Why Go to Salvador
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Salvador is the soul of Brazil. This coastal city in the state of Bahia, on the Atlantic where the Bay of All Saints meets the sea, was Brazil's first capital and is the heart of the country's Afro-Brazilian culture. You'll feel it in the drumming, the capoeira, the food and the colorful festivals.
Wander the cobblestone streets of the Pelourinho, the historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lined with pastel colonial buildings, music and art. Step inside the Church of Sao Francisco, whose interior is covered in gold, and ride the Lacerda Elevator between the upper and lower city for views over the bay. Watch the sunset at Farol da Barra lighthouse, relax on nearby beaches and taste Bahian specialties like acaraje and moqueca. Salvador's Carnival is one of the biggest street parties in the world.
U.S. travelers usually connect through Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro for a short flight to Salvador. I'll plan your stay, cultural tours and beach days, and connect Salvador with Rio or the rest of Brazil.
BEST FOR
Culture lovers, music fans, foodies, history buffs and beach travelers
BEST MONTHS
December to March
EXPLORE
- Pelourinho: The colonial historic center.
- Barra: Beaches, the lighthouse and restaurants.
- Rio Vermelho: A bohemian area with nightlife and food.
- Ondina: Beachfront hotels along the coast.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Salvador
South America › Atlantic Coast › Brazil › Bahia
Drumbeats in the Pelourinho, golden churches and the soul of Afro-Brazilian culture.
Coastal & Heritage
Culture
History
Music
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Catch a Tuesday night rehearsal in the Pelourinho, when drum groups like Olodum fill the old town with music.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Explore in the morning and come back at night for music.
Pelourinho
The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with colorful colonial buildings, churches, music and cafés.
Visit in the morning, when the light is beautiful.
Igreja de São Francisco
A baroque church famous for its stunning interior covered in gold leaf, with a cloister lined with blue-and-white tiles.
Ride it for the views and a quick trip to the Mercado Modelo.
Elevador Lacerda
An Art Deco elevator connecting the upper and lower city, with sweeping views over the bay.
Stay for sunset, when people applaud as the sun goes down.
Porto da Barra
A calm, sandy beach where locals gather for swimming and spectacular sunsets.
Visit late in the afternoon for the sunset.
Farol da Barra
A historic lighthouse and fort with a nautical museum and ocean views.
A restored Art Deco hotel with a rooftop pool and views over the Bay of All Saints.
Fera Palace Hotel
Historic Center
Hotel Tags
A luxurious hotel in a historic building with a rooftop pool, spa and stunning bay views.
Hotel Fasano Salvador
Historic Center / Praça Castro Alves
Hotel Tags
A historic hotel set in a former convent in the heart of the Pelourinho.
Pestana Convento do Carmo
Pelourinho
Hotel Tags
A boutique hotel with stylish rooms and a pool in the lively Rio Vermelho neighborhood.
Zank by Toque Hotel
Rio Vermelho
Hotel Tags
A beachfront hotel with a pool and ocean views on the city's coastline.
Vila Galé Salvador
Ondina
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Salvador
High 84°F · Low 74°F · Rain 5.1 in
Summer begins, and beaches fill with locals.
The best time to visit Salvador is December through March, the summer season, when the weather is sunny and hot and the city is full of festivals. April to July brings the most rain, while August to November is warm and drier.
Best Times to Visit Salvador
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Salvador's food is rich, spicy and heavily influenced by African traditions.
- Street food: Try acarajé, a black-eyed pea fritter filled with shrimp and spicy sauces.
- Moqueca: A Bahian seafood stew made with coconut milk, dendê oil and peppers.
- Must-try: Acarajé, moqueca baiana, vatapá, cocada and a caipirinha.
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Walking
The Pelourinho is best explored on foot, but take a taxi at night.
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Ferries
Ferries and catamarans connect Salvador with Itaparica Island and Morro de São Paulo.
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Elevador Lacerda
The historic elevator connects the upper and lower city.
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Metro
Salvador's metro connects the airport area with the city center.
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Taxis & Rideshares
Rideshare apps are widely used and are the easiest way to get around.
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Flying In
Salvador International Airport (SSA) is about 30 to 45 minutes from the city center, with flights from across Brazil and some international routes.
Most travelers fly into Salvador and take a taxi or rideshare into the city. Once you're here, rideshares are the easiest way to get around, while the Pelourinho is best explored on foot during the day.
Getting Around Salvador