What to do in Salvador

Activities, attractions and tours

A plaza with palm trees, a historic building with a dome, and people sitting at tables.
A cobblestone street lined with colorful buildings, a man sitting on a step, and a sign for 'Casa da Gamba' restaurant.
A coastal cityscape with a prominent bridge, marina, and historic buildings.
A historic church with two bell towers and a central facade.
A coastal cityscape at dusk with a marina filled with boats, historic buildings, and a prominent market building labeled 'Mercado Modelo'.

Things to do

Tour Praia do Forte and Guarajuba, Leaving Salvador-Bahia.

Tour Praia do Forte and Guarajuba, Leaving Salvador-Bahia.

฿1,246
per adult
Tour Praia do Forte and Guarajuba, Leaving Salvador-Bahia.
Pelourinho

City Tour Salvador Historica

฿633
per adult
City Tour Salvador Historica
Regular Tour to Forte Beach - Leaving Salvador by Bahia Top Turismo

Regular Tour to Forte Beach - Leaving Salvador by Bahia Top Turismo

฿886
per adult
Regular Tour to Forte Beach - Leaving Salvador by Bahia Top Turismo
Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador

Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador

฿633
per adult
Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador
Cultural Treasure of Salvador - Drumming

Cultural Treasure of Salvador - Drumming

฿1,360
per adult
Cultural Treasure of Salvador - Drumming
Tour to Praia do Forte and Guarajuba

Tour to Praia do Forte and Guarajuba

฿1,075
per adult
Tour to Praia do Forte and Guarajuba
Cultural Treasure of Salvador - Capoeira

Cultural Treasure of Salvador - Capoeira

฿1,360
per adult
Cultural Treasure of Salvador - Capoeira
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Top places to visit

1. Farol da Barra Beach

Take a break from the sights of Salvador’s Historic Center and spend a day at Farol da Barra Beach (Praia do Farol da Barra). This central beach is a seaside destination loved by both locals and tourists. Swim in the warm water, top up your tan, surf in the gentle waves and enjoy scenic coastal walks. Farol da Barra Beach takes its name from the lighthouse (farol) that sits atop a headland.
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A historic fort with a lighthouse, surrounded by a grassy hill and a beach.

2. Porto da Barra Beach

Get away from the architectural treasures of Salvador’s city center and spend the day at Porta da Barra Beach (Praia do Porto da Barra). This attractive city beach was included among the world’s best 50 beaches for 2014 as ranked by CNN. Porto da Barra Beach attracts a heady mix of tourists, families and Salvador’s hip and beautiful crowd. Come to swim in crystalline waters, top up your tan and dine at the restaurants and food stands.
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A crowded beach with people swimming and sunbathing, a large building with a tower, and palm trees.

3. Flamengo Beach

Salvador is a city revered for its beaches, and Flamengo Beach (Praia do Flamengo) is among its finest. This untamed stretch of fine golden sand sits framed by rolling dunes and swaying palms and has the Atlantic Ocean lapping at its shores. Visit Flamengo Beach to escape the crowds of Salvador’s urban coastline and enjoy the stunning scenery while dining at beachside bars.
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A beach with white umbrellas and chairs, a palm tree, and the ocean.

4. Arena Fonte Nova

Savor the feverish passion of Brazilian soccer fans while watching a game at the Fonte Nova Stadium (Arena Fonte Nova). Sing along with huge crowds at concerts by big-name acts and have some family-friendly fun at traveling fairgrounds. Fonte Nova Stadium was refurbished and modernized in 2010 in order to be used as one of the host stadiums for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
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A lake with statues of figures in colorful costumes, a modern stadium in the background, and surrounding trees.

5. Mercado Modelo

Visit the Mercado Modelo to see an all-encompassing collection of Bahian arts, crafts and curios. Opened in 1912, the market originally served as a center for the storing and trading of cigars, fresh produce, spirits and wines, among other goods brought to the city’s port. The Mercado Modelo is housed in Salvador’s old custom house, a heritage building inaugurated in 1868 and rebuilt several times after damage caused by fires.
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A building with the sign "Mercado Modelo" and a flag.

What to do in Salvador

Stay near popular Salvador attractions

A historic fort with a lighthouse, surrounded by a grassy hill and a beach.

Farol da Barra Beach

9.0/10 (511 reviews)
This golden-sand beach sits at the foot of Salvador's historic lighthouse. Swim in natural tide pools, then linger for Brazil's most spectacular sunset views over the bay.
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Where to stay in Salvador

Find the best Salvador areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Salvador
Learn more about Salvador

Jauá

Though Jauá may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Jaua Beach and Busca Vida Beach.

A sunset over a rocky beach with a white railing and trees.

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.

A beach with a building, boats, and a rocky shoreline.

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.

A coastal road lined with palm trees and a modern building with a blue facade.

Ondina

Ondina is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Ondina Beach and Praia da Sereia.

A historic square with a prominent church featuring twin towers and a central statue.

Pelourinho

Unique features of Pelourinho include the historical sites and bars. Make a stop by Cathedral of Salvador or São Francisco Church and Convent of Salvador while you're exploring the area.

Day trip destinations from Salvador

A beach with clear turquoise waters, palm trees, and colorful beach umbrellas.

Vera Cruz

A beach with palm trees, people, and boats.

Itacimirim

Frequently asked questions

Is Salvador worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Salvador is visit Rio Vermelho Beach. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then experience more of the area's views and coastal beaches.
How do I spend a day in Salvador?
Kick your day off with a visit to Rio Vermelho Beach and Boa Viagem Beach. Then, explore other areas of Salvador for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Salvador?
Don't go home without visiting Rio Vermelho Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Salvador.
Is three days enough to stay in Salvador?
You can easily visit top sights like Rio Vermelho Beach, Boa Viagem Beach and Museum of Modern Art of Bahia with a three-day escape to Salvador. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Camaçari.
Is Salvador a walkable city?
That depends on what you want to see and do in Salvador. Several sights, like Rio Vermelho Beach and Boa Viagem Beach, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Salvador's neighbourhoods, Salvador Centro is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Barra is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Salvador with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our ideas for what to do in Salvador with kids.

What to do in Salvador for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Salvador, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Administrative Centre of Bahia or House of Rio Vermelho.
Are there free things to do in Salvador?
From checking out parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Salvador. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Rio Vermelho Beach is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their travelling adventures.