THINGS TO DO IN SALVADOR: 7 MUST-VISIT TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
After Rio de Janeiro, the favorite Brazilian destination of international tourists is Salvador de Bahia. A quick glance at its historic center, street food stalls, and beaches quickly explains why. The city is also known for having a large population of African descent, descendants of slaves, making it particularly interesting from a cultural and historical perspective. In this guide, I share with you 7 things to do in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil.
SALVADOR DE BAHIA IN A FEW WORDS
Salvador de Bahia was the largest slave port in all of America during the colonial era. It’s not surprising that the population is predominantly Black, and the culture of these slaves and their descendants permeates the entire city.
The UNESCO declared its historic center, Pelourinho, a World Heritage Site in 1985.
SALVADOR DE BAHIA GUIDE: 4 MUST-SEE VISITS
THINGS TO DO IN SALVADOR DE BAHIA
History, culture, gastronomy, and beach will be the keywords of your stay in this beautiful city.
Visit Pelourinho
Pelourinho is the city’s historic center. Its name means “small pillory” and comes from the one that was in the central square, to which slaves were tied to be beaten. Colorful houses and breathtaking churches make it a lively place that you must visit. Stay close to the tourist streets and enjoy craft shops and small restaurants during your visit.
GO TO RÍO VERMELHO
Rio Vermelho is known for its beautiful beach. At night, it’s a perfect place to have a drink while listening to Brazilian music. Locals and tourists mingle to enjoy the evenings.
Visit la Casa do Carnaval
The carnival in Salvador, Brazil, is one of the grandest events in the country. The history behind this celebration is very interesting. The museum presents the different types of carnival, costumes, musical instruments… You will learn absolutely everything about this event!
MARVEL AT THE CATHEDRAL OF SAN SALVADOR
There are many churches to visit in Salvador de Bahia, but the most beautiful, in my opinion, is the city’s cathedral. The mother of all Brazilian Catholic churches took 18 years to build. Today, its 30 reliquary busts, paintings by various 17th-century authors, and various sacred objects in gold and silver leave visitors speechless.
TAKE THE LACERDA LIFT
Salvador is divided into two parts: the upper city and the lower city. To go down and get to the famous Mercado Modelo, most tourists choose to take the Lacerda Elevator. A true symbol of the city, it was inaugurated in 1873. The second tower arrived many years later, in 1930.
TASTE LOCAL CUISINE
Bahia is one of the best regions in the country for food. Salvador’s gastronomy is marked by the flavor of spices and the color of ingredients. African, indigenous, and Portuguese influences are clearly present in local dishes. Here are some you must try: moqueca, acarajé, vatapá, and Bolinho de Estudante.
ENJOY THE SUNSET AT FAROL DA BARRA
A meeting place for locals and tourists to admire the sunset against the backdrop of Brazilian music, Farol da Barra is home to the Nautical Museum.
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THINGS TO DO IN SALVADOR DE BAHIA, BRAZIL: ALL PRACTICAL INFO
HOW TO GET AROUND IN SALVADOR DE BAHIA?
Salvador has only 2 metro lines, one of which passes through the airport.
By metro
Salvador solo cuenta con 2 líneas de metro, una de las cuales pasa por el aeropuerto.
By bus
The entire city is served by buses. If it’s your first time in Brazil, getting around by bus can be a bit challenging.
BY Uber
By car or motorcycle, Uber will take you anywhere in the city. Be prepared for your rides to be canceled several times before a driver agrees to pick you up. This happens frequently in Brazil. You can also use the 99 app instead of Uber.
Walking
Of course, you can walk around in Salvador. However, plan your route well in advance. It’s better to avoid wandering aimlessly and inadvertently ending up in a dangerous neighborhood. Avoid walking at night at all costs.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR GETTING AROUND IN SALVADOR DE BAHIA:
- Never use your phone on the street to check if you’re going in the right direction. If you need to do so, enter a store.
- Keep your belongings out of sight.
- Avoid empty and poorly lit streets.
- Learn a few words in Portuguese to communicate with locals.
WHEN TO VISIT SALVADOR DE BAHIA?
The weather is pleasant year-round in Salvador de Bahia. However, it’s best to avoid the months from April to June, as it tends to rain quite a bit during this period.
IS IT DANGEROUS TO VISIT SALVADOR DE BAHIA?
It’s difficult for me to speak about safety in Salvador objectively. Indeed, my phone was stolen, and my nose was broken. I was in the tourist center, I took out my phone to quickly take a photo of a church, but apparently not quickly enough.
Following this incident, I met many locals who told me that their phones had also been stolen several times.
For me, and again, it’s hard to be objective, Salvador de Bahia is not a safe city. However, there is no reason for anything to happen to you.
Avoid taking out your phone, take photos during guided tours or when you’re with others who can surround you, don’t walk at night, avoid being alone in the streets…
BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD IN SALVADOR, BRAZIL
Salvador de Bahia is not really a destination favored by digital nomads seeking a community, impeccable Wi-Fi, and cafes to work with their computers. For everyone else, Salvador is a good destination if you want to enjoy the beach and an extremely rich culture. Just ensure that the Wi-Fi in your accommodation is good enough to work without problems.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN SALVADOR DE BAHIA
As with anywhere else, traveling responsibly in Salvador, Brazil is important. There are many small actions you can take to travel better. Here are some:
- Choose businesses run by locals.
- Support businesses Black-owned, as the Black population still faces the most difficulty accessing a stable economy.
- Stay with locals for an authentic experience while financially supporting your hosts.
- Bring a reusable tote bag for shopping and avoid plastic bags.
- Use eco-friendly sunscreen if you plan to swim.
- Learn about local issues related to social, environmental, and economic aspects.
Salvador de Bahia is a must-visit destination if you are in Brazil. History, culture, gastronomy, architecture, and beach – there is something for everyone.
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