Jump to:
Brazil’s oldest city, the capital of the state of Bahia, is certainly one of the most beautiful and interesting in the country, as Portugal, Africa and Brazil all collide in a cultural melting pot.
Portuguese legacy
The legacy of the Portuguese is present in the cobbled streets of the historical Pelourinho district that are lined with pastel-hued colonial buildings.
Cultural influence
However, it is the influence of African culture that really makes a visit to Salvador unique. The culture, food and religion of the black slaves of the past still dominate the vibrant atmosphere of the present.
By day, you can enjoy the cultural heritage by strolling among ornate churches and candy-coloured mansions, past doorways piled high with folk art, local sculptures and musical instruments and through tranquil courtyards covered in flowers. Afterwards, as the sun sets, tuck into a delicious meal of one of the spicy specialities of Bahian cuisine, and then take in a theatre performance or simply place yourself in one of the bars and watch the vibrant nightlife unfold.
Overnight and day trips
We can also organise day or overnight trips out of the city into the surrounding countryside to witness another side of Bahia.
Travelling into the Recôncavo, or hinterland, to the old towns of Santo Amaro, featured in many of the novels of Jorge Amado, and Cachoeira gives a real taste of traditional Bahian life and its former orientation around the sugar industry.
In Salvador itself we offer the opportunity to try your hand at traditional Afro Brazilian drumming, the graceful art of capoeira — the part-dance, part-martial art which was once the slaves’ form of rebellion, or to experience the pulsing music, dance and colourful costumes of the candomblé religion — a fusion of Catholicism and Africa-origin beliefs.
For those with a penchant for cuisine, a trip to the local market followed by a lesson in preparing a traditional Bahian moqueca is a real treat.
who's been there
-
01993 838 92501993 838 610
- Make an enquiry
Suggested itinerary featuring Salvador
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Salvador, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Salvador
- Morro de São Paulo 41 miles away
- Praia do Forte 43 miles away
- The Northeast Coast 140 miles away
- Lençóis & Chapada Diamantina 199 miles away
- Penedo 227 miles away
- Trancoso 253 miles away
Photos of Salvador
Our expert guides to exploring Salvador
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Salvador, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Salvador at its best.
-
Honeymoons in Brazil Honeymoons in Brazil
Honeymoons in Brazil
Plan your perfect honeymoon to Brazil. Country specialist, Tom, picks some of the country’s highlights, from exploring the Brazilian Amazon and spotting wildlife in the Pantanal to spending time on Brazil’s beaches and experiencing Iguaçu Falls.
Read this guide -
Best of brazil: tips for a first-time visitor Best of brazil: tips for a first-time visitor
Best of brazil: tips for a first-time visitor
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and one of the most diverse, with a huge array of landscapes, people and culture. Discover our top tips for the best places to go on a first-time visit to this magnificent country.
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for Salvador
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Salvador. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
-
Villa Bahia
Salvador -
Pousada Solar dos Deuses
Salvador -
Casa do Amarelindo
Salvador
Ideas for experiencing Salvador
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Salvador, and which use the best local guides.
-
Salvador City Tour Salvador City Tour
Salvador City Tour
Fishermen fish from dugout canoes, locals collect shellfish at low tide, schooners lie at anchor, all protected by the famous Bonfim church, one of the most important churches of pilgrimage in Brazil and deeply syncretised with the Candomblé.
View details