jackson’s popular music video was filmed there. Click the link to see Michael Jackson performing They Don’t Care About Us.
There is some safety concern in the Pelourinho, so I, as a solo traveler, booked a few guided tours to avoid any incident; also, at night, the colonial quarter gets pretty empty, so it’s recommended to be in a group. If you are staying in a guest house or a hotel, the good idea is to discuss this with the hotel guests or the front desk.
2. Take The Elevator Lacerda to Lower City
The Elevador Lacerda is one of the iconic monuments that represent the city of Salvador. It was built in 1873 and connects the lower city with the upper city, and riding it was a pleasant experience you should not miss. Take a ride to explore both upper and lower neighborhoods, but you need to be extra careful of safety or travel in a group.
3. Visit Mercado Modelo for Souvenir
Take the Lacerda elevator down to get to the Mercado Modelo for any shopping, especially for typical Salvadoran souvenirs, and practice your bargaining skills. Then, get your ferry to Morro de Sao Paulo or Itaparica island from here.
4. Quick Stop at San Francisco Church
While strolling through the old streets of the historical center, you will definitely notice the Church and Convent of San Francisco, one of the country’s most impressive temples. Just get a ticket and discover the richness of the church that is believed to be the richest in all of Brazil.
5. Tie a Know at Church Nossa Senhor Do Bonfim
The Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim is very popular with most Christians. I saw people were tying ribbons and asking for wishes, and I followed the same. I’m not sure my wishes will ever come true, but it was fun to tie them and make three knots. My tour guide told me to make three knots and wish every time while doing it. The view from the hilltop was beautiful as well.
6. Visit Ponta de Humaita
Suppose you want to experience something different in Salvador. In that case, Ponta de Humaita is the place to be, surrounded by the sea and beautiful natural beauty not far from the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim. Located in the Itapagipe Peninsula and is home to Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat, the Convent, and a Lighthouse. It is one of the most beautiful places that you can’t afford to miss.
The best time to visit is in the afternoon, have a drink and watch the most beautiful sunset you have ever seen.
7. Visit Dique de Tororo Park For a Break
Check out the Orisha statues at Dique do Tororo park. On our way to Penha Beaches or Ribeira Beaches, located in the lower city of Salvador, about 14 miles from the historic City Center, we stopped here at the artificial lake that houses eight statues of God and Goddess in the middle of the lake. This place is fascinating and perfect for a break from your sightseeing activities and doing something different like Biking, skating, rowing, or trying out a restaurant in the park
8. Visit The Beaches in Barra
There are several beautiful beaches in Salvador, and Porto da Barra is the nearest one. This beach is the most popular and perfect place to view the sunset. Sometimes it may get overcrowded, but there is a lot of fun, with many selections of restaurants, nightclubs, and bars.
9. Barra Lighthouse, Salvador
If you are visiting Barra beach, you can’t miss the lighthouse in the same neighborhood. The 17th-century lighthouse is also considered one of the historical landmarks of Salvador. Walk around the back of the fort to catch the magnificent views, especially the sunset; the fort also houses an attractive maritime museum. It is worth exploring the artifacts and displays of Portuguese maritime and exhibits on the slave trade
10. Day Trip to Morro de Sao Paulo
Morro de Sao Paulo is a beautiful island that will take your breath away the moment you step on the unspoiled beaches. It’s a perfect day trip location from Salvador; it is well known for its calm and clear turquoise water, which is fabulous for water sports. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for hourly rental. Garapua Beach is one of the most visited, often called the Caribbean of Bahia.
You can get a ferry from Mercado Modelo, and in about 2 hours, you will be in a sun-soaked escape like no other. Just remember that the ocean could be a little rough, so I would advise carrying seasickness pills with you. No cars are allowed on the island, so walking will be your best bet for going around. However, to get to the remote beaches or hotels far away, you may find tractors that usually carry passengers.
Where to Stay in Salvador
Fera Palace Hotel, Rua Chile 20 – Centro Historico, Vitoria, Salvador
Fera Palace Hotel is located in the historical city of Salvador, close to the Pelourinho and the famous San Francisco church. In addition, the iconic landmark Lacerda Elevator and Mercado Modelo are also within walking distance. Hotel rooms are spacious and equipped with modern amenities. The bathrooms are private and clean. The rooftop pool and bar with a gorgeous view of the ocean and the lower city are unbeatable. I enjoyed staying here.
The Hostel Salvador, Tv. Prudente de Morães, 65 – Rio Vermelho, Salvador
Acai Hostel, R. do Passo, 7 – Santo Antonio, Salvador
Restaurants For Great Food
Casa de Tareza, Rua Odilon Santos, 45, Rio Vermelho, Salvador – Bahia
O Coliseu Bar and Restaurant, Rua Cruzeiro São Francisco, 9 – Loja 13 – Comercio, Salvador
Aconchego Zuzu Restaurant, R. Quintino Bocayuva, 18 – Garcia, Salvador
Moqueca fish stew, local delicacy
Bahian-Style Octopus in Casa de Tareza
Traditional Bahian herbs and spices
Bahian Chicken Rice with vegetables
My Opinion and Tips
Like any other big cities, Salvador could be problematic for uninformed tourists. Robberies are frequent but there are always ways to prevent it. Despite having heavy police presence especially in and around Centro Historico it’s easy to be a victim. I recommend taking a taxi when dark. Try to be in a group while walking in pedestrian streets. Don’t wear jewelry, not even imitation. Minimize exposing your expensive camera or smartphone in public. Nothing alarming or to be scared of, just being extra careful will do.
Book Your Sightseeing Trip
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Your blog for Salvador, Brazil is an inspiration for those who are looking for a new destination! Once again, a well thought and well written blog!