Are you looking for what to do in Salvador?
- Igreja de Sao Francisco: If you want to know what Salvador looked like in its prime, visit the Igreja de Sao Francisco! One of the most spectacular churches of Salvador, the church is smothered in gold and has an 80kg silver chandelier dangling from the ceiling. Apart from the precious metals that it’s made from, the other interesting feature is the ceiling art which is often attributed to be at par with the ceiling on the Sistine Chapel.
- Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim: If you’re wondering where all the colorful ribbons you see on people’s wrists are coming from, it’s from the Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim. Known for its ability to grant wishes and perform miracles, locals and tourists frequent this place to ask for a miracle or make a wish. While you’re at it, sneak a peek into the Room of Miracles where people drop off some of their valuables in exchange for a wish. The Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim is also one of the few churches where two faiths are practiced under one roof- Catholic and Candomblé faith.
- Pelourinho: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pelourinho is the historical district of Salvador. The buildings and churches from the colonial era still stand strong. The Pelourinho is located in the heart of the Cidade Alto and a lot of other tourist attractions are a short walk or bus ride away from the area.
- Museu Nautico da Bahia: The biggest bay in Bahia is also home to one of the most visited museums in Bahia. The Museu Nautico da Bahia is a part of a complex that holds the fort and the lighthouse making it an important landmark in the city. The fort was built to protect the city of Salvador from any invading forces. The nautical museum holds maps, pictures and some equipment that was used during that time, along with wrecks of ships that were unfortunately lost at sea.
- Museu Afro-Brasileiro: Salvador is where it all started! The heart of the Afro-Brazilian culture that came about because of the slave trade and the descendants of the slaves, Salvador is known for its well preserved heritage. The Museu Afro-Brasileiro identified by its pink building, is a one-stop shop to find out everything about how the African culture was infused into the Brazilian culture. Housing over 1000 artifacts, there’s a considerable amount of space dedicated to the Candomblé religion. The Museu Afro-Brasileiro is definitely worth a visit.
Below we have a list of things to do in Salvador and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.
This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Salvador getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.
Make the most of your trip to Salvador with confidence.