The Best Tours in Salvador de Bahia
Salvador de Bahia is one of those cities whose energy grabs you by the heart and body from the moment you step foot. It’s also a destination that constantly reveals its secrets of history, architecture, and culture. After 3 visits, I’m well aware that there’s still so much left to discover. If it’s your first time in the city, I highly recommend joining some tours. Here are 5 tours in Salvador de Bahia that you shouldn’t miss!
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5 guided tours to explore Salvador de Bahia
Salvador de Bahia, the most African city outside of Africa
Salvador Brazil, is a destination that offers numerous attractions and activities for visitors eager to discover its charm.
While the colorful streets, colonial facades, and magnificent churches of the city center remain its main highlight — and, personally, I never get tired of them — there is one particular aspect that makes it even more intriguing.
Eighty percent of its population is descended from slaves forcibly brought from Africa to Brazil.
As you can imagine, this painful history has deeply shaped the city’s identity, influencing every aspect of its culture, traditions, and spirituality.
For me, it would be a grave mistake to explore Bahia without delving into the history and culture of the Afro-descendants who populate the city.
That’s why one of the guided tours I recommend focuses on Salvador’s African heritage.
ALSO REDA: 25 Reasons to Visit Salvador de Bahia
Why join a guided tour?
I’m the type of tourist who enjoys discovering a place on my own, but let’s be honest, my knowledge is limited on many subjects.
So, I definitely need the expertise of more informed people, which is why guided tours are a great way to learn more about the history of each place and uncover surprising anecdotes.
Additionally, if you only have a few hours or days to enjoy a destination, it helps you optimize your time, as a guided tour allows you to quickly discover the must-see spots.
Finally, for solo travelers, it’s a great opportunity to meet other travelers, who may even become companions for the next few days.
5 Tours in Salvador de Bahia
Here are my 5 favorite guided tours for a first-time visit to Salvador de Bahia.
1. Free tour in Pelourinho and the Historic Center
If you have limited time to spend in Salvador de Bahia, this tour is absolutely essential.
It will give you an overview of the history of the historic center and take you to the most iconic places.
Beyond historical anecdotes, your guide will share more about local life, including traditional drinks and street art.
Additionally, they will be sure to share their favorite spots so you can continue exploring independently.
2. Free tour in Santo Antônio Além do Carmo and Pelourinho
If, in addition to Pelourinho, you want to explore another charming neighborhood, this guided tour is perfect.
It all begins in Santo Antônio Além do Carmo. The itinerary includes a walk through beautiful churches and captivating graffiti.
You’ll also learn more about the history of the slaves who arrived in Salvador.
The tour then continues to Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You’ll wander through its iconic alleys, lively squares, and colorful facades before ending at the Carnival Museum.
This final stop will reveal the behind-the-scenes of one of Brazil’s most iconic events.
3. Salvador de Bahia Private Tour + Instagram Photos
If you want to explore downtown Salvador while leaving with stunning photos to share with friends or post on Instagram, this tour is made for you.
From the iconic Lacerda Elevator to Praça da Sé, passing through the colorful alleys of Pelourinho, your guide will take you to the city’s must-see spots.
In addition to sharing the history of each site, they will capture beautiful photos for you in the most photogenic settings of Salvador.
4. Pelourinho by night
Any city changes its face at night, and Salvador de Bahia is no exception.
You’ll stroll safely through the lively alleys of Pelourinho, where baroque architecture takes on a new magic under the night lights.
Music, omnipresent, brings every street corner to life, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
The highlight of the evening: your immersion in the famous Bençãos de Terça (Tuesday Blessings), a must-see event dedicated to preserving Bahia’s musical identity.
5. Tour of the City's African Heritage
Salvador de Bahia bears the marks of a dark chapter in human history: the transatlantic slave trade of Africans.
During this 4-hour tour, you will explore the legacy of this period through key historical sites while discovering the profound influence of African culture on Brazilian identity.
After visiting the Barra Fort and the Dique de Tororo, among others, you will finish the tour at the Casa do Benín, which highlights the African perspective in the formation of Brazilian identity and culture.
ALSO READ: Where to Stay in Salvador de Bahia?
Salvador de Bahia is a fascinating city that I highly recommend exploring on your own, wandering through its colorful alleys, and engaging with its warm residents.
That being said, if you want to learn even more, or if your time is limited, or if you prefer being accompanied for practical or safety reasons, opting for a guided tour is a great idea.
The 5 tours I’ve shared here will allow you to discover the essential sights while enjoying the unique atmosphere of Salvador, where the sweetness of life and Bahian joy come together at every street corner.
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